Thailand & Laos: Exploring Culture, Elephants, and Beaches

Location: Asia
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $5,770
Activity Level: Active

Thailand & Laos: Exploring Culture, Elephants, and Beaches

Location: Asia
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $5,770
Activity Level: Active

Overview

Begin your enchanting journey in Bangkok, Thailand, where you’ll uncover the city’s wonders by cruising to the radiant Wat Arun and exploring communities along the river. Then, travel to Laos to delve into historic Luang Prabang by tuk-tuk, visit the stunning Kuang Si Falls, and partake in a traditional Baci ceremony. Return to Thailand to visit temples, shop for traditional crafts, and experience the heartwarming Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Savor a traditional Lanna dinner, connect with textile expert Patricia, and immerse yourself in a hands-on dyeing class. Wander through the vibrant White Market, hike to Wat Phu Lat, and engage with Chiang Mai’s artist community. Finally, escape to Phuket for snorkeling and kayaking, and join a Krathong Ceremony to reflect on this extraordinary adventure with your fellow travelers.

Main Attractions

By Land & By Sea

Explore Thailand and Laos by kayak, long-tail boat, and tuk-tuk, visiting remote islands in the Andaman Sea near Phuket, Thailand, and experiencing the city of Luang Prabang, Laos.

Arts & Ceremonies

Meet local Laotian artisans and entrepreneurs at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, and participate in spiritual ceremonies in Luang Prabang.

Day with Elephants

Spend the day caring for elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Map of Thailand showing travel routes between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, and Phuket, with activity icons for flying, boating, kayaking, hiking, walking, and biking.
Two people pose on a bustling street decorated with red lanterns. Others walk around them, and buildings line the street.
Five people smiling in front of a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
A person in a purple shirt stands smiling in front of a tall, ornate tower with intricate designs. The sky is partly cloudy.
A person in a wide-brimmed hat rows a wooden boat filled with various fruits and goods on a body of water.
Three people wearing sunglasses sitting together on a boat, with a lake and hills in the background. One person holds a drink.
A scenic river view with hills in the background, a boat on the calm water, and a decorative wooden post in the foreground.
A group of people sit on a red inflatable raft surrounded by scenic limestone cliffs and greenery.
Three people smiling, posing for a selfie outdoors with trees and a fence in the background.

Itinerary

Wat Arun temple with illuminated spires at dusk, set against a vibrant purple and pink sky, viewed from across a river.

Discover Bangkok’s Cultural Treasures

Welcome to colorful, exotic, and endlessly fascinating Thailand! Your adventure begins in Bangkok, a city rich in cultural delights and traditions. Meet your AdventureWomen group and take the sky train and a local ferry across the Chao Phraya River to the stunning Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, adorned with colored glass and Chinese porcelain. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset at the temple before returning to the hotel. Cap off the evening with a welcome drink and dinner, where you’ll have the chance to connect with your fellow travelers and share your excitement for exploring the diverse regions and unique traditions of Thailand and Laos.

Meals dinner
Night market with colorful stalls and red canopies in front of an illuminated traditional temple. Palm trees and flowering plants are visible against a dusky blue sky.

The Rich Heritage of Luang Prabang

Board a flight to Luang Prabang, bidding farewell to your Thai guide until you reunite in Chiang Mai. Enjoy lunch at Bourang Restaurant in Luang Prabang before embarking 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, showcasing how 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.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A smiling woman in an apron stands in an open-air kitchen. Others are cooking at wooden tables in the background.

Kuang Si Falls and a Traditional Baci Ceremony

Immerse yourself in a hands-on culinary adventure, crafting your own lunch featuring traditional Laotian cuisine. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Kuang Si Falls, one of Southeast Asia’s most picturesque waterfalls, with a stop in a rural village along the way. Participate in a Baci ceremony, a traditional ritual where the Lao people recall the protective souls, or khuan, back to the body to strengthen bonds and bring peace, good luck, and prosperity. At a local home, tie cotton bracelets on each other’s wrists to symbolically bind the souls back to the body. Savor dinner at your leisure this evening, exploring the local night market for additional culinary delights.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A collection of Buddha statues overlooks a river through a cave opening, surrounded by offerings and vibrant greenery.

