Hiking and Immersion in Northern Thailand

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the docks and board a public water bus. Along the water, you travel upstream towards the historic center on the right bank, to the flower market of Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and experience your first immersion in authentic, 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 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, the site's emblematic figure, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Then, we cross the river on board 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 motifs that glisten in the light.

Cruise aboard a private traditional "long-tail" boat-taxi on the Chao Praya river, one of the most important waterways in the country and a vital artery of Bangkok. As we drift along the water, we discover the "Venice of the Orient", with its peaceful klongs, houses on stilts and small temples nestled along the banks.

We begin this 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", designed by a disciple of Chalermchai. Its deep blue hues, its naga sculptures and its immense Buddha give it an atmosphere that is both mystical and modern.

We end the day at Wat Huay Pla Kang, known for its immense white statue representing Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Its nine-story pagoda offers a beautiful view of the countryside and surrounding rice fields.

From the small local port, we board a water taxi for approximately one hour of navigation on the Mekong waters, offering beautiful panoramas of the villages and landscapes bordering the river.

We then continue our journey along the banks to a viewpoint overlooking the Mekong and the impressive casino complex with Sino-Roman style installed on the Laotian bank.

Visit to the remarkable Hall of Opium, a modern museum built on a hillside overlooking the Mekong Valley. Through immersive and 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.

On the way back, we make stops in several small villages of the Yao and Akha communities, settled in the mountains of northern Thailand.

If you wish, we can also stop in a Padaung community, a branch of the Karenni people originally from neighboring Myanmar, some of whose women wear the famous golden spiral necklaces that give the impression of elongating the neck.

This visit remains however very particular and sometimes raises questions among travelers. Some see it as a form of intrusive tourism, while others believe that these visits also make it possible to generate essential income for refugee communities living often in modest conditions. We therefore prefer to leave each person the freedom to choose, consciously, whether or not they wish to discover this village.

For this half-day activity, we meet Renato, a Northern Karen man living in the village of Thaton.

By his side, we discover several facets of this village, where different Karen communities once lived separately but now help each other daily.

At the end of the day, we visit the local Karen market, an opportunity to discover the village's products and enjoy a convivial moment around local cuisine.

This morning, we will take advantage of our stay in Tha Ton to go hiking with our guide Renato, a member of the Karen tribe. We will venture off the beaten path to meet the mountain tribes in the jungle and in the mountain rice fields.

After visiting the village, we will cross the rice fields. In the middle of these, we will discover small wooden pagodas, where people live during rice harvest, as well as pumpkin, cotton, and other crops.

After a lunch break, we will cross the mountains and enjoy an incredible landscape before arriving at the Lahu village, marking the end of our hike.

This activity includes approximately 5 hours of walking, punctuated by breaks, accompanied by Renato and an English-speaking Guide.

This trekking day begins in the Mae Mae village in the Pha Daeng national park. We start by walking on dirt trails crossing coffee and tea plantations.

Then, we continue our hike through forests and mountains to reach the Pang Tad waterfalls. With some luck, we may observe wild boars, monkeys, gibbons, snakes and colorful birds.

We will then return to Mae Mae village to meet the locals. We will spend the night at a local's home in Mae Mae village, in simple comfort in the heart of nature.

Day accompanied by a local guide + English-speaking guide.

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your host family before heading to the local hot springs. You will be able to bathe there for an hour.

In the company of your guide, you make a detour to the Warorot market, where you can find all kinds of specialities from northern Thailand, such as Sai Ua (northern sausage), Moo Yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam Phrik Num (northern green chilli 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.

You then leave the city center to gain altitude heading towards the Doi Suthep temple, perched on the mountain slopes 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.

On the way, a 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.

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 walking through its ancient underground tunnels, built for meditation. It is also an opportunity to interact, when possible, with the resident monks and learn more about monastic life.

Upon our arrival, we begin a guided hike on the Mae Wang trails. . We first walk along a mountain stream, before climbing higher 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 crops 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 with a Karen family, in a breathtaking setting on the edge of the jungle, amid rice fields.

Accompanied by our guide, we set out today into the mountains overlooking the city of Chiang Mai, in Doi Inthanon National Park.

We finally reach the highest point in Thailand, and begin a walk of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes through the forest and ridge with a magnificent panorama over the Pha Dok Seaw trail region. We will pass near waterfalls, and discover the 2 immense pagodas that stand at the summit of the mountain.

On our return route, we will stop for a short trip to the Wachirathan waterfalls.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a driver.

Return to Chiang Mai after visits.

Depending on your wishes, why not stay a few days in Bangkok or take advantage of a beach extension in the south (contact us )!

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles )