Thailand
The Best of Thailand: An Exploration of the Culture and Kingdom
Program No. 22813RJ
Delight in the beauty of Thailand as you enjoy gentle hikes, walks, canoe rides and boat excursions through its cultural and natural wonders.
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Oct 17 - Oct 31, 2025
Starting at
3,799Nov 7 - Nov 21, 2025
Starting at
3,799DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Oct 17 - Oct 31, 2025
Starting at
4,339Nov 7 - Nov 21, 2025
Starting at
4,339Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
15 days
14 nights
30 meals
12B 9L 9D
1
Depart for Thailand
In Flight
4
Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Walking Discovery
Chiang Mai
7
Coach to Mae Chan
Mae Chan
11
Fly to Phuket, Free Time
Phuket
13
Snorkeling and Beach Time
Phuket
15
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
In the Kingdom of Thailand, quiet walks along tea plantations reveal acres of oolong, while gentle hikes in the jungle offer a chance to learn about exotic animals. But there’s so much more to discover! Take in the riot of colors and spices on an expert-led discovery of busy marketplaces, swim in the turquoise waters of the coast or learn about phosphorescence and fireflies during an evening canoe ride on Phang Nga Bay. Create your own Thai cuisine during hands-on cooking classes, and meet monks who have devoted their lives to Buddhist traditions. The best of Thailand awaits!
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to 3 miles (up to 2 hours) a day over varied terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Help to feed and bathe pachyderms as you learn about conservation efforts at a local elephant sanctuary.
- Spend a day exploring the idyllic Phang Nga Bay by boat, and enjoy an evening canoe ride under the stars.
- Savor the unique flavors of Thai cuisine as you participate in a Thai culinary adventure.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Anthony Zola
Anthony is a senior researcher at the Mekong Environment and Research Institute in Thailand. He earned a BA in international affairs from George Washington University, a MA in economics from Syracuse University, and a certificate in French civilization from the Sorbonne. Coming to Thailand as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1970-72, he has since lived mainly in Thailand and Laos. He has been active in agribusiness and economic development consulting. His work includes auditing social safeguards and livelihood restoration at infrastructure development projects in Laos.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Anthony Zola
View biography
Anthony is a senior researcher at the Mekong Environment and Research Institute in Thailand. He earned a BA in international affairs from George Washington University, a MA in economics from Syracuse University, and a certificate in French civilization from the Sorbonne. Coming to Thailand as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1970-72, he has since lived mainly in Thailand and Laos. He has been active in agribusiness and economic development consulting. His work includes auditing social safeguards and livelihood restoration at infrastructure development projects in Laos.
Anusorn Sribunma
View biography
Anusorn “Chai” Sribunma has been traveling since he was a child. He studied journalism and mass communication and has a master’s degree in archeology and anthropology of Thailand. His fascination with this area led to his desire to enter the tourism industry, allowing him to share his passion for his country and introduce Thailand to foreign visitors. He has been leading groups since 2008 and has also worked as a part-time teacher. Anusorn means “reminder,” but he goes by his nickname Chai, which means “win.”
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of Thailand: An Exploration of the Culture and Kingdom
Program Number: 22813
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Bangkok
This slim guide, geared for visitors on a short stay, features color photographs and maps.
Bangkok, Recipes and Stories from the Heart of Thailand
With 120 recipes and location photography, this deeply personal ode to Thai food features heirloom family dishes, restaurant classics, modern cosmopolitan fare and street eats. A splendid way to experience the food that Thai people eat every day.
The Golden Lands, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand & Vietnam
The product of 25 years of research into Buddhist architecture, this survey takes us from the monastic complexes of India to the dzongs of Bhutan, inside the wats of Southeast Asia and through the simple wooden shrines of Japan. Gorgeously illustrated throughout with color photos and 3D renderings.
A Traveller's History of Southeast Asia
A compact history of the region, including the Khmer and the various ancient kingdoms that produced Borobudur, Angkor and other architectural marvels.
Anna and the King of Siam
The enduring, fanciful tale of a governess in mid-19th century Siam, which is the basis for the hit musical production The King and I.
The Mekong, Turbulent Past, Uncertain Future
A cultural history of the great river from prehistory to European exploration, colonial tensions and modern challenges. It's an engaging introduction to the history of Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia Wildlife, A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Animals
A laminated, pocket-sized reference to 140 birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians common to Southeast Asian. Each is profiled with detailed illustrations and easy-to-read descriptions.
Bangkok, A Cultural History
O'Neil illuminates a city rich in art, history, royal ceremony and tradition in this engaging portrait.
Sightseeing, Stories
Lapcharoensap's remarkable debut collection of seven stories includes sharp, funny portraits of contemporary Thailand and its generation gap.
Eyewitness Guide Thailand
A compact illustrated guide featuring color photographs, excellent maps and a regional overview of Thailand's natural and cultural attractions.
Culture Smart! Thailand
A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with practical travel advice and a short overview of the land and people.
Letters from Thailand, A Novel
A prize-winning novel first published in 1969 and newly translated into English. Taking the form of a series of letters back home to his mother, it follows the fate of Tan Suang U, a Chinese immigrant in Bangkok at the close of World War II, who marries, raises a family and runs a successful business. The novel, among its many pleasures, depicts daily life in Bangkok's thriving Chinatown.
Bangkok 8, A Novel
In this gritty, humorous and gruesome thriller, Burdett explores the criminal underworld of Bangkok and a series of mysterious deaths. Burdett's hero, Sonchai Jitpleecheep, becomes obsessed with finding the killer when his own partner is murdered.
Killed at the Whim of a Hat
First in the Jimm Juree mystery series. Cotterill trades in Laos -- and the elderly Dr. Paiboun -- for Jimm Juree, "a feisty Thai lady journalist with relatives that make the Adams family look like Alexander McCall Smith characters," for this wry book set in a dusty resort along the Gulf of Siam.
The King Never Smiles, A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej
A balanced biography of Thailand's powerful king, a constitutional monarch who came to the throne of his country from the United States in 1946.
What the Buddha Taught
A classic introduction to Buddhism by a respected monk and scholar from Sri Lanka. Provides translations from original texts with explanations for Western readers. A good foundation for anyone interested in understanding the foundations of Buddhism.
Thailand, Traveller's Wildlife Guide
Featuring full-color illustrations of 600 of Thailand's most common birds, mammals, reef fish, insects, amphibians and reptiles.
The River's Tale, A Year on the Mekong
A personal, probing chronicle of a 3,000-mile journey on the river from its source in China through Tibet, Burma, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
Thailand, The Cookbook
With depth and dexterity, Gabriel explains ingredients and authentic techniques for 500 authentic Thai snacks, drinks, curries, stir fry, desserts and more.
Thailand Adventure Map
A detailed relief map at a scale of 1:1,300,000.
Birds of Thailand
A compact, comprehensive guide with 128 color plates by a team of illustrators. Robson is also the author of the authoritative Birds of Southeast Asia.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
30 meals (
12B, 9L, 9D
)
3 expert-led lectures
18 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
3 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Depart for Thailand
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
In Transit Across the International Dateline
Location:
In Flight
Day
3
Arrive, Hotel Check-in, Orientation at 6:30pm.
Location:
Chiang Mai
Meals:
D
Stay:
Dusit D2 Chiang Mai
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00pm. The Orientation is at 6:30pm. If you arrive later and miss the Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview tomorrow. Tonight, we will have a regular dinner as some flights are arriving quite late. The welcome dinner will be held tomorrow (day 4 of your itinerary).
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel and checking in, take some time to unpack, freshen up and relax. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in activities on your own or with fellow participants, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions for free time. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Traditional Thai set menu at the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
4
Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Walking Discovery
Location:
Chiang Mai
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Dusit D2 Chiang Mai
Activity Note
Van transfer to Doi Suthep involves driving up winding mountain roads for approximately 45 minutes (12 miles) one way. Morning visit entails approximately 1.5 hours walking (1-2 miles). Afternoon exploration entails approximately 1 hour walking (1 mile) along cobblestones in the old city center with light traffic.
