Thailand & Laos: Exploring Culture, Elephants, and Beaches

Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand

Welcome to colorful, exotic, and endlessly fascinating Thailand! Your adventure gives you the chance to explore distinct Thai regions and experience the lifestyle and traditions unique to each. From the cultural delights of Bangkok to remote hillside villages, and from the natural wonders of Chiang Mai to the palm-fanned tropical beaches of Phuket, Thailand promises to engage everyone’s imagination.

Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) before 12:00 PM.

There will be one group transfer provided from the airport around 12:00 PM. The exact transfer time will be determined closer to departure. AdventureWomen can arrange additional airport transfers for an additional fee. Taxis from the airport are metered and also quite simple to navigate if you prefer to make your own way to the hotel.

Have lunch on your own today either at or near your hotel before meeting your group at 2:00 PM in the hotel lobby.

Take the sky train and a local ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). This stupa-shaped temple spire is decorated with colored glass and Chinese porcelain. Enjoy sunset at the temple. Take a ferry and taxi back to the hotel.

Have a welcome drink at the hotel before heading out for your welcome dinner – at a street food bazaar! Head into one of the local night markets for endless options from the many street food stalls. Your guide will help you understand what you are eating and which part of the country it comes from. Get to know your fellow travelers this evening and learn about why each woman on your trip is excited to explore Thailand and Laos!

Dinner

Overnight: Villa De Pranakorn

Bangkok to Luang Prabang, Laos

This morning, drive to the airport and board a flight to Luang Prabang. Bid farewell to your Thai guide at the airport, knowing you’ll reunite in Chiang Mai in a few days. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, be ready to explore the city by bike.

Indulge in an à la carte lunch at the Bourang Restaurant in Luang Prabang.

Embark on a tuk-tuk ride to explore the city. Witness the Royal Palace, housing the revered “Prabang” sacred golden statue, from which the town takes its name. Explore Vat Mai, a former royal temple, and visit the Heuan Chan Heritage House to gain insight into Lao traditional architecture and culture, offering a glimpse into the way families lived in long houses until around 1960. Conclude your exploration with a visit to Vat Xieng Thong, Laos’ most iconic temple, adorned with golden paint and mosaic glass embedded with mirrors.

Cap off the day with a group dinner in the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Maydou

Luang Prabang, Laos

Immerse yourself in a hands-on culinary adventure, crafting your own lunch featuring traditional Laotian cuisine.

Embark on a 45-minute drive to Kuang Si Falls, a breathtaking natural attraction near Luang Prabang. Make a stop in a rural village along the way. Kuang Si Falls stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most picturesque waterfalls. Near the falls’ entrance, explore the Asian Sun Bear Rescue Center, a sanctuary housing rescued Asiatic black bears and other bear species. Witness these bears in a semi-natural habitat and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

Participate in a Baci Ceremony at a local home alongside a family and a master of ceremonies. This ritual involves recalling the spirits of the body and, symbolically, tying cotton bracelets on each other’s wrists.

Savor dinner at your leisure this evening, with a plethora of choices to explore. Don’t miss the opportunity to peruse the local night market for additional culinary delights.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Maydou

Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Embark on a morning journey departing from the hotel at 5:20, exploring Luang Prabang on foot. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of orange-clad, barefoot monks gathering alms—a timeless daily ceremony dating back a thousand years. Continue the exploration by tuk-tuk to the local market, gaining insights into how locals procure their fresh food. Conclude the morning with breakfast back at the hotel.

Meet one of the founders of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center. Learn to distinguish crafts from various ethnic groups, discern between factory-produced and handmade pieces, and understand the challenges faced by women in Laos today.

Take a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai in the morning. Upon arrival, be greeted by your guide from Bangkok and head to a late lunch to savor Cao Soi, a renowned Thai dish featuring a rich and nutty curry—a local favorite.

Embark on a stroll through the village near your hotel, visiting the Ganesh shrine before reaching Kalm Village. Explore boutiques showcasing batik and other traditional handcrafted goods, along with the community artist exhibition space. Continue your walk to the Chedi Luang temple. Conclude the day by relaxing at the hotel before dinner.

