Kingdom of Angkor & Land of Smiles

Welcome by your driver upon arrival at the airport. Transfer and check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Rooms available from 2:00 PM. If you arrive a bit early and your room is not yet ready, you can leave your luggage at the reception before going for a stroll in town or relaxing by the pool.

Night at La Niche D'Angkor Boutique

Day of sightseeing in tuk-tuk of the wonderful temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom enclosure. We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the apex of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era. Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, discover Bayon and its numerous towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic statue of reclining Buddha of 40m, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and its great diversity of sculptures but also the Terrace of the Leper King. Let us conclude with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with tentacular aerial roots.

We can end this day with a sunset either at Srah Srang, or from the heights of Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng if you are ready to brave the crowds (warning: Phnom Bakheng is closed to children under 12 years old and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, thus creating a queue). Due to an already full schedule, we deliberately skip a few secondary temples of the small circuit such as Banteay Kdei, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda or Ta Keo. If you wish to visit these sites, do not hesitate to inform your guide at the beginning of the day so he can best adjust the schedule. Possibility to do the visits in reverse order to avoid crowds. You just need to indicate this to your guide at the beginning of the day.

The temples are sacred places, avoid short clothing, you must cover your shoulders and wear long pants or a long skirt. In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch the sculptures or sit on temple elements. In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to fool around inside a sacred place, calm and respect are key words. It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child vendors, this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer a donation to an association if you wish. If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Furthermore, you must absolutely not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.

In the evening, we attend an unforgettable circus show with incredibly talented artists! The circus show starts at 8pm but it is advised to arrive 20-30min early. A few activities/shops are also available from 6pm including a small traditional Khmer dance performance. Seat included of category B. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we start the day with a visit to the Angkor Biodiversity Protection Center. We will be able to see the efforts made by local and international teams to protect threatened local species: turtles and other reptiles, birds and rare mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this discovery and awareness-raising visit.

We then begin the short hiking necessary to reach the site of Kbal Spean nicknamed "the temple underwater". Ruins of temples dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with carved lingas. A small waterfall near the sacred protected site will allow us to cool off or even swim there (bring a small towel). Very accessible hike of approximately 1.5 km (or 3 km round trip) with a slight elevation gain over the last 700 meters. Bring hiking shoes/sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.

After lunch, continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple with human proportions compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple nicknamed "The Citadel of Women" is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns. If we still have energy, we can conclude the day with a visit to Banteay Samre temple or return to the hotel directly. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

In the morning, we head to the village of Kampong Pluk located on Tonlé Sap Lake, just under 1 hour by car from Siem Reap. You board a private boat to discover and visit the floating village. During the excursion, small canoes will take you through the mangrove forest. Note: during the dry season (March to September), the excursion may be replaced by another visit depending on water levels. Return to town for lunch (on your own).

In the afternoon, we visit the APOPO organization and its famous demining rats, whose powerful sense of smell allows them to detect anti-personnel mines more efficiently and with less risk than a metal detector. We will learn more about this association's mission and the development of their activities for medical purposes.

We finally visit the Lotus Farm by Samatoa, a unique production workshop in the world presenting the manufacturing method of the most ecological fabric made from lotus fiber. After a presentation of the sacred lotus flower and its significance in Asian cultures, we will observe each stage of creating this rare fabric prized by major fashion designers: the harvesting of stems; spinning, which consists of transforming the fibers into high-quality thread; weaving to arrive at the finished product; and finally the recycling of unused parts of the plant for medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic purposes.

Let's continue on to Phnom Krom mountain located nearby. From up there, we will have a beautiful view of all the rice paddies in the surrounding area. We can also visit the temple and pagoda of Phnom Krom, at the top of the mountain, before enjoying the viewpoint at sunset.

We finally visit the Lotus Farm by Samatoa, a unique production workshop in the world presenting the manufacturing method of the most ecological fabric made from lotus fiber. After a presentation of the sacred lotus flower and its significance in Asian cultures, we will observe each stage of creating this rare fabric prized by major fashion designers: the harvesting of stems; spinning, which consists of transforming the fibers into high-quality thread; weaving to arrive at the finished product; and finally the recycling of unused parts of the plant for medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic purposes. The visit also includes a canoe tour as well as 3 do-it-yourself workshops. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Transfer to Battambang. South of Battambang, a visit to Banon temple erected at the top of a hill offers you, after climbing 358 steps, a lovely panorama of the Cambodian countryside.