Breakfast:
Boxed breakfast to be eaten during our journey to Doi Suthep.
Morning:
In the early morning, we depart for Doi Suthep by minivans. Once there we experience a Buddhist tradition - the procession of the monks before they ascend the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach the glittering, golden pagodas at the sacred Doi Suthep Mountain. Afterwards, we continue our drive to Wat Umong, a temple that dates back to the 14th century and contains a network of tunnels and caves. Here we experience a private blessing ceremony, a traditional Buddhist way of offering you good health and happiness.
Lunch:
We enjoy a traditional Northern Thailand lunch, "Khao Soi". Arguably Chiang Mai's most famous dish, Khao Soi combines crispy noodles and a rich coconut curry sauce. Coffee, tea and water included. Afterwards, we enjoy a presentation on sustainable and organic tea plantations given by the founder of the restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we join our local expert and Group Leader for a walking discovery of Chiang Mai. We begin at a local market where fresh vegetables, spices, meat and fish are sold. We continue walking to the Three King Monument which, according to legend, has become a landmark for the city of Chiang Mai. We return to the hotel on a 'songthaew', a local form of transportation, with time to freshen up before our Welcome Dinner.
Dinner:
Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional northern Thai cuisine. We have a complimentary "Welcome to Thailand" drink with dinner this evening. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Doi Inthanon National Park, Karen Hill Tribe Village
Location:
Chiang Mai
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Dusit D2 Chiang Mai
Activity Note
Drive is approximately 37 miles (1 hour 25 minutes) one way. Easy to moderate walking in the mountains for approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
Doi Inthanon National Park is the home of Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. The national park is made up of tropical forests, rivers, and waterfalls. It is also filled with wildlife - gibbons, deer, wild boar and over 300 species of bird. We travel from the hotel by minivans to the summit of Doi Inthanon National Park (approximately 1.5 hours drive). At the summit, we walk along natural trails (approximately 30 minutes). We continue our drive to the Twin Pagodas for a walk around the beautiful gardens.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we visit the Karen Hill Tribe village of Mae Klang Luang to learn about this ethnic group and their way of life. We take a walk through the village and visit one of the homes before returning by minivans to Chiang Mai.
Dinner:
At own arrangements. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, Wat Suan Dok, Chat with Monks
Location:
Chiang Mai
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Dusit D2 Chiang Mai
Activity Note
Walking 1-2 miles on reasonably flat natural surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
This morning we visit Kanta Elephant Sanctuary to learn about Asian Elephants in Thailand in a relaxed forest environment. We have the opportunity to meet and speak with the mahouts. Kanta is dedicated to providing a natural and relaxing environment for their rescue elephants in their retirement.
Lunch:
At the sanctuary. Coffee, tea and water included. Other beverages available for purchase. We will be able to observe the elephants during and after our own lunch.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we travel by motorcoach to Wat Suan Dok, the Buddhist University. We take a short walk around the temple to learn about its history and understand why it is revered as one of the city's most sacred sites. We spend some time chatting with the monks and have a lecture to learn more about the religion of Buddhism. We return to our hotel by motorcoach with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Coach to Mae Chan
Location:
Mae Chan
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa
Activity Note
Driving approximately 150 miles (4.5 hours) with rest stops along the way. Easy to moderate walking for approximately 3 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
Check out of the hotel and depart for Mae Chan. On arrival at Chiang Rai we visit Wat Rong Khun. Commonly referred to as The White Temple, the silvery-white buildings appear to shimmer from a distance.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included. Other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple. We continue our drive along winding roads to Mae Chan and our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Mae Chan, Hill Tribe Market, Mae Salong, Free Time
Location:
Mae Chan
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa
Activity Note
Easy to moderate walking approximately 1 mile (2-3 hours).
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We travel by motorcoach to visit Mae Salong hilltribe market. Here many tribes - including Akha, Chan (Thai Yai Tribe), Yunna (Haw) and Karen - come together to sell their products. As we wander, we will be captivated by the variety on offer. Many species of rice, local herbs, clothes, household equipment, fruit, vegetables and animal products are all up for sale. We board our motorcoach and drive towards the 101 Tea Plantation to take in the scenic outlook. We continue up to the summit of Doi Mae Salong and stop for a walk at the Yunnan village. Here we have the opportunity for a tea tasting. We return to the resort by motorcoach to participate in a cooking class followed by lunch.
Lunch:
We enjoy preparing our own food for lunch at the resort. In doing so, we learn about the different herbs and spices that are common in Thai cooking.
Afternoon:
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Coach to Chiang Rai, Fly to Bangkok, Lecture
Location:
Bangkok
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside Hotel
Activity Note
The drive to Chiang Rai airport is approximately 1 hour. The evening walk from our hotel to a nearby restaurant is approximately 10 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We check out of the hotel and transfer to Chiang Rai airport for our late morning flight to Bangkok. Upon our arrival in Bangkok, we transfer to our hotel and check in.
Lunch:
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We have some down time after lunch to settle into our hotel or head out for a wander. In the late afternoon, we will be joined by a local expert for a presentation about Thailand’s political economy - the interdisciplinary study of economics, political science, sociology, and other disciplines - to understand the impact and influence of political factors in economic outcomes. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand has been a unified kingdom since the mid-14th century.
Dinner:
We will walk to a local restaurant for dinner.
Evening:
We are free to return to our hotel at leisure.
Day
10
Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Boat Ride
Location:
Bangkok
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside Hotel
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a long-tail riverboat. Walking approximately 1.5 miles throughout the day from river pier to the Grand Palace, to lunch, then to Wat Pho. Note: We do not go inside the Grand Palace, but we explore the surroundings. Wat Pho is a sacred site. Please dress conservatively (no shorts or singlet tops); shoes must be removed to enter the temple, but socks are allowed. Photography is NOT permitted.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We will take a local river taxi to the Grand Palace area. The Grand Palace with its surrounding complex is Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782, the extraordinary architecture, artistic detail, and amazing history have made it a cultural icon. The Grand Palace is no longer the royal residence, but it is still used for important ceremonial occasions. We do not go inside the Grand Palace, but we explore the surroundings. In addition to the Palace itself, there are more than 100 structures within the grounds. Many of these are beautifully designed and decorated, including Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most important and sacred temple. We will visit the Wat Phra Kaew temple that houses the so-called Emerald Buddha, painstakingly carved from a single block of green jade. It was discovered in a Chiang Rai stupa in 1434, covered in plaster! Legend says its history goes back to India in the year 43 BCE. It now sits in splendor on a golden throne and watches over the Thai nation. Afterwards, we visit the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum to learn about Thai textiles past and present. We then continue by foot to Wat Pho, adjacent to the Palace. The oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, it contains more than 1,000 images of the Buddha. One of the most famous is the Reclining Buddha, nearly 150 feet (46 meters) long and 50 feet (15 meters) high. Wat Pho was also the country’s earliest center for public education. It is the national headquarters for preserving and teaching traditional Thai medicine, including Thai massage, which is still practiced here.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We board a colorful longtail boat and cruise up the river, admiring the Bangkok skyline as we go. We will discover an intricate network of waterways, dotted with traditional teak houses as well as modern mansions. Bangkok's waterside reveals some of the city's history and shows how it has evolved into the cosmopolitan capital we see today. We return to our hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for our early morning flight to Phuket tomorrow morning.
Day
11
Fly to Phuket, Free Time
Location:
Phuket
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas
Activity Note
The flight from Bangkok to Phuket is approximately 1.5 hours. The drive to Bangkok airport is approximately 40 minutes-1 hour (11 miles). The drive from Phuket airport to the hotel is approximately 5 minutes (1 mile).
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We check out of our hotel and transfer to Bangkok airport for our flight to Phuket, in the south of Thailand.
Lunch:
At own arrangements, on the flight to Phuket.
Afternoon:
We disembark our flight at Phuket airport and transfer to our hotel. We check in to our hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon to settle in and relax.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Phang Nga Bay, Cave Kayaking, Krathong Launch
Location:
Phuket
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We enjoy some time at leisure before our late-morning departure for Phang Nga Bay. At Ao Po Grand Marina Pier, we board a vessel from which we will explore the sea caves and hidden lagoons. We will discover the pristine beauty of Phuket as we take in the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay.
Lunch:
We enjoy lunch on board the boat as we cruise around Phang Nga Bay.
Afternoon:
We hop aboard smaller boats to explore the Phang Nga Bay Caves. Local guides will do the paddling as we take in the stunning surroundings. Look out for macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, mudskippers, egrets, sea eagles and Brahminy kites as you explore the hidden caverns and picturesque lagoons surrounded by giant cliffs.
Dinner:
We enjoy a Thai seafood buffet dinner (with vegetarian options) underneath the stars of Phang Nga Bay.
Evening:
We finish the day by floating our self-made flower “Krathong” and return to the pier after sunset. From the pier we head back to the hotel, arriving at around 10:00pm.
Day
13
Snorkeling and Beach Time
Location:
Phuket
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas
Activity Note
Motorcoach transfer time from hotel to pier is approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet at the hotel including Asian and Western dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We board our private speed boat and spend the day exploring the Andaman Sea. We will make several stops at ideal locations for swimming and snorkeling. We visit Phi Phi Island where we can spend some time walking on the white sand beaches and enjoying the beautiful clear water.
Lunch:
We enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we visit Bamboo Island. Bamboo Island is famous for its wide, white sandy beach and shallow coral reef. We have some more time to relax, swim or snorkel before heading back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Walking Discovery of Phuket Town, Free Time, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Phuket
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas
Activity Note
Walking in town for approximately 2-3 hours (2 miles) along small and sometimes busy roads.
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet at the hotel including Asian and Western dishes. Coffee, tea and water included
Morning:
This morning we explore the old town of Phuket on foot. We learn about the island’s past while exploring different architectural styles. We view former Chinese schools that have been repurposed into museums and restaurants as well as Chinese shrines. We walk past Sino-Portuguese buildings that stand in testimony to the influence of the migrants who came to Phuket during the tin mining days of the 19th century. We take a closer look at the past with a visit to Thavorn Museum. Located in the hotel of the same name, this museum boasts an impressive collection of old calculators, typewriters, tin toys and more. Seeing these relics gives us a sense of what life was like in Phuket in earlier times. During our walk we have the opportunity to sample various local snacks and delicacies.
Lunch:
At own arrangements.
Afternoon:
The afternoon is at leisure allowing you to do your final explorations, run errands or relax back at the hotel.
Dinner:
Farewell Dinner at the hotel. We have a complimentary "Farewell to Thailand" drink with dinner this evening. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and pack for your journey home.
Day
15
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out at 12:00pm. The airport is located approximately 1 mile (5 minutes) away from the hotel.
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet at the hotel including Asian and Western dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
Our program concludes with breakfast. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys! Follow us on social media to stay in touch with Road Scholar! Find us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures and www.instagram.com/rsadventures.
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MEALS
30 Meals
12 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
9 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
- Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025 (Chiang Mai to Phuket)
- Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025 (Chiang Mai to Phuket)
- Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025 (Chiang Mai to Phuket)
- Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025 (Chiang Mai to Phuket)
Participant Reviews
Based on 36 Reviews
Sort By:
Do not miss this opportunity to experience Thailand: from its sacred temples to its exotic jungles to its urban nightlife to its pristine waters! A magical experience.
— Review left November 18, 2024
Our leader/guide, Chi, was wonderful. Seeing the country from far north to far south was an exciting whirlwind. But future participants should be warned, it was HOT, and most HOT everyday.
— Review left April 27, 2024
You only live once. This trip should be on your bucket list.
— Review left March 13, 2024
This is a great program , for folks interested in visiting Southeast Asia for the first time.The program richly provides insight into the people of Thailand , their history , traditions and culture.The fact that it covers various regions of the country makes it authentic.
— Review left March 12, 2024
So many highlights! Bathing elephants at the Kanta Sanctuary was a special experience. Loved our trek to the Doi Inthanon National Park. Beautiful scenery. Visiting rural villages gave me insight to traditional methods of weaving and living. Loved the group...so many interesting and fun people. Wish we would have been in a single larger bus for long days, so we could have had some educational lectures enroute. Most often we were in small vans without a guide to let us know what we were passing or to take advantage of this opportunity to talk about history and culture. I usually enjoy the in-depth cultural and educational opportunities Road Scholar provides through excellent guides.
— Review left March 6, 2024
The Thailand program gives a wonderful picture and experience of the length—from the highest point to the sea—of an intriguing and very welcoming country. Our energetic, approachable, cheerful, knowledgeable and caring guide made us want to go back!
— Review left February 25, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Thailand with Road Scholar! Our guide, Chai, was amazing and made sure everyone had a great time. His love for his country was evident and infectious! Visiting the sea caves and hidden lagoons near Phuket was magical and the highlight of the trip for me! I was there in February and it sure was HOT, both temperature wise and in the spiciness of the food (yum! - less spicy options available if you prefer!). I especially loved the mountain resort we stayed in outside of Chiang Rai. And I highly recommend getting both Thai and foot massages while you are there. I think this trip did indeed offer the "Best of Thailand"!
— Review left February 20, 2024
What a wonderful trip! We visited temples, fed elephants, got a blessing from a monk, kayaked hidden lagoons, and walked the beach.
— Review left February 18, 2024
The Thailand tour served our purposes (tourism, education, nature experiences) perfectly, especially because due to language barriers Thailand would otherwise have been much less accessible for us. It's a progressive, tolerant country with wonderful food, people, history, and natural beauty.
— Review left February 18, 2024
A reasonably thorough exploration of the land, religion, people, and traditions of Thailand through varied activities that included city walking, hiking in nature, chatting with a monk, hanging out with elephants, and snorkeling. Light on lectures; heavy on experiences.
— Review left February 18, 2024
I highly recommend this trip for first time visitors to Thailand. It's a wonderful blend of culture, history and physical activities. The time spent with Hill Tribe villages was very special as was the kayaking and elephant encounter. Our guide, Chai, was excellent!
— Review left February 5, 2024
Wonderful cultural and scenic exploration of the beautiful country of Thailand. Excellent guide who made the experience truly immersive and fun. Busy pace in order to see the country during a limited time frame. Highly recommended.
— Review left January 28, 2024
The trip through Thailand with guide Anusorn was AMAZING! So glad I had the opportunity to see this country from north to south. It was structured in a way that allows you to see the diversity in many aspects (countryside, people, city life, food, etc.). It is nice to know that you are well taken care of and can travel without the hassle of organizing a trip out of the country. I plan to discover other countries with RS in the near future. Their trips must be good because this was my first one but several people on my trip have been on double digit trips with RS.
— Review left November 29, 2023
Thailand is a country that should be on every American's bucket list. Our itinerary had everything: the beach, temples, elephants, the jungle, tribes, big cities, shopping, etc... The real stars were the people and our tour guide. They were warm and welcoming and everyone worked hard to make sure that we enjoyed ourselves. The dollar went a long way in Thailand.
There are plenty of ATM's and currency exchanges. I do recommend that if you take dollars with you to convert that you get them from your bank instead of an ATM. In order for the money to get exchanged it has to be pristine. If you decide to tip I recommend giving Baht instead of dollars because the Thai's may not be able to convert them to use them.
Thailand felt safer than any other country I have visited and the food was amazing. I can't say enough nice things about the country. The only thing I would change is to extend the time in Bangkok.
— Review left October 29, 2023
Gentle Thai people in lovely land & seascapes. Vibrant cities & many wonderful excursions. It's well worth the effort to travel there. KLS
— Review left February 20, 2023
I strongly recommend this trip to anyone who has a thirst for adventure! The experiences not to mention the food were unforgettable! Just make sure you can handle the walking required for the trip. If you can, you won’t regret the trip.
— Review left February 19, 2023
This program is a thorough exploration of Thailand from north to south with a diversity of activities; food and cooking, culture, history, people, nature, and free time for pursuing individual interests. The flights between destinations are easy and efficient. The accommodations and their locations are great with the Katiliya Mountain Resort as the spectacular highlight.
Our guide Chai was fabulous; his knowledge and enthusiasm for his country and people was palpable. He stopped at local markets to ensure we tasted regional delicacies, he stopped at places based on people's interests, and he made slight changes to the itinerary and destinations to satisfy requests. He was quietly efficient, ensuring our experience was seamless and stressless. It was very evident his main focus was showcasing Thailand and Road Scholar at their finest.
— Review left February 14, 2023
The trip was wonderful. I loved the diversity of activities and the fact that we visited the country from north to south. The order of travel destinations made sense. Our primary guide, Chai, was fantastic. He was very attentive to our needs including supplying water and creative stops while traveling. He was always working and so pleasant. Oar, a local guide for the 1st 6 days was the best. So knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. The young female guide in Bangkok was very informative and pleasant. Pong, in Phuket, was another wonderful guide and full of info.
Personally, I would have preferred a little more free time to explore. I would also recommend switching activities on day 4 and 5 because the earliest departure from the hotel was on the first day of activity and everyone had spent a great deal of time flying to Thailand.
— Review left February 12, 2023
Excellent trip combining diverse cultural, historical, scenic, and experiential activites. Southeast Asia is amazing and fascinating and this was an excellent introduction to this area. The guides were great. The food and accomodations were excellent.
— Review left February 9, 2023
Wonderful organization! Well planned tour with knowledgeable guides. I will definitely travel with Road Scholar again. Thank you!!
— Review left January 30, 2023
This was a trip of a lifetime for me. I was very impressed with the educational experience, program activities, our tour guide who was always available, the transportaion provided, the hotels chosen, etc. Everything was wonderful. Participating in this program gave me the confidence to pursue further adventure travel. I highly recommend this Roadscholar tour to anyone interested in truly experiencing and learning about Thailand - with one caveat: Roadscholar tours are popular with seniors with an average age of 72.
— Review left January 29, 2023
This program allows you to spend time in three different regions of Thailand and introduces you to local people, places, and practices that help deepen your knowledge of and appreciation for a vibrant, quite fascinating Buddhist culture that is also becoming fully integrated into the global economy.
— Review left April 1, 2020
In my late 60s but a avid photographer and traveler, I had never taken a Road Scholar (or any tour company) tour before but did all my own research and planning. Road Scholar thought of everything and my Thailand tour was made even more enjoyable by my ability to sit back, relax and await the next experience and adventure. As a solo traveler, I was able to make new friends who were on this tour with me from California to Maine and I will keep in touch with many of them into the future. Road Scholar tours will make you feel like a VIP in every way!
— Review left March 15, 2020
We had a great trip through Thailand! I'd go back in a heartbeat.
— Review left December 19, 2019
On a whole I enjoy the trip. There were a few problems like some hotels had no doors on the bathrooms. I was led to believe there would be more hiking involved in the trip. most of the walking was in cities hiking boots were not required. I love the elephants they were a great part of the trip.
— Review left March 5, 2019
An exceedingly well planned and stimulating introduction to this remarkable country and people.
— Review left February 17, 2019
This trip was absolutely amazing. I had very high expectations about the trip and the actual trip far exceeded them! We commented daily about how amazing the trip was and how much we enjoyed every part of it. I would recommend this trip to everyone!
— Review left February 8, 2019
This trip to Thailand exceeded my expectations. The experiences we had, from bathing elephants in the North, to kayaking in sea caves in the South, from a lecture about the history of Thailand to a chat with a monk, and all the fabulous temples, villages, Thai food, and street wanderings in between, were fabulous. The hotels were all terrific, and our two trips on domestic airlines within the trip were guided expertly. We were in good hands throughout all the tour. I added a few extra days in the very south of Phuket, near Nahairn, and would recommend that for more snorkel and beach time. It's 1.5 hours from the Phuket airport, and cost about $60 by cab. Overall, it was a superb.
— Review left February 4, 2019
We have traveled the world and our trip to Thailand was truly amazing and a life-changing experience. We cannot say enough good things about our trip leader, Dome, and the joy and happiness we experienced in this beautiful country because of him.
— Review left February 1, 2019
OUTSTANDING - ***** !
REVIEW: ROAD SCHOLAR TRIP TO THAILAND - OUTSTANDING! - ***** Carmen our trip Leader and Dom our local leader and resident were remarkable. They and the beauty and history of Thailand made it an outstanding trip and vacation. Food was great and hotels were very comfortable and good !
It is hard to pick out only a few of the highlights when hopes and expectations were so consistently exceeded! However, for me, the interaction with the Elephants and their babies, visits with the people of the "Hill Tribes", the trips on stable kayaks to Phang Nga Bay, (see outstanding review by L.A. Times Travel writer Jeff Greenwald) and a discourse by a Buddhist Monk all exceeded my hopes for the trip.
The consistently great job of adapting to the needs and wants of all (except for one complaining whiner) were met and exceeded. If Road Scholar lets either Carmen or Dom go to the competition it will be a big loss. The Mini buses were comfortable and efficient and safely driven. A MOST Highly Recommended, entertaining, and educational vacation! It would not surprise me if it became one of the most popular trips Road Scholar offers anywhere in the world.
— Review left January 31, 2019
This program was much more exciting than described on the website. There is so much variety & work done to make this a perfect first guided tour for me to take. Carmen & Dom absolutely made this the trip of a lifetime by sharing their love & knowledge of Thailand with us. Our group started out as strangers and ended up as friends, we traveled so well together in vans that helped us bond & better converse with each other. Thailand is an amazing country of so many things to see & do. This tour gave me a chance to really get to know the country & it's history & people. The kayaking & snorkeling were also amazing which added some fun to the itinerary. So glad I took this trip of a lifetime. I only hope my next tour will be as great as this one was. Cannot wait to find out.
— Review left January 28, 2019
This is a wonderful trip to experience the different geographical and cultural parts of Thailand. The program and guides (Carmen, Dom, Lek and Tam) keep everything running smoothly. They keep you comfortable in the heat, and are attentive to each person having a great Thai time. The accommodations were very nice, the food was delicious, many times having a buffet of choices. The Thai are welcoming and appreciative people. We are thankful for an experience that changed our lives.
— Review left January 23, 2019
Road Scholar delivered an experience I will always treasure. The standard for any other trip will be set very high. The activities scheduled, the places we visited, the foods we ate, the superb accommodations, and most of all Carmen Rademacher and Dom were exceptional. Their organizational and ability to work as a team were very effective. Thank you, Road Scholar.
— Review left January 20, 2019
The Thailand program exceeded my expectations on all levels. Our leader Carmen took us on a true Thai adventure. By traveling in vans of 7 or 8 people we were able to get to know our fellow travelers. Some of the highlights were ,visiting temples and chatting with a monk, staying in a tree top paradise in the jungle Kayaking and snorkeling in the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea, bathing elephants in the forest river. The guides, told and showed us what everyday life is like in local villages, we got to taste many of the local dishes and go inside tribal houses, we were able to meet and talk with people living in the villages. You will not be disappointed in this experience. Lot's of fun surprises too!
— Review left January 20, 2019
This tour was phenomenal. Every day had at least one excellent highlight, with plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge, taste local cuisine, visit remote locations and private islands, and take excellent photos! From nature-lovers to city-goers, this tour has something for everyone.
— Review left January 20, 2019
Absolutely wonderful adventure on every level....!! Our thoroughly-knowledgeable, fun and capable group leader Carmen Rademaker was a perfect balance of understanding of both the warm Thai people and Americans...critical for a tour like this imo; her choices and planning were spot-on. The hotels ranged from outstanding to spectacularly luxurious; the food delicious and interesting throughout; the activities so numerous, diverse, educational and fascinating; the balance and pacing was excellent. This was my first Road Scholar trip, and I will definitely choose another...! Thank you...!
— Review left January 10, 2019
