• Thailand

Overview

Experience Thai culture: up close & personal. You’ll stay with host families, & help prepare traditional Thai dishes. Enjoy cultural entertainment, tour the ruins of olden cities, & spend time with Buddhist monks. Learn about the Lanna culture, snorkel off the coast of Ko Yao Island, & much more. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations.  

Highlights

  • Sukhothai Historical Park – Admire the ruins on a bike tour through the park.
  • Cultural Stays – Experience the essence of Thai culture by staying with host families throughout the tour.
  • Culinary Experience – Assist Thai locals in making traditional meals for dinner.
  • Bangkok – Explore Thailand’s capital city on the “local’s route.”
  • Ko Yao Island – Enjoy swimming & snorkeling on this beautiful island.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Arrive at the airport in Bangkok, & transfer to the hotel. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Thailand’s capital city. 

Day 2: Bangkok

Discover the sites of Bangkok today on foot & by transportation used by the locals. You’ll also take a stroll through Chinatown, & visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This evening, enjoy shopping for handmade items at a night bazaar. 

Day 3: Bangkok – Bang Sai Village

On the way to Bang Sai Village today, enjoy a stop at the Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Centre. You’ll admire the displayed artwork, made by the locals. Continue towards the village, passing the rice fields of the Central Plains region. After arriving at the village, enjoy a bicycle tour. You will see where the villagers grow their fruit & rice. After dinner this evening, you will have the option of learning how to make Thai appetizers or enjoying traditional Thai entertainment. 

Day 4: Bang Sai Village – Ayutthaya – Sukhothai

Spend time with the local monks this morning before heading to Ayutthaya Historical Park. After your guided tour of the ruins, travel to Sukhothai for dinner & an overnight stay. 

Day 5: Sukhothai – Mae Kampong Hill Village

Enjoy a bike tour through Sukhothai Historical Park. You’ll admire the serenity of the park, as you gaze upon the ruins, & watch the lily pads peacefully float atop the pools of water. Afterward, begin the journey to the Mae Kampong Hill Village. One of the locals will lead you on a tour around the village upon arrival. This evening, help prepare dinner with your host family. After dinner, you will enjoy traditional Thai entertainment. 

Day 6: Mae Kampong Hill Village – Chiang Mai

This morning, enjoy breakfast with your host family. Afterward, take a scenic hike to see the coffee plantations & the Mae Kampong Waterfall. Travel to Chiang Mai after lunch today. Here your host will be an artist, who will demonstrate their talent in clay molding, & teach you about the Lanna culture. You will have the opportunity to practice making your own clay art during an afternoon workshop. 

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Spend the day alongside your host family. You will visit a local school for children with autism to admire their handmade art, & walk up the many stairs that lead to the legendary Doi Suthep Temple. This evening, you will enjoy another Thai culinary experience, as you assist with making dinner. 

Day 8: Chiang Mai – Phuket – Ko Yao Island

This morning, transfer to the airport, & board domestic flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, take a boat to Ko Yao Island. A local will give you a brief lesson on the island’s culture. Afterward, relax at your leisure. You will have the opportunity to stay with a host family on the island or at a resort. 

Day 9: Ko Yao Island

Spend the day under the Southeast Asian sun. Enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming, & snorkeling. 

Day 10: Ko Yao Island – Phuket – USA

Take a boat ride back to Phuket, & transfer to the airport. Board return flight home. 

Includes

  • International flights
  • Accommodation: shared twin-bedded room with air conditioning & private facilities. While staying with the local Thai family (homestay) is in the guest room of the house (A mat with mosquito net, blanket and pillow are provided)
  • Meals: as specified in the program
  • Transport: Air-conditioned/non-air-conditioned in remote areas Public transport will be used where specified
  • Misc: Local English-speaking guides and all activities as specified in the itinerary, including admission fees, with instruction where necessary

Excludes

  • Drinks & meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Domestic flights/Airport tax & flight insurance
  • Sleeping bag
  • Tips for guide & drivers/Personal expenses