Kingdom of Angkor & Land of Smiles

By tuk-tuk, we take a first tour of exploration and discovery of Siem Reap today: city tour, market, surrounding fields, etc.

We notably visit the Lotus Farm, a production workshop unique in the world presenting the manufacturing method of the most ecological fabric made from lotus fiber. After a presentation of the sacred lotus flower and its meaning in Asian cultures, we will observe each stage of the creation of this rare fabric prized by great fashion designers: the harvesting of stems; the spinning which consists of transforming the fibers into high-quality thread; the weaving to arrive at the finished product; and finally the recycling of the unused parts of the plant for medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic purposes.

We continue with a visit to the National Museum of Angkor, an excellent introduction to the temples of the following days. The museum will provide us with detailed information about the history of Khmer civilization and its cultural heritage. Its collections include genuine treasures from the Angkor archaeological site and bear witness to the richness of Khmer art.

You will particularly appreciate the superb gallery of 1000 Buddhas and the magnificent presentation of the temples.

In the evening, on the lovely stage set up at Angkor Village resort, we attend a dinner show featuring traditional dance. Dancers, singers and musicians present a selection of the most famous Cambodian classical and folk dances to take you on a journey from the palaces of Angkor to today's villages. Traditional Khmer menu; vegetarian menu and tapas available upon request Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Day trip by tuktuk to the wonderful temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom enclosure.

We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the height of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era.

Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, discover Bayon and its many towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic 40m reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and its great diversity of sculptures as well as the Terrace of the Leper King.

Continue with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with sprawling aerial roots. We can end this day with a sunset either at Srah Srang, or from the heights of Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng if you are ready to brave the crowds (note: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, creating a queue).

Due to an already busy itinerary, we intentionally skip a few secondary temples of the small circuit such as Banteay Kdei, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda or Ta Keo. If you wish to visit these sites, do not hesitate to inform your guide at the start of the day so he can best arrange the schedule.

Possibility of doing the visits in reverse order to avoid crowds. Simply indicate this to your guide at the start of the day. Temples are sacred places, avoid short clothing, you must cover your shoulders and wear long pants or a long skirt.

In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch the sculptures or sit on temple elements. In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to misbehave inside a sacred place, calm and respect are key. It is not advisable to buy items or sweets from child vendors, this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer a donation to an association if that matters to you. If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Furthermore, you must absolutely not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Departure for a hiking trip of approximately one hour needed to reach the Kbal Spean site nicknamed "the temple under water". Temple ruins dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with sculpted lingas. After lunch, we continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple with human proportions compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon.

This pink sandstone temple nicknamed "The Citadel of Women" is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns. If we still have energy left, we can continue with a visit to the Banteay Samre temple located nearby. In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable circus show with incredibly talented artists! The circus show starts at 8pm but it is advisable to arrive 20-30 minutes early.

A few activities/shops are also available from 6pm including a small traditional Khmer dance performance. Category B seat included Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

This morning, we visit the floating village of Mechrey by private boat. Located 25 km from Siem Reap, it is one of the least touristy floating villages. Ideal for getting a glimpse of the locals' way of life on the water, you will be able to see all the floating structures: Homes, schools, restaurants and even... a pagoda!

Once we arrive at our destination, we settle into the hotel before heading out for the final visits of the day.

South of Battambang, visiting the Banon temple erected at the top of a hill offers you, after climbing 358 steps, a lovely panorama of the Cambodian countryside. Passing through traditional villages lining the road, you can witness the family-made rice cakes and converse with locals about their daily life. Take the opportunity to also stop at the Battambang vineyards. A chance to admire the greenhouse work of Cambodian winemakers. And taste the wine if you wish. After your check-in at the hotel, head out to discover the Phnom Sampov temple, "the ship-hill".

You stay there until sunset to observe the flight of bats and their incredible choreography towards the skies.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Cycling being an excellent way to meet local communities, your morning will be dedicated to a large guided bicycle tour through beautiful Cambodian countryside.

This authentic immersion in a rural environment will allow you to visit a Buddhist temple with a dark history, observe the daily life of villagers and discover some of the region's artisanal productions such as sticky rice bamboo cakes, rice wine, banana chips, prahok, rice paper or even a crocodile farm. Rich exchanges full of smiles await you along this itinerary.

After lunch (on your own) and checking out of our rooms, we will meet our driver who will take us to the famous bamboo train of Battambang!