Indulge in dinner at a restaurant near the hotel, capping off a day filled with cultural exploration and culinary delights.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aksara Heritage Hotel

Chiang Mai

Dedicate an entire day to the Elephant Nature Park, located approximately an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. Engage in various activities such as preparing food, feeding, observing, and learning about Asian elephants. Enjoy a simple lunch and spend the afternoon forming connections with these gentle giants.

In the evening, partake in a traditional dinner experience where you’ll be seated on the floor on pillows. Delight in a family-style feast served on a round rattan table, positioned low to the ground. Indulge in typical Lanna, or northern Thai, dishes, which may feature delights like roasted green chili dip, fresh vegetables, and hearty, nutty curries.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aksara Heritage Hotel

Chiang Mai

Immerse yourself in a three-hour traditional dyeing workshop at Studio Naenna, founded in 1988 by Patricia Cheesman, a distinguished textile expert. Patricia, having dedicated the majority of her life to the study and refinement of textile art in Laos and northern Thailand, is a master of the craft. From pre-curing natural dyes to mastering traditional weaving techniques of various ethnic groups in neighboring villages, Patricia’s expertise is unparalleled. In this immersive workshop, participants will have the unique opportunity to craft their own indigo tie-dye piece, a cherished tradition in northern Thailand.

After a short 20-minute drive, venture into the White Market located at Neiman One. This vibrant community offers a plethora of culinary delights, cultural experiences, diverse shopping options, and a range of services. The White Market serves as a showcase for the creative talents of Chiang Mai’s local designers, featuring a wide array of items including clothing, jewelry, and more.

Indulge in dinner at Ginger Farm, a farm-to-table concept nestled in the heart of the White Market within the Neiman One Plaza. Experience a culinary journey surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of this unique market.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aksara Heritage Hotel

Chiang Mai

Embark on a leisurely hike through a section of Doi Suthep National Park, aptly named the “mountain of the open heart,” leading to the jungle wat of Phu Lat. The hike, approximately an hour and a half long with minimal elevation gain, takes you along a stream through gardens where statues, flowers, and jungle elements intertwine. Closed-toed shoes are recommended for this exploration.

Discover the emerging talents of a new generation of artists in Chiang Mai’s artist community. Explore a unique collection of shops, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring diverse artisans such as metal craftsmen, painters, ceramic artists, weavers, and even gelato creators – all within the same creative hub. After this visit, return to the hotel with a scenic 30-minute drive.

Enjoy lunch and the afternoon at your leisure. Consider indulging in a massage at the hotel or exploring the Hmong market, where various ethnic groups procure materials for crafting their traditional attire.

The evening’s dining experience is yours to decide.

(Optional) If you’re interested, there’s a renowned craft market at the South Gate of the Moat, commonly referred to as the Saturday Market. It is particularly famous for its silver jewelry. If you wish to attend, our guide can assist in arranging transportation, whether it be a tuk-tuk or taxi.

Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Aksara Heritage Hotel

Chiang Mai to Phuket

Get up early this morning for your flight to Phuket, stopping in Bangkok on the way. When you arrive, drive to the pier and take in the view of the turquoise ocean. Pack your bathing suit in your daypack so you have it handy!

Hop on a longtail boat and stop to have lunch and change into bathing suits. Snorkel through the off-the-beaten-path Lao Lading and Phakbia islands.

Return to the hotel for a bit before heading to a local restaurant for dinner with the group.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Thavorn Beach Village Resort

Phuket

Take a 1-hour longtail boat ride to Hong Island, where you will enjoy some time snorkeling along the coast. Then set-out on kayak to explore Koh Bon before enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach. Start your journey back to the hotel in the longtail boat at the end of the day.

Have a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends complete with a Krathong ceremony with a floating leaf basket of a candle and prayers. Reminisce over all of the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an amazing journey through this truly spectacular country.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Thavorn Beach Village Resort

Depart Phuket

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport after breakfast. You may depart Phuket, Thailand (HKT) any time after 12:00PM (do not book your flight home to depart until after 12:00PM). There will be one group transfer to the airport at 9:00 am.

If you have flights that depart very late, and you would like to book a day room in Phuket town, let us know and we can help with those arrangements.

Breakfast 

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.