Thailand from North to South

This morning, we depart for a bike tour in the capital's green lung. Accompanied by a local private guide for the island section, we head to the extraordinary Bang Krachao neighborhood - a real jungle in the heart of the city. We will make several side visits along the way (if available): Mushroom farm; Incense stick manufacturing workshop; Small temples and old houses in the neighborhood.

We then head to the historic center and visit Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, to discover its Reclining Buddha. We then cross the river by small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.

Boat ride in a traditional private "long-tail" taxi boat on the Chao Phraya River, one of the country's most important rivers. Discovery of the Venice of the Orient and the traditional life of the inhabitants of this city, half of whom still live on the water. Day accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.

Your driver takes you to the airport for your domestic flight. We fly to Chiang Rai, our first stop in the north of the country. Upon arrival at the airport, we are welcomed by our guide and driver. Transfer to the hotel.

We begin our stay with a visit to the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun "white temple", a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most renowned artists: Chalermchai Kositpipat. In reality, while the site imitates the appearance of a religious complex, its purpose is quite different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from Buddha statues in meditation to pop culture idols like Michael Jackson, as well as murals celebrating the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the building a unique and striking character.

Continuing to Wat Rong Sua Ten, called the "blue temple", a work by the architect Chalermchai's disciple. You will observe Buddha sculptures in lotus position as well as figures of demons, legendary nagas that are half man and half serpent, and paintings illustrating events from the earthly life of Gautama.

Our day ends with a visit to Wat Huay Pla Kung, often mistakenly called the Great Buddha of Chiang Rai for its large white statue which is actually a representation of the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is also nicknamed the "9-storey temple" for its 9-storey pagoda which can be climbed to the top for a view of the surrounding rice fields. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Night at Laluna Hotel & Resort in Garden Bungalow.

Early in the morning, we meet up with our accompanying team, then depart towards the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle, the convergence point of Thai, Burmese and Laotian borders, traveling along the banks of the Mekong. At the port, we board a river taxi boat, and navigate for approximately one hour on the waters of the Mekong.

We continue along the banks of the Mekong to the viewpoint over the Mekong and the enormous casino in "decadent sino-Roman style" located on the Laotian bank of the river. Visit to the superb opium museum, built into the side of one of the hills overlooking the Mekong valley.

On the return, we make a stop in small villages of the Yoa and Akha communities. If time and your inclination permit, we can also stop in a Padaung community, a highland people, a branch of the Karenni people, originally from neighboring Myanmar who found refuge in Thailand, and whose women wear the famous golden spiral neck rings that give the impression they have long necks. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Departure for Mae Salong (25 to 30 km of mountain road), region of Chinese refugee villages from the last century and large tea plantations. Visit to the 101 tea plantation, - stroll through the small village of Santikiri to discover the history of KMT refugees - refugees from the former KuoMingTang army fleeing the end of the civil war in China.

We continue our journey through the mountains to Tha Ton, a charming village located near the Burmese border which, with its hill tribes, picturesque guesthouses and its unique setting on the banks of the Kok river, has all the assets to seduce you. The road to get there is also sumptuous, with its valleys, hills and lush rice fields succeeding one another as far as the eye can see.

From Thaton, we board our long-tail boat and begin our cruise on the Kok river which will bring us back to Chiang Rai. As we drift along the water, you will appreciate the sumptuous landscapes of the region, the life of the villagers and observe domestic animals refreshing themselves on the banks of the river. Halfway through, we stop in a tribal village to rest and buy refreshing drinks. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Early departure to Chiang Mai, the beauty of the North and former capital of the Lanna kingdom, amazes us with its art of living, its hundreds of temples, its gastronomy, its smiles and its traditions. A few kilometers before our arrival in the city, we turn off to take a stroll in Mae Khampong, a charming mountainous village that breathes serenity. Take advantage of the morning to explore this adorable century-old town of 500 inhabitants. Admire the tea gardens, rice paddies on the surrounding hills and farms where buffalo graze peacefully.

On our way to Chiang Mai we can visit, if time permits, the village of Bo Sang, renowned throughout Thailand for the artisanal manufacture of its Sa paper umbrellas. This art originating from Burma was imported here more than a century ago by a monk. We begin our visit at the Umbrella Making Center where several craftsmen work at each stage of umbrella production (structure fabrication, painting of motifs, etc). We will then discover other small workshops in the small streets whether for umbrella making, the manufacture of the famous Sa paper or other crafts (silverwork and woodwork).

A few kilometers further on, we stop at the Silk Village, a beautiful workshop where the entire process of silk production, from the worm to weaving, will be explained to you.

Arrived in Chiang Mai, if time permits, we take the opportunity for a first stroll in the center of the old town including the visit of the superb temple of Wat Sri Suphan, located in the silversmith street district of Wualai. This temple is entirely covered with silver plaques and other metals; you can see the metalworkers working on site. We settle in at De Lanna Hotel, for 2 nights, in a Deluxe room.

This morning, we'll discover the Rose of the North by bicycle. Starting from the famous Tha Phae gate in Chiang Mai, with the Doi Suthep mountains as our backdrop, we venture into the traditional small streets and alleyways of the city. You will discover many ancient temples, monks walking through the city, lively markets and the daily life of residents, particularly artisans from mountain communities going about their activities as we pass by on bicycles, under their curious eyes, in their neighborhood. Activity in a small group accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.