The fresh air will pleasantly tickle our faces as our eyes admire the rice fields painted across the landscape. We then continue on the road towards Siem Reap. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Return to La Niche D'Angkor Boutique hotel for one last night.

After lunch (on your own) and checking out of our rooms, we will meet our driver who will take us to the famous bamboo train of Battambang!

The fresh air will pleasantly tickle our faces as our eyes admire the rice fields painted across the landscape.

This evening, we head to the docks to taste the local flavors of the Floating Market, which is held on weekend evenings. Along the canals, many locals have come to dine. Like them, we order our small dishes directly from each boat: stir-fried noodle dish, a few shrimp or squid skewers, or why not pre-cut mangoes.

The programme will be adjusted so that this day falls on a Saturday. This morning, we head to the small floating market of Tha Kha, rich in colours and scents. A true immersion in local Thai life.

We start with a small stop at the Mae Klong railway market, where 4 times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls quickly fold up as the train passes through the market.

Next, we set off to discover life in the mangroves. By boat, we explore this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion, we discover the way of life of fishermen (here, cockle fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

This morning, we set out to meet the Baan Bang Phlap community. We hop on our bikes for a tour through coconut plantations where we see how coconut sugar is made. During our visit, we meet a group of women busy preparing dishes made with bamboo, lemon and papaya. We continue now through an orchard where organic grapefruits are grown. Let's continue into the countryside to a traditional kite-making workshop.

We return to the starting point for a tasting of coconut and grapefruit.

Arrival in Kanchanaburi, where we will take time to visit the great temple of Wat Tham Suea, accessible by a climb with a small cable-car (local standards!!).

Departure around 10:40 am on the famous "Death Railway" made legendary by the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai", for approximately 1 hour of train travel westward to the Sai Yok region, located 70 km west at the end of the railway line.

We will then be transferred to Elephant Haven for lunch.

Upon your arrival, you will meet your guide and the mahouts, the elephant caretakers. Together, you will prepare their food before meeting these gentle giants and participating in their meal.

You will then set off on a walk through the forest alongside these majestic pachyderms, while your guide introduces you to their way of life, their behavior, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.

The experience will continue with observing the elephants playing in the mud, a natural behavior essential to their well-being. You will then accompany them to the river for their bath, a moment that is playful, moving, and privileged.

Finally, we will return to the camp, where you will have the opportunity to capture this exceptional encounter with a few final photos before returning to your hotel at the end of the day.

Morning departure for the national park and Erawan Falls (63 km of driving). This national park is home to a stunning waterfall spanning 7 levels, forming natural pools with an emerald blue hue populated by Mahseer Barbs. If you prefer, you can choose to stay around the first 3 levels, which are the easiest to access, and swim there. Climbing to the 7th level is not difficult and is very rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic spot in the area.

After lunch, we set off to discover the historic center of Ayutthaya. We explore in particular the Wat Mahathat, a major temple dating from the late 14th century, famous for the Buddha's head entwined in the roots of a tree, which has become one of the site's symbols.

The visit continues to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a former royal temple and the largest in the ancient capital, recognizable by its elegant aligned chedis that testify to the past grandeur of the kingdom.

Finally, we discover the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, renowned for its impressive reclining Buddha and its peaceful atmosphere, offering a beautiful conclusion to this immersion into the heart of Siam's history.

Accompanied by our guide, we reach the quays and board a public water bus. Along the waterway, we head towards the historic center on the right bank, as far as the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Pak Khlong Talat is Thailand's largest flower market. Once a floating market, it is now famous for its mountains of orchids, jasmine and roses. Flowers arrive here from all over the country, often in the middle of the night, making it one of Bangkok's liveliest places before dawn. Strolling through the fragrant aisles and your first immersion in authentic and traditional Asia.

You are going to discover the architectural gems of Bangkok. Be amazed by the splendor of the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782: a sumptuous complex of buildings and inner courtyards, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). You will discover the famous Emerald Buddha, a precious statue dating from the 14th century, at the heart of one of the most revered sanctuaries in the country.

Then, on foot, you reach Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant pavilions. You discover the impressive Reclining Buddha, an emblematic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Next, you cross the river by small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, you admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral patterns that glitter in the light.

A ride aboard a private traditional "long-tail" boat-taxi on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and the lifeblood of Bangkok. As you travel along the water, you discover the "Venice of the Orient," with its peaceful canals, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the banks.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide