Summer Getaway in Thailand

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the quays and board a public boat-bus. Along the water, you travel upstream towards the historic center, on the right bank, to the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and experience your first immersion in authentic and traditional Asia.

Nous partons à la rencontre des joyaux architecturaux de Bangkok. Émerveillons-nous devant la splendeur du Grand Palais de Bangkok, édifié en 1782 : un ensemble somptueux de bâtiments et de cours intérieures, dont le Wat Phra Kaeo (temple du Bouddha d’émeraude). Nous y découvrons le célèbre Bouddha d’émeraude, précieuse statue datant du XIVe siècle, au cœur de l’un des sanctuaires les plus vénérés du pays.

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 emblematic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Then, we cross the river aboard a small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, we will be able to admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral motifs that glimmer 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 a vital artery of Bangkok. As we glide along the water, we discover the "Venice of the East," between peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the banks.

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 by train heading West to the SaiYok region, located 70 km to the 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 rock mass to allow the passage of the train. 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 the associated museum and take an emotional walk along the commemorative trail. Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours on site.

Return late afternoon to Kanchanaburi. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese kingdom. We set off 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 enjoy the sunset over its ruins.

We fly to Chiang Rai, our first stop in the north of the country. Upon arrival at the airport, we are welcomed by our guide and driver. Transfer to the hotel.

We start this day in Chiang Rai by discovering the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun, better known as the "white temple". Created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this site blends Buddhist architecture and contemporary art through surprising frescoes and many symbols inspired by Buddhism and popular culture. Its dazzling white color gives it an almost surreal atmosphere.

Continuation towards the Wat Rong Sua Ten, the famous "blue temple", imagined by a disciple of Chalermchai. Its deep blue hues, its nagas sculptures and its immense Buddha give it an atmosphere that is both mystical and modern.

We end the day at Wat Huay Pla Kang, known for its enormous white statue representing Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Its nine-story pagoda offers a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and rice fields.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
We spend 3 nights at Nak Nakara in a Lanna room.

From the small local port, we board a water taxi for a navigation of approximately one hour on the Mekong waters, offering beautiful panoramas of the villages and landscapes bordering 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 set up on the Laotian bank.

Visit 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 related 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 originating from neighboring Myanmar, some of whose women wear the famous golden spiral neck rings that create 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 believe 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, with full awareness, whether or not they wish to discover this village.

Stop at Bo Sang, the umbrella village, famous throughout Thailand for the traditional handcrafted production of its Sa paper umbrellas. This craft, introduced from Burma over a century ago by a monk, is what the village is renowned for today.

We visit the manufacturing center where several artisans continue this traditional craft, from the creation of the bamboo frame to the delicate painting of the colorful motifs that adorn the umbrellas.

Let's then head towards the Doi Suthep Temple, perched on the slopes of the mountain at approximately 1,200 meters altitude. A true symbol of Chiang Mai, this magnificent Buddhist temple offers an atmosphere filled with serenity and spirituality, where statues, sanctuaries and bells accompany the faithful and visitors in a moment of contemplation. According to legend, its location was chosen by a white elephant carrying a sacred relic of Buddha: after climbing the mountain, the animal is said to have stopped at the summit, trumpeted three times and then lay down, thus indicating the place where the temple was to be built. Today, its terraces offer a spectacular view over the city and surrounding valley.

Along the way, a stop at Wat Pha lat, a more discreet temple nestled in the forest, appreciated for its peaceful setting and almost intimate atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

We settle comfortably into the hotel De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai for our nights in Chiang Mai.

This morning, you set off 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 alleys of the city. Along the way, you travel through historic neighborhoods dotted with ancient temples, cross paths with monks in their daily lives, and stop by bustling markets. The itinerary also takes you beyond the city walls, where the pace becomes more relaxed, to discover a more local Chiang Mai: everyday scenes, small workshops, craftsmanship and residents who watch you pass with curiosity. Small group activity, accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 Km

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

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

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (coconut and lemongrass 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)

Early in the morning, we head to an elephant sanctuary located in the tropical forest of the Mae Taeng valley, one 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 tell 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.

Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Transfer to Chiang Mai airport where we board our flight to Surat Thani.

Arrival at our hotel, the Baan Thong Ching, where we can rest by the sea for a few days.

Rest day. Various activities can be arranged on site: Visit to the surroundings, in particular Tham Khao Whang Thong Cave, Relaxation on the beach, Hiking at Khao Luang, Fishing, Snorkeling …

Morning departure from the hotel to the pier and boat crossing to the Mae Nam pier on the Island of Koh Samui, Thailand's 2nd largest island by area, bordered along its entire coastline with white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees. The island offers some of the most pleasant accommodations in the country and a relaxed atmosphere, to which one willingly surrenders, and which makes it all the more welcoming.

Our driver awaits us upon arrival at the pier and transfers us to our hotel. We settle in for 4 nights at Paradise Beach Resort in a Grand Deluxe room, on the very beautiful Mae Nam beach in the north of Samui.

Speedboat excursion limited to 16 passengers.

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After morning pickup from Koh Samui, head directly to the pier to begin your maritime excursion among the 42 islands of Ang Thong. After being equipped with masks and snorkels, you will navigate to Koh Wao island to snorkel in crystal-clear waters amid magnificent coral reefs of great diversity. Explore the sheltered bay keeping your eyes open to spot tropical fish.

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Continuing through the national park, you will arrive at Koh Mae Ko, disembark and head to the panoramic view of the Emerald Lagoon, a jewel of the Ang Thong park. Fed by the sea through a series of caves, the lagoon is completely intact as swimming in it is prohibited. Next, head to Koh Phaluai for Thai beachside lunch and to relax on the beach before returning to Koh Samui.

Free day to enjoy the beach and available activities (not included, to be booked on site):

• Boat excursion

• Hiking

• Mountain biking

• Cooking class

• Elephant sanctuary (if available)

• And many more

In the evening, you can stroll freely through the Chinese quarter, wandering the alleyways that overflow with all kinds of shops. At the beginning of the evening, the night market is set up on Yaowarat Road and its adjoining illuminated alleyways which give new life to the district. You will find all sorts of Thai and Chinese specialties there for dinner.

Depending on your flight time, departure for Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!