Thailand in Summer

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the docks and board a public water bus. Following the waterway, 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 alleys 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 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.

Next, we cross the river by 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 shimmer in the light.

A private traditional long-tail boat ride on the Chao Praya River, one of the country's most important waterways and the lifeblood of Bangkok. Gliding along the water, we discover the "Venice of the Orient", with peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples nestled along the riverbanks.

In the company of your guide, you make a detour to the Warorot market, where you can find all sorts of specialties from northern Thailand, 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.

In the afternoon, a 3-hour tuk-tuk ride through Chiang Mai, past its iconic temples, bustling markets and charming alleyways.
An authentic immersion between tradition and modernity, with stops to discover local culture.
A vibrant and exotic experience, perfect for exploring the city in a different way and feeling its unique energy.

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 your 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 discover a more local Chiang Mai: everyday scenes, small workshops, crafts and inhabitants who watch you pass with curiosity. Small group activity, accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 km

In late afternoon, you depart for 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 the 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 inform us in advance)

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (lemongrass coconut milk soup)

• Pad Thaï (stir-fried rice noodles)

• Nam Prik Ong (Northern specialty with tomatoes and chili)

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

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

Upon arrival, we begin a guided hike on the Mae Wang trails. We first walk along a mountain stream, before climbing to higher elevations and crossing the terraced rice fields that shape the region's landscape. We 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. We 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 5h30, including 3h30 of actual walking.

This evening we are welcomed for dinner and the night at a Karen family home, in a breathtaking setting on the edge of the jungle, surrounded by rice fields.

After breakfast at our hosts' place, we can enjoy a short morning walk in the surrounding area before driving to Chi's camp, a young Karen who shares his daily life with his elephants.

Here, the approach is respectful and focused on animal welfare: no riding, no shows, and limited interactions, always supervised, to give elephants the space and pace they need.

Upon arrival, we prepare the fruit that will be used to feed them. You walk with them in the jungle, where they move freely while feeding on the vegetation. Our guide helps us better understand their behavior and the attention paid to their balance, for an authentic, gentle and ethical encounter.

In the afternoon, to cool off, you enjoy a peaceful descent of the Mae Wang river aboard a traditional bamboo raft. Guided by a local boatman, the raft glides gently along the water, offering a calm and contemplative way to discover the surrounding landscapes.

At the tranquil pace of the current, you cross through lush nature between forests, rice paddies and wild riverbanks. A simple and relaxing activity, ideal for ending the day gently.

This morning, we venture deep into the Doi Inthanon National Park.

Along the way, we will stop for a short walk to the Sirithan and Wachirathan waterfalls.

We finally reach the highest point in Thailand, and begin a hike of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes through the forest and ridge with stunning panoramic views of the region on the Kew Mae Pan nature trail. We will pass near waterfalls, and discover the 2 enormous pagodas that stand atop the mountain.

Our day ends in the small hamlet of Baan Pa Pong Piang. Lost in the mountains of Doi Inthanon National Park, you will discover one of Thailand's most beautiful terraced rice fields, if not the most beautiful.

Walk through the rice fields, before spending the night in a small guesthouse.

Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, you head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent 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. Along the way, stop at the Wat Pha Lat temple.

Stop at a hotel near the airport so you can shower before boarding your train.

Morning dedicated to a bicycle tour of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. We set off to discover the historic center of the city, including the temple Wat Mahathat, dating from the late 14th century.

Continuing towards the temple 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.

Free days to enjoy the beach and available activities (not included, to be booked on site):

• Boat excursion

• Hiking

• Mountain biking

• Cooking class

• Elephant sanctuary (if available)

• And many more

Depending on your flight time, departure for Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!