The Mountains of the North and the Beaches of Koh Yao Yai

We begin our stay at the Boom Rawd Farm (Singha Park), located 15 km south of the city.

We continue our day in Chiang Rai with the discovery of 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 brilliant white gives it an almost surreal atmosphere.

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

Early morning departure to a village in Mae Chan district to discover rural life.

You will be welcomed by the owner of the place who will offer you tea and introduce you to her veritable Noah's ark of all the animals she and her husband have been able to rescue for over twenty years.

Among them are 3 elephants who have found here an ideal refuge to live in complete peace. You will learn more about their lives and will be able to feed them before setting off in their company and that of their Mahout for a walk in the surrounding jungle where the pachyderms will continue to feed.

Lunch of Karen specialties by a small lake, with the possibility of a short bamboo raft ride on the waters.

Back at the camp, we will witness the bathing of the elephants.

From the small local port, we board a water taxi for a navigation of approximately one hour on the waters of the Mekong, 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 installed 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 culture. A fascinating visit that allows you to better understand the complex history of this border region.

We return to Chiang Rai, with a stop at the Tawan Dachanee Residence (also called ''Black House''), the most famous (contemporary) painter's home in Thailand.

We continue our tour of the north and head towards Chiang Mai. A stroll through the center of the old town, including a visit to the magnificent Wat Sri Suphan temple, located in the Wualai silversmith street district. This temple is entirely covered with silver plates and other metals; you can see the artisans working the metal on site.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Night at Banthai Village in a room.

In the afternoon, a 3-hour tuk-tuk ride through Chiang Mai, passing through its iconic temples, lively markets and charming alleyways.
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.

We are staying at the Banthai Village for our nights in Chiang Mai.

Accompanied by your guide, you take 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 delicacies. In addition to local food, the market also offers clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery tools, flowers, and much more.

You then leave the city center to head uphill towards the Doi Suthep temple, perched on the mountainside at approximately 1,200 meters altitude. A true symbol of Chiang Mai, this magnificent Buddhist temple offers an atmosphere full of 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 to 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, dug for meditation. It is also an opportunity to exchange, when possible, with the resident monks and learn more about monastic life.

From there transfer to the docks and departure by boat-ferry to the island of Koh Yao Yai.

We spend 4 nights on a Bed and Breakfast basis at Koh Yao Yai Village.

We make the most of our free stay on the gorgeous island of Koh Yao Yai. On the spot, you will have many activity options: kayaking, snorkeling… (not included). Or why not simply lounge by the pool or on the white sandy beach.

Morning departure from the hotel to Klong Hia pier and boat crossing to Phuket pier. Boat NOT INCLUDED. Ticket to be purchased on site. Our driver awaits us upon arrival at the pier. Transfer to Phuket airport.

We board our return flight to Bangkok, rest of the day free.

Check-in at a guesthouse on the banks of the Chayo Praya.

Morning departure to reach the pier and take the public water buses upstream towards the center, on the right bank and the Pak Khlong Talat flower market district.

Then, on foot, you reach Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant pavilions. You discover the impressive Reclining Buddha, an iconic figure of the site, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Then, you cross the river by small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, you admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral patterns that shimmer in the light.

Visit to Wat Traimit or the Golden Buddha Temple, and the small but very interesting Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Museum, which traces the history of Chinese immigration to Bangkok.

Cruise aboard a private traditional "long-tail" boat-taxi on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and a vital artery of Bangkok. As you glide along the water, you discover the "Venice of the Orient", with peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the riverbanks.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Depending on your flight time, head to Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!