In the late afternoon we head to a traditional cooking class taught in French in the countryside, outside the city, in an old Lanna-style house. Note: Vegetarian or vegan dishes available. On the menu: Tom Kha Gai (lemongrass coconut milk chicken soup); Pad Thai (Thai-style stir-fried rice noodles); Nam Prik Ong (chili paste with ground pork and tomatoes: a typical northern Thai dish); Khao Soi Gai (curry noodle soup with chicken: a typical northern Thai dish). For dessert, we serve Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango).

Today, we set out on a guided hiking trip in the mountains of Doi Inthanon National Park to discover the Karen populations of northern Thailand. We begin our trek through the hill tribes of Doi Inthanon. We walk along a mountain stream before reaching the lush rice fields of the region in the highlands.

We have lunch near a waterfall where we can also refresh ourselves.

In the afternoon, our hike continues through the highlands. We reach a Karen village where we make a stop before venturing into the rice fields where our guesthouse is located.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Duration of the excursion approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, of which 3 hours 30 minutes of actual walking. This evening we are welcomed for dinner and the night with a Karen family, in a breathtaking setting.

After breakfast at our hosts' place and a morning stroll through the village, we drive to Chi's camp, a young Karen who will introduce us to his elephants and way of life. Upon arrival, we will prepare fruits to feed the pachyderms. We then set off to walk together in the jungle where the elephants will continue to feed and with whom we can interact in a natural environment. Our guide will tell us more about their behavior. Finally, you will witness the elephants bathing in the river. Small group activity with Chi.

In the afternoon, to cool off, we will take a short bamboo raft down the Mae Wang river. Peaceful activity of approximately 40 minutes.

Night at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, a charming lodge on the banks of the Mae Wang.

This morning, we meet up with our guide and driver for a final visit to Chiang Mai. We first make a detour to the large central market of Warorot, where you can find all sorts of specialties from northern Thailand, such as Sai ua (northern Thai sausage), Moo yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam phrik num (northern Thai green chili paste), and dried fruits, etc. In addition to local food, you will also find clothes, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery equipment, flowers, etc.

We then head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Doi Suthep temple, 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. Along the way, we stop at Wat Pha lat temple.

Stop at a hotel near the airport so you can shower before boarding your train. 6:00 PM - we board our overnight train heading to Ayutthaya. Night in a 2nd class sleeper compartment.

Morning arrival at the station where we meet our new team. Detour to the hotel where you can drop off your belongings. Please note that rooms are generally only available from 2:00 PM. You can store your luggage before starting the city tour and return later in the day to take possession of your rooms.

Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese kingdom. We set out to discover the historic center of the city, including the Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. Continuing to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which once served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, the Wat Chai Watthanaram, from where we can enjoy the sunset over its ruins.

We then head out on a boat excursion to Bang Pa-in. As we travel along the water, we discover the Thai way of life, wooden houses on stilts, convoys of rice barges towed to Bangkok warehouses and temple spires pointing toward the sky everywhere. We meet our driver at the dock and visit the Bang Pa palace, built in the 17th century and 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. Return to Ayutthaya.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Night at Iudia on the River.

This morning, we start the day at the Baan Saladin floating market where you will discover the manufacturing process of the famous puffed rice crackers before tasting them. We then set off to explore the grand canal of Mahasawatk which was used to supply Bangkok's markets. By boat, we take a ride on its waters to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the fish. Back on dry land, you will visit the Jackfruit Garden where you will appreciate the plantations of the famous Fruit (the largest fruit on trees in the world) and the creation of several products based on this fruit. Finally, we will head to the lake where red lotus flowers bloom all year round, a unique landscape to admire.

After lunch, we take the road to Kanchanaburi, where we will take time to visit the great temple of Wat Tham Sua, accessible by climbing with a small cable-car (local standards!!!). Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Accommodation at the Royal Riverkwai Resort, in Deluxe rooms. Riverside hotel with swimming pool - Located about ten kilometers beyond the city and the train bridge.

Departure for the station and boarding around 10:40 AM on the famous "Death Railway" made famous by the history of the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai", for approximately 1 hour of train travel westward to the SaiYok region, located 70 km to the west at the end of the train line.

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

Depart in the morning for the national park and Erawan Waterfall (60 km of road). This national park is home to a superb waterfall extending over 7 levels, and forming natural pools in emerald blue color populated with Mahseer Barbs. If you can decide to stay around the 3 first levels, the easiest to access, and swim there, a climb to the 7th level without being difficult is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, the final waterfall being the most majestic of the places.

We then head to Nakhon Pathom, which is home to Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, the highest stupa in Thailand. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

In the evening, we board our night train, heading to Surat Thani. Night in a bunk bed in an air-conditioned 2nd class compartment.

Early morning arrival at Surat Thani train station (05h35). We are welcomed by our driver, who will take us to the pier where we can take our boat to the Islands. At the station, or on the way we will have our breakfast. (not included). We then board the ferry to cross to the island of Koh Phangan.

Renowned for its famous Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan nevertheless has many other assets to offer its visitors. Still authentic, Koh Phangan has managed to develop without too much altering its natural landscapes and magnificent fine sand beaches. Consisting mostly of Than Sadet National Park, Koh Phangan protects and respects its lush nature which is home to incredible fauna and flora. Here we love the parties of the south but above all we appreciate the calm and beauty of the west and north coast.

Upon arrival on the island, we are transferred to our resort. We spend 5 nights at Salad beach resort in a superior bungalow with pool view.

Free day in Koh Phangan to relax and enjoy activities on site (not included). Let ourselves be tempted by a traditional Thai massage, or why not plan water activities: kitesurfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking…

And then, if we want to enjoy the surroundings, possibility of taking a day trip for hikes, or a short boat tour around the island.