Amazing Thailand
January 28 - February 6, 2025
TEMPLES, ELEPHANTS + BEACHES
Pack your bags and get ready to embark on a handcrafted adventure that showcases the best of Thailand! Guided through the eyes of local experts, you will be introduced to the classic highlights and hidden treasures, featuring a variety of exclusive experiences.
This 10-day journey begins with a discovery of pristine temples and colorful markets in the bustling capital city of Bangkok. Next, it's off to Chiang Mai, where rich cultural experiences, countryside explorations and elephant encounters await. A tropical escape to Krabi promises an irresistible end to your trip. Make the most of this palm fringed paradise, to truly unwind and bask in the beachfront luxuries surrounded by stunning blue water.
Thailand is known as the land of smiles and this incredible experience will leave you grinning from ear to ear!
Day 1:
Welcome to thailand!
Welcome to Thailand, the land of smiles! Your trip begins with your arrival at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. Meet your fellow travelers and driver in the arrivals area. For a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure, you will be driven directly to the hotel, where a lovely evening in this urban wonderlands awaits. Two group transfers will be provided.
With a population of over eleven million, the capital city of Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city. Bangkok is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that combines some of Asia’s oldest and most elaborately adorned temples, with modern shopping malls, impressive skyscrapers, and bustling markets. Be sure to take a ride on a tuk tuk one evening, to feel the cool tropical breeze and marvel at the bright neon lights.
Check in to your hotel in the early afternoon. If you are arriving earlier and would like an early check in, let us know and we can arrange an extra night at our hotel in Bangkok for you to get some rest upon arrival. You’ll have the afternoon free to relax or explore Bangkok on your own.
Tonight we will meet as a group to enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel as we get to know our fellow travelers. Catch up on some sleep or if you are feeling adventurous, grab a tuk tuk for a short ride to Khaosan Road where you can explore one of Bangkok's most iconic streets with a little bit of everything from Thai massages, shopping, fried scorpions, cocktail bars and more. This is a place you definitely will not forget.
Day 2:
bangkok - Temples & grand Palace Tour
Wake up and ease into the day as you enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today we will be exploring some of the main temples and monuments in the city, discovering a few hidden gems and gaining an insight into Thai culture and its fascinating history.
Our tour begins with a visit to the Grand Palace, the official residence of the royal families from 1782 until 1925. Our next few stops include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), the most revered shrine in the Kingdom dating back to the early 18th century, Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the country's largest reclining Buddha at 151 ft long and 50 ft tall. Our last stop today is Lak Muang City Pillar which presents the foundation stone of Bangkok before we head back to our hotel.
We will arrive back at the hotel mid-day and you have the afternoon free to relax, explore Chinatown, get a traditional thai massage, check out one of Bangkok’s unique cafes like the Unicorn or mermaid cafe, enjoy the city view with a drink Lebua Tower Sky Bar or relax at the hotel pool with a book. The city has so much to offer!!
Get some rest tonight because tomorrow is an early start!
Day 3:
bangkok- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Street Food Tour
Your guide will meet you at the hotel bright and early around 6:30am this morning, to begin the 1.5 hour drive to Damnoen Saduak. Located 50 miles southwest of Bangkok's bustling capital city, this colorful treasure is well worth the journey. Damnoen Saduak is the largest floating market in the Kingdom and an iconic Thailand experience. The scenic drive from Bangkok showcases emerald-green rice paddies and traditional shrimp farms. An early morning start ensures that you will beat the crowds of tourists to the market.
Alongside your guide, you will explore the splendors of this vibrant market metropolis. Colorfully clad merchants paddle through a maze of canals in sturdy canoes filled with fresh fruit, local vegetables and quirky souvenirs, to sell to shoppers on the banks. It is a true adventure for the senses. The buzz of chatter, the fragrant aromas and the dazzling goods, offer an overwhelming and captivating experience. Bargaining is common, but don’t expect to get the price down more than a few baht. During the tour you will have the chance to try local delicacies such as local fruits, a tasty bowl of noodle soup from one of the boats and more, before driving back to Bangkok.
We will arrive back at the hotel around 2 p.m. and you have a couple free hours to get a traditional Thai massage, relax at the hotel pool with a book or take a walk along the river.
Our group will meet up again around 4:45 pm for an evening street food tour. We will meet our guide for a tour tasting authentic dishes like Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice and more. Along the way we will get to see some of the city highlights and enjoy local culture. After the tour, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy Bankok’s nightlife.
Day 4:
Chiang Mai - sacred trail & temple
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. Today we will check out of the hotel at 7:30am. Around 7:45-8:00am your driver will pick you up to drive you to the airport for your domestic flight to Chiang Mai, where your discovery of Thailand continues.
Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and the gateway to the charming northern region. Explore the cultural highlights within the old city walls, discover fascinating temples, dig into the delicious street food and take a stroll through the famous evening markets, to truly experience the spirit of this destination. Chiang Mai serves as an excellent base for outdoor and adventure lovers and also home to many elephant conservation camps and ethnic hill tribe villages.
On arrival in Chiang Mai, our local guide will be waiting at the airport to escort us to our hotel. After getting settled in, we will meet in the lobby for an afternoon adventure.
Today we will be hiking a section of the Monk’s Trail before arriving at the most revered temple complex Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. As you start off hiking this trail, you will be able to imagine what it was like for the monks who walked the same path to the top of Doi Suthep mountain before the road was built! To reach the top we will have to climb the 308 steps up the mythical Naga serpent staircase to Doi Suthep. As you arrive, you will hear the chants of the monks and be able to immerse yourself in the spirituality of this revered temple complex. Mingle with the pilgrims from across Thailand and discover pagodas and statues devoted to Buddhism with Hindu influences as you have some free time to explore this temple.
After our visit, we will be transferred back to the hotel where the rest of the evening is at your leisure. Take a dip in the saltwater pool, enjoy dinner out, or wander through the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Day 5:
Chiang Mai - Flower Festival+ Optional Elephant Sanctuary visit
Today we have a very unique experience planned. In the morning we will be joined by our local guide as we explore the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival. This celebration features a beautiful, lively celebration and parade showcasing local bands, enchanting traditional performances, and flower-covered floats. After a morning full of celebration, the group will have free time to enjoy lunch at a place of their choice. In the afternoon, you will have a chance to choose your own adventure. Relax at the resort, continue to explore the streets of Chiang Mai or join in for the optional activity to visit the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary.
At the sanctuary, their mission is to provide as many elephants as possible with the good health, freedom, and happiness they truly deserve. The organization uses progressive and ethically responsible approach to elephant eco-tourism as a platform to raise awareness and educate people from Thailand and around the world about elephant care, the plight of the Asian elephant and the conservation philosophy of “Elephant Conservation in Action.”
If you choose to join, you’ll be picked up at 1 p.m. and enjoy a 50 minute drive through rural landscapes, agricultural areas and forested hills to arrive at the sanctuary. On arrival, you will meet your guide and change into traditional clothing and an introductory briefing of the elephants will be given. After that, it's time to meet the elephants!
You will have the chance to feed, interact and play with these incredible creatures in their natural home, as you continue to learn about their deep history and interesting behavior. You will walk with the gentle giants to the river for a bath as you shower them with treats. Back at the Sanctuary, you will change clothes and say goodbye to your new friends. You will be dropped back off at your hotel in Chiang Mai around 4:00pm.
Enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing at the hotel or exploring more of the city. Dinner is at your leisure tonight.
Day 6:
Explore Chiang Mai + Thai Cookery Class
Enjoy breakfast before our guide meets us at 8:30am for a hands-on cooking experience.
We will start the day visiting a local market to discover all of the local ingredients before stepping into the kitchen. Discover age-old methods of cooking; learn about each ingredient and how it nourishes your body before putting your newfound skills to the test preparing a feast of dishes. Under the guidance of local chefs and following methods and recipes handed down through generations, we will learn how to make the perfect Thai dish.
After all our hard work, we will sit down to savor all our hard efforts before heading back to our hotel arriving in the early afternoon.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to continue exploring Chiang Mai on your own; wander through shops, explore local markets, and we always suggest checking out the spa!
Day 7:
krabi - paradise awaits
After breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye to the charming sights of Chiang Mai, as your adventure heads south to Krabi. You will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport in Chiang Mai to board your domestic flight to Krabi.
Welcome to Thailand's heavenly beaches! Upon arrival in Krabi, you will be met by a local guide in the arrivals area. From there you will be transferred to your accommodation where you can spend the rest of the day as you wish.
Krabi is a southern province on Thailand's Andaman seaboard, offering spectacular scenery on both land and water. Here you'll find beautiful beaches set amidst dramatic limestone karst mountains, lush jungle forests, and hidden hot springs. This tropical paradise offers something for everyone, with opportunities for various activities including snorkeling, diving, rock climbing, hiking, cycling and island hopping.
Day 8:
krabi- beach day!
Today is a free day, you can enjoy it however you would like!!
Lounge by the pool with an incredible ocean view, visit a local beach, book your own bucket-list excursion like rock climbing or kayaking and of course, we always recommend using any free time to enjoy a massage or the spa!
In the evening, we will meet back up as a group to enjoy dinner at the a local restaurant. Over dinner we will share about our adventures from the day as we enjoy an authentic Thai dinner together, and of course only the best, mango sticky rice, for dessert!
Day 9:
krabi- sunset cruise & bioluminescent swim
Wake up and take a walk on the beach before enjoying breakfast at your leisure. Today you will have free time to enjoy Krabi as you would like. Treat yourself to a morning at the spa, grab a book and relax by the pool, or head to the beach to work on your tan.
In the afternoon, our group will meet in the lobby at 12:45 p.m. for a late lunch and private sunset sail on the Andaman Sea. We will board a beautiful ship where we will spend the afternoon visiting four nearby islands, taking dips in the crystal blue waters surrounded by cliffs, enjoy an on board SUP to discover hidden beaches, and snorkel to discover precious underwater life of this magical place.
We will be treated to fresh fruits, drinks and a buffet of traditional delicious dishes from our crew. We will watch the sunset and before we head back home, we will have an exciting opportunity to experience the bioluminescent plankton, a phenomenon of nature that you don’t want to miss!
We will return to our hotel after our tour where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 10:
sa wat dii thailand, we’ll be back again!
Sadly, your tropical escape must come to an end today; however, you will be leaving with unforgettable memories and the experiences of a lifetime! After checking out of your resort, you will be transferred to the Krabi Airport in time to board your flight to Bangkok International Airport. From there you will board your international departure flight home.
We hope you had an incredible trip and we wish you safe and pleasant travels onward!
Meet Your Trip Host
Stephanie piano
Stephanie was born in Hamilton, Ontario and lived in Toronto for 10 years before deciding to take a year off to travel. After 10 weeks exploring New Zealand and Australia, a global pandemic sent her back to Canada. She eventually landed on the West Coast in Vancouver, BC to continue her scuba diving training. As a bonus, living in the PNW has allowed her to enjoy more hiking, camping, paddleboarding, kayaking and of course diving.
Steph has been a Women Who Explore ambassador since 2023. Her love of adventure, the outdoors and event planning has allowed her to run a variety of community events. As a travel lover having been to over 20 countries, she’s excited to share her passions and foster connection on WWE Getaways.
Instagram @ stephpiano
Facebook @ Vancouver chapter
Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com
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$3,695 double occupancy in 4-star hotels; Riva Surya Bangkok, Yang Come Village, Beyond Resort Krabi . Single supplement availalble. If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments beginning to follow. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
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• 10 days/9 nights accommodations, double occupancy in beautiful 4-star hotels, each with a pool onsite.
• Domestic flights as noted below and in the itinerary. Bangkok – Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai – Krabi and Krabi – Bangkok.
• Private airport transfers to/from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
• A local English speaking guide for tours in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi
•Morning Temple & Palace Tour with local guide to visit iconic temples in Bangkok
• Guided tour of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• 5 hour hands-on cooking experience with local chefs including a visit to a local vegetable market
• Experience the Chiang Mai annual Flower Festival and parade with a local guide
• Guided street food tour tasting up to 10 unique local dishes in Bangkok
• Sunset catamaran cruise with snorkeling, SUP, and bioluminescent night swim
• Rickshaw ride (tuk tuk) to experience Bangkok’s famous Khaosan Road
• Free time to get ALL the massages, relax by the pool, and explore local bazaars and night markets
• In country transportation with a private driver in an A/C car between hotels, airports, and included tours
• Meals included are 9 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 3 lunches
• Private driver and transportation in an A/C car between domestic destinations, to tours, etc.
• All monument entrance fees and national park fees
• Women Who Explore trip leader with you and available for support 24/7
• Travel checklists including a detailed packing list and pre-travel support provided by your trip host in a private WhatsApp group
• WWE Swag to make your heart happy!
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• International flights to/from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
• Add-on experience to visit Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, a beautiful oasis outside of Chiang Mai city
• Airport transfers if arriving outside of designated arrival and departure dates and locations as noted
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above (6 dinners and 6 lunches)
• Tips and gratuity for local guides and driver (at the discretion of the guest)
• Any additional excursions or optional activities not included in the above
• Visa and entry requirements as applicable. Learn more here.
• Any travel related medical expenses such as immunizations, vaccinations, or required testing
• Travel insurance (required; see below)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, etc.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
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All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please share any food allergies/sensitivities at the time of booking or reach out to share with the trip host. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private WhatsApp or Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support.
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Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
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Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.