Vegan Thailand
$4,495 per person October 23 - November 1, 2020
Single room supplement: USD 1,000$
Single room supplement: USD 1,000$
Bustling cities, beaches, elephants, nightlife, culture, markets, people, gibbons, temples, food, food and more food. Thailand is amazing and we can't wait to show you around!
WE'RE OFF TO THAILAND!
Thailand conjures up exotic images -- from the intoxicating vibe of Bangkok to the tranquility of its tropical beaches and temples, and food, food, delicious food! Sounds amazing?
Well how about exploring this amazing country in 5-star style along with 20+ future friends, while fully indulging in its world-class cuisine (all veganized of course!) and a healthy dose of fun and ethical activities such as a visit with rescued elephants, gibbons, doggies and kitties.
As amazing as the region is, it can be daunting to plan the perfect trip and never having to worry about fish sauce. From deluxe and perfectly located accommodation to activities specifically catered for vegans and vegan-curious, we've got you covered!
Our trip begins in Thailand's capital and (by far) its biggest city, Bangkok. This truly is a city that never sleeps, with non-stop bustling activity on its streets and markets, and yet offers incredible space of tranquility in its temples and parks. We'll be sailing around its canals and visit a floating market, before setting you free to explore some of its UNESCO sights or indulge in its world-famous shopping.
Next up, we're off to Thailand 2nd city, Chiang Mai. Here we'll partake in a cooking class and enjoy a bike ride in the lovely countryside. This city of temples and alleyways beckons you to explore, and you will have plenty of free time to do so.
After a few days of cities, it's time for some nature. Our next stop is Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand's prettiest spots. Here we'll explore the jungle from canoes, making sure to stop along the way for some local coffee and a refreshing swim. Expect to see monkeys swinging overhead and lots of birds.
All this hard work (ha!) deserves a relaxing finale, and so our beach holiday awaits in nearby Phuket. Our final home is right on the beach, with plenty of chance to swim, have a massage, or simply relax with a book and cocktail in hand. We'll be visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and the Gibbons Rescue Center, with a chance to stop at nearby Soi Dogs, an organization that takes care of Phuket's local street dogs (and cats) residents.
Our final day is the stuff of legends, as we board our very own private catamaran for several hours' of cruising on Thailand's famous crystal-blue sea. Add a vegan BBQ and some water toys and you've got yourself a final party worthy of this epic trip!
Throughout the itinerary we've build some free time for you to opt in to an optional activity, head over to town to explore it by yourself, or simply relax back at our hotel by the pool with a book in-hand. You're on holiday after all!
So lace up those walking shoes, charge those camera batteries, splash on the sun cream, and join us on a 100% vegan adventure to one of the world's most amazing destination: THAILAND!
WE'RE OFF TO THAILAND!
Thailand conjures up exotic images -- from the intoxicating vibe of Bangkok to the tranquility of its tropical beaches and temples, and food, food, delicious food! Sounds amazing?
Well how about exploring this amazing country in 5-star style along with 20+ future friends, while fully indulging in its world-class cuisine (all veganized of course!) and a healthy dose of fun and ethical activities such as a visit with rescued elephants, gibbons, doggies and kitties.
As amazing as the region is, it can be daunting to plan the perfect trip and never having to worry about fish sauce. From deluxe and perfectly located accommodation to activities specifically catered for vegans and vegan-curious, we've got you covered!
Our trip begins in Thailand's capital and (by far) its biggest city, Bangkok. This truly is a city that never sleeps, with non-stop bustling activity on its streets and markets, and yet offers incredible space of tranquility in its temples and parks. We'll be sailing around its canals and visit a floating market, before setting you free to explore some of its UNESCO sights or indulge in its world-famous shopping.
Next up, we're off to Thailand 2nd city, Chiang Mai. Here we'll partake in a cooking class and enjoy a bike ride in the lovely countryside. This city of temples and alleyways beckons you to explore, and you will have plenty of free time to do so.
After a few days of cities, it's time for some nature. Our next stop is Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand's prettiest spots. Here we'll explore the jungle from canoes, making sure to stop along the way for some local coffee and a refreshing swim. Expect to see monkeys swinging overhead and lots of birds.
All this hard work (ha!) deserves a relaxing finale, and so our beach holiday awaits in nearby Phuket. Our final home is right on the beach, with plenty of chance to swim, have a massage, or simply relax with a book and cocktail in hand. We'll be visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and the Gibbons Rescue Center, with a chance to stop at nearby Soi Dogs, an organization that takes care of Phuket's local street dogs (and cats) residents.
Our final day is the stuff of legends, as we board our very own private catamaran for several hours' of cruising on Thailand's famous crystal-blue sea. Add a vegan BBQ and some water toys and you've got yourself a final party worthy of this epic trip!
Throughout the itinerary we've build some free time for you to opt in to an optional activity, head over to town to explore it by yourself, or simply relax back at our hotel by the pool with a book in-hand. You're on holiday after all!
So lace up those walking shoes, charge those camera batteries, splash on the sun cream, and join us on a 100% vegan adventure to one of the world's most amazing destination: THAILAND!
Highlights
Physical Activity Level
This is NOT a very physical trip. While there are chances for you to go on extended hikes, usually we will be doing only limited walks (ie during city/temple tours), though we do have a bike ride (easy and flat) through Chiang Mai's suburb and countryside. You can opt out of any activities should you feel
More taxing on the body is Thailand's heat and humidity. Being so close to the equator AND at low elevation means it's always hot and sticky, all year-round. Drinking a lot of water and ensuring you take the necessary time to rest each day (it's tempting to want to do too much!) is the perfect antidote. All our hotels have a swimming pool... or a nearby cool river!
- veganized Thai food! All your favorites, including big buffet breakfasts, snacks aplenty, and even a BBQ!
- explore Bangkok's canals and enjoy a vegan dinner river cruise
- learn Thai cuisine from the locals with a cooking class
- a day out at-sea on our very own private catamaran!
- Enjoy a bike ride in Chiang Mai's suburbs and countryside
- stay in a treehouse in a jungle filled with monkeys and birds
- live your Thailand holiday dreams at a deluxe beach resort
- visit with rescued elephants and gibbons
- play and pet doggies and cats at Soi Dogs, a rescue organization based in Phuket
- lots of surprises and spoiling along the way!
- experience it all with 20+ new friends!
Physical Activity Level
This is NOT a very physical trip. While there are chances for you to go on extended hikes, usually we will be doing only limited walks (ie during city/temple tours), though we do have a bike ride (easy and flat) through Chiang Mai's suburb and countryside. You can opt out of any activities should you feel
More taxing on the body is Thailand's heat and humidity. Being so close to the equator AND at low elevation means it's always hot and sticky, all year-round. Drinking a lot of water and ensuring you take the necessary time to rest each day (it's tempting to want to do too much!) is the perfect antidote. All our hotels have a swimming pool... or a nearby cool river!
- Why you'll love this trip! -
Itinerary
Please note some activities and timings are subject to change.
Please note some activities and timings are subject to change.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN BANGKOK & FIRST DINNER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 2020
Today is arrival day. How exciting! Your trip includes an airport transfer to the hotel even if you arrive before today. Welcome to Bangkok!
Our home for the next 2 nights is the Anantara Riverside Resort, superbly situated right on Bangkok's Chao Praya river. This location makes it feel more like a lush resort despite being right next to the action!
After checking-in, do head out for a bit of an explore if you have time, but make sure to be back at the hotel by 5PM for our welcome meeting & drinks. We'll have a short introduction -- after all we're all about to become close friends!! -- and head off to our first dinner.
Our dinner tonight will be on a river cruise! We even get to board our floating restaurant from our hotel's very own pier! We really can't think of a better welcome to Thailand than having delicious Thai cuisine while gently sailing past Bangkok's famed lit-up temples and palaces. Bring your camera... and your appetite!
** Please ensure you arrive early enough in Bangkok to get from the airport to our hotel (approximate 1.5hrs, including immigration process, etc) with enough time to check-in and freshen up before our first meeting and dinner. If you decide to fly in a few days early do let us know if you need us to book any extra night at our hotel.
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 2 BANGKOK
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24th, 2020
We're off and running early today; too much to do and see!! Ah but first, our massive 100% vegan buffet breakfast!!
Our very first activity (if you don't count stuffing our faces with all that delicious food!!) is a 2-hour canal boat ride! Embarking on our Thai longtail boats, we'll travel the Chao Praya river and snake around the canals that branch off the main river. Make sure your camera and phones have plenty of storage!
Once done it's a short walk-drive-walk to the popular Thai vegan restaurant MAY KAIDEE, where we'll indulge in a lunch-feast... and maybe some song & dance.
Afternoon is free. As we'll be in the center of old Bangkok, it's a perfect time to head over and visit some of the capital's most famous landmarks such as Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Royal Palace, all of which are easily accessible and highly recommended.
For others the combination of jet-lag, heat and food will have taken its toll so a stint at the beautiful hotel pool might be in order. Whatever you choose, our guides and drivers will help you plan the perfect afternoon.
We all meet up for dinner at our hotel. It's a sure thing we'll be tired from the first day of our adventure but for those who arrived early, or with amazing stamina, Bangkok's nightlife is legendary and there are plenty of places to check out.
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 3: CHIANG MAI
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25th, 2020
Another morning, another great vegan breakfast! Today we bid farewell to the capital and head up north to Chiang Mai. While being Thailand's 2nd biggest city, it's noticeably more laid-back and manageable than Bangkok. Many people fall instantly in love with this city. In fact it's one of the most popular choice for digital nomads to call home! It also happens to be a mecca for animal-free food.
Our flight to Chiang Mai is only about an hour, and we'll land just in time for our cooking class! For those who aren't chefs-at-heart, no worries - feel free to wander and explore the town which is right outside the cooking school's door!
Our wonderful accommodation - THE VERANDA HIGH RESORT - is just outside of town on the fringe of a National Park and the perfect place to enjoy a bit of countryside after Bangkok's urban sprawl. From the pool area to the extensive rice-paddy grounds, the resort oozes Thai charm.
After check-in, you'll have time to freshen-up, maybe even go for a quick dip, before we meet up again for a a little wine-and-cheese soirée in the (hopefully!!) cooler mountain air.
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 4: CHIANG MAI
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26th, 2020
Another amazing hotel, another amazing vegan breakfast! It's important to note that we will have all our meals in our own little section, away from other guests who are eating animals parts. This translates to our group are actually in a much nicer spot. At the Veranda High Resort, we're in their lush grounds, among the trees and rice paddies, while the other guests are tucked way indoors. It's a great start to the day!
We're then off early (to take advantage of the cooler temperatures!!) on our bike ride through the suburbs and countryside of Chiang Mai. Expect stunning scenery and the chance to peek at everyday normal Thai life away from the cities.
Today's lunch will be at a local vegetarian restaurant and buffet style. Don't worry, we'll make sure there's plenty of food as you will most likely be hungry after the morning's exercise!
Afternoon is free and up to you! You can walk the town, go shopping for those souvenirs, or simply lounge by the pool with a lemon shake.
Dinner is back at our resort.
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 2020
Today is arrival day. How exciting! Your trip includes an airport transfer to the hotel even if you arrive before today. Welcome to Bangkok!
Our home for the next 2 nights is the Anantara Riverside Resort, superbly situated right on Bangkok's Chao Praya river. This location makes it feel more like a lush resort despite being right next to the action!
After checking-in, do head out for a bit of an explore if you have time, but make sure to be back at the hotel by 5PM for our welcome meeting & drinks. We'll have a short introduction -- after all we're all about to become close friends!! -- and head off to our first dinner.
Our dinner tonight will be on a river cruise! We even get to board our floating restaurant from our hotel's very own pier! We really can't think of a better welcome to Thailand than having delicious Thai cuisine while gently sailing past Bangkok's famed lit-up temples and palaces. Bring your camera... and your appetite!
** Please ensure you arrive early enough in Bangkok to get from the airport to our hotel (approximate 1.5hrs, including immigration process, etc) with enough time to check-in and freshen up before our first meeting and dinner. If you decide to fly in a few days early do let us know if you need us to book any extra night at our hotel.
Accommodation
- Anantara Riverside Resort, Bangkok
Included:
- transfer from Bangkok airport to our hotel
- welcome drink
- dinner, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- breakfast & lunch
DAY 2 BANGKOK
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24th, 2020
We're off and running early today; too much to do and see!! Ah but first, our massive 100% vegan buffet breakfast!!
Our very first activity (if you don't count stuffing our faces with all that delicious food!!) is a 2-hour canal boat ride! Embarking on our Thai longtail boats, we'll travel the Chao Praya river and snake around the canals that branch off the main river. Make sure your camera and phones have plenty of storage!
