Women's Thailand Adventure // 6th - 18th November 2024

Embrace the warmth of Thai hospitality upon your arrival in Chiang Mai. Your journey begins with a soothing retreat to our serene hotel, an oasis of calm where you can unwind by the pool or in the tranquil gardens following your flight. Our team will greet you at the Chiang Mai airport and escort you to your accommodation.

At 5 pm, we'll gather for an opening circle and briefing in the surroundings of our traditional Thai-style hotel. The evening will be dedicated to relaxation and camaraderie as we enjoy a welcome dinner together, setting the tone for the days to come. Retire at your leisure for a restful night's sleep, readying yourself for the adventure ahead.

• Accommodation: Twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: Dinner

Start your day leisurely with a tranquil breakfast or enjoy the calm of the hotel's garden, allowing you the space to recover from your journey and ease into the rhythm of Thailand. Post-lunch, embark on a rejuvenating one-hour hike in Doi Suthep National Park, culminating in a visit to an enchanting Buddhist Forest Temple. The temple presents breathtaking vistas of the city, nestled amidst flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls. A brief introduction to Buddhism will be provided by your local guide. We visit two temples and hike to a waterfall on this day.

Upon our return at approximately 7 pm, the evening is yours to indulge in a refreshing swim at the hotel or to meander through the nearby market. The group may decide to dine together or explore individually. Our guide is available to recommend a restaurant that suits the group's taste. With Chiang Mai's plethora of dining options, we encourage embracing spontaneity for your evening meal.

We've left dinner plans open for personal preference so you can explore the vibrant offerings at the night market, or find a local gem in the city, Chiang Mai's culinary landscape is rich with possibilities.

• Accommodation: Twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: Hotel breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, we embark on our 2-day jungle trek and elephant experience, approximately 2.5 hours south of Chiang Mai. Our journey begins with a minivan ride to the trek's starting point. In the morning, we'll have the unique opportunity to spend time with elephants at ChangChill, joining them in their daily routine. This will be a chance to learn about their natural behaviour from the Karen Mahouts, skilled elephant herders who have lived alongside these majestic creatures for centuries.

ChangChill, a remarkable elephant sanctuary, represents a significant shift in elephant tourism. Moving away from conventional activities like riding, bathing, and feeding elephants, the sanctuary has embraced a truly elephant-friendly approach. ChangChill, which translates to relaxed elephants in Thai, is dedicated to providing a better life for elephants and an exceptional experience for visitors.

Home to four resident female elephants, ChangChill offers these majestic animals the freedom to roam the valley, graze, and bathe in the river, as well as enjoy mud and dust baths. Here, they can socialise with each other in their natural habitat. For those interested in understanding more about ChangChill's ethical approach and its impact on elephant welfare, please visit their website to learn more about this inspiring sanctuary.

Following this remarkable experience and a delicious lunch, our trekking guide, Pek, will meet us to begin our trek for the overnight adventure. From this point, there will be no more driving.

Each day, we'll hike for 2 to 3 hours (covering about 13 km) through remote Hill Tribe villages, expect some hills following jungle trails. Our knowledgeable trekking guides, familiar with every inch of the jungle, will provide delectable jungle-prepared meals. Our accommodation will be in a simple Hill Tribe hut, a longhouse where we'll all sleep together in one room, offering a chance to discover the Hill Tribes local customs and traditions.

We'll store our large packs and carry only an overnight bag for the trek. Each adventurer will carry her own daypack, while our porters manage the food supplies and overnight gear. In the evening, gathered around a campfire, our local guides will share captivating stories of their life in the jungle, adding depth and richness to our adventure.

• Accommodation: Hill Tribe Hut (group share)
• Meals: Hotel breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast we will begin a morning trek lasting between 1.5 to 3 hours before reaching the river to embark on a fun journey, floating down the river on a bamboo raft.

Post-lunch, we'll travel for 3 hours by Songtaew (great way to ride!) to our nature lodge, an ideal spot for swimming and unwinding after our two-day trek. Revel in the tranquility of nature at this charming lodge, which is situated on a verdant mountainside and surrounded by lush gardens. Our evening will be spent leisurely, soaking in the peaceful of our lodge.

• Accommodation: Nature Lodge. Twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your day with a morning Qigong/yoga session before breakfast. Following breakfast, we will take a unique bike ride with a local rice farmer. As we cycle at a relaxed pace, we'll explore the lush rice fields, meet local artisans, and venture out to the lake. It's important to note that the bikes are provided as part of a community project with the farmer, so they vary in style. Some with gears and others without. This variety adds a touch of fun and unpredictability to our ride! Lunch is provided on the bike ride.

After our cycling adventure, we'll return to the hotel in the afternoon to swim/relax at the pool prior to dinner.

The evening will conclude with a circle gathering under the stars, accompanied by a peaceful meditation session.

