We start the day with a walk through the lively Pak Khlong Talat flower market. We visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), then walk on to Wat Pho, home of the iconic reclining Buddha.

We cross the river by ferry to reach Wat Arun, the famous Temple of Dawn. The day ends with a private long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya river, heading into Bangkok’s canals to discover everyday life along the water — what earned the city its nickname, the “Venice of the East”.

Our driver and guide meet us at the train station to explore the city of Chiang Mai. We start with local life at its markets: Mueang Mai Market, where locals buy fruit, vegetables and fresh produce, and Wararot Market, one of the most traditional and lively markets in the city.

Then we head up the mountain to Wat Pha Lat, a temple hidden in the jungle with a particularly peaceful atmosphere. Anyone who wants can get there along the well-known Monk’s Trail, a 40-minute walk through tropical forest — the same path monks once used to reach the mountain temples.

We continue to Doi Suthep (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep), one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand, with sweeping views over the whole valley. Anyone preferring a more relaxed experience can go straight up by vehicle, without the trek.

We wake up to mountain silence and birdsong instead of traffic. After a hot breakfast — very welcome in the cool mountain morning — we continue on our way.

Today we spend time with rescued elephants. We learn what ethical animal care looks like and how deep the relationship is between the elephants, the forest and the local communities. Unlike crowded tourist parks, these encounters are intimate, respectful and always centred on the animals’ wellbeing.

In the afternoon we float down the river on a bamboo raft, drifting with the current through the vegetation. Afterwards we head to bungalows by the river, with time to rest, swim and wander around the area.

After breakfast we return to Chiang Mai. Once in the city, the rest of the day is free to discover it at your own pace: its temples, its markets and its food.

A few ideas: get lost in the old city, surrounded by walls and moat, with Wat Chedi Luang and its imposing 15th-century chedi, Wat Phra Singh or Wat Chiang Man, the oldest of them all. In some of them you can join a monk chat, an informal conversation with the monks.

Other options: the Three Kings Monument and the Lanna Museum, Huay Kaew Waterfall at the foot of Doi Suthep, a Thai massage, a local night market such as Kad Na Mor or Nimman, live music along the Ping river, or a Muay Thai fight.

Koh Samet is the closing chapter of the trip: days with no schedules and no transfers, to enjoy the island your own way. The island is small and all the life is on the east coast; a seaside path links the coves, so you can walk from one to the next.

Hat Sai Kaew, the main beach, wide and white, with restaurants and fire shows in the evening. Ao Phai and Ao Tubtim, the coves next door, quieter, with bars on the sand and great sunsets. Ao Wong Duean, a crescent-shaped bay, perfect for lunch with your feet in the water. Ao Wai and the south, the most secluded coves, reached by rented scooter or songthaew.

You can also take a long-tail boat out snorkelling around the nearby islets, or end the day with a Thai massage on the beach and a seafood dinner on the sand, which is how it’s done here.

At the agreed time we pick you up at the hotel for the transfer to Bangkok airport, where you’ll take your international flight home.

Here ends a journey that will have taken you from the temples of Bangkok to the paths of the north and the calm of the sea. See you soon, Thailand.