Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights

We settle in for 2 nights in a Deluxe room at Arte Hotel in the modern Asoke district. This modern 4-star hotel will seduce you with its rooftop infinity pool.

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the docks and board a public water bus. As you travel along the water, you head upstream towards the historic center on the right bank, to the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant stalls and get your first taste of authentic and traditional Asia.

You set off to discover the architectural gems of Bangkok. Marvel at 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 discover the famous Emerald Buddha, a precious statue dating from the 14th century, at the heart of one of the country's most venerated sanctuaries.

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 iconic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

You then cross the river aboard a 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 motifs that shimmer in the light.

Cruise aboard a traditional private "long-tail" boat on the Chao Praya River, one of the most important in the country and a vital artery of Bangkok. As you travel along the water, you discover the "Venice of the East", with peaceful klongs, houses on stilts and small temples hidden along the banks.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

We embark on a discovery of Bang Pa-in Palace, built in the 17th century and abandoned after the destruction of Ayutthaya. The palace was restored and enlarged in the mid-19th century by the King who made it his summer residence.

From the palace, we travel to Ayutthaya by traditional boat on the river. As we navigate the waters, we discover the Thai way of life, wooden houses on stilts, convoys of rice barges towed to Bangkok warehouses, and temple spires pointing toward the sky everywhere.

Arrival in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. After lunch, we set out to explore the historic center of the city, including Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. We continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which formerly served as a royal temple and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, famous for its reclining Buddha.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Check-in for the night at Krungsri River Hotel in a Deluxe room

After lunch, we set out to explore the historic center of Ayutthaya. We notably explore 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 towards the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a former royal temple and the largest in the ancient capital, recognizable by its elegant aligned chedis that bear witness to the kingdom's former grandeur.

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

We begin our visit with Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple featuring Khmer architecture that was originally a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary, and where numerous macaques now make their residence. We then discover Wat Mahathat with its complex architecture, before enriching our knowledge at King Narai's Palace, which today houses a national museum.

After this visit, a long drive through the central plains of Thailand, heading to the city of Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom which marked the golden age in the country's history. This is precisely why it was nicknamed "Dawn of Happiness". Accommodation for 2 nights at Le charme hotel.

We begin our visit with the Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple with Khmer architecture that was originally a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary, and where many macaques now reside.

We then discover Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, before enriching ourselves at King Narai's Palace which today houses a national museum.

From here, we begin a cycling excursion along small canals winding through the small rural communities of the region and rice fields. We thus discover rural life and the importance of canals in their daily lives (agriculture, bathing, laundry, fishing for dinner…). We finally reach the city of Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom, and the renowned historical park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site that we visit.

Visit to Wat Si Chum, the Bodhi tree temple

Located in the northern area of the Sukhothai historical park, outside the fortified city, Wat Si Chum temple is renowned for its mondop with a large Buddha statue 15 meters high and 11.3 meters wide, partially visible from the outside. The temple's name translates to "temple of the Bodhi tree". Bodhi trees are found in many temples in Thailand, Buddha meditated under one of these trees when he attained enlightenment.

Each year, at the full moon of the 12th lunar month, the historic park of Sukhothai lights up with a thousand fires to celebrate Loy Krathong, one of Thailand's most enchanting festivals. In this UNESCO World Heritage setting, among ancestral ruins and peaceful ponds, the atmosphere becomes magical.

🌕 The highlight of the evening: a sumptuous sound and light show unfolds between the temples, blending traditional dances, projections, pyrotechnic effects and light plays on the water. All of this is accompanied by a poignant narration retracing the history of Sukhothai, the cradle of the Siamese kingdom. The silhouettes of Buddhas stand out in the night while dancers in period costumes move to the rhythm of an enchanting music. The sky ignites at the finale under fireworks that are reflected in the sacred pools.

Sound and light show for the Loy Krathong festival. Premium location

🪷 The most symbolic moment of the evening: the floating of krathongs. These small rafts made of banana leaves and decorated with flowers, incense and candles are placed on the water to pay tribute to the goddess of rivers and to symbolically let go of one's worries. The sight of thousands of lights floating gently on the surface is unforgettable.

✨ A festive and spiritual atmosphere at once, this evening in the heart of Sukhothai will immerse you in the deep soul of Thai culture, between respect for traditions, beauty of places and magic of shared moments.

Then we continue our journey towards Lampang, whose great specialty is the ceramics industry and its famous bowls decorated with roosters that we will find in the evening in all the restaurants.

We begin our discovery of Lampang with a visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient temple dating from the Phra Nang Cham tewi era with ancient architecture. In the middle of the afternoon, we enjoy a pleasant walk in the old Kad Kong Ta street where you will find beautiful teak houses and in particular the Moung Ngwe Zin house.

Then, we head to the magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao temple, the former guardian of the Emerald Buddha. Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is, beyond its religious purpose, a historical and architectural icon of the 15th century of the city of Lampang. Night at Lampang River Lodge.

We head back north, with an essential stop at the historic site of Si Satchanalai, where you can observe the remains of the former capital of the Sukhothai kingdom dating from the 13th century. Visit the site by bicycle.

We begin our discovery of Lampang with a visit to the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient temple dating from the Phra Nang Cham tewi era with ancient architecture.

Then, we visit the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao temple, the former guardian of the Emerald Buddha. theWat Phra Kaew Don Tao is, beyond its religious purpose, a historic and architectural icon of the 15th century in the city of Lampang.

Finally, we enjoy a pleasant walk in the old street of Kad Kong Ta where you have beautiful teak houses and in particular the house Moung Ngwe Zin.

Note: the Kad Kong Ta market takes place only on Saturdays and Sundays.

We will then make a detour by the magnificent temple Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, perched at the top of a mountain. To reach the Chedi, this will not happen without a little effort: a climb of approximately 800 meters awaits us. A metal staircase will lead us to the summit (approximately 40 minutes), offering us a breathtaking view that will take your breath away.

Arrival in Chiang Rai, we visit the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun "white temple", a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most famous artists: Chalermchai Kositpipat.

In reality, while the site mimics the appearance of a religious complex, its purpose is quite different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from meditating Buddha statues to pop culture idols like Michael Jackson, as well as murals that celebrate the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the building a unique and surprising character.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

We head to the port where we embark for a cruise on the Mekong, in the heart of the famous Golden Triangle, a region marked by the meeting of Thai, Laotian and Burmese borders. Aboard a local boat, we will enjoy a cruise of approximately one hour on this mythical river, while admiring the landscapes that line its banks.

We will then continue our exploration along the banks of the Mekong to a viewpoint offering a panorama of the river and the impressive entertainment complex located on the Laotian bank.

Return to Chiang Rai, with a stop at the Tawan Dachanee Residence (also called ''black house''), the most famous of Thailand's (contemporary) painters.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located in the mountains at 1200m altitude.

This superb Buddhist temple invites you to pious meditation in an atmosphere steeped in silence and mysticism, where each stone, each statue, each step reveals an aspect of Buddhism. Along the way, a stop at the Wat Pha Lat temple.

In the evening, depending on whether it's Saturday or Sunday, you can visit either the Night Bazar (Saturday evening) or the pedestrian streets of the old town (Sunday evening) to enjoy the market. Around 5pm, souvenir stalls and small eateries set up in the streets. It's an opportunity to taste local dishes. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. 3-night stay at De Lanna Hotel in a Deluxe room.

This morning, we set off by bike to discover Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North". Starting from the famous Tha Phae gate, and with the mountains of Doi Suthep as a backdrop, we quickly leave the main roads to slip into the small traditional streets and alleys of the city. Along the way, we cross historic neighborhoods dotted with ancient temples, we encounter monks in their daily life, and we stop by lively markets. The route also takes us beyond the city walls, where the pace becomes more relaxed, to discover a more local Chiang Mai: scenes of daily life, small workshops, craftsmanship and busy locals who watch you pass with curiosity. Small group activity, accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 km

In the late afternoon, we set off for an English-speaking traditional cooking class, organized in the countryside, outside Chiang Mai, in an old Lanna style house. In a friendly atmosphere, we discover the basics of Thai cuisine and learn to balance the emblematic flavors: spicy, sweet, salty and tangy.

Throughout the session, we will prepare several must-try recipes, before tasting our creations on site.

Vegetarian or vegan options available. (Please inform us in advance)

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (lemongrass coconut milk soup)

• Pad Thaï (stir-fried rice noodles)

• Nam Prik Ong (Northern specialty based on tomatoes and chili)

• Khao Soi Gai (curry noodle soup, Northern specialty)

• Dessert: Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango)

We will join Chi's camp, a young Karen who shares his daily life with his elephants.

Here, the approach is respectful and centered on animal welfare: no riding, no shows, and limited interactions, always supervised, to give the elephants the space and pace they need.

Upon arrival, we prepare the fruits that will be used to feed them. You set off to walk with them in the jungle, where they roam freely while feeding on the vegetation. Our guide helps us better understand their behavior and the attention paid to their balance, for an authentic, gentle and ethical encounter.

In the afternoon, to cool off, you enjoy a peaceful descent of the Mae Wang river aboard a traditional bamboo raft. Guided by a local boatman, the raft glides gently with the flow of water, offering a calm and contemplative way to discover the surrounding landscapes.

At the tranquil pace of the current, you cross lush nature between forests, rice fields and wild banks. A simple and relaxing activity, ideal for ending the day gently.

Suggestion: In the evening, you can stroll freely through the Chinese quarter, wandering through the alleyways brimming with shops of all kinds. Early in the evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its adjoining brightly lit alleyways that give new life to the neighborhood. You will find all sorts of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner.