Thailand & Vietnam

Highlights

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our plan for the program. However, we may implement changes if we identify opportunities to improve the experience, to take advantage of unexpected events, or to accommodate local schedule changes.

Hanoi, Vietnam • 2 days • Arrive in the bustling capital city of Hanoi and get to know your group during an in-depth orientation. Then set out to discover the city with a walk around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and a visit to the Temple of Literature. The temple was the site of the country’s first university almost a thousand years ago and students are still drawn here to pray for good grades. Then get a taste of Hanoi’s street food scene with a sampling of noodle dishes and other local specialties.

Sapa, Vietnam • 5 days • Head to the Sapa region of northwest