Thailand for All Saints' Day

Accompanied by your guide, you make your way to the wharves 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 at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and experience your first immersion in authentic and traditional Asia.

We venture to discover the architectural gems of Bangkok. Let us 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). We 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, 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 can admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral patterns that glisten 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 its peaceful canals, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the banks.

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

After lunch, we venture deep into Sai Yok National Park for an afternoon of kayaking on the Kwaï River.

Morning departure for the national park and Erawan Falls (60 km drive). This national park is home to a superb waterfall extending over 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue water populated by Mahseer Barbels. If you prefer, you can stay around the first 3 levels, which are the easiest to access, and swim there, but a climb to the 7th level, while not difficult, is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic spot in the area.

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 towards the temple Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which once served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, the Wat Chai Watthanaram, from where we can appreciate the sunset over its ruins.

We then set off on a boat excursion to Bang Pa-in. As we travel along the water, we discover the Thai way of life, wooden houses built on stilts, convoys of rice barges towed towards Bangkok warehouses and temple spires pointing skyward everywhere. We meet our driver at the dock and visit Bang Pa Palace, built in the 17th century and left abandoned after the destruction of Ayutthaya. The palace was restored and enlarged in the mid-19th century by the King who came to spend the summer months there.

Today, we take a flight to northern Thailand, Chiang Mai

In the company of your guide, you make a detour to the 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.

Then let's 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 a spectacular view over the city and surrounding valley.

Along the way, 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.

This morning, you set off cycling 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.

You will discover many ancient temples, monks walking through the city, bustling markets and the daily life of residents, particularly that of craftsmen from mountain communities going about their occupations as we cycle past them, under their curious eyes, in their neighborhood.

Small group activity accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.

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 friendly 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 tasting your creations on site.

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

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup) or Tom Kha Gai (coconut and lemongrass chicken soup)

• Pad Thaï (Thai-style stir-fried rice noodles)

• Panang Moo (Panang curry with pork)

• Pad Makhueau Yao (stir-fried Chinese eggplants) or Poh Pia tod (fried spring rolls)

For dessert, Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango) is served.

Early in the morning, we join an elephant sanctuary located in the tropical forest of the Mae Taeng valley, an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival, after a short walk, we will prepare the fruits with which we will feed the pachyderms.

Meeting with the elephants that we will feed, and with which we will be able to interact in a natural environment. Our guide will tell us more about their behavior and their history.

You will witness the elephants bathing in the river and will be able to brush them. Return to Chiang Mai in early afternoon.

Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide

In the afternoon, a 2-hour tuk-tuk ride through Chiang Mai, passing through its iconic temples, vibrant markets and charming alleyways.
An authentic immersion between tradition and modernity, with stops to discover local culture.
A lively and exhilarating experience, ideal for exploring the city differently and feeling its unique energy.

From our hotel, we head to the docks for a full-day excursion to the 4 islands.

By longtail boat we first head to Pranang Bay, an isolated peninsula at the end of Railay Beach, one of the most beautiful in Thailand.

We discover Pranang Cave, its origins and local fishing traditions, before relaxing on a beautiful beach.

Back on the boat, we then head to the local islands on a small beach to enjoy some local specialties (buffet lunch). Then on the program: snorkeling, visits to the paradisiacal small islands of the region, stops on secluded beaches away from mass tourism (Koh Poda, Koh Tup and Chicken Islands). Finally we set course for the main beach of Koh Poda to end this beautiful day with an aperitif at sunset. On the way back, night snorkeling in the midst of luminescent plankton: a unique experience

Private cruise

Take advantage of this/these free day(s) in Ao Nang to relax on the beach, enjoy your hotel's facilities and admire the magnificent coastline of the region. You can notably reach the superb Railay Beach just a few minutes away or take an excursion to the surrounding islands.

Possible excursions: Cruise to discover Phang Nga Bay, the islands Koh Phi Phi or the 4 islands, Visit the hinterland including notably the emerald basin, hot springs or the tiger cave temple, Bike or scooter ride along the coast or in the hinterland.

Installation at the Shanghai Mansion, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown.

In the evening, you can stroll freely through Chinatown, exploring the alleyways brimming with shops of all kinds. Early in the evening, the night market opens on Yaowarat Road and its illuminated side streets, bringing new life to the neighborhood. You'll find all sorts of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner.

Depending on your flight time, departure for Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!