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Thailand

Thailand for Women: Culture, Community & Conservation

Program No. 25628RJ
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Itinerary
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. Read More.
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
27 meals ( 12B, 7L, 8D )
3 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
8 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00pm. The Orientation is at 5:00pm. If you arrive later and miss the Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview and introductions the following day.
Afternoon:
Check in to the hotel and settle in after your long journey to Thailand. Orientation at 5:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby. 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:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
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:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the early morning, we depart by minivans for Doi Suthep, an icon of Chiang Mai. Situated on a mountain, rising high above the city, this sacred pagoda offers a fabulous view of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Here you will learn about the significant of this temple to Chiang Mai. Afterwards, we continue our drive to a local residents home for a cooking lesson. Here, you will explore the property, learn about Chiang Mai architectural styles, and visit the organic garden to select some ingredients for the interactive cooking experience.
Lunch:
We enjoy lunch with the family and the food that you prepared this morning.
Afternoon:
After a lunch, we will visit Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center. Here, we will learn Basic Thai Massage for Beginners at Lila Thai Massage. Founded by Naowarat Thanasrisutharat, former Director of Chiang Mai Women’s Prison (2001–2008), Lila Thai Massage was established to support the reintegration of newly released female inmates into society. At an introductory workshop in Basic Thai Massage, we will learn fundamental Thai massage techniques focusing on pressure points, stretching, and therapeutic touch for relaxation and wellbeing.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Drive is approximately 24 miles/50 minutes one way to the elephant sanctuary. Walking 1-2 miles on reasonably flat natural surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we board our minivan for a visit to a local textile studio to learn about textile arts in Southeast Asia. Founded in 1986 in Northern Thailand, a community of women weavers, embroiderers, designers and support staff who comprise the women’s group “Weavers for the Environment” (WFE), brought together craft makers from various ethnic groups to create high quality, environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Their aim is to encourage pride in traditional techniques and empower women within their villages, with the concept of “Working together with respect for one another and the environment”. Here you will get a presentation on the natural dies, Thai ikat technique and the learn about the story of Weavers for the Environment. After our time here, we will transfer to an elephant sanctuary for lunch and an elephant interactive experience.
Lunch:
At a the elephant camp.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we visit an elephant sanctuary to to learn about the Asian Elephants in Thailand in a relaxed forest environment. We have the opportunity to meet and speak with the mahouts. This sanctuary is dedicated to providing a natural and relaxing environment for their rescued elephants in their retirement. We return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Drive is approximately 24 miles/50 minutes one way. Walking 1-2 miles in a local village throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will transfer by motorcoach to Ban Pong Huai Lan, a local village that is part of the Royal Initiative Project, where local people live their life in a sustainable way. Upon arrival, we receive a warm welcome from locals and a fresh herbal drink followed by an introduction to the community. Leasrtn about the royal initiative project which established the forest preservation unit and helped build Huai Lan Reservoir. Here more about King Bhumibol’s initiatives and ideas on how the land and area can be properly managed for a sustainable livelihood. We continue with a visit the Fishery Department and learn how the fishing farm has become a significant food resource for the local community. We continue by motorcoach to Huai Lan Reservoir and enjoy the natural panoramic views overlooking the reservoir.
Lunch:
At the local village.
Afternoon:
After lunch, visit Grandma Som’s Farm, a sustainable-living farm based on the inspiration of the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy – growing enough to eat first and selling off surplus. Here we get hands on experience using traditional handloom weaving, thread-spinning and all the weaving processes from the professional women group of the village. These women help preserve the traditional handicraft and local wisdom. Watch and learn from the locals on how to make wicker/weaving crafts. Before saying goodbye to the community, take an afternoon break and try a delicious local dessert, “Kanom-Khee-Maeo”, cooked with rice flour and coconut, served with a fresh herbal juice. We then transfer transfer to Baan Kang Wat, a small, sustainable crafts village. At the village there are many activities that you can take part in. The activities are all laid out in a village format so we can walk from house to house. These are all locals from the Chiang Mai area allowing guests to join in their workshops while showing their own works to guests too.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
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.
