Splendors of the Siam, Lanna & Khmer Kingdoms - Nomadays

Thailand

Splendors of the Siam, Lanna & Khmer Kingdoms

Embark on the trail of the ancient kingdoms of Southeast Asia. After visiting Bangkok, you will discover the former Lanna Kingdom, with Chiang Mai as its capital. After 4 days of exploring this beautiful mountainous region, you will arrive in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam, where we will explore its ruins.

Our tour concludes in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with a visit to the magnificent temples of Angkor.

Day 1Welcome and free visit of Bangkok

Day 1Welcome and free visit of Bangkok

  • Welcome by our team, followed by transfer to your hotel. Rooms available from 2:00 PM.

    Rest of the day at leisure.

    In case of early arrival, you will be able to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and relax by the pool. If you wish to have your room available upon arrival, an "early check-in" supplement will be required.
    
  • Overnight at the hotel Baan Vajra in a superior room.

Day 2The *"Green Lung"* of Bangkok

Day 2The *"Green Lung"* of Bangkok

  • This morning, we set off for a bike tour in the "lung" of the capital. Accompanied by a local private guide for the island part, we head to the extraordinary Bang Krachao neighborhood – a true jungle in the heart of the city.

    We will also make a few side visits along the way (if available):

    • Mushroom farm;
    • Incense stick making workshop;
    • Small temples and old houses of the neighborhood.
  • We then head to the historic center and visit Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, to see its reclining Buddha.

  • We then cross the river by a small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.

  • Private traditional "long-tail" boat ride on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most important rivers in the country. Discover the Venice of the East and the traditional life of the locals, where half of the city’s population still lives by the water.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.
    
1h 45m-100km
15m-15km
1h 15m-80km

Day 3Market Day

Day 3Market Day

  • Visit to the colorful, lively, and flavorful Damnoen Saduak floating market. By boat, along the narrow canals of the market, we discover stalls of goods cheerfully balanced on the water. We negotiate for fresh fruits, clothing, or Thai masks from vendors proudly wearing straw hats and brightly colored dresses, all while on a wooden boat.

  • Continuing with a visit to Wat Bang Kung (Kai Bang Kung), commonly known as 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 fighters, commemorating the Battle of Ayutthaya between Thailand and Burma at the end of the 13th century.

  • We start with a quick stop at the Mae Klong Railway Market, where four times a day, fruit and vegetable stalls hurriedly fold away as the train passes through the market.

1h 10m-600km

Day 4First step into the beauty of the North

Day 4First step into the beauty of the North

  • Transfer to Don Muang Airport and flight to the capital of the North, Chiang Mai.

    Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.

  • We take a stroll through the center of the old town, including a visit to the stunning Wat Sri Suphan temple, located in the Silversmiths' Street of Wualai. This temple is entirely covered in silver plates and other metals; you can see artisans working with metal on-site.

  • We'll be staying at the De Lanna Hotel for 2 nights in Deluxe room.

Day 5Bike Ride & Cooking Class

Day 5Bike Ride & Cooking Class

  • This morning, we'll explore the "Rose of the North" by bike.

    Starting from the famous Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we'll venture into the city's traditional small streets and alleys. You'll discover numerous ancient temples, monks going about their daily routines, lively markets, and the daily lives of the locals, including artisans from mountain communities who will be busy with their tasks as we cycle through their neighborhoods, under their curious eyes.

    This activity will be in a small group accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.
    
  • In the late afternoon, we head to a traditional cooking class conducted in French in the countryside, outside the city, in an old Lanna style house.

    Note: Vegetarian or vegan dishes available.
    

    On the menu, typical Northern dishes:

    • Spicy shrimp soup (Tom Yam Gung)
    • Pork Panang curry (Panang Moo)
    • Minced pork (Nam Prik Ong)
    • Mango with sticky rice.
1h 15m-60km

Day 6With the Karen in Doi Inthanon National Park

Day 6With the Karen in Doi Inthanon National Park

  • This morning, we hit the road for the mountains overlooking the city of Chiang Mai, in the Doi Inthanon National Park, where we will embark on a guided hike in the mountains, as well as exploring the Karen populations of northern Thailand.

    We start our Doi Inthanon Hilltribe Trail trek. We walk along a mountain stream before reaching the lush green rice fields of the region at higher altitudes. We have lunch near a waterfall where we can also cool off.

    In the afternoon, our hike continues uphill. We reach a Karen village where we stop before venturing into the rice fields where our guesthouse is located.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Excursion duration approximately 5h30 including about 3h30 of effective walking
    
  • Tonight, we are welcomed for dinner and the night by a Karen family in a stunning setting.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Lunch: Included

Day 7In the company of elephants

Day 7In the company of elephants

  • After breakfast at our hosts' home and a morning stroll in the village, we drive to Chi's camp, a young Karen who will show us his elephants and way of life. Upon arrival, we prepare fruits to feed the elephants. We then walk together in the jungle, where the elephants continue to feed and we can interact with them in a natural environment. Our guide provides more information about their behavior. Finally, we witness the elephants bathing in the river.

    The activity is private and in the company of Chi.
    
  • In the afternoon, to cool off, we will take a short bamboo rafting trip down the Mae Wang River.

    The activity is a peaceful ride of about 40 minutes.
    
  • Overnight at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, a charming lodge on the banks of the Mae Wang.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Homestay

Lunch: Included

1h-50km
12h 50m-700km

Day 8Final moments in the beauty of the North

Day 8Final moments in the beauty of the North

  • In the morning, we make a detour to the Warorot Market, where you can find all kinds of specialties from northern Thailand, such as Sai ua (northern Thai sausage), Moo yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam phrik num (green chili paste from northern Thailand), and dried fruits, etc. In addition to local food, you can also find clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery supplies, flowers, etc.

  • We then head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple, located in the mountains at an altitude of 1,200 meters.

    This beautiful Buddhist temple invites you to a devout meditation in an atmosphere filled with silence and mysticism, where every stone, every statue, and every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism.

    On the way, we stop at Wat Pha Lat Temple.

  • Stop at a hotel near the airport so you can freshen up before boarding your train.
    

    6:00 PM - we board our overnight train to Ayutthaya.

    Overnight in a 2nd class sleeper compartment.

1h-25km
Bang Pa-In
30m-25km

Day 9Ayutthaya, former capital of the kingdom

Day 9Ayutthaya, former capital of the kingdom

  • Morning arrival at the train station where we meet our new team. We make a stop at the hotel where you can drop off your belongings.

    Please note that rooms are generally available only from 2:00 PM. You can leave your luggage before starting the city tour and come back later in the day to check into your rooms.
    

    The day is dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

    We set off to explore the historical center of the city, including the temple Wat Mahathat, dating back to the late 14th century. Next, we continue to the temple Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which once served as a royal temple and is the largest in the city. Finally, we visit Wat Chai Watthanaram, where we can enjoy the sunset over its ruins.

  • We'll go on a boat excursion to Bang Pa-in. Along the way, we'll discover the Thai way of life, with houses on stilts, convoys of rice barges being towed to Bangkok's warehouses, and temple spires pointing skyward.

    Afterward, we'll meet our driver at the pier and visit the palace.

  • We meet our driver at the pier and visit Bang Pa Palace, built in the 17th century and left in ruins after the destruction of Ayutthaya. The palace was restored and expanded in the mid-19th century by the King, who would come here to spend the summer months.

    Return to Ayutthaya.

  • Night at the Baan Tye Wang hotel.

1h-450km
Siem Reap

Day 10Majestic temples of Angkor

Day 10Majestic temples of Angkor

  • Transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, a pleasant city in Northern Cambodia, the gateway to the famous Angkor temples.

    Transfer to your hotel.

