Thailand's Great Discovery in Small Groups

Accompanied by your guide, you join the quays then board a public water bus. Following the water, you head up towards the historic center, on the right bank, to the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and immerse yourself for the first time in an authentic and traditional Asia.

We set out to discover the architectural jewels 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 the 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 country's most venerated sanctuaries.

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

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

A ride aboard a traditional private long-tail boat on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and a vital artery of Bangkok. As we drift along the water, we discover the "Venice of the Orient," with its peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples tucked along the riverbanks.

Departure to the station and boarding around 10:40 on the famous ''Death Railway'' made famous by the story of the film ''The Bridge on the River Kwai'', for approximately 1 hour of train travel westward to the SaiYok region, located 70 km west at the end of the railway line.

After lunch, we stop at HellFire pass, a long trench of the Death Railway carved into a huge rocky mass to allow the train to pass through. The work carried out by prisoners of Japanese soldiers is said to have cost the lives of over 100,000 forced laborers and other prisoners of war.

Visit to the associated museum and a moving walk along the memorial trail. Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours on site.

Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. We set out to discover the historic center of the city, including the Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. We continue to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which formerly served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, the Wat Chai Watthanaram, from where we can appreciate the sunset over its ruins.

We begin our visit to Uthai Thani with Wat Chantaram, also known as Wat Tha Sung, a remarkable Buddhist temple and renowned tourist site for its unique architecture. This temple is one of the most impressive in Thailand, often called the "Glass Temple" because of its glass-adorned interior.

We continue with a visit to Khao Sakae Krang, a hill located in Uthai Thani province. This hill is famous for the Buddhist temple "Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri" which stands at the summit, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding region.

We then embark on a boat cruise along the Sakae Krang river to observe the traditional way of life and the floating houses of the inhabitants along the banks. This preserved destination is a remnant of Thailand from several decades ago with its slow pace and picturesque landscape.

We set off on a magnificent cycling excursion to discover Sukhothai, the cradle of Thai history. From the small village of Ban Khuai, we traverse peaceful landscapes of endless rice fields with the Khao Luang mountains as a backdrop, taking rural paths and irrigation canals typical of the Thai countryside.

Along the way, we also discover a wooden furniture workshop before reaching the Sukhothai Historical Park. We explore its emblematic temples such as Wat Chang Lom, Wat Si Chum and Wat Mahathat, true masterpieces of Buddhist and Hindu architecture from the golden age of the kingdom.

Guided through the history and culture of this ancient capital, we also enjoy a local lunch before continuing our cycling tour in the southern part of the site. An unforgettable cultural and sporting immersion at the heart of one of Thailand's most beautiful heritage sites.

We begin our discovery of Lampang with a visit to the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient temple dating from the Phra Nang Cham tewi era with ancient architecture.

In the mid-afternoon, we enjoy a pleasant walk through the old Kad Kong Ta street where you will find beautiful teak houses and notably the Moung Ngwe Zin house.

Then, we head to the magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao temple, the former guardian of the Emerald Buddha. theWat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is, beyond its religious purpose, a historic and architectural icon from the 15th century of the city of Lampang. Night at Lampang River Lodge.

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, we visit the extraordinary Le Wat Rong Khun "white temple", a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most renowned artists: Chalermchai Kositpipat.

In reality, while the site mimics the appearance of a religious complex, its purpose is quite different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from statues of Buddha in meditation to pop culture idols such as Michael Jackson, along with murals that celebrate the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the building a unique and striking character.

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 lining 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 located on the Laotian shore.

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 cultivation. 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 neck rings 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 consider that these visits also make it possible to generate essential income for refugee communities often living in modest conditions. We therefore prefer to leave everyone free to choose, in all conscience, whether or not they wish to discover this village.

A few kilometers before our arrival in the city, we turn off to take a stroll through Mae Khampong, a charming mountainous village that breathes serenity. Take advantage of the morning to explore this lovely century-old town of 500 inhabitants. Admire the tea gardens, rice fields on the surrounding hills and the farms where buffalo graze peacefully.

