Sport and Traditions in Northern Thailand, Between Enthusiasts

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the docks and board a public boat-bus. Along the waterway, you travel upstream towards the historic centre, on the right bank, until you reach the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and experience your first taste of authentic and traditional Asia.

We set out to discover the architectural jewels of Bangkok. Let us marvel at the splendor of the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782: a sumptuous ensemble of buildings and inner courtyards, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). We discover the famous Emerald Buddha, a precious statue dating from the 14th century, at the heart of one of the most venerated sanctuaries in the country.

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

Next, we cross the river aboard a small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, we will be able to admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral motifs that glimmer in the light.

A ride aboard a private traditional long-tail boat on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and a vital artery of Bangkok. As we drift along the water, we discover the "Venice of the Orient," with peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples nestled along the banks.

We begin this day in Chiang Rai with the discovery of the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun, better known as the "white temple". Created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this site blends Buddhist architecture and contemporary art through surprising frescoes and numerous symbols inspired by Buddhism and popular culture. Its brilliant white gives it an almost unreal atmosphere.

Continuation towards the Wat Rong Sua Ten, the famous "blue temple", imagined by a disciple of Chalermchai. Its deep blue hues, its nagas sculptures and its immense Buddha give it an atmosphere that is both mystical and modern.

We end the day at Wat Huay Pla Kang, known for its immense white statue representing Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Its nine-story pagoda offers a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and rice fields.

From the small local port, we board a water taxi for a navigation of approximately one hour on the waters of the Mekong, offering beautiful panoramas of the villages and landscapes bordering the river.

We then continue our journey along the banks to a viewpoint overlooking the Mekong and the impressive casino complex with Sino-Roman style built on the Laotian bank.

Visit to the remarkable Hall of Opium, a modern museum built on a hillside overlooking the Mekong Valley. Through immersive and documented exhibitions, the site traces the history of the opium trade in Asia, the influence of the Golden Triangle and the economic and social consequences linked to this cultivation. A fascinating visit that allows you to better understand the complex history of this border region.

On the way back, we stop at several small villages of the Yao and Akha communities, settled in the mountains of northern Thailand.

If you wish, we can also stop in a Padaung community, a branch of the Karenni people originally from neighboring Myanmar, some of whose women wear the famous golden spiral neck rings that create the impression of an elongated neck.

This visit remains however very particular and sometimes raises questions among travelers. Some see it as a form of intrusive tourism, while others believe that these visits also make it possible to generate essential income for refugee communities living often in modest conditions. We therefore prefer to leave everyone free to choose, in full awareness, whether or not they wish to discover this village.

From there we set off on our first hike of approximately one hour and thirty minutes on the Mae Salong Tea Trail. A true immersion in the surrounding nature, this path is popular for bird watching and views of the iconic tea plantations of Mae Salong.

This morning, we will take advantage of our stay in Thaton to go hiking with our guide Renato, a member of the Karen tribe. We will venture off the beaten path to meet the mountain tribes in the jungle and mountain rice fields. After visiting the village, we will cross the rice fields. In the midst of them, we will discover small wooden pagodas, where people live during rice harvest, as well as pumpkin, cotton, and other crops.

After a lunch break, we will cross the mountains and enjoy an incredible landscape before arriving at the Lahu village, marking the end of our hike. This activity includes approximately 5 hours of walking, punctuated by breaks, accompanied by Renato and an English-speaking guide.

This morning, we cross valleys, rice fields and small rural communities before arriving in Chiang Dao from where we will set off for 2 days of trekking. This day of trekking begins in the village of Mae Mae in Pha Daeng National Park. We start by walking on dirt trails crossing coffee and tea plantations.

Next, we continue our trek through forests and mountains to reach the Pang Tad waterfalls. With a bit of luck, we may be able to observe wild boars, monkeys, gibbons, snakes and colorful birds.

We will then return to the village of Mae Mae to meet the inhabitants. We will spend the night with a local family in the village of Mae Mae, in simple comfort in the heart of nature. Day accompanied by a local guide + English-speaking guide.

This morning, after a breakfast composed of local specialties, we set off towards Doi Luang mountain to admire the surrounding landscape. We continue our hike to the Sai Lod Bueng waterfall to refresh ourselves and enjoy a moment of relaxation in nature. Finally, we return to the village of Mae Mae to bid farewell to our hosts before heading to Chiang Mai.

In the late afternoon, we travel to Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North and former capital of the Lanna kingdom, which amazes us with its art of living, its hundreds of temples, its gastronomy, its smiles and its traditions. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. We settle for 2 nights at the De Lanna Hotel in Deluxe rooms.

In the company of your guide, you take a detour to the great Warorot market, where you can find all sorts of northern Thai specialties, such as Sai Ua (northern sausage), Moo Yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam Phrik Num (northern green chili paste) and dried fruits, among other delights. In addition to local food, the market also offers clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery tools, flowers, and much more.

Optional for a cost of €30 per person: Late in the afternoon, we head to a Muay Thai boxing school for a private one-hour demonstration of the discipline. If you wish to participate, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Let's then head towards the Doi Suthep temple, perched on the slopes of the mountain at approximately 1,200 meters altitude. A true symbol of Chiang Mai, this magnificent Buddhist temple offers an atmosphere steeped in serenity and spirituality, where statues, sanctuaries and bells accompany the faithful and visitors in a moment of contemplation. According to legend, its location was chosen by a white elephant carrying a sacred relic of Buddha: after climbing the mountain, the animal is said to have stopped at the summit, trumpeted three times and then lay down, thus indicating the place where the temple was to be built. Today, its terraces offer spectacular views over the city and the surrounding valley.

Along the way, a stop at Wat Pha lat, a more discreet temple nestled in the forest, appreciated for its peaceful setting and almost confidential atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Upon arrival, you begin a guided hike on the Mae Wang trails. You walk first along a mountain stream, before climbing to higher ground and crossing the terraced rice fields that shape the region's landscape. You 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. You 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 hiking.

Tonight we are welcomed for dinner and the night with a Karen family, in a breathtaking setting on the edge of the jungle, in the middle of the rice fields.

In the company of our guide, we set out today into the mountains overlooking the city of Chiang Mai, in Doi Inthanon National Park. We finally reach the highest point in Thailand, and begin a hike of approximately 1.5 hours through the forest and ridge with a sumptuous panorama of the Pha Dok Seaw trail region. We will pass near waterfalls, and discover the 2 immense pagodas that stand at the summit of the mountain.

On our return route, we will stop for a short visit to the Sirithan and Wachirathan waterfalls. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a driver. Return to Chiang Mai at the hotel De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai for a final night.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day and transfer to the airport at your chosen time.

See you soon in Thailand.