Kingdom of Angkor & Land of Smiles

By tuk-tuk, we make today a first tour of exploration and scouting of Siem Reap: city tour, market, surrounding fields, etc.

We visit in particular the Lotus Farm, a unique production workshop in the world presenting the manufacturing method of the most ecological fabric from lotus fiber. After a presentation of the sacred lotus flower and its significance in Asian cultures, we will observe each stage of the creation of this rare fabric prized by major fashion designers: the harvesting of stems; the spinning which consists of transforming fibers into a high quality thread; the weaving to arrive at the finished product; and finally the recycling of unused parts of the plant for medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic purposes.

We continue with a visit to the National Museum of Angkor, an excellent introduction to the temples of the following days. The museum will provide us with detailed information on the history of Khmer civilization and its cultural heritage. Its collections include genuine treasures from the Angkor archaeological site and bear witness to the richness of Khmer art.

You will particularly appreciate the superb gallery of 1000 Buddhas and the magnificent presentation of the temples.

In the evening, on the lovely stage set up at the Angkor Village resort, we attend a dinner show featuring traditional dance. Dancers, singers and musicians present a selection of Cambodia's most famous classical and folk dances to take you from the ancient Angkorian palaces to today's villages. Traditional Khmer menu; vegetarian menu and tapas available upon request. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Day trip by tuk-tuk of the wonderful temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom enclosure.

We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the pinnacle of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era.

Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, discover Bayon and its many towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic 40m reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and its great diversity of sculptures as well as the Terrace of the Leper King.

Let's continue with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with tentacle-like aerial roots. We can end this day with a sunset either at Srah Srang, or from the heights of Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng if you're ready to brave the crowds (note: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, creating a queue).

Due to an already busy schedule, we deliberately skip a few secondary temples of the small circuit such as Banteay Kdei, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda or Ta Keo. If you wish to visit these sites, don't hesitate to inform your guide at the beginning of the day so he can best arrange the schedule.

Possibility to visit the temples in reverse order to avoid crowds. You just need to mention it to your guide at the start of the day. The temples are sacred places, avoid short clothing, you must cover your shoulders and wear long pants or a long skirt.

In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch sculptures or sit on temple elements. In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to misbehave inside a sacred place, calmness and respect are the watchwords. It is discouraged to buy items or sweets from street vendor children, as this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer a donation to an association if you care about it. If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Furthermore, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Departure for a hiking trip of approximately one hour required to reach the Kbal Spean site nicknamed "the temple underwater". Ruins of temples dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with carved lingas. After lunch, continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple with human proportions compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon.

This pink sandstone temple nicknamed "The Citadel of Women" is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns. If we have any energy left, we can continue with a visit to the Banteay Samre temple located nearby. In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable circus show with incredibly talented artists! The circus show starts at 8 p.m. but it is recommended to arrive 20-30 minutes early.

A few activities/shops are also available from 6 p.m. including a small traditional Khmer dance show. Seat included category B Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

This morning, we visit the floating village of Mechrey by private boat. Located 25 km from Siem Reap, it is one of the least touristy floating villages. Ideal for getting a glimpse of the locals' way of life on the water, you will be able to see all floating structures there: Homes, schools, restaurants and even… a pagoda!

Once we arrive at our destination, we settle into the hotel before heading out for the final visits of the day.

South of Battambang, visiting the Banon temple erected at the top of a hill offers you, after climbing 358 steps, a lovely panorama of the Cambodian countryside. As you pass through traditional villages bordering the road, you can witness the family-made production of rice cakes and chat with locals about their daily life. Take the opportunity to also stop at the Battambang vineyards. An opportunity to admire the greenhouse work of Cambodian winegrowers. And taste the wine if you wish. After checking in at your hotel, set off to discover the Phnom Sampov temple, "the ship-hill".

You stay there until sunset to observe the flight of bats and their incredible choreography towards the sky.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Cycling is an excellent way to meet local communities, so your morning will be dedicated to a large guided bicycle ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside.