    Flight FD610. Departure from Bangkok at 09:55 AM, arriving in Siem Reap at 11:00 AM.
    
  • In a tuk-tuk, we take our first exploratory tour of Siem Reap: a city tour, market visit, surrounding fields, and more.

  • A visit to the Angkor National Museum provides detailed information about the history of the Khmer civilization and its cultural heritage. Its collections include real treasures from the Angkor archaeological site, showcasing the richness of Khmer art. We will particularly appreciate the superb gallery of 1000 Buddhas and the magnificent presentation of the temples.

Siem Reap
7km
Angkor Wat
3km
Angkor Thom City
35m-11km
Siem Reap

Day 11Majestic temples of Angkor

Day 11Majestic temples of Angkor

  • Before visiting the temples, at the entrance to the archaeological site, let's take a hot air balloon ride to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Angkor site and its surroundings.

    Note: vertical ascent of approximately 10 minutes; adjustments may be made depending on the weather.

  • Day of visiting the marvelous temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom complex.

    We will particularly discover Angkor Wat, a symbol of the peak of the Khmer Empire during the Angkor era. Within the walls of Angkor Thom, explore Bayon and its numerous towers adorned with gigantic faces, Baphuon with its massive 40-meter reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants with its wide variety of sculptures, as well as the Terrace of the Leper King.

    Next, we will continue to Ta Prohm, famous for its immense trees with sprawling aerial roots. We will conclude with a visit to the temple of Pre Rup.

    The temples are sacred places; avoid wearing short clothing, and cover your shoulders. Long pants or skirts are required.
    
    To preserve these fragile monuments, touching the sculptures or sitting on temple elements is prohibited.
    
    In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to make noise inside a sacred place; silence and respect are key.
    
    It is discouraged to buy items or sweets from selling children, as this only encourages begging and truancy. If you feel inclined, consider donating to an organization instead.
    
    If you wish to photograph monks (referred to as Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Moreover, you should never touch them; they are allowed to touch you, but not the other way around.
    
Siem Reap
1h 30m-65km
Phnom Kulen
1h 30m-65km
Siem Reap

Day 12Off the Beaten Path Walk at Angkor

Day 12Off the Beaten Path Walk at Angkor

  • Departure for a hike of approximately one hour to reach the site of Kbal Spean, known as "the temple under the water." Ruins of temples dating back to the 9th century line a riverbed strewn with carved lingas.

  • Continue with the visit to Banteay Srey, a human-sized temple compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple, nicknamed "The Citadel of Women," is renowned for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns. Your exploration continues with a visit to Banteay Samre temple.

  • Just a few steps from Banteay Srey, visit the Angkor Center for Biodiversity Conservation. You will see the efforts made by local and international teams to protect threatened local species: snakes, turtles, and other reptiles, as well as exotic birds and mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this enlightening and awareness-raising visit.

  • In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable circus performance featuring incredibly talented artists!

    Category B seating included.
    
Siem Reap
1h 10m-35km
Kampong Pluk
1h 10m-35km
Siem Reap

Day 13The vastness of Tonlé Sap Lake

Day 13The vastness of Tonlé Sap Lake

  • In the morning, transfer to the village of Kampong Pluk located on Lake Tonlé Sap, about a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap. We will board a private boat to explore and visit floating villages.

    Note: during the dry season, the excursion may be replaced by another visit depending on the water level.

  • In the afternoon, we will take a boat to the peripheral pockets of Tonlé Sap Lake to observe numerous rare birds. We will have the chance to see, among others, cormorants, grey or purple herons, lesser adjutants, spotted-billed pelicans, white ibises, and milky storks.

    There will also be an opportunity to interact with the residents of the Chreav community, who are involved in bird protection efforts at the site.

Departure

Day 14See you soon with the Nomadays collective!

Day 14See you soon with the Nomadays collective!

  • Breakfast at the hotel. Free day and transfer to the airport at your chosen time.

    Option for a beach extension in the islands. Please contact us.