Thailand & Laos: Exploring Culture, Elephants, and Beaches

Location: Asia
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $7,995
Activity Level:

Thailand & Laos: Exploring Culture, Elephants, and Beaches

Location: Asia
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $7,995
Activity Level:

Level 2 – Moderate

For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation, perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.

On a Moderate trip, you might:

  • Enjoy walks or hikes along flat or gently rolling trails that are well-maintained for up to 3-5 hours some days
  • Experience a variety of uneven surfaces, with terrain that may include forest paths, flat meadows, or short muddy sections
  • Participate in moderate daily activity while still having time to relax each day

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable women’s adventure through Thailand and Laos, blending cultural immersion, island exploration, and natural wonders. Begin in vibrant Bangkok with a river tour and street food experience, then snorkel at Thailand’s stunning islands. In Chiang Mai, visit an elephant sanctuary, create dyed fabric art, and explore peaceful temples. Continue to Laos for a hands-on pottery class, waterfalls, and a Baci ceremony. Each day offers a mix of adventure, local traditions, and relaxation, with highlights including a sunset cruise, cooking classes, and a farewell Lao barbecue. This immersive journey connects you with local cultures while fostering connection and adventure.

Main Attractions

Snorkeling & Island Exploration

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.

Kuang Si Waterfalls & Cultural Rituals

Visit stunning waterfalls, engage in a traditional Baci ceremony, and explore Laos’ rich culture.

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.

Welcome to Bangkok!

Arrive in Bangkok, where your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, explore the city’s public transportation, starting with the sky train, metro, and river ferry. Cross the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun, the stunning Temple of Dawn. Enjoy a welcome cocktail at a riverside restaurant before returning to your hotel. The day ends with a vibrant street food market tour, where you’ll sample diverse Thai dishes with your guide, offering insights into regional flavors.

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

Snorkeling and Longtail Boat Journeys

Begin your morning with a flight from Bangkok to Phuket, where after your arrival you will board a traditional longtail boat for a snorkeling excursion with lunch aboard. You’ll explore and snorkel at Koh Nui and Khai Nok islands, two of Thailand’s 1,430 islands. After, return to your Phuket Hotel. The day concludes with dinner at a nearby restaurant, giving you a chance to savor local cuisine and reflect on your exciting day of island exploration and underwater discovery.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of ten people stand outdoors at night, each holding a small tray with candles and flowers, with illuminated gazebos and trees in the background.

Good Fortune Ceremonies

Depart from the hotel by van to Ya Nui Bay, where you’ll kayak to Koh Man for a scenic 30-40-minute paddle. Then, take a longtail boat to Koh He (Coral Island) for snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs. Afterward, enjoy lunch on Koh Bon followed by some beach relaxation. Return to the pier, then head back to the hotel. Participate in a Loi Krathong Ceremony, floating a krathong into the sea for good fortune. End the day with a delicious group dinner.

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

Welcome to Chiang Mai!

Start your day in Phuket with a relaxing morning at the hotel, enjoying a swim or beach walk and breakfast by the shore. Then, take a 45-minute drive to the airport for a 90-minute flight to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” Upon arrival, savor a late lunch of Khao Soi, a local curry dish. Explore Chiang Mai’s old city, visiting a Hindu shrine, the Kalm Textile Museum, and the Chedi Luang Temple. After checking in at your hotel, unwind and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant sampling local delicacies to end the day.

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

Elephant Park and Traditional Lanna Dinner

Spend a full day at the Elephant Nature Park, about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. You’ll get to prepare food, observe, and learn about Asian Elephants. Enjoy a simple lunch and then spend the afternoon with these gentle giants. Enjoy a traditional dinner tonight where you’ll be served many dishes family-style. These typical Lanna, or northern Thai dishes could include 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.

Fabric Dyeing Workshop

Begin your day with a hands-on workshop at Naenna Studio, where you’ll dive into the art of traditional indigo dyeing. Learn from Patricia, a master of textile arts who has spent much of her life in Laos and northern Thailand studying natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques from locals. Create your own indigo tie-dye piece, using techniques passed down through generations in northern Thailand. After, enjoy a local lunch before spending the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, feast at Ginger Farm Neiman One, ending the day with a taste of Chiang Mai’s vibrant food scene

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

Temple Hike

Start your day with a scenic 1.5-hour hike to Wat Pha Lat, a peaceful temple in Doi Suthep National Park. Explore the serene surroundings with lush gardens, streams, and statues. Afterward, visit Baan Kang Wat, an artisan community. Enjoy a family-style lunch of northern Thai dishes before a 75-minute flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon arrival, relax with a welcome drink at a café overlooking the Mekong River and enjoy a peaceful sunset. End the day with a delightful dinner at your hotel.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Eight women pose together in front of a multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, all wearing casual outdoor clothing and hats.

