Culture & Nature in Northern Thailand

After breakfast, we set off to discover the historic center of the city, including the templeWat Mahathat, dating from the late 14th century.

Continuation towards the temple Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which formerly served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city;

And then the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, famous for its Reclining Buddha.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

This morning, we take the road to Lopburi the city of monkeys where we will have lunch. Along the way, we stop at Wat Phra Phutthabat, the "temple of the Buddha's footprint", as it contains a natural depression that is believed to be a footprint of the Buddha. We then discover the city of Lopburi, which had once been made famous by the many monkeys roaming its streets. Little known to travelers, the city that was several times the capital of the kingdom, nevertheless enjoys a rich historical past. The numerous ruins and ancient palaces testify to this and make the city of monkeys an interesting stop on the road to Sukhothai.

We begin our visit with the Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple with Khmer architecture that was originally a Mahayana Buddhism sanctuary, and where many macaques now reside.

We then discover the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, before enriching ourselves at the King Narai Palace which today houses a national museum.

Early morning departure, and short transfer to Sukhothai. From there we begin a cycling excursion along small canals winding through the region's rural communities and rice fields. We discover rural life and the importance of canals in their daily lives (agriculture, bathing, laundry, fishing for dinner...).

We finally reach the city of Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom, and the renowned historical park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which we visit. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

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 middle of the afternoon, we enjoy a pleasant walk through the old Kad Kong Ta street where you can find beautiful teak houses and in particular the Moung Ngwe Zin house.

Then, we head to the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao temple, the former keeper of the Emerald Buddha. the Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao is, beyond its religious purpose, a historic and architectural icon of the 15th century in the city of Lampang.

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 imitates 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 like Michael Jackson, along with murals celebrating the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the building a unique and surprising character.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

We join the port where we embark for a cruise on the Mekong, in the heart of the famous Golden Triangle, a region marked by the meeting of Thai, Lao and Burmese borders. Aboard a local boat, we will enjoy a cruise of approximately one hour on this mythical river, while admiring the landscapes that border its banks.

We will then continue our discovery along the banks of the Mekong to a viewpoint offering a panorama of the river and the impressive entertainment complex located on the Lao bank.

Visit of the remarkable Opium Museum 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 related to this cultivation. A fascinating visit that allows you to better understand the complex history of this border region.

Return to Chiang Rai, with a stop at the Tawan Dachanee Residence (also called ''Black House''), the most famous of Thailand's (contemporary) painters.

Upon arrival 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 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, a stop at the Wat Pha Lat temple.

This morning, you set off on a bike ride 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, you quickly leave the main roads behind to slip into the small streets and traditional alleyways of the city.

You will discover many ancient temples, monks walking through the city, bustling markets and the daily life of the residents, particularly that of artisans from the highland communities who go about their activities while we cycle past under their curious eyes, in their neighborhood.

Activity in a small group accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.

Late in the afternoon, you head off 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, you discover the basics of Thai cuisine and learn to balance the emblematic flavors: spicy, sweet, salty and tangy.

Throughout the session, you prepare several classic recipes, before tasting your creations on site.

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

Menu (indicative):

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

• 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) is served.

Upon arrival, we begin a guided hike on the Mae Wang trails. We first walk along a mountain stream, before climbing to higher ground and crossing the terraced rice fields that shape the region's landscape. We take a lunch break near a waterfall, with the possibility to cool off.

In the afternoon, the hike continues through cultivated areas 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 trekking guide. Total duration: approximately 5h30, including 3h30 of actual hiking.

This evening we are welcomed for dinner and the night by a Karen family, in a breathtaking setting on the edge of the jungle, surrounded by rice fields.

After breakfast at our hosts' place, we can enjoy a short morning walk in the surroundings before driving to Chi's camp, a young Karen who shares his daily life with his elephants.

Here, the approach is respectful and focused on animal welfare: no riding, no shows, and limited interactions, always supervised, to give the elephants the space and pace they need.

Upon arrival, we prepare the fruit that will be used to feed them. You set off to walk with them in the jungle, where they move freely while feeding on the vegetation. Our guide helps us better understand their behavior and the attention paid to their balance, for an authentic, gentle and ethical encounter.

In the afternoon, to cool off, you enjoy a peaceful descent of the Mae Wang River aboard a traditional bamboo raft. Guided by a local boatman, the raft glides gently with the flow of the water, offering a calm and contemplative way to discover the surrounding landscapes.

At the tranquil pace of the current, you travel through lush nature between forests, rice fields and wild banks. A simple and relaxing activity, ideal for ending the day gently.

This morning, we set off for a bike tour in the capital's green lung. Accompanied by a private local guide for the island section, we embark on the extraordinaryBike ride in Bang Krachao- a real jungle in the heart of the city. We will make some additional stops along the way (subject to availability)

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 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 patterns that shimmer in the light.

Private tour on a traditional long-tail boat on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways. Discover the Venice of the Orient and the traditional way of life of this city's inhabitants, half of whom still live on the water.

Day tour with an English-speaking local guide