Thailand & Laos: Temples, Elephants & Tropical Shores

Location: Asia
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $8,995
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate

Thailand & Laos: Temples, Elephants & Tropical Shores

Location: Asia
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $8,995
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate

Overview

Begin your journey in Bangkok with a stunning sunset at Wat Arun. In Krabi, explore turquoise waters while snorkeling vibrant reefs, kayaking through calm bays, and swimming in the magical bioluminescent waters near Phranang Beach. In Chiang Mai, wander the Old City, visit the Elephant Nature Park, and dive into local culture with textile dyeing workshops and traditional Lanna cuisine. Continue to Luang Prabang, Laos, to hike hidden temples, visit artisan markets, take a cooking class, and discover waterfalls and pottery villages. The trip concludes with a serene alms-giving ceremony overlooking the Mekong River.

Main Attractions

Snorkeling among Vibrant Reefs

Explore the region’s beauty and snorkel among vibrant reefs.

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 showing air travel routes in Thailand, with black and red lines connecting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, and Krabi. Includes a scale bar and an inset map for regional context.
A group of ten people pose for a photo in front of ornate guardian statues at a temple with traditional architecture and landscaped gardens.
Four people wearing orange life vests float in open water, with one person in a red swimsuit nearby; hills and cloudy sky are visible in the background.
A woman walks alongside two elephants on a dirt path bordered by dense green foliage in daylight.
Underwater scene showing a sea anemone with two clownfish swimming among its tentacles, surrounded by coral and rocks.
A group of ten people pose for a photo in front of ornate guardian statues at a temple with traditional architecture and landscaped gardens.
Four people wearing orange life vests float in open water, with one person in a red swimsuit nearby; hills and cloudy sky are visible in the background.
A woman walks alongside two elephants on a dirt path bordered by dense green foliage in daylight.
Underwater scene showing a sea anemone with two clownfish swimming among its tentacles, surrounded by coral and rocks.

Itinerary

Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand, stands by the Chao Phraya River at sunset, with colorful sky and city buildings in the background.

Discover Bangkok’s Cultural Treasures

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.

Meals dinner
Person snorkeling in clear, shallow water near a small, lush island with steep cliffs under a partly cloudy sky and sunlight.

From City Lights to Island Blues

An early start sets the tone for a day well lived. At 5:30 AM, you transfer to the airport, a brief drive that ushers in the promise of discovery. A smooth flight carries you south from Bangkok to Krabi, where tropical air and anticipation greet you. After a scenic drive to the pier—punctuated by lunch and a fragrant coconut curry—you board a longtail boat bound for Koh Lao Landing Island. The afternoon unfolds in turquoise water and coral gardens, before sunset leads you to a beachfront retreat and an easy, celebratory dinner nearby.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two people wearing life jackets paddle a kayak on calm water, with a hilly coastline, swimmers, and boats visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Krabi’s Water Adventures

This afternoon, leave your hotel for a scenic 30-minute drive to Krabi pier, where a private Chinese junk–style boat sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. Snorkel vibrant reefs at Yawasam Island, then cruise on to the iconic Chicken Islands for kayaking and snorkeling among dramatic limestone formations. Continue to Poda Island to swim, unwind on deck, or simply take in the views. At sunset, enjoy dinner aboard the boat before ending the night swimming through the glowing, bioluminescent waters near Phranang Beach.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A long, red-tiled staircase flanked by ornate serpent sculptures leads upward through dense green foliage.

Fly to Chiang Mai, then City Exploration

Enjoy a slow morning by the sea, swimming or strolling the sand before breakfast. Then transfer to Krabi Airport for your 1 hour 35 minute flight north to Chiang Mai. After arrival, drive to lunch and savor Khao Soi, the region’s signature curry. Visit a Hindu shrine, then walk from the old city moat to Makka Hotel, stopping at the Kalm Textile Museum and historic Chedi Luang Temple. End the evening with dinner and the lively Sunday Walking Street market tonight.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
An adult elephant and a baby elephant stand close together while partially submerged in a river, surrounded by greenery.

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Travel about an hour from Chiang Mai to Elephant Nature Park for a meaningful day with Asian elephants. Help prepare their food, observe natural behaviors, and learn about conservation and ethical care from expert guides. Share a simple, nourishing lunch on site before spending the afternoon with these gentle giants. Return to the city in the early evening, then gather with your group for a relaxed dinner at White Swan Burmese.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Colorful woven fabrics featuring intricate patterns and designs, including elephants and geometric shapes, hanging closely together.

