Explore the bustling markets, sample local cuisine, swim in warm, clear waters, and marvel at ancient temples in Thailand! We’ll take a walking tour of Chiang Mai for the first few days, including visiting the Grand Palace and local Buddhist temples. We’ll dive into local culture by partaking in a cooking class on a local farm and soaking in hot springs. We’ll scale limestone cliffs at Crazy Horse Buttress, visit gibbon and elephant sanctuaries, and scour the forest for secret jungle temples. We’ll snorkel in the emerald-green waters of the Andaman sea and give back by helping restore mangrove beaches. We’ll wrap up our trip with a tour of Thailand’s most famous islands and sights, including the Big Buddha!
Thailand’s Best
Enroll NowThailand’s Best
Destination
Thailand
Current Grades
9th-12th
Airports
Arrive: Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX)
Depart: Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX)
Itinerary
Day 1-4: Cooking class and cultural immersion in Chiang Mai
Once Thailand’s capital and home to the Lan Na kingdom, adventurers flock to Chiang Mai for its colorful markets, hill tribe villages, and delicious food. Our first day, we’ll embark on an Amazing Race–style activity in Chiang Mai Old City, a famous square once enclosed by walls and moats for protection from enemies. We’ll sample khao soi (thick northern Thai noodles) and green curry, a local delight. Next is a cooking class on a farm, run by a local family who’s been teaching organic farming to the community for many decades. We’ll quite literally eat farm-to-table: We’ll gather our ingredients from the land in the morning and then make a delicious Thai meal that afternoon. A hike in the Mae On district will lead us to breathtaking views overlooking Chiang Mai; we’ll celebrate afterward with a soak in natural hot springs. A day with some hill tribe villagers will teach us basket-weaving, and we’ll explore the area’s famous rice fields!
Accommodation: Eco-resort
Day 5: Rock climb at Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse Buttress is known the world over for its soaring, black-streaked limestone cliffs, and so named for a large, equine-shaped feature. Our climbing instructors will teach us the ins and outs of knot-tying, belaying, and even the Tyrolean traverse, which will help us escape the heat as we explore the surrounding caves.
Accommodation: Hostel
Dates and Prices
-
Departure Day
06/30/24
-
Return Day
07/17/24
-
Grade
9–12
-
Price
$6,688
-
Availability
Limited
-
Departure Day
07/20/24
-
Return Day
08/06/24
-
Grade
9–12
-
Price
$6,688
-
Availability
Full
Departure Day | Return Day | Grade | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
06/30/24
|
07/17/24
|
9–12
|
$6,688
|
limited
|
07/20/24
|
08/06/24
|
9–12
|
$6,688
|
full
|
Accommodations & Service
Community Service: Approximately 10-15 Hours
- Local School: Work on humanitarian projects and teach English to local students.
- Environmental Service: Working with animal rehabilitation sanctuaries.
Accommodations:
- 10 nights staying at an eco-resort.
- 3 nights in the hill tribe village.
- 4 nights of private beach hostels.
Activities
Community service: 10-15 hours
Cooking class
Hiking
Rock climbing
Sightseeing
Wildlife sanctuaries
Reviews
This was the most unbelievable experience ever. I met friends that I’ll keep in touch with forever, including the trip leaders. Every minute of the trip was fun, even downtime. I miss every second of it. I’m definitely going to do another Bold Earth trip. I want to thank my trip leader Dan, who made me a better person in just two weeks.
Bold Earth provided my child with a safe place to get her out of her comfort zone. It was the perfect program to provide the confidence, independence and leadership skills that she was needing before heading off to college. It showed her an in depth look at what the Thai culture was about while having a wonderful adventure at the same time. I wish I would have known about Bold Earth earlier on. I wish I could have sent her on every single trip that they provide!
My favorite part of my Thailand trip was being able to bond with my group. We had so many fun times, and being with such amazing people made even downtime an adventure. It is so hard to pick a favorite part of this incredible trip. I really loved the interactions we had with local Thai people, especially teaching the children a little English. Thailand is the most beautiful and culturally diverse place I have ever visited.
My daughter e is actually reminiscing now over the pictures from Thailand. It was truly a life changing experience! The trip itself was unforgettable and the type of people Bold Earth attracts will no doubt be her forever friends.
My daughter came home with unforgettable memories, and the trip leaders were really good about keeping in touch!
I loved getting to try so many new things with a supportive group of people who were also trying new things. Thailand was my favorite out of four trips so far!
We were very pleased with Bold Earth: the trip-planning, the activities, accommodations, etc. The trip leaders were amazing; they really connected with the students and seemed to know the country and people of Thailand.
The best part of my Thailand trip was that I made such good friends… I’m talking lifelong friends. We had the best food ever with our family homestay. I saw a lot of really neat things and went to a lot of places I really enjoyed. I can’t wait to go back!
The Thailand trip was an unqualified success! The communication from the trip leader was excellent. He kept us up to date and informed. He seemed to really enjoy the kids and their adventures. Alison had a wonderful time and made friends she still keeps in touch with. I know that the bonds and memories made will last a long time. Your organization is top-notch. We are thankful we found Bold Earth.
I met both trip leaders in Bangkok when I dropped off Lauren off. I couldn’t have been happier with them; they seemed great. When my daughter came home, she talked nonstop about how amazing they both were.