Morning:
Check out of the hotel and depart for Mae Chan. En route, we stop in Chiang Rai and visit the Buddhist temple 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.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we continue our drive to our hotel in Mae Chan. After we check into the hotel, we have some time to relax. In the early evening, enjoy a one hour meditation at the resort., to calm the mind and relax the body. Meditation is the act of focusing the mind to relax, improve inner awareness, and make positive mental or physical changes.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving distance 25 miles/50 minutes one way. Easy to moderate walking approximately 1 mile (2-3 hours).
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning enjoy a one hour Yoga Class at the resort. We then leave by motorcoach to the Mae Fa Luang Botanical Garden in Doi Tung, a lush highland oasis founded by the Princess Mother (Somdet Phra Srinagarindra) as part of her mission to restore the region's environment and improve the lives of local communities. The garden, set on the slopes of Doi Tung Mountain, features beautifully landscaped areas that showcase a variety of plants, including the Royal Garden, which highlights the Princess Mother's vision for sustainable agricultural development. We will explore Orchid and Tropical Plant Garden, home to a stunning array of orchids and rare tropical plants, as well as the Tropical Rainforest Section, which mimics the natural biodiversity of Southeast Asia. The gardens are designed to reflect the beauty and ecological importance of the region, making them not only visually captivating but also educational. After visiting the gardens, discover the nearby Doi Tung Royal Villa, the former residence of the Princess Mother. Here, you’ll gain insight into her tireless efforts to uplift the local people through sustainable development, reforestation, and agricultural initiatives. The villa itself is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Lunch:
At Doi Tung Cafe.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we transfer to Choui Fong Tea Plantation, located in the highlands near Chiang Rai at around 1,200 meters above sea level. Choui Fong has been producing some of Thailand’s highest quality teas for nearly half a century. Here learn about tea cultivation and its history in this area. We return to our hotel and participate in one hour meditation class.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
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.
Morning:
We check out of the hotel and transfer to the Chiang Rai airport for our morning flight to Bangkok. Upon our arrival in Bangkok, we transfer to our hotel and check in.
Lunch:
Light lunch served on the plane.
Afternoon:
We have some down time after lunch to settle into our hotel or head out for a walk nearby the riverside hotel. In the late afternoon/early evening, depart for local restaurant owned and operated by a Thai entrepreneur. Before dinner, learn about this restaurant called Poomjai and how this place was transformed from a deserted land to its current setting. Meet the women who started all of this and what they hope to accomplished from this restaurant.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
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 tank tops); shoes must be removed to enter the temple, but socks are allowed. Photography is NOT permitted.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
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:
We will take a short walk to have lunch at a local restaurant.
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:
On your own to enjoy the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for our early morning flight to Phuket tomorrow morning.
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.
Morning:
We will check out of our hotel and transfer to Bangkok Airport for our flight to Phuket, located in southern 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.
Evening:
At leisure.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
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.
Activity Note
Walking in town for approximately 2-3 hours (2 miles) along small and sometimes busy roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we explore Phuket Old Town 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:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
The afternoon is at leisure allowing you to do your final explorations or relax back at the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After a leisurely morning, we will transfer by motorcoach for our Spa treatment. We will go for a refreshing Aromatherapy Hot Oil Massage minutes at Oasis Spa. We will start with a healing treatment including an Aromatic Herbal Steam treatment, Oil Massage and Thai Massage.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Afternoon is free time for you to explore on your own. In the late afternoon, join the group leader for a program wrap-up.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and pack for your journey home.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out at 12:00pm.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our program concludes after breakfast. Refer to the program mailing for transfers to the airport today. Hotel check-out is 12:00 p.m (noon). 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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