Summer Flavors in Small Groups

Accompanied by your guide, you join the quays and board a public water bus. As you travel along the water, you head towards the historic center on the right bank, up to the flower market of Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and take your first immersion into 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 complex of buildings and interior courtyards, including Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). We discover there 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, the site's emblematic figure, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Then, 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 can admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral motifs that shimmer in the light.

Boat trip aboard a private traditional "long-tail" water taxi on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and a vital artery of Bangkok. Along the water, we discover the "Venice of the East", between peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the banks.

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.

After lunch, you set off to discover the historic center of Ayutthaya. You explore in particular the Wat Mahathat, a major temple dating from the late 14th century, famous for the Buddha 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 testify to the past grandeur of the kingdom.

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

We start this day in Chiang Rai by discovering 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 dazzling white gives it an almost unreal atmosphere.

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

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

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

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

Visit the remarkable Hall of Opium, a modern museum built on a hillside overlooking the Mekong valley. Through immersive and well-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 make stops in 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 originating from neighboring Myanmar, some of whose women wear the famous golden spiral neck rings that create the impression of elongating the neck.

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

Stop at Bo Sang, the umbrella village, famous throughout Thailand for the traditional craftsmanship of its Sa paper umbrellas. This craft, introduced from Burma over a century ago by a monk, is what gives the village its renown today.

We visit the manufacturing center where several artisans continue this traditional expertise, from the creation of the bamboo structure to the delicate painting of the colorful patterns that adorn the umbrellas.

Then we discover the magnificent temple, 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 every stone, every statue, every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism.

We settle into the De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai for 3 nights.

This morning, you set off on a bike ride to discover Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North". From the famous Tha Phae gate, and with the Doi Suthep mountains as a 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 life, and stop by lively markets. The route also takes you outside the city walls, where the pace becomes more relaxed, to meet a more local Chiang Mai: everyday scenes, small workshops, crafts and residents who observe you pass with curiosity. Small group activity, accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 Km

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

Throughout the session, you prepare several must-try recipes before tasting 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 Thai specialty with tomato and chili)

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

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

Early in the morning, we head to an elephant sanctuary located in the tropical forest of the Mae Taeng valley, about an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, after a short walk, we will prepare the fruit with which we will feed the pachyderms. Meeting with the elephants that we will feed, and with which we can interact in a natural environment. Our guide will tell us more about their behavior and history. You will witness the elephants bathing in the river and will be able to brush them. Return to Chiang Mai in the early afternoon.

Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Transfer to Chiang Mai airport where we board our flight to Surat Thani.

Upon arrival at our hotel, we can rest by the seaside for a few days.

Rest day. Various activities can be arranged on site:

• Visit to the surrounding area, including Tham Khao Whang Thong Cave

• Relaxation on the beach

• Hiking at Khao Luang

• Fishing

• Snorkeling …

Installation au Shanghai Mansion, charming boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown. In the evening, you can stroll freely through the Chinatown district, wandering through the alleys brimming with all kinds of shops. Early in the evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its brightly lit adjoining alleys, which bring new life to the neighborhood. You will find all sorts of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner.

Depending on your flight time, transfer to Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!