Once done it's a short walk-drive-walk to the popular Thai vegan restaurant MAY KAIDEE, where we'll indulge in a lunch-feast... and maybe some song & dance.
Afternoon is free. As we'll be in the center of old Bangkok, it's a perfect time to head over and visit some of the capital's most famous landmarks such as Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Royal Palace, all of which are easily accessible and highly recommended.
For others the combination of jet-lag, heat and food will have taken its toll so a stint at the beautiful hotel pool might be in order. Whatever you choose, our guides and drivers will help you plan the perfect afternoon.
We all meet up for dinner at our hotel. It's a sure thing we'll be tired from the first day of our adventure but for those who arrived early, or with amazing stamina, Bangkok's nightlife is legendary and there are plenty of places to check out.
Accommodation
- Anantara Riverside Resort, Bangkok
Included:
- Canoe boat trip
- all meals, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks during meals
DAY 3: CHIANG MAI
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25th, 2020
Another morning, another great vegan breakfast! Today we bid farewell to the capital and head up north to Chiang Mai. While being Thailand's 2nd biggest city, it's noticeably more laid-back and manageable than Bangkok. Many people fall instantly in love with this city. In fact it's one of the most popular choice for digital nomads to call home! It also happens to be a mecca for animal-free food.
Our flight to Chiang Mai is only about an hour, and we'll land just in time for our cooking class! For those who aren't chefs-at-heart, no worries - feel free to wander and explore the town which is right outside the cooking school's door!
Our wonderful accommodation - THE VERANDA HIGH RESORT - is just outside of town on the fringe of a National Park and the perfect place to enjoy a bit of countryside after Bangkok's urban sprawl. From the pool area to the extensive rice-paddy grounds, the resort oozes Thai charm.
After check-in, you'll have time to freshen-up, maybe even go for a quick dip, before we meet up again for a a little wine-and-cheese soirée in the (hopefully!!) cooler mountain air.
Accommodation
- Veranda High Resort, Chiang Mai
Included:
- domestic flight Bangkok-Chiang Mai (economy class)
- vegan Thai cooking class
- "welcome to Chiang Mai!" wine & cheese
- all meals, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks during meals
DAY 4: CHIANG MAI
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26th, 2020
Another amazing hotel, another amazing vegan breakfast! It's important to note that we will have all our meals in our own little section, away from other guests who are eating animals parts. This translates to our group are actually in a much nicer spot. At the Veranda High Resort, we're in their lush grounds, among the trees and rice paddies, while the other guests are tucked way indoors. It's a great start to the day!
We're then off early (to take advantage of the cooler temperatures!!) on our bike ride through the suburbs and countryside of Chiang Mai. Expect stunning scenery and the chance to peek at everyday normal Thai life away from the cities.
Today's lunch will be at a local vegetarian restaurant and buffet style. Don't worry, we'll make sure there's plenty of food as you will most likely be hungry after the morning's exercise!
Afternoon is free and up to you! You can walk the town, go shopping for those souvenirs, or simply lounge by the pool with a lemon shake.
Dinner is back at our resort.
Accommodation
- Veranda High Resort, Chiang Mai
Included:
- bike ride, with local guide
- all meals, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks during meals
DAY 5: CHIANG MAI
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27th, 2020
Today is an entirely free day for you to explore the wonderful city of Chiang Mai. There are so many different things to do and see, and our team will be on-hand to provide all the info on-site to help you decide and organize your day out. We have a few vans at our disposal to help you travel around, but please note that we can't guarantee full usage of the vehicles as it depends on availability and what the others in the group are doing but we'll try our best!
There will be a cold lunch buffet provided at the hotel for those who decide to stay behind (and enjoy the pool!!) or choose to return early/leave after lunch.
Dinner is at the resort again.
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 6: KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28th, 2020
After a delicious breakfast we board our 2-hour flight to Surathani in the south of Thailand. Once we land, we'll hop on our buses to Khao Sok National Park. It’s a 2-hour drive, but not to worry, there's wifi on-board so it's a perfect time to make your friends and family back home jealous by posting your pics!
Khao Sok National Park will be our jungle fix, complete with monkeys and birds aplenty. There are lovely walks to be had as well as rivers we can soak in, surrounded by the jungle and its frenetic natural energy.
Our accommodations for the night will be in tree houses! Occupying prime real-estate on the banks of a small river surrounded by jungle and cliffs, OUR JUNGLE HOUSE is the perfect place to live your childhood dream, with every room a tree-house!
While not 5-star, they are perfectly comfortable and quite the experience! We highly recommend leaving the doors and windows open to sleep amid the sounds of the river and the feel of the nice jungle breeze... but beware! The local monkeys may sometimes enter un-invited and snatch a shirt or a bag!!
Even better is how we arrive at the hotel: our vans will suddenly stop by a bridge and you'll be supplied with a tire/tube and a beer. Then off into the water you go! The current will gently (or not, at times!!) take you down the narrow river for about 30 minutes of bliss and laughter (don't worry, it's not deep at all!), with birds and, at times, monkeys swinging in the trees above, until we finally arrive at our accommodation for the night.. and some welcome snacks for our efforts!
You'll be able to order an in-room massage before or after dinner, if you wish :)
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 7: KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK + PHUKET
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29th, 2020
Aaahhhh, waking up in the jungle... For some, this means being awaken by a gentle breeze and the musical sounds of tropical birds. For others, maybe it's 20 monkeys dancing on your roof... or one in your room, stealing your stuff (keep those doors closed at night!!).
After breakfast, we pack up and check-out, then board our vans for the short ride to the nearby river. It's river canoe time! You will have a guide doing the paddling for you, so all you need to do is lay back and relax and watch the scenery go by. We'll stop at a small island en-route to drink some coffee brewed on site in bamboo sticks, which is very traditional, and have a swim to cool off.
After lunch at the hotel, we set off on our 2.5-hour drive to Phuket. We'll arrive just in time for welcome drinks at our beautiful beach resort!
Located in the northern end of Phuket Island, the resort is actually next to a beach that's part of a National Park originally created to protect sea turtles and their egg-laying. This means it's incredibly tranquil and still very natural. You may have time for a quick swim before our welcome drinks and dinner.
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 8: PHUKET
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30th, 2020
For many, this will be the highlight of the entire trip: a chance to visit with rescued elephants!!
But first, we start with breakfast and a lazy free morning where you can enjoy your gorgeous room or the pool (at this time of year, the waves may be too much for safe swimming), or you can opt in a visit to SOI DOGS, a wonderful organization that takes care of all the errant and homeless dogs and cats in Phuket. Thailand isn't only about exotic animals, and its population of cats and dogs is often neglected. The doggies and kitties will appreciate the time you take to play with them and reward you in kind with plenty of waggy tails and purrs!
After lunch, we head over to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (35 minutes). Founded by local ex-mahout (elephant trainer) and famed activist Lek Chailert, the sanctuary has quickly established itself as one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, integral to both the rescue of working elephants and the education of thousands of visitors each year. They provide a safe home for these incredible beings, allowing them to interact in a natural environment and be free for the first time in their lives. It's an incredible experience and honor to share a few hours with both these amazing animals and the absolutely wonderful staff.
We'll spend a couple of hours meeting and walking with the elephants, followed by the resident dogs that have also been rescued and sheltered at the sanctuary, before sitting down for our buffet dinner at the sanctuary.
We'll be back at our resort for a night cap to finish off this perfect day!
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 9: PHUKET
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31st, 2020
Oh no, our last full day! All good things must come to an end, but we'll go out with a bang!
After breakfast, we'll set off for a quick visit at the gibbons rehabilitation center (35 minute drive). Set up in 1994, the organization aims, among other things, to reintroduce white-handed gibbons back into their natural habitat. It's our chance to learn about these amazing animals.
We're then off to the pier, soon boarding our very own catamaran for an unforgettable day out sailing around Phang Nga bay. We'll stop by a tropical beach where our captain will take out the inflatable slide and other water toys, and light up the barbecue for a vegan BBQ buffet at sea! Today's the day to let loose and enjoy our final full day together. Expect music, games, drinks, you name it!
*** Please note that October is the shoulder season between low and high season. This could translate to rain, although usually it's just a few short downpours per day, and shouldn't impact our day out too much. However, in case of heavier rain, we have a plan B: a pool party, complete with a big vegan cold buffet and drinks in our very own private section of the resort.
We'll be back at the resort around sunset. After showering and freshening up, we'll have our final goodbye drinks before sitting down to our last supper. It's our last night together so we'll make it count!