From Dawn Rituals to Chiang Mai’s Cultural Delights

Embark on an early morning journey exploring Luang Prabang on foot and witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of orange-clad, barefoot monks gathering alms in a timeless daily ceremony. Continue by tuk-tuk to the local market, gaining insights into how locals procure their fresh food. Meet a founder of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center to learn about ethnic crafts and the challenges faced by women in Laos today. Fly from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai, where you’ll be greeted by your Bangkok guide and savor a late lunch of Cao Soi, a rich and nutty curry. Stroll through the village near your hotel, visit the Ganesh shrine, explore boutiques in Kalm Village, and see the Chedi Luang temple. Relax at the hotel before enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
An elephant stands in a shallow stream with a forest background.

Experience the Elephant Nature Park

Dedicate an entire day to the Elephant Nature Park, located about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. Engage in various activities such as preparing food, observing, and learning about Asian elephants, and spend the afternoon forming connections with these gentle giants. Enjoy a simple lunch at the park, and in the evening, savor a traditional dinner featuring family-style Lanna, or northern Thai dishes, such as roasted green chili dip, fresh vegetables, and thicker nutty curries.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Three women smiling and holding colorful fabrics at an outdoor market.

Traditional Dyeing and Chiang Mai’s Vibrant White Market

Immerse yourself in a three-hour traditional dyeing workshop at Studio Naenna, founded in 1988 by Patricia Cheesman, a distinguished textile expert. With decades dedicated to refining textile art in Laos and northern Thailand, Patricia’s expertise spans pre-curing natural dyes and mastering traditional weaving techniques of various ethnic groups. In this workshop, craft your own indigo tie-dye piece, a cherished tradition in northern Thailand. After a short 20-minute drive, explore the White Market at Neiman One, a vibrant community offering culinary delights, cultural experiences, and diverse shopping options showcasing the talents of Chiang Mai’s local designers. Conclude your day with a farm-to-table dinner at Ginger Farm, nestled in the heart of the White Market, surrounded by its unique and lively atmosphere.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Group of six women smiling while standing on a bamboo bridge in a forested area.

Hike Through Doi Suthep National Park

Embark on a leisurely hike through Doi Suthep National Park, aptly named the “mountain of the open heart,” leading to the jungle wat of Phu Lat. This hour-and-a-half hike, with minimal elevation gain, meanders along a stream through gardens adorned with statues, flowers, and jungle elements. Closed-toed shoes are recommended for this exploration. Next, discover Chiang Mai’s emerging artist community, where you can explore a unique collection of shops featuring diverse artisans including metal craftsmen, painters, ceramic artists, weavers, and gelato creators — all within the same creative hub. Enjoy lunch and an afternoon at your leisure, perhaps indulging in a hotel massage or visiting the Hmong market for traditional attire materials. For dinner, choose your preferred dining option, and if interested, consider visiting the renowned Saturday Market at the South Gate of the Moat for its famous silver jewelry, with transportation assistance available from our guide.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Long-tail boats anchored on a sandy beach with clear turquoise water, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs under a bright blue sky.

Flight to Phuket and Island Snorkeling

Rise early for your flight to Phuket, with a stop in Bangkok en route. Upon arrival, drive to the pier and take in the stunning turquoise ocean views — make sure your bathing suit is ready! Board a longtail boat and spend the afternoon snorkeling at the off-the-beaten-path Lao Lading and Phakbia islands. Return to the hotel for a brief rest before heading out to a local restaurant for a group dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
People in kayaks paddle under a rocky overhang in a calm body of water.

