Angkor Kingdom & Land of Smiles

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

Night at La Niche D'Angkor Boutique

Full-day visit by 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 40m reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and its great diversity of sculptures as well as the Terrace of the Leper King. We conclude with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with sprawling aerial roots.

We can finish 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 (note: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, creating a queue). Due to an already packed schedule, we deliberately skip a few secondary temples on 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 arrange the schedule as best as possible. Possibility to carry out visits in reverse order to avoid the crowds. Just mention it to your guide at the start of the day.

The temples are sacred places, avoid short clothing, you must cover your shoulders and wear long trousers 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 behave noisily inside a sacred place, calm and respect are key words. It is inadvisable to buy items or sweets from child vendors, it only encourages begging and school truancy, prefer a donation to an association if it is close to your heart. If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Moreover, 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 begins at 8pm but it is advisable to arrive 20-30 minutes early. Some activities/shops are also available from 6pm including a small traditional Khmer dance show. Category B seating included. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we start the day with a visit to the Angkor Centre for Biodiversity Protection. We will be able to see the efforts made by local and international teams to protect endangered 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 trip needed to reach the site of Kbal Spean, nicknamed "the underwater temple". Temple ruins dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is strewn with sculpted lingas. A small waterfall near the sacred protected site will allow us to cool off and even take a dip (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 or sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.

After lunch, we continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple on a human scale compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This rose-colored 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 the energy, we can conclude the day with a visit to Banteay Samre temple or return directly to the hotel. 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 the water level. Return to the city 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 production workshop unique in the world showcasing the manufacturing process 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 the creation of this rare and sought-after fabric by great fashion designers: the harvesting of stems; the spinning which involves transforming fibers into high-quality thread; the 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 the road to Phnom Krom mountain located nearby. From up there, we will have a beautiful view of all the rice fields in the 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 production workshop unique in the world showcasing the manufacturing process 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 the creation of this rare and sought-after fabric by great fashion designers: the harvesting of stems; the spinning which involves transforming fibers into high-quality thread; the 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 and 3 "do-it-yourself" workshops. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Transfer to Battambang. South of Battambang, visiting the 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 cake production and converse with locals about their daily life. Take the opportunity to also stop at the Battambang vineyards. 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 out to discover the Phnom Sampov temple, "the ship-hill" where we stay until sunset to observe the flight of bats and their incredible choreography towards the sky. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Cycling is an excellent way to meet local communities, so our morning will be dedicated to a full guided bike tour through beautiful Cambodian countryside. This authentic immersion in a rural environment will allow us to visit a Buddhist temple with a dark history, observe the daily life of villagers and discover some of the region's artisanal productions (bamboo cake, rice wine, banana chips, fish paste, rice paper…). Rich and friendly exchanges await us during this itinerary. Half-day bike tour accompanied by 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 hitting the road again.

But before that, try the famous bamboo train of Battambang! 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 the heart of 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 from the docks, and we set off on a mini-excursion hunting for fireflies that illuminate the waters.

This evening, we head to the docks 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: plate of stir-fried noodles, a few skewers of shrimp or squid, or why not some pre-cut mangoes.

Early in the morning, we head to Maeklong market, where 4 times a day, fruit and vegetable stalls are hastily folded away as the train passes through the market. Then, half a day discovering life in the mangroves. By boat, we set out 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 Wat Bang Khae Noi temple, located not far from the city. We appreciate its architecture, for which the building was entirely constructed from 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, treat yourself to a Thai massage. (Optional activity to arrange with your guide, on site).

Before leaving Amphawa, we stop at a Thai family home to learn how to make small objects from palm leaves, particularly 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 great Wat Tham Sua temple, accessible by climbing with a small cable-car (local standards!!) Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Check-in at the Royal Riverkwai Resort Spa, with a superior double room). Riverside hotel with swimming pool - Located about ten kilometers after the city and the train bridge.

Departure for the 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 west at the end of the railway line.

After lunch, we spend the afternoon at "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 late afternoon to Kanchanaburi (60 km approximately 1 hour drive to the hotel). Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Morning departure to the national park and Erawan Falls where we discover superb waterfalls extending over 7 levels and turquoise water. (Note: From the 3rd level onwards, the terrain is very slippery.). 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 Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. We continue towards Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which formerly served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, Wat Chai Watthanaram, from where we can appreciate the beauty of its ruins.

In the mid-afternoon, we head to Bangkok, the modern capital of Thailand. Hotel check-in, 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.

Morning departure to reach the pier and take public water buses upstream 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 go 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 boat ride in a traditional "long-tail" water taxi 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 which still lives on the water's edge.