THAILAND GROUP TRIPS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 7, 2023 [SOLD OUT]
TRIP OVERVIEW
You're invited to join us in Thailand this Nov/Dec.
We fly in/out of Bangkok and then head north for 4 nights in the cultural mecca of Chiang Mai. The first trip, Nov. 27 - Dec 7, will be during the Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) whereas the second trip, Dec 11-21, is not during the lantern festival. We have a few group activities planned like visiting the Elephant Sanctuary and a mountaintop sunrise at Doi Sutep Temple but we'll mostly be staying within the ancient city walls so there's lots of time to explore the old town on foot or go on your own tuk tuk adventure.
We'll fly directly from Chiang Mai south to Krabi where we'll take a van and a Thai Longtail Boat to our final destination, 4 nights in East Railay Beach. Railay is nestled between the warm turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and 600 feet tall limestone cliffs. We booked a private sunset island tour on a wooden Siamese Junk where we'll swim, snorkel, paddleboard, eat, drink and enjoy a private concert by Brian Ernst. We also scheduled a day trip out to Hong Island to explore all the beautiful beaches in the Andaman Sea.
We fly in/out of Bangkok and then head north for 4 nights in the cultural mecca of Chiang Mai. The first trip, Nov. 27 - Dec 7, will be during the Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) whereas the second trip, Dec 11-21, is not during the lantern festival. We have a few group activities planned like visiting the Elephant Sanctuary and a mountaintop sunrise at Doi Sutep Temple but we'll mostly be staying within the ancient city walls so there's lots of time to explore the old town on foot or go on your own tuk tuk adventure.
We'll fly directly from Chiang Mai south to Krabi where we'll take a van and a Thai Longtail Boat to our final destination, 4 nights in East Railay Beach. Railay is nestled between the warm turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and 600 feet tall limestone cliffs. We booked a private sunset island tour on a wooden Siamese Junk where we'll swim, snorkel, paddleboard, eat, drink and enjoy a private concert by Brian Ernst. We also scheduled a day trip out to Hong Island to explore all the beautiful beaches in the Andaman Sea.
PRICING STRUCTURE
Price is a per person (pp) the final price may vary no more than $100 based on the exchange rate as it gets closer to the trip
Solo Traveler: $2233 - $3026* (nonrefundable deposit of $600 is required to hold you spot)
Two People sharing a room: $1664 - $2064* (nonrefundable deposit of $600pp is required to hold your spot)
Family or small private group: Please send us a message.
*Price depends on your room choices and if you prefer half or full day at Elephant Park.
Two People sharing a room: $1664 - $2064* (nonrefundable deposit of $600pp is required to hold your spot)
Family or small private group: Please send us a message.
*Price depends on your room choices and if you prefer half or full day at Elephant Park.
TRIP INCLUDES
All accommodation, all flights within Thailand + 1 checked bag + carry on, all airport transfers, breakfast every day, 3 lunches, 1 dinner, an evening cruise on the Ping River (Chiang Mai), Elephant Nature Park (half day or full day), sunset voyage on Siamese Junk (Railay Beach), Hong Island speedboat private tour and longtail taxi boat to/from East Railay Beach.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
International plane tickets to/from Bangkok, 9 dinners ($4-$15 each), 7 lunches ($3-$10 each), alcoholic drinks ($1-$9), sunrise at Doi Suteph mountain top temple, local transport within Chiang Mai, Travel Insurance (Required), any additional activities you want to do with your all your free time (Thai cooking class, Muai Thai Fighting Match, souvenirs, shopping, scooters.
HERE'S THE PLAN
DAY 1 // BANGKOK
Arrive in Bangkok and spend your first night at U Tiny Boutique Hotel.
Brian will meet you at the airport and have a shuttle waiting.
The hotel has a pool and restaurant so you don’t need to go anywhere today unless you arrive early and want to explore Bangkok. It's a big city so there's a lot to see and do but also feel free to rest after your trip, we don't have any activities planned.
Brian will meet you at the airport and have a shuttle waiting.
