Thailand at Christmas

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the quays and board a public river bus. Following the water's course, you travel upstream towards the historic center on the right bank, until you reach the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and immerse yourself for the first time in authentic and traditional Asia.

We set out 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 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, an iconic figure of the place, 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 will be able to admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral patterns that glisten in the light.

Boat ride aboard a traditional private "long-tail" water taxi 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 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.

We set off to discover Bang Pa-in 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 had made it his summer residence.

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

Arrival in Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese kingdom. After lunch, we set off to discover the historic center of the city, including Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. We continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, 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.

Late in the afternoon, we head back to Don Mueang airport where you will take your flight to Chiang Mai and transfer to our hotel. Check-in for 4 nights at De Chai The Deco Hotel.

After lunch, we set out to discover the historic center of Ayutthaya. We explore in particular the Wat Mahathat, a major temple dating from the late 14th century, famous for the Buddha head intertwined in the roots of a tree, which has become one of the site's symbols.

The visit continues to 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 former grandeur of the kingdom.

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

Installation for 4 nights at De Chai Colonial hotel and Spa.

In the company of your guide, you make a detour to the great Warorot central market, the true beating heart of Chiang Mai. This local market is the ideal place to discover the culinary specialties of northern Thailand, such as Sai Ua, the famous spicy sausage, Nam Phrik Num, a green chili paste typical of the region, as well as numerous dried fruits and local products.

As you walk through the bustling aisles, you also discover a wide variety of everyday items: clothes, fabrics, flowers, ceramics and handicrafts, offering an authentic glimpse into local life and the habits of Chiang Mai residents.

You then leave the city center to gain altitude 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 filled with serenity and spirituality, where statues, sanctuaries and bells accompany the faithful and visitors in a moment of contemplation.

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

Visit of the Wat Umong, a Buddhist temple founded in the 13th century and nestled at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountains. Surrounded by forest, this monastery offers a particularly peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You discover the history of the place by crossing its ancient underground tunnels, carved out for meditation. It is also an opportunity to exchange, when possible, with the resident monks and learn more about monastic life.

This morning, you set off cycling to discover Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North". Starting from the famous Tha Phae gate, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, you quickly leave the main roads to slip into the small traditional streets and alleys of the city. Along the way, you pass through historic neighborhoods dotted with ancient temples, encounter monks in their daily lives, and stop by bustling markets. The route also takes you outside the ramparts, where the pace becomes more relaxed, to discover a more local Chiang Mai: everyday scenes, small workshops, crafts and residents 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, you head off 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 emblematic flavors: spicy, sweet, salty and tangy.

Throughout the session, you prepare several essential recipes, before tasting your creations on site.

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

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (lemongrass and coconut milk soup)

• Pad Thaï (fried rice noodles)

• Nam Prik Ong (Northern Thailand specialty with tomatoes 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 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 we will feed to 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 early afternoon.

Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide

In the afternoon, a 3-hour tuk-tuk ride through Chiang Mai, passing by its emblematic temples, lively markets and charming streets.
An authentic immersion between tradition and modernity, with stops to discover local culture.
A vibrant and exotic experience, ideal for exploring the city differently and feeling its unique energy.

Early in the morning, we take our flight to Phuket. Our driver takes you to Chiang Mai airport where we will fly to the south / west of Thailand, and the Andaman coast. Upon arrival in Phuket, we meet our driver who will take us to Khao Sok National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the country, notably thanks to its large emerald green lake Chiew Larn and its limestone peaks that could sometimes make you believe you are on Halong Bay in Vietnam. Rivers, caves, waterfalls, tree houses… complete the picturesque landscapes of the area.

Half-day educational hike in the jungle or night safari depending on your arrival time. An opportunity to learn more about the fauna and flora of the National Park. (3 hours) Activity accompanied by a local English-speaking guide in a small group. Overnight stay at Khao Sok Paradise Resort in Threelodge.

In late afternoon, enjoy a final boat excursion to observe the sunset. Return to the floating resort for dinner. Night in a magical setting in the stilt bungalows of Panvaree

This morning, safari to observe the surrounding wildlife, then return to the bungalow for our morning snack. We have some free time to enjoy the waters of the lake, with the possibility of canoeing.

After breakfast, we leave this place to return to the mainland. At the dock, our vehicle awaits us to take us to Koh Lanta, a charming archipelago formed by 2 main islands located in the Andaman Sea. Discovered by the French since the famous television show bearing the same name, Koh Lanta still resists the invasion of large infrastructure and has managed to preserve its beautiful wild beaches. For a family trip or a romantic getaway, Koh Lanta seduces with its lush nature, its beaches lined with coconut trees and its turquoise waters.

Transfer to your resort, the Anda Lanta Resort, where we settle in for 3 nights in a Deluxe room.

We take advantage of our free stay on the superb Koh Lanta and at sea (not included - to be arranged directly on site):

• discovery of the interior of the island

• boat excursions for half a day or full day to the small rocks and islets around

• cooking classes (must be booked in advance) • kayaking Or why not simply lounge by your pool or the white sand beach.

We are leaving today for a speedboat cruise to the 4 islands located south of Koh Lanta: Koh Chuek, Koh Mook, Koh Ngai and Koh Maa. Departure around 8:30 AM from your hotel to Koh Lanta Old Town where we will board our boat in the company of the captain and our English-speaking guide.

We sail approximately 45 minutes to our first island Koh Chuek where we will have our first snorkeling outing to observe marine life. You will discover in its crystal-clear waters a wide array of tropical fish and corals. We continue to Koh Mook, renowned for its emerald cave and inner lagoon.

Lunch on Koh Ngai island before heading to Koh Maa, further west, a prime diving destination (scuba and snorkeling) for one last diving outing before returning to Koh Lanta.

Return to Koh Lanta in the mid-afternoon and return to your hotel. Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

In the evening, you can stroll freely through the Chinese quarter, walking through the alleyways brimming with shops of all kinds. At the beginning of the evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its illuminated side streets which give new life to the neighborhood. You will find all kinds of Thai and Chinese specialties to dine on.

Depending on your flight time, transfer to Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!