• Accommodation: Nature Lodge. Twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Begin your day with a rejuvenating morning yoga practice. After breakfast, we'll set off for the village of Pai in a minivan, embarking on a 3-hour scenic drive through the mountains, filled with spectacular views. We'll enjoy lunch together as a group upon arrival.

The afternoon offers free time to explore the beautiful Pai valley at your leisure. You might choose to take a relaxing walk along the rice fields or unwind by the swimming pool. For he rest of the evening and dinner, take the opportunity to stroll through Pai village and discover the vibrant evening village market, a major highlight of the area! We've left the evening open for you to sample different cuisines and explore the local produce, immersing yourself in the rich flavours of the region.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Pai. Twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Embark on one of Thailand's premier rafting adventures on the Pai River. Beginning in the serene valley village of Pai, surrounded by lush green mountains, we'll navigate approximately 60 kilometers over two days. Each day involves 4-5 hours of rafting, including some enjoyable, moderately challenging rapids. As we paddle, we'll be treated to stunning views of untouched nature, rocky landscapes, and remote jungles.

Our overnight accommodation will be in basic bamboo huts (twin and triple share) at a nature camp, where our professional rafting team will prepare a delicious dinner to cap off an exciting day. The adventure concludes in Mae Hong Son, with an overnight stay at the picturesque resort.

• Accommodation: Bamboo huts (group share) and Thai Resort. Twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and dinner (Note: Dinner at the resort is not included, allowing women the freedom to select their preferred dish, with both Thai and Western cuisines available)

Start your day with a peaceful morning yoga session. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Relax by the pool with its stunning view of the rice fields, or explore Mae Hong Son's unique Burmese-style temples. Our resort, nestled on the edge of a national park, offers optional hikes along well-marked paths for a small fee of 200 Baht per person, should you wish to explore. Alternatively, you might prefer a tranquil day at the hotel, especially appreciated after the previous day's rafting adventure.

In the evening, after dining near the lake, visit the local evening market for souvenirs. During our stay, we'll be part of the vibrant Loy Kratong festival, a significant Thai celebration honoring the river spirits. Witness the enchanting sight of Thais sending Kratongs, beautifully crafted from banana leaves, down the river, each carrying a wish. As a group, we will partake in this tradition by lighting a 'Khum Loy' lantern together, creating a memorable experience.

• Accommodation: Nature Lodge, twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Our day starts with a yoga session at the hotel, preparing us for a picturesque 3-hour drive. The route winds through several national parks, showcasing spectacular viewpoints. Lunch will be enjoyed in the sleepy, charming town of Khun Yuam. Our accommodation for the night is a genuine Karen Homestay in a Hill Tribe village, providing an authentic glimpse into their way of life.

In the village, we'll have the opportunity to visit a Hill Tribe boarding school. This visit is particularly special, as it allows us to see the range of skills taught to the children, from agriculture to baking. Our connection to this school is personal, having served as volunteer teachers at their affiliated school in Chiang Mai.

The evening at the homestay is a unique experience. We will stay in a large communal room suitable for six people, with additional twin rooms that boast breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This stay offers an unparalleled chance to connect with the natural beauty and culture of the Hill Tribe village.

• Accommodation: Karen Hill Tribe Homestay (group share)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast, we will make our way back to the city. Our journey includes a visit to a magnificent waterfall and a drive through the scenic Doi Inthanon National Park. After enjoying lunch en route, we'll check back into our charming Thai-style boutique hotel, the same welcoming place we stayed at the beginning of our trip.

• Accommodation: Hote Twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we embark on a delightful culinary tour of Thailand. We'll travel to a Thai organic farm near the city, diving into the world of Thai cuisine, celebrated globally as one of the finest in the East. Thai food embodies the essence of Thai culture: generous, vibrant, nuanced, and more delectable in its native setting. Each dish is a harmony of fresh, local ingredients, balancing the four fundamental flavors: spicy, sweet, salty, and sour.

Our day begins with a tour of the local marketplace, learning about Thai spices, produce, and delicacies. Then, guided through the chef's organic garden, we'll uncover the secrets of his exquisite cuisine. This hands-on experience allows us to learn the basics and then add our personal touches. We'll savor the fruits of our labor, tasting the exotic dishes we've created.

As the day cools, we'll enjoy a sunset kayaking trip, offering a unique perspective of city life from the river. Post-dinner, we conclude our adventure with a closing circle, followed by a visit to the famous Sunday market. This bazaar, a labyrinth of covered markets, shops, and stalls, showcases the best of Thai handicrafts. The evening is yours to shop, dine on the patios, wander around the illuminated temples, and maybe indulge in one last massage.

• Accommodation: Hotel twin share (except single supplements)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

During the day, we will organise transportation for your return to the airport. Please note that check-out time is at 12 noon.

Meals: Breakfast