Sun Bear Center and Baci Ceremony

Start your day with a hands-on cooking class at Tamarind Gardens, preparing traditional Lao dishes. After enjoying your meal, visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls and explore a nearby rural village. At the falls, stop by the Asian Sun Bear Rescue Center. In the afternoon, participate in a traditional Baci ceremony, a spiritual ritual where participants tie cotton bracelets on each other’s wrists, symbolizing the calling back of the body’s spirits for health and good fortune held at a local home with Lao residents and a master of ceremony. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure

Meals breakfast, lunch
A group of people sit around a long dining table at a restaurant, smiling and raising glasses, with plates of food and drinks in front of them.

Pottery Village Exploration

Start with a private pottery class at Pottery House, working with Laotian art students. After a short van ride, cross the river by boat to a UNESCO pottery village, exploring traditional kilns and village life. Enjoy a one-on-one pottery class with local artists, followed by a traditional lunch in a village home. In the afternoon, explore Luang Prabang’s highlights by tuk-tuk, visiting the Royal Palace, Vat Mai, Heuan Chan Heritage House, and Vat Xieng Thong. End with a farewell drink at a café and a Lao barbecue dinner to celebrate your time.

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.

Depart Thailand and Laos!

Start your final day in Luang Prabang with the sacred “Tak Bat” ceremony, where you’ll witness barefoot monks collecting alms from locals at dawn. After this profound cultural experience, enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the hotel. Later, meet a founder of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC) to learn about ethnic crafts, handmade versus factory-made pieces, and the challenges facing women in Laos. Afterward, check out by noon and store your luggage if needed. For your departure, book flights no earlier than 12:45 pm, with the airport just 15 minutes away.

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.

Montien Hotel Surawong

Steps from the lively streets of the Silom district in Bangkok, the Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok greets every visitor with an abundance of charm, style, and warm-welcoming hospitality.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes, minibar, tea/coffee, bottled water, safe, flatscreen cable / satellite TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi

Nai Yang Beach Resort

Nai Yang Beach Resort is a tranquil hideaway nestled on a secluded stretch of sand along Phuket’s serene northwest coast. Accessed through a picturesque drive lined with rubber trees, the resort is located within the protected area of Nai Yang National Marine Park, offering a peaceful, safe, and naturally beautiful setting. Enjoy stunning ocean views, lush surroundings, and a sense of true escape.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, minibar, bottled water, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

Makka Hotel

Makka is a boutique hotel that blends cultural richness with inspiration from nature and a thoughtful, philosophical approach—reflecting the true spirit of the property. Designed to offer a sense of peace and tranquility, the hotel features serene courtyard views and a warm, attentive team dedicated to providing a restful and welcoming atmosphere.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, refrigerator, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

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

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 Starting At Booking Link
Nov 13, 2026 Nov 22, 2026
Space Available
$7,995
Standard Double
$7,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single | Only 2 left
$9,595 total, $800 deposit

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

Depature: Depart from Luang Prabang, Laos (LPQ) on Day 10 after 12:45 PM.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Internal flight(s)
  • One airport group transfer on scheduled arrival and departure days
  • 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
Trip Extensions

Discover Cambodia!

Extend your journey in Southeast Asia with an incredible 4-day exploration of neighboring Cambodia. This immersive Cambodia extension explores the ancient wonders and vibrant culture of Siem Reap. Explore iconic temples by mountain bike and remok (similar to a Tuk Tuk), receiving a traditional water blessing along the way. Visit local villages, enjoy Michelin-star trained Khmer cuisine, and witness sunrise at Angkor Wat before leaving this region with unforgettable memories.

Person riding a bicycle on a road next to an ancient stone structure surrounded by trees.

FAQs

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

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. Internal flights are included.

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.

  • Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
  • Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
  • Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
  • Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
  • Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips 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 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

A trip extension is an optional add-on to your main AdventureWomen itinerary. Extensions allow you to explore a destination more deeply, visit nearby regions, or enjoy additional activities before or after your scheduled trip. You can request an extension by contacting your Trip Manager. We’ll confirm availability with our local partners and send you the details, pricing, and next steps. For more information about AdventureWomen extensions, please visit our FAQs.