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st, 2020
Today is unfortunately departure day. Nothing is planned today except for your transfers to Phuket airport. Unless you decide to extend your stay in paradise of course!
After breakfast together, it's time to say our goodbyes with a final word from Joshua and a toast to fantastic memories and new friends! Until next time!!
Included:
Excluded:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27th, 2020
Today is an entirely free day for you to explore the wonderful city of Chiang Mai. There are so many different things to do and see, and our team will be on-hand to provide all the info on-site to help you decide and organize your day out. We have a few vans at our disposal to help you travel around, but please note that we can't guarantee full usage of the vehicles as it depends on availability and what the others in the group are doing but we'll try our best!
There will be a cold lunch buffet provided at the hotel for those who decide to stay behind (and enjoy the pool!!) or choose to return early/leave after lunch.
Dinner is at the resort again.
Accommodation
- Veranda High Resort, Chiang Mai
Included:
- transportation to/from Chiang Mai, to help you have the best possible day out! (depending on availability)
- all meals, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks during meals
DAY 6: KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28th, 2020
After a delicious breakfast we board our 2-hour flight to Surathani in the south of Thailand. Once we land, we'll hop on our buses to Khao Sok National Park. It’s a 2-hour drive, but not to worry, there's wifi on-board so it's a perfect time to make your friends and family back home jealous by posting your pics!
Khao Sok National Park will be our jungle fix, complete with monkeys and birds aplenty. There are lovely walks to be had as well as rivers we can soak in, surrounded by the jungle and its frenetic natural energy.
Our accommodations for the night will be in tree houses! Occupying prime real-estate on the banks of a small river surrounded by jungle and cliffs, OUR JUNGLE HOUSE is the perfect place to live your childhood dream, with every room a tree-house!
While not 5-star, they are perfectly comfortable and quite the experience! We highly recommend leaving the doors and windows open to sleep amid the sounds of the river and the feel of the nice jungle breeze... but beware! The local monkeys may sometimes enter un-invited and snatch a shirt or a bag!!
Even better is how we arrive at the hotel: our vans will suddenly stop by a bridge and you'll be supplied with a tire/tube and a beer. Then off into the water you go! The current will gently (or not, at times!!) take you down the narrow river for about 30 minutes of bliss and laughter (don't worry, it's not deep at all!), with birds and, at times, monkeys swinging in the trees above, until we finally arrive at our accommodation for the night.. and some welcome snacks for our efforts!
You'll be able to order an in-room massage before or after dinner, if you wish :)
Accommodation
- Our Jungle House, Khao Sok National Park
Included:
- flight Chiang Mai - Surathani (economy)
- tubes (and a beer!) for floating to our jungle tree houses
- welcome snacks
- laundry day!
- all meals, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- optional activities, like the night safari and massage
- premium alcoholic drinks during meals
DAY 7: KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK + PHUKET
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29th, 2020
Aaahhhh, waking up in the jungle... For some, this means being awaken by a gentle breeze and the musical sounds of tropical birds. For others, maybe it's 20 monkeys dancing on your roof... or one in your room, stealing your stuff (keep those doors closed at night!!).
After breakfast, we pack up and check-out, then board our vans for the short ride to the nearby river. It's river canoe time! You will have a guide doing the paddling for you, so all you need to do is lay back and relax and watch the scenery go by. We'll stop at a small island en-route to drink some coffee brewed on site in bamboo sticks, which is very traditional, and have a swim to cool off.
After lunch at the hotel, we set off on our 2.5-hour drive to Phuket. We'll arrive just in time for welcome drinks at our beautiful beach resort!
Located in the northern end of Phuket Island, the resort is actually next to a beach that's part of a National Park originally created to protect sea turtles and their egg-laying. This means it's incredibly tranquil and still very natural. You may have time for a quick swim before our welcome drinks and dinner.
Accommodation
- Sala Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
Included:
- river canoe ride in Khao Sok National Park
- welcome drinks at our Phuket resort
- all meals, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- spa & massages!
- premium alcoholic drinks during meals
DAY 8: PHUKET
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30th, 2020
For many, this will be the highlight of the entire trip: a chance to visit with rescued elephants!!
But first, we start with breakfast and a lazy free morning where you can enjoy your gorgeous room or the pool (at this time of year, the waves may be too much for safe swimming), or you can opt in a visit to SOI DOGS, a wonderful organization that takes care of all the errant and homeless dogs and cats in Phuket. Thailand isn't only about exotic animals, and its population of cats and dogs is often neglected. The doggies and kitties will appreciate the time you take to play with them and reward you in kind with plenty of waggy tails and purrs!
