Thailand and the luxury experience

BANGKOK
Arrival in Bangkok in the morning, you will be welcomed off the plane and benefit from expedited police formalities; a porter will collect your luggage and accompany you to the exit where your guide is waiting. Transfer and check-in at your hotel, with free time for the remainder of your first day.
The day after your arrival begins with the famous Wat Pho, known for its immense reclining Buddha and its massage school. Continue with a visit to the Grand Palace, its gilded chedis, chapels and, of course, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. On foot, you will reach the nearby Phra Chan pier: small shops and restaurants line this pier, along with the well-known amulet market. Amulets depict Buddha or highly venerated monks and are the object of genuine devotion. Return to your hotel. In the afternoon you will leave your hotel for another gem of gentleness. You will give in to a well-deserved massage at Nicolie, a renowned massage salon offering the best of tradition. In this dreamlike setting, you can fully unwind with a 90-minute Thai massage.
Your stay in Bangkok will also be an opportunity to visit the wonderful flower market, take a boat trip along the Thonburi canals (khlongs), and stop at the “village” of Ban Boo (except Saturdays and Sundays), where time seems to stand still, followed by a visit to Wat Arun and the Royal Barges Museum.
Meals not included.

KHAO YAI
Departure from Bangkok heading east to Nakhon Nayok, a region known for its agriculture and orchards. Enter Khao Yai National Park from the south; the small road runs alongside forest and, in places, jungle. Stop to visit Haew Narok waterfall, then a little further on, Haew Suwat waterfall. Picnic lunch in the park. Continue towards the Khao Yai headquarters, then a walk through the jungle accompanied by a ranger (easy walk, about 1.5–2 hours). Your local guide will teach you to recognise animal calls and explain the local flora and fauna; you may spot monkeys, hornbills and other animals. Continue to your resort, located a few minutes from one of the park entrances, and check in.
In the evening, a Night Safari: you will set off on a mini night safari. The vehicle is fitted with a special halogen spotlight that may allow you to encounter sambar deer, wild cats, porcupines and possibly elephants.
In recent years the Khao Yai region has seen strong growth in viticulture, with ever-improving wine. Visit the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process, with a tasting of the local wine. Lunch on site.
Dinner not included.

CHIANG MAI
Early in the morning you will head to the foot of Doi Suthep mountain to take part in the daily alms-giving ritual for Buddhist monks. Return to your hotel for breakfast. In the morning you will take a Thai cooking class (group lesson). You will choose ingredients at the market, then each of you, at your own workstation, will learn to cook various recipes for lunch. Once the dishes are prepared, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour. In the afternoon, depart to visit the Doi Suthep temple at 1,056 metres. This is the most venerated temple in northern Thailand. From the temple terrace, the view takes in the entire valley.
Your second day will be entirely devoted to elephants, but this time from the other side of the fence, with a unique, exclusive experience entirely different from the “tourist experience”. Departure from your hotel around 7:30am for “Patara Farm”. This one-of-a-kind “farm” is home to a small number of elephants (around a dozen) and therefore a small number of privileged guests, with each person paired with “their” elephant. You will first learn more about this noble animal, its training, breeding and so on. You will take a ride on elephant-back but also learn to direct it, and head to a waterfall where you will have your picnic lunch.
Your stay in Chiang Mai would not be complete without the famous rickshaw ride through the streets of the old town, full of a unique atmosphere.
Dinners not included.

KHAO LAK
A well-deserved relaxation break after your journey: Khao Lak.
Located in Phang Nga province, 90 km north of Phuket, Khao Lak was only discovered recently by more adventurous travellers; the town and its surroundings remain unspoiled and are bordered by several national parks, to the delight of nature lovers.
Bathed by the Andaman Sea, you will find long, pristine beaches with fine sand and a multitude of small, deserted coves along the bay.

In summary:
– 3 nights in Bangkok in a 5***** hotel
– 1 night in Khao Yai National Park in a charming 4**** hotel
– 3 nights in Chiang Mai in a 5***** hotel
– 3 nights in Khao Lak in a 5***** hotel or Koh Samui in a 5***** hotel