Snorkeling, Kayaking, and a Farewell Krathong Ceremony

Embark on a one-hour longtail boat ride to Hong Island, where you’ll snorkel along the coast before kayaking to explore Koh Bon. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, and then set out on the longtail boat for your return to the hotel. Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner alongside your new AdventureWomen friends, featuring a Krathong ceremony where you’ll float a leaf basket with a candle and prayers. Reminisce over the unforgettable memories and celebrate the end of a truly spectacular journey through this incredible country.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Aerial view of the Big Buddha statue on a hill surrounded by lush greenery, with a coastal town and ocean in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Farewell Phuket

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport after breakfast. Please schedule your departure from Phuket, Thailand (HKT) for any time after 12:00 PM. A group transfer to the airport will be provided at 9:00 AM. If your flight is very late and you would like to book a day room in Phuket town, let us know, and we can assist with those arrangements.

Meals breakfast
A sunset over the ocean with silhouetted rocky islands beneath a colorful sky.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

A four-story building with balconies on each floor, featuring a light gray facade. It is flanked by two other buildings and sits across an empty street.

Pranakorn Heritage Hotel

Welcome to this new hotel, where luxury meets modernity in the heart of bustling Bangkok! The inviting outdoor pool area serves as an oasis, providing a tranquil retreat where you can unwind and soak up the tropical ambiance. Conveniently located near the renowned Khaosan Road, Pranakorn Heritage Hotel places the guests at the epicenter of Bangkok’s cultural and entertainment offerings. Numerous restaurants are within walking distance.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, tea/coffee, mini fridge, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi.

Traditional wooden houses with steep roofs surround a small grassy courtyard, featuring tropical plants and a path leading to the entrance.

Maydou

Villa Maydou is at the heart of the historic center of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos. The hotel is composed of five beautifully appointed and comfortable Lao traditional houses within a large tropical garden which includes a salt pool.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, Wi-Fi

Courtyard view of a multi-story hotel with illuminated windows, palm trees, a pool with sun loungers, and decorative lighting at night.

Aksara Heritage Hotel

Located in the heart of historical Chiang Mai, the Aksara Heritage Hotel is a charming and peaceful property surrounded by ancient temples. Take a dip in the saltwater pool or enjoy a drink from the poolside bar.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, Bathrobes, hair dryer, minibar, coffee / tea maker, bottled water, flatscreen TV, cable / satellite TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

Aerial view of a person swimming in a large, tropical resort pool surrounded by lush greenery and traditional-style buildings.

Thavorn Beach Village Resort

Overlooking the Andaman Sea, the Thavorn Beach Village Resort offers private beach bungalows nestled amidst lush tropical greenery.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, minibar, coffee / tea maker, electric kettle, bottled water, safe, flatscreen TV, cable / satellite TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

What People Are Saying

It’s been a little over a week since we came home from Thailand and I’m beginning to reflect on my wonderful adventure! Seeing how humans live on the other side of the world is so fascinating to me, and I feel privileged to get a glimpse ever so small into their lives.

What People Are Saying

From the moment we arrived in Bangkok, the vibrant culture, stunning temples, and bustling markets set the tone for an unforgettable journey.

What People Are Saying

This trip was a perfect blend of cultural immersion, relaxation, and adventure. I’m grateful for the friendships made and the incredible memories created. Thailand truly exceeded all my expectations!

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Jan 12 Jan 21
Space Available
$5,770*
Standard Room, Single
$7,270 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$5,770 total, $800 deposit
Nov 9 Nov 18
Space Available
$5,770*
Standard Room, Single
$7,270 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$5,770 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2025 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,500

Arrival: Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) on Day 1 before 12:00 PM.

Departure: Depart Phuket, Thailand (HKT) on Day 10 after 12:00 PM.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, boat staff, and waitstaff

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Thailand
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women regardless of race, creed, or sexual preference, as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.