After lunch, we head over to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (35 minutes). Founded by local ex-mahout (elephant trainer) and famed activist Lek Chailert, the sanctuary has quickly established itself as one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, integral to both the rescue of working elephants and the education of thousands of visitors each year. They provide a safe home for these incredible beings, allowing them to interact in a natural environment and be free for the first time in their lives. It's an incredible experience and honor to share a few hours with both these amazing animals and the absolutely wonderful staff.
We'll spend a couple of hours meeting and walking with the elephants, followed by the resident dogs that have also been rescued and sheltered at the sanctuary, before sitting down for our buffet dinner at the sanctuary.
We'll be back at our resort for a night cap to finish off this perfect day!
Accommodation
- Sala Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
Included:
- transportation to/from Soi Dogs for those who want to visit the organization
- Phuket Elephant Sanctuary entrance fee
- all meals, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- extra donations to the sanctuaries
- premium alcoholic drinks during meals
DAY 9: PHUKET
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31st, 2020
Oh no, our last full day! All good things must come to an end, but we'll go out with a bang!
After breakfast, we'll set off for a quick visit at the gibbons rehabilitation center (35 minute drive). Set up in 1994, the organization aims, among other things, to reintroduce white-handed gibbons back into their natural habitat. It's our chance to learn about these amazing animals.
We're then off to the pier, soon boarding our very own catamaran for an unforgettable day out sailing around Phang Nga bay. We'll stop by a tropical beach where our captain will take out the inflatable slide and other water toys, and light up the barbecue for a vegan BBQ buffet at sea! Today's the day to let loose and enjoy our final full day together. Expect music, games, drinks, you name it!
*** Please note that October is the shoulder season between low and high season. This could translate to rain, although usually it's just a few short downpours per day, and shouldn't impact our day out too much. However, in case of heavier rain, we have a plan B: a pool party, complete with a big vegan cold buffet and drinks in our very own private section of the resort.
We'll be back at the resort around sunset. After showering and freshening up, we'll have our final goodbye drinks before sitting down to our last supper. It's our last night together so we'll make it count!
Accommodation
- Sala Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
Included:
- visit at the Gibbons Rehabilitation Center
- sailing on a catamaran (weather permitting)
- goodbye drinks
- all meals, including drinks (premium drinks extra)
Excluded:
- spa & massages!
- premium alcoholic drinks during meals
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st, 2020
Today is unfortunately departure day. Nothing is planned today except for your transfers to Phuket airport. Unless you decide to extend your stay in paradise of course!
After breakfast together, it's time to say our goodbyes with a final word from Joshua and a toast to fantastic memories and new friends! Until next time!!
Included:
- breakfast
- airport transfer
Excluded:
- lunch & dinner
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- all meals from the official start of the trip until the end, all 100% plant-based, all delicious!
- all general drinks (water, juice, coffee, tea, wine, beer) during included meals
- 5-star hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, all with swimming pools, spas, etc.
- cozy tree-house accommodation in Khao Sok National Park. May or may not include monkeys ;)
- Bangkok canal boat tour
- cooking class and bike ride in Chiang Mai
- jungle river canoe ride in Khao Sok National Park
- visit with rescued elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
- visit with rescued gibbons at the Gibbons Rehabilitation Center in Phuket
- visit with rescued cats and dogs at Phuket's Soi Dogs
- a day out at sea on our very own private 3-level catamaran
- all tips for guides and drivers during our included activities
- all domestic flights
- all ground transportation in between destinations and for our included activities
- airport pickup in Bangkok, and transfer in Phuket
- gift bag with some travel essentials
- one complimentary laundry service
- two professional and bilingual (English & French) tour leaders
- live Q&A before the trip, so you can ask all your questions directly to the tour leaders
- lots of surprises along the way!
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- flights to/from Thailand
- medical travel insurance (mandatory)
- any visas (if applicable) and vaccinations
- optional activities outside of what we've planned (see itinerary for more detail)
- extra snacks, drinks, alcoholic beverages and meals outside of what's included (see itinerary)
- premium brand alcoholic drinks at our hotels
- tips for guides/drivers on non-included activities, or to hotel staff
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