This authentic immersion in a rural environment will allow you to visit a Buddhist temple with a dark history, observe the daily life of villagers and discover some of the region's artisanal productions such as bamboo cakes with sticky rice, rice wine, banana chips, prahok, rice paper or even a crocodile farm. Rich exchanges full of smiles await you during this itinerary.

After lunch (on your own) and checking out of our rooms, we meet our driver who will take us to the famous bamboo train of Battambang!

The fresh air will pleasantly tickle our faces as our eyes admire the rice fields painted in the landscape. We then continue our journey towards Siem Reap Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide Return to La Niche D'Angkor Boutique hotel for one last night.

After lunch (on your own) and checking out of our rooms, we meet our driver who will take us to the famous bamboo train of Battambang!

The fresh air will pleasantly tickle our faces as our eyes admire the rice fields painted in the landscape.

This evening, we head to the docks to taste the local flavors of the Floating Market, which operates on weekend evenings. Along the canals, many locals have come to dine. Like them, we order our small dishes directly from each boat: stir-fried noodle dishes, a few shrimp or squid skewers, or why not some pre-cut mangoes.

The program will be adapted so that this day falls on a Saturday. This morning, we set off for the small floating market of Tha Kha, rich in colors and scents. A real immersion in Thai local life.

We start with a small 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.

Next, we set off to discover life in the mangroves. By boat, we explore this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion, we discover the lifestyle of fishermen (here, cockle fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

This morning, we head out to meet the Baan Bang Phlap community. We hop on our bikes for a tour through the coconut plantations where we see how coconut sugar is made. During our visit we meet a group of women busy preparing bamboo, lemon and papaya-based dishes. We continue now in an orchard where organic grapefruits are grown. Let's continue through the countryside to a traditional kite-making workshop.

We return to the starting point for a tasting of coconut and grapefruit.

Arrival in Kanchanaburi, where we will take the time to visit the grand temple of Wat Tham Suea, accessible by climbing with a small cable-car (local standards !!).

Boarding around 10:40 a.m. on the famous "Death Railway" made famous by the story of the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai", for approximately 1 hour by train heading West towards the Sai Yok region, located 70 km to the west at the end of the railway line.

We will then be transferred to Elephant Haven for lunch.

Upon arrival, you will meet your guide as well as the mahouts, the elephant caretakers. Together, you will prepare their food before meeting these gentle giants and participating in their meal.

You will then set off on a walk through the forest alongside these majestic pachyderms, while your guide will introduce you to their way of life, their behavior, and the conservation efforts in place for their protection.

The experience will continue with observing the elephants playing in the mud, a natural behavior essential to their well-being. You will then accompany them to the river for their bath, a moment that is both playful, moving, and privileged.

Finally, we will return to camp, where you will have the opportunity to capture this exceptional encounter with a few final photos before returning to your hotel at the end of the day.

Morning departure for the national park and the Erawan waterfall (63 km drive). This national park is home to a stunning cascade extending over 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue waters populated by Mahseer Barbs. If you prefer, you can stay around the first 3 levels, the easiest to access, and take a swim there, but a climb to the 7th level, while not difficult, is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic spot in the area.

After lunch, we set off to discover the historic center of Ayutthaya. We explore in particular the Wat Mahathat, a major temple dating from the late 14th century, famous for the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree, which has become one of the symbols of the site.

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 former grandeur of the kingdom.

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

Accompanied by our guide, we make our way to the docks and board a public river bus. As we travel along the water, we head towards the historic city center on the right bank, all the way to the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Pak Khlong Talat is Thailand's largest flower market. Once a floating market, it is today famous for its mountains of orchids, jasmine and roses. Flowers arrive here from all over the country, often in the middle of the night, making it one of Bangkok's most vibrant places before dawn. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and take your first immersion into authentic and traditional Asia.

You set off to discover the architectural jewels of Bangkok. 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). You discover the famous Emerald Buddha, a precious statue dating from the 14th century, at the heart of one of the country's most venerated sanctuaries.

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 place, 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 motifs that glitter in the light.

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 travel along the water, you discover the "Venice of the Orient," with its peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the riverbanks.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide