Oct 11 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
3,699
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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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
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800-454-5768
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DATES
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PRICES
Jan 10 - Jan 24, 2025
Starting at
3,799DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Oct 11 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
4,189Jan 10 - Jan 24, 2025
Starting at
4,339Jan 24 - Feb 7, 2025
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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.
What You'll Learn
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Sightseeing, Stories
Lapcharoensap's remarkable debut collection of seven stories includes sharp, funny portraits of contemporary Thailand and its generation gap.
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.
Thailand, Traveller's Wildlife Guide
Featuring full-color illustrations of 600 of Thailand's most common birds, mammals, reef fish, insects, amphibians and reptiles.
Thailand Adventure Map
A detailed relief map at a scale of 1:1,300,000.
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.
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.
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 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.
Bangkok, A Cultural History
O'Neil illuminates a city rich in art, history, royal ceremony and tradition in this engaging portrait.
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Bangkok
This slim guide, geared for visitors on a short stay, features color photographs and maps.
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.
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.
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.
Eyewitness Guide Thailand
A compact illustrated guide featuring color photographs, excellent maps and a regional overview of Thailand's natural and cultural attractions.
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