Passing through traditional villages bordering the road, you can witness the family-made rice cracker production and converse with locals about their daily life. Take the opportunity to stop at the Battambang vineyards as well. A chance to admire the greenhouse work of Cambodian winemakers. And taste if you wish the wine, grape juice, ginger juice, and why not cognac!

We finally set off to discover the temple of Phnom Sampov, "the ship-hill" where we stay until sunset to observe the flight of bats and their incredible choreography across the sky. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Cycling being an excellent way to meet local communities, our morning will be dedicated to a great guided bicycle ride through beautiful Cambodian countryside. This authentic immersion in a rural setting will allow us to visit a Buddhist temple with a dark history, observe the daily life of villagers and discover some artisanal productions of the region (bamboo cake, rice wine, banana chips, fish paste, rice paper…). Rich and smiling exchanges await us during this itinerary. Half-day bike tour with an English-speaking local guide; the total route is 20km on flat terrain at a very leisurely pace.

You will be able to have lunch in town after returning your bikes to the depot. Your driver will then take you to the hotel for your check-out before getting back on the road.

But before that, try the famous bamboo train of Battambang! The fresh air will pleasantly tickle your face as your eyes admire the rice fields painted in the landscape.

Return to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in and rest/free time. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport from where we board our flight to Bangkok. Arrival in the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, we meet our new team who will accompany us throughout our journey in Thailand. We hit the road to Amphawa, a small town south of Bangkok where you can immerse yourself in Thai life. Its floating market is the most authentic in the country, with a large majority of Thai visitors.

In the early afternoon, we visit the King Rama II Memorial Park, where we find superb teak buildings. We continue with a visit to 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.

As night falls, a boat trip on the canal. Our boatman picks us up at the quays, and we set off on a mini-excursion hunting for fireflies that illuminate the waters.

This evening, we head to the quays to taste the local flavors of the Floating Market, which takes place on weekend evenings. Along the canals, many locals have come to dine. Like them, we order our small dishes directly from each boat: stir-fried noodle dish, some shrimp or squid skewers, or why not pre-cut mangoes.

Early in the morning, we head to Maeklong market, where 4 times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls are quickly folded away as the train passes through the market. Then, a half-day discovering life in the mangroves. By boat, we set off to explore this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion we discover the lifestyle of fishermen (here cockle fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm. Lunch of local specialties.

In the afternoon, visit to Wat Bang Khae Noi temple, located not far from the city. We appreciate its architecture, for which the building was entirely constructed in teak wood. Its walls are entirely carved and depict episodes from the previous lives of Buddha. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

In the evening, let yourself be tempted by a Thai massage. (Optional activity to be arranged with the guide, on site).

Before leaving Amphawa, we stop at a Thai family home to learn how to make small objects from palm leaves, including the little fish ''pla tapian'' whose mobiles are one of the specialties of the Ayutthaya and Amphawa region.

After lunch, we head to Kanchanaburi, where we will take time to visit the large temple of Wat Tham Sua, accessible by climbing with a small cable-car (local standards !!) Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Check-in at Royal Riverkwai Resort Spa, with a superior double room). Hotel on the riverside with swimming pool - Located about ten km after the town and the railway bridge.

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

After lunch, we spend the afternoon at the "Elephant Haven". On site, we buy baskets of fruit (not included – approximately 3 euros per basket), treats for the pachyderms. And in the early afternoon, swimming with the elephants!

Return in late afternoon to Kanchanaburi (60 km or approximately 1 hour drive to the hotel). Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Morning departure for the national park and Erawan Falls where we discover magnificent waterfalls extending over 7 levels and turquoise water. (Note: From the 3rd level onwards, very slippery terrain.). Swimming possible.

After free time to enjoy the waterfalls, we head to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

After breakfast, we set out to discover the historic center of the city, including the Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. We continue towards 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 beauty of its ruins.

In the mid-afternoon, we take the road to Bangkok, the modern capital of Thailand. Check-in at the hotel, before setting out to discover the surroundings. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

In the evening, magical dinner on a cruise boat, on the Chao Praya River. We spend 2 nights at Shanghai Mansion, a superb Boutique Hotel in the heart of the Chinese quarter.

Early morning departure to reach the pier and take public river buses heading towards the center, on the right bank and the Pak Khlong Talat flower market district. We begin our day with a visit to the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782, which includes several magnificent buildings, including Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains a magnificent Emerald Buddha dating from the 14th century.

Then, on foot we head to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, to discover its Reclining Buddha. We then cross the river with 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 in the country. Discovery of the Venice of the Orient and the traditional life of the inhabitants of this city, half of whom still live on the water.