Fabric Dyeing Workshop

Begin the day with a three-hour, hands-on workshop at Naenna Studio, learning traditional indigo dyeing with Patricia, a master textile artist shaped by years in Laos and northern Thailand. Under her guidance, create your own indigo tie-dye using ancestral techniques. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed local lunch. The afternoon is yours to wander, book a massage, or unwind at the hotel. This evening, gather for a flavorful dinner at Ginger Farm Neiman One, celebrating Chiang Mai’s creative spirit and restful moments that balance culture, craft, calm.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A golden Buddha statue sits cross-legged on a decorated pedestal, surrounded by colorful, ornate patterns and wall art in a temple.

From Forest Temple to Mekong Twilight

Begin the morning in Chiang Mai with a gentle jungle hike to Wat Pha Lat, following a peaceful trail through Doi Suthep National Park where streams, statues, and greenery create a meditative rhythm. After descending, explore the artisan enclave of Baan Kang Wat before a family-style northern Thai lunch. Fly onward to Luang Prabang, the UNESCO-listed royal capital, and toast sunset with a Mekong River café welcome. Settle in and enjoy a relaxed dinner at Maydou, easing into Laos’ serene spirit.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Multi-tiered waterfall cascades over rocks amid lush green trees, with turquoise water pooling at the base.

Flavors, Falls & Sacred Rituals

Begin with a hands-on cooking class at Tamarind Gardens, learning the foundations of Lao cuisine as you prepare jeow sauces, mok pa, lemongrass-stuffed chicken, and laap. After enjoying your creations, drive to the turquoise tiers of Kuang Si Waterfalls, stopping at a rural village along the way and visiting the Asian Sun Bear Rescue Center. This afternoon, share a traditional Baci ceremony in a local home. Evening is free for night markets or dinner at Manda de Laos, Tangor, or Mango Tree.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A traditional temple with ornate golden details and a pointed roof stands between palm trees, with a hill and cloudy sky in the background.

Hands On Pottery Class, City Exploration by Tuk-Tuk

Begin wyour day with a private pottery class at Pottery House, creating alongside Laotian art students. Cross the river by local boat to a UNESCO-recognized pottery village, explore traditional kilns, then enjoy a one-on-one wheel session and lunch in a village home. This afternoon, tour Luang Prabang by tuk-tuk, visiting the Royal Palace, Vat Mai, Heuan Chan Heritage House, and luminous Vat Xieng Thong. Toast farewell with café drinks, then savor a traditional Lao barbecue dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Ten women pose for a group photo on a wooden bench outdoors, with buildings, trees, and a pagoda visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Sacred Morning & Departure

Rise early in Luang Prabang to witness the sacred Tak Bat, a centuries-old dawn ceremony as barefoot monks collect alms in quiet reverence. Return to the hotel for a relaxed breakfast before meeting a founder of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center. Gain insight into Lao ethnic crafts, handmade traditions, and the social realities facing women today. Afterward, return to the hotel, check out by noon, and transfer easily to the airport just 15 minutes away. Book flights no earlier than 12:45 pm.

Meals breakfast
A narrow sandy strip connects two small, green islands amid turquoise water, with a larger, forested island in the background under a blue sky.

Accommodations

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

Outdoor swimming pool area at a modern hotel, with lounge chairs, tables, and greenery; a person in a hat sits by the pool, and city buildings are visible in the background.

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

Curved outdoor pool with pink umbrellas and palm trees, surrounded by buildings, set against a backdrop of large rocky cliffs and blue sky.

Ao Nang Villa Resort

estled on the pristine sands of Ao Nang Beach, Aonang Villa Resort offers a serene escape framed by tropical gardens and limestone cliffs. The resort features spacious rooms and suites with balconies or terraces overlooking the Andaman Sea, lush gardens, or inviting pools. Guests can relax in two outdoor pools, indulge in spa treatments, or enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at La Medusa Restaurant. Just steps from Ao Nang’s lively town center, the resort is the perfect base for both adventure and relaxation in Krabi.

Amenities: complementary toiletries, hair dryer, minibar, flatscreen TV, Safe, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

An outdoor dining area with dark wooden tables and chairs is set beside a white building, bordered by a lotus pond and greenery at sunset.

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

Aerial view of a tropical courtyard with a green pool, lounge chairs, palm trees, and traditional-style buildings with gabled roofs.

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

“Visiting the Elephant Nature Park with AdventureWomen was an absolute dream come true. Getting up close with these gentle giants was magical and deeply moving.”

What People Are Saying

“I’ve always wanted to travel to this part of the world. I came solo and left with new, lifelong friends. The small group made it easy to connect, explore, and have fun together.”

What People Are Saying

“Traveling with an all-women group made this trip unforgettable—there’s something special about the camaraderie and shared adventure! And AdventureWomen does such a wonderful job managing even the smallest details.”

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
Jan 14, 2027 Jan 23, 2027
Space Available
$8,995
Standard Double
$8,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single
$10,695 total, $800 deposit
Nov 4, 2027 Nov 13, 2027
Space Available
$8,995
Standard Double
$8,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single
$10,695 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.