On our way to Chiang Mai we can visit, weather permitting, the village of Bo Sang, renowned throughout Thailand for the artisanal production of its Sa paper umbrellas. This art, originating from Burma, was brought here over a century ago by a monk. We begin our visit at the Umbrella Making Center where several craftsmen work at each stage of umbrella production (frame making, painting motifs, etc). We will then discover other small workshops in the little streets, whether for umbrella making, production of the famous Sa paper or other crafts (silver and wood work).

A few kilometers further on, we stop at the Silk Village, a beautiful workshop where the entire process of silk production, from the silkworm to weaving, will be explained to you.

This morning, you will depart on a bike ride to discover Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North". From the famous Tha Phae gate, and with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, you quickly leave the main roads to slip into the small streets and traditional alleyways of the city.

You will discover many ancient temples, monks walking through the city, lively markets and the daily life of residents, in particular that of artisans from mountain communities going about their activities as we pass by on our bikes, under their curious eyes, in their neighborhood.

Small group activity accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.

In the late afternoon, you'll head to a traditional cooking class in English, organized in the countryside, outside Chiang Mai, in an old Lanna style house. In a friendly atmosphere, you'll discover the basics of Thai cuisine and learn to balance iconic flavors: spicy, sweet, salty and tangy.

Throughout the session, you'll prepare several essential recipes before tasting your creations on site.

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

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup) or Tom Kha Gai (coconut and lemon chicken soup)

• Pad Thaï (Thai-style stir-fried rice noodles)

• Panang Moo (Panang curry with pork)

• Pad Makhueau Yao (stir-fried Chinese eggplants) or Poh Pia tod (fried spring rolls)

For dessert, Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango) will be served.

Early in the morning, we join 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 fruit 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 teach 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.

In the afternoon, tuk-tuk ride in Chiang Mai for 2 hours, through its iconic temples, bustling markets and charming alleyways.
An authentic immersion between tradition and modernity, with stops to discover local culture.
A lively and exotic experience, ideal for exploring the city differently and feeling its unique energy.

From our hotel, we head to the docks for a full-day excursion to the 4 islands.

By longtail boat we first head towards Pranang Bay, an isolated peninsula at the end of Railay Beach, one of the most beautiful in Thailand.

We discover Pranang Cave, its origins and the local traditions of fishermen, before you relax on a beautiful beach.

Back on the boat, then heading to the local islands on a small beach to taste some local specialties (buffet lunch). Then on the program: snorkeling, visiting the small paradisiacal islands of the region, stops on isolated beaches away from mass tourism (Koh Poda, Koh Tup and Chicken Islands). Finally heading to the main beach of Koh Poda to end this day beautifully with an aperitif at sunset. On the return, night snorkeling in the middle of luminescent plankton: a unique experience

Private cruise

Take advantage of this/these free day(s) in Ao Nang to relax on the beach, enjoy your hotel's facilities and admire the magnificent coastline of the region. You can notably reach the superb Railay beach just a few minutes away or go on an excursion to the surrounding islands.

Possible excursions: Cruise to discover Phang Nga Bay, the islands Koh Phi Phi or the 4 islands, Visit the hinterland including the emerald pool, hot springs or the tiger cave temple, Cycling or scooter ride along the coast or in the hinterland.

Day trip by speedboat around the mythical Phi Phi islands to share in a small group (Max. 15/17 people on a 35-seat boat).

Our experience allows us to adapt the itinerary at any time to make this day as exclusive as possible, meaning far from mass tourism!

We will visit Bamboo Islands, Monkey Beach, the lagoon, Viking Cave and Maya Bay but also and especially we will enjoy the lesser-known beaches.

What's on the program? Fantastic landscapes, numerous beaches and swimming, at least two incredible snorkeling dives in the transparent waters of Koh Phi Phi where you may have the chance to observe sharks and turtles, lunch on a peaceful beach. Return around 3pm.

Installation at the Shanghai Mansion, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown.

In the evening, you can stroll freely through Chinatown, wandering through the bustling alleyways filled with shops of all kinds. Early in the evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its illuminated side streets, bringing new life to the neighborhood. You'll find all sorts of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner.