From the City of Angels to the Rose of the North

Accompanied by your guide, you reach the quays and board a public water bus. Along the water, you head towards the historic center on the right bank, until you reach the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and immerse yourself in authentic, traditional Asia.

You set off to discover the architectural jewels of Bangkok. Be amazed by 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). You discover the famous Emerald Buddha, 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 iconic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Next, 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 patterns that shimmer 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 the lifeblood of Bangkok. Along the water, you discover the "Venice of the East," amid peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the riverbanks.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Aboard a traditional longboat, we will discover 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 away as the train passes through the market.

After lunch, we head out 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's head entwined in the roots of a tree, which has become one of the site's symbols.

The visit continues towards 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 into the heart of Siamese history.

With your guide, you take a detour to the Warorot market, where you can find all kinds of northern Thai specialties, such as Sai Ua (northern sausage), Moo Yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam Phrik Num (northern green chili paste) and dried fruits, among other delicacies. In addition to local food, the market also offers clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery tools, flowers, and much more.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you venture 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, you stop at the temple Wat Pha Lat.

Visit of 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 walking through its ancient underground tunnels, dug for meditation. It is also an opportunity to interact, when possible, with the resident monks and learn more about monastic life.

We travel to an elephant sanctuary located in the rainforest of the Mae Taeng valley, about an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, after a short walk, we will prepare fruit to feed the pachyderms. Meet the elephants that we will feed and interact with in a natural environment. Our guide will teach us more about their behavior and history. You will watch the elephants bathing in the river and be able to brush them. Return to Chiang Mai in early afternoon.

Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Rest of the day at your leisure. Take the opportunity to stroll through the center of the old town, notably visiting the superb Wat Sri Suphan temple, located in the Wualai silversmith street quarter. This temple is entirely covered with silver plates and other metals; you can see artisans 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 mountains of Doi Suthep 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 districts dotted with ancient temples, we encounter monks in their daily lives, and we stop by bustling markets. The itinerary also takes us outside the city walls, where the pace becomes more leisurely, to discover a more local Chiang Mai: scenes of everyday life, small workshops, craftsmanship and busy residents who watch you pass with curiosity. Small group activity, accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 km

In late afternoon, we depart for an English-speaking traditional cooking class, organized in the countryside, outside Chiang Mai, in an old Lanna style house. 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 essential recipes, before tasting our creations on site.

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

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (lemongrass coconut milk soup)

• 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)