Splendours of the Siamese, Lanna & Khmer Kingdoms

Set off on a bike tour through the lungs of the capital in the extraordinary Bang Kachao District - a true jungle in the heart of the city. At the entrance, you can rent bikes to explore the park.

You can also visit an incense stick manufacturing workshop and several small temples and see old houses in the district.

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.

Then, you 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 patterns that shimmer in the light.

In the evening, dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

Continuation with the visit of the Wat Bang Kung (Kai Bang Kung), commonly called the Banyan Tree Temple, since its chapel was covered by the roots and branches of a banyan tree. In its gardens, we can notably observe life-size representations of wrestlers, commemorating the Battle of Ayutthaya between Thailand and Burma at the end of the 13th century.

Transfer to Don Muang Airport, and flight to the capital of the North, Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and free time for the rest of the day. Take the opportunity to stroll through the center of the old town, notably magnificent temples such as the Wat Chedi Luang, or also Wat Chiang Man.

We spend two nights at De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai.

This morning, you set off on a cycling adventure to discover Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North". Starting from the famous Tha Phae Gate, with the Doi Suthep mountains as your backdrop, you quickly leave the main roads to slip into the small streets and traditional alleyways of the city. Along the way, you cross historic neighborhoods dotted with ancient temples, encounter monks in their daily lives, and stop by lively markets. The route also takes you outside the old city walls, where the pace becomes more relaxed, to discover a more local Chiang Mai: everyday scenes, small workshops, craftsmanship and curious residents watching you pass by. Small group activity with an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 km

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

Throughout the session, you prepare several must-try recipes, before enjoying your 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 made with tomatoes and chili)

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

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

Upon arrival, we begin a guided hike on the Mae Wang trails. . We first walk along a mountain stream, before reaching higher ground and crossing the terraced rice fields that shape the region's landscape. We take a lunch break near a waterfall, with the opportunity to cool off.

In the afternoon, the hike continues through cultivated areas and mountain paths. We reach a Karen village for a stop, then continue to the rice fields where your guesthouse is located, for a peaceful end of day close to local life.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Total duration: approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, including 3 hours 30 minutes of actual walking.

Tonight we are welcomed for dinner and the night at a Karen family home, in a breathtaking setting on the edge of the jungle, surrounded by rice fields.

After breakfast at our hosts' place, we can enjoy a short morning walk in the surroundings before driving to 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 care given to their well-being, 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 water flow, offering a calm and contemplative way to discover the surrounding landscapes.

At the leisurely pace of the current, you travel through lush nature between forests, rice fields and wild riverbanks. A simple and relaxing activity, ideal for ending the day gently.

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.

Morning arrival at the station where we meet our new team. Stop at the hotel where you can drop off your belongings.

Please note that rooms are generally available only from 2:00 PM. You can drop off your luggage before starting the city tour and then return later in the day to check into your rooms.

Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. We set out to discover the historic center of the city, including the temple Wat Mahathat, dating from the late 14th century. We continue to the temple Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which formerly served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, the Wat Chai Watthanaram, from where we will be able to appreciate the sunset over its ruins.

Transfer to Bangkok airport, you take your flight to Siem Reap, a pleasant city in northern Cambodia, gateway to the famous temples of Angkor. Transfer to your hotel. Flight FD610. Departure from Bangkok at 09:55 for arrival in Siem Reap at 11:00.

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

A visit to the National Museum of Angkor gives us detailed information about the history of Khmer civilization and its cultural heritage. Its collections include genuine treasures from the Angkor archaeological site and testify to the richness of Khmer art. We will particularly appreciate the superb gallery of 1000 Buddhas and the magnificent presentation of the temples.

Night at La Niche D'Angkor Boutique.

Before visiting the temples, at the entrance of the archaeological site, let's take a hot air balloon ride to appreciate a breathtaking view of the Angkor site and its surroundings. Note: vertical ascent of approximately 10 minutes; subject to change depending on weather.

Day trip by tuk-tuk of the wonderful temples of Angkor located around and inside the enclosure of Angkor Thom. We will notably discover Angkor Wat, symbol of the peak of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era. Within the enclosure of Angkor Thom, discover Bayon and its numerous towers with gigantic faces, Baphûon and its gigantic 40-meter reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas temple, the Terrace of Elephants and its great diversity of sculptures as well as the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, famous for its immense trees with sprawling aerial roots. We finish with a visit to Pre Rup temple.

The 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 to sit on temple elements. In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to be disruptive inside a sacred place; calmness and respect are paramount. It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child vendors, as this only encourages begging and truancy, preferring to donate to an association if it is close to your heart. If you wish to photograph monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission in advance. Furthermore, you must absolutely not touch them; they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.

Departure for a hiking trip of approximately one hour needed to reach the Kbal Spean site nicknamed "the temple under water". Ruins of temples dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with sculpted lingas.

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. Your discovery continues with a visit to the Banteay Samre temple.

Just a few steps from Banteay Srey, visit the Angkor Center for Biodiversity Protection. You will be able to see the efforts made by local and international teams to protect threatened local species: snakes, turtles and other reptiles, birds and exotic mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this discovery and awareness visit.

In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable circus show with incredibly talented artists! Category B seat included

In the morning, transfer to the village of Kampong Pluk located on Tonlé Sap Lake approximately 1 hour by car from Siem Reap. We board a private boat to discover and visit floating villages. Note: during the dry season, the excursion may be replaced by another visit depending on the water level.

In the afternoon, we set out by boat on the peripheral pockets of Tonlé Sap Lake to observe numerous rare birds. We will have the chance to spot, among others, cormorants, grey or purple herons, knobbed ducks, spotted-billed pelicans, Asian open-bills, painted storks, lesser adjutants… Possibility to exchange with the inhabitants of the Chreav community who are involved in bird protection on the site.

Depending on your flight time, depart for Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!