The hotel has a pool and restaurant so you don’t need to go anywhere today unless you arrive early and want to explore Bangkok. It's a big city so there's a lot to see and do but also feel free to rest after your trip, we don't have any activities planned.
DAY 2 // CHIANG MAI
Have breakfast on your own and enjoy the pool and morning at U Tiny Hotel.
We're going to have an early lunch because we leave at noon to catch an hour and a half flight to Chiang Mai. Our flight arrives in the afternoon so we'll have time to check in at the Pingviman Hotel before heading out to witness the Sky Lantern Festival.
We'll have dinner on a small river boat at The Riverside Chiang Mai, after dinner we'll enjoy an hour and half cruise on the Ping River while watching the Sky Lantern release from the water.
The Sky Lantern Festival is one of the busiest times of the year in Chiang Mai. This ancient Lanna festival is a celebration of realizing the darkness and bringing more light into your life/the world. We will do our best to watch a lantern release at a local temple with the monks and then head to a bridge over the Ping River where you can legally release your own lantern.
We're going to have an early lunch because we leave at noon to catch an hour and a half flight to Chiang Mai. Our flight arrives in the afternoon so we'll have time to check in at the Pingviman Hotel before heading out to witness the Sky Lantern Festival.
We'll have dinner on a small river boat at The Riverside Chiang Mai, after dinner we'll enjoy an hour and half cruise on the Ping River while watching the Sky Lantern release from the water.
The Sky Lantern Festival is one of the busiest times of the year in Chiang Mai. This ancient Lanna festival is a celebration of realizing the darkness and bringing more light into your life/the world. We will do our best to watch a lantern release at a local temple with the monks and then head to a bridge over the Ping River where you can legally release your own lantern.
DAY 3 // CHIANG MAI
Wake up and enjoy breakfast on your own time.
We'll meet up at 11am for a walking tour around the the old town where we're staying so you can orient yourself to be able to comfortably explore Chiang Mai on your own. It's very safe and traveler friendly. There's so many places to shop, eat/drink, relax, get massage and explore.
As it gets closer to the trip we will be able to see the full schedule of activities for the Lantern Festival and will have another option to enjoy this festival tonight.
We'll meet up at 11am for a walking tour around the the old town where we're staying so you can orient yourself to be able to comfortably explore Chiang Mai on your own. It's very safe and traveler friendly. There's so many places to shop, eat/drink, relax, get massage and explore.
As it gets closer to the trip we will be able to see the full schedule of activities for the Lantern Festival and will have another option to enjoy this festival tonight.
DAY 4 // CHIANG MAI
Everybody can choose to do a full day or half day excursion at the Elephant Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. This is one of the best conservation parks in the world.
The half-day afternoon visit offers the awe-inspiring sight of the big herd of elephants, gracefully walking down the river, playing/bathing along the way, as they make their way back to their night shelter.
Half day excursions depart the hotel at 12:30-1pm.
The full-day Elephant Sanctuary skywalk tour departs the hotel at 7:30-8am.
It includes time at their special ‘hands off’ project. Observe the rescued elephants living in their chosen herd and learn about their individual histories. At the park, the elephants are free to interact and play in natural surroundings including the nearby river. The sanctuary also recuses buffalos, dogs, cats, horses, goats and birds.
The half-day afternoon visit offers the awe-inspiring sight of the big herd of elephants, gracefully walking down the river, playing/bathing along the way, as they make their way back to their night shelter.
Half day excursions depart the hotel at 12:30-1pm.
The full-day Elephant Sanctuary skywalk tour departs the hotel at 7:30-8am.
It includes time at their special ‘hands off’ project. Observe the rescued elephants living in their chosen herd and learn about their individual histories. At the park, the elephants are free to interact and play in natural surroundings including the nearby river. The sanctuary also recuses buffalos, dogs, cats, horses, goats and birds.
DAY 5 // CHAING MAI
Sunrise at Doi Suteph is a unique cultural experience for anyone who would like to wake up early today. The golden temple is illuminated against the break of dawn. The monks are chanting inside the temples when the sun peaks out from the eastern sky, greeting everyone from the mountaintop temple to the big city below.
We'll get back to the hotel in the late morning which means you'll have the rest of the day to make your own adventure. Chiang Mai is an excellent place to get lost and wander through the streets while checking out the cool shops, cafes and street food vendors. We'll have other suggestions if you would like to go on another day excursion.
We'll get back to the hotel in the late morning which means you'll have the rest of the day to make your own adventure. Chiang Mai is an excellent place to get lost and wander through the streets while checking out the cool shops, cafes and street food vendors. We'll have other suggestions if you would like to go on another day excursion.
DAY 6 // RAILAY BEACH
We leave the hotel in Chiang Mai at 8:30am for a 2 hour flight to Krabi Town.
We'll have a shuttle van ready to go which we will take from the airport to the pier where we'll then get on a taxi boat over to Railay Beach. (The lighter you can pack for this trip the better) We will be dropped off on the sand in front of our hotel.
We're staying 4 nights at the beautiful Railay Bay Resort & Spa.
There’s different room options with limited availability so let us know which room you prefer. There's 1 private pool villa available, 3 cottages with an outdoor spa bath and 4 deluxe double rooms.
We'll meet up in the afternoon to do a walking tour of Railay. There's no cars here so it's pretty easy to get orientated. The sunsets are beautiful and the water is calm and warm.
We'll have a shuttle van ready to go which we will take from the airport to the pier where we'll then get on a taxi boat over to Railay Beach. (The lighter you can pack for this trip the better) We will be dropped off on the sand in front of our hotel.
We're staying 4 nights at the beautiful Railay Bay Resort & Spa.
There’s different room options with limited availability so let us know which room you prefer. There's 1 private pool villa available, 3 cottages with an outdoor spa bath and 4 deluxe double rooms.
We'll meet up in the afternoon to do a walking tour of Railay. There's no cars here so it's pretty easy to get orientated. The sunsets are beautiful and the water is calm and warm.
DAY 7 // RAILAY BEACH
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel on your own time. Enjoy the pool, go for a beach walk and keep a look out for monkeys.
We'll meet up 1pm to board the famous "Pla Luang" which is a Siamese Junk and spend the rest of the day at sea. We’ll make our way out to the islands west of Railay – (Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Koh Si, Ko Yawasam and Ta Ming), where we'll snorkel and swim. Do as much or as little as you like. The teak deck is perfect for relaxing and taking in the majestic views. We end the day sailing back towards the Railay Peninsula whilst watching the sun set over the Andaman. Finally we get to swim in the waters next to Pranang Beach for those that want to experience swimming in the bio-luminescence once the sun goes down.
The trip includes water/juice and soft drinks + fresh fruit, snacks and a delicious Thai buffet dinner.
All snorkeling equipment, life jackets and 1 kayak and 4 Stand Up Paddle Boards are also included.
Cocktails, beer, spirits and wine can be purchased from the bar on deck but don't drink too much or we'll make you walk the plank!!
We'll meet up 1pm to board the famous "Pla Luang" which is a Siamese Junk and spend the rest of the day at sea. We’ll make our way out to the islands west of Railay – (Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Koh Si, Ko Yawasam and Ta Ming), where we'll snorkel and swim. Do as much or as little as you like. The teak deck is perfect for relaxing and taking in the majestic views. We end the day sailing back towards the Railay Peninsula whilst watching the sun set over the Andaman. Finally we get to swim in the waters next to Pranang Beach for those that want to experience swimming in the bio-luminescence once the sun goes down.
The trip includes water/juice and soft drinks + fresh fruit, snacks and a delicious Thai buffet dinner.
All snorkeling equipment, life jackets and 1 kayak and 4 Stand Up Paddle Boards are also included.
Cocktails, beer, spirits and wine can be purchased from the bar on deck but don't drink too much or we'll make you walk the plank!!
DAY 8 // RAILAY BEACH
Railay Beach is like a giant playground. The beaches are breathtaking and there is an extensive cave system on the island that's fun to explore and take in the views. For anyone who is an experienced hiker, there's a beautiful hidden lagoon that you have to climb a couple hundred feet up and then back down but you're in a tide filled lagoon that has a 360 degree cliff surrounding it. It's beautiful but not for everyone.
Railay is famous for rock climbing. There are all different kinds of climbs for the beginner to expert climber. There's also more than enough beauty to keep you occupied for the day.
Railay is famous for rock climbing. There are all different kinds of climbs for the beginner to expert climber. There's also more than enough beauty to keep you occupied for the day.
DAY 9 // RAILAY BEACH
Hong Island is a full day tour. We chartered a boat to take us out snorkeling through the beautiful coral reef at Daeng Island before we cruise into the beautiful lagoon on Hong Island.
We'll have Thai Food for lunch under the trees on Hong Island. We'll have time to relax, have some drinks, swim/sunbathe before we cruise over to sandbar near Pakbia & Rai Islands.
We'll have Thai Food for lunch under the trees on Hong Island. We'll have time to relax, have some drinks, swim/sunbathe before we cruise over to sandbar near Pakbia & Rai Islands.
DAY 10 // BANGKOK
We'll check out of the hotel at 11:30am, but you can leave your bags at the front desk and enjoy the pool/beaches/caves and shops as your flight to Bangkok doesn't leave until 7:50pm.
This leg of the trip will be without us but we have your shuttle organized to the airport and from the airport back to U Tiny Boutique Hotel.
This leg of the trip will be without us but we have your shuttle organized to the airport and from the airport back to U Tiny Boutique Hotel.
DAY 11 // GROUP TRIP ENDS, FLY HOME OR TRAVEL ON
Breakfast will be waiting for you when you wake up at U Tiny Boutique Hotel. If you like, the family who runs the hotel is more than happy to arrange lunch or dinner for you, depending on what time your flight out is. Your airport shuttle is also included in the price of the ticket. If you are going to continue traveling in Thailand or somewhere else in SE Asia, please let us know and we'd be glad to help.
THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT TRAVELING IN THAILAND
Thailand and SE Asia in general is one of the easiest and safest places to travel in the world. Thai People are very kind and welcoming to travelers so it’s essential to reciprocate that kindness while traveling through their land.
CULTURAL RESPECT
One of the most striking differences between the Eastern and Western Civilizations is “losing face” in public. In Thailand (and Eastern Cultures) it is considered highly disrespectful to get upset, raise your voice and/or talk down to someone else in public. Even if you are 100% in the right, if you “lose face” in public, then you'll be treated as if you're in the wrong.
Thailand is super easy and it’s hard to have a bad time but if there happens to be a problem, please remain respectfully calm and reach out to us. English is widely spoken in Thailand but miscommunications happen from time to time.
SHOES OFF
It is culturally disrespectful to wear your shoes inside the house of a Thai person. Most stores you don't have to remove your shoes but if you see a pair of shoes outside the door of a shop or building you have to follow suit.
TEMPLE ETIQUETTE
It is required that you remove your shoes before entering the temple. While in the temple please remain quiet especially if someone else is occupying the space. If you choose to sit (on the floor) you must keep the bottom of your feet pointing away from the Buddha or you risk offending the Monks. Tank tops are not permitted inside temples. If you are wearing a tank top (because it's hot) make sure you have another t shirt or something to cover your shoulders.
RESPECT THE KING
This is very real. Do not, under any circumstances, disrespect The King. Don't point your finger at the photos and/or murals of him or the royal family. In certain cases it is a punishable crime and in all cases it's offensive to the Thai People.
CROWDS
We normally try to avoid the crowds but we felt the magnificence of the Sky Lantern Festival outweighs the drag of all the people.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Thailand is one of the safest places in the world with world class hospitals and healthcare facilities in major cities including Bangkok and Chiang Mai. East Railay Beach however is very secluded and does not have a hospital and you would need to travel via longtail boat to get to a hospital in Ao Nang or Krabi.
MOTOBIKES/SCOOTERS
Renting a motorbike or a scooter in not part of our trip. You are free to do so but it’s important to note that driving in Thailand, especially on a scooter, is risky. It’s very common to see tourists with bandages on their limbs which is the scarlet letter of a motorbike accident. It's also Thai law to hold an International Drivers License if you're driving, If you don't have an IDL it's an automatic 500baht fine that you have to pay on the spot. Checkpoints are everywhere. It's also against the law to ride without a helmet.
You don't need to get a bike during our trip because everywhere we’re going in walkable.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS REQUIRED
It's really affordable and if you need it, you'll be glad you have it. Things happen when traveling overseas. Lost baggage never to be seen again, slips, phones falling into the water, you just never know! Travel insurance in different than flight insurance. World Nomads offers great rates.
CULTURAL RESPECT
One of the most striking differences between the Eastern and Western Civilizations is “losing face” in public. In Thailand (and Eastern Cultures) it is considered highly disrespectful to get upset, raise your voice and/or talk down to someone else in public. Even if you are 100% in the right, if you “lose face” in public, then you'll be treated as if you're in the wrong.
Thailand is super easy and it’s hard to have a bad time but if there happens to be a problem, please remain respectfully calm and reach out to us. English is widely spoken in Thailand but miscommunications happen from time to time.
SHOES OFF
It is culturally disrespectful to wear your shoes inside the house of a Thai person. Most stores you don't have to remove your shoes but if you see a pair of shoes outside the door of a shop or building you have to follow suit.
TEMPLE ETIQUETTE
It is required that you remove your shoes before entering the temple. While in the temple please remain quiet especially if someone else is occupying the space. If you choose to sit (on the floor) you must keep the bottom of your feet pointing away from the Buddha or you risk offending the Monks. Tank tops are not permitted inside temples. If you are wearing a tank top (because it's hot) make sure you have another t shirt or something to cover your shoulders.
RESPECT THE KING
This is very real. Do not, under any circumstances, disrespect The King. Don't point your finger at the photos and/or murals of him or the royal family. In certain cases it is a punishable crime and in all cases it's offensive to the Thai People.
CROWDS
We normally try to avoid the crowds but we felt the magnificence of the Sky Lantern Festival outweighs the drag of all the people.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Thailand is one of the safest places in the world with world class hospitals and healthcare facilities in major cities including Bangkok and Chiang Mai. East Railay Beach however is very secluded and does not have a hospital and you would need to travel via longtail boat to get to a hospital in Ao Nang or Krabi.
MOTOBIKES/SCOOTERS
Renting a motorbike or a scooter in not part of our trip. You are free to do so but it’s important to note that driving in Thailand, especially on a scooter, is risky. It’s very common to see tourists with bandages on their limbs which is the scarlet letter of a motorbike accident. It's also Thai law to hold an International Drivers License if you're driving, If you don't have an IDL it's an automatic 500baht fine that you have to pay on the spot. Checkpoints are everywhere. It's also against the law to ride without a helmet.
You don't need to get a bike during our trip because everywhere we’re going in walkable.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS REQUIRED
It's really affordable and if you need it, you'll be glad you have it. Things happen when traveling overseas. Lost baggage never to be seen again, slips, phones falling into the water, you just never know! Travel insurance in different than flight insurance. World Nomads offers great rates.
MEET YOUR Host Family: Brian, Katie & Rayah
In the last 15 years, we have traveled, toured and volunteered in 37 countries and 49 states. Over the last decade and a half, we've spent over 10 months in Thailand. This will be our 2nd and 3rd trip that we've guided through Thailand. It's one of the most special places in the world and we're excited to show you around.
WHY WE BELIEVE IN TRAVELING
Traveling has been one of our greatest teachers.
We believe that experiences away from our everyday life opens up new pathways in the heart, mind and soul, showing us new ways to live, create, think and be.
Travel expands our perspective, giving us new vision and inspiration, helping us learn something new about who we are.
It connects us with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Widening the circle. Traveling teaches us tolerance as we experience the many ways this world operates.
We believe that experiences away from our everyday life opens up new pathways in the heart, mind and soul, showing us new ways to live, create, think and be.
Travel expands our perspective, giving us new vision and inspiration, helping us learn something new about who we are.
It connects us with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Widening the circle. Traveling teaches us tolerance as we experience the many ways this world operates.