From the City of Angels to the Rose of the North

Accompanied by your guide, you join the quays and then board a public water bus. Along the water, you head towards the historic center, on the right bank, up to the flower market of Pak Khlong Talat. Strolling through the fragrant aisles and your first immersion in authentic and traditional Asia.

You are departing to meet the architectural jewels of Bangkok. 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). You discover the famous Emerald Buddha there, a precious statue dating from the 14th century, at the heart of one of the most venerated sanctuaries in the country.

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 emblematic figure of the site, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Then, you cross the river aboard a 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 motifs that glimmer in the light.

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

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Aboard a traditional long-tail boat, we will discover the stalls set up on the water and along the banks, offering fresh fruits, local specialties, handicrafts and souvenirs. This visit will allow us to appreciate an authentic facet of Thai way of life.

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 make a brief stop at the Mae Klong railway market, where 4 times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls quickly fold up as the train passes through the market.

After lunch, we explore the historic center of Ayutthaya. We notably visit the Wat Mahathat, a major temple dating from the late 14th century, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, 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 kingdom's past grandeur.

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

In the company of 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 delights. In addition to local food, the market also offers clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery tools, flowers, and much more.

Upon arriving 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 a pious meditation in an atmosphere steeped in silence and mysticism, where each stone, each statue, each step reveals an aspect of Buddhism. Along the way, stop at the temple Wat Pha Lat.

Visit to 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.

Early in the morning, we head to an elephant sanctuary located in the tropical forest of the Mae Taeng valley, about an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, after a short walk, we will prepare the fruits with which we will feed 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

Rest of the day is free. Take the opportunity to 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 plaques and other metals; you can see craftsmen working with metal on site. Unguided activity.

This morning, we set off by bike to discover Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North". Starting from the famous Tha Phae Gate, and with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we quickly leave the main roads to slip into the small streets and traditional alleyways of the city. Along the way, we cross historic neighborhoods dotted with ancient temples, we encounter monks in their daily lives, and we stop by lively markets. The route also takes us outside the city walls, where the pace becomes more relaxed, to meet a more local Chiang Mai: everyday scenes, small workshops, craftsmanship and busy locals who watch you pass with curiosity. Activity in a small group, accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 Km

Late in the afternoon, we depart for a traditional cooking class in English, organized in the countryside, outside Chiang Mai, in an old house in Lanna style. In a friendly atmosphere, we discover the basics of Thai cuisine and learn to balance the emblematic flavors: spicy, sweet, salty and tangy.

Throughout the session, we will prepare several must-try recipes, before tasting our creations on site.

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

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (coconut milk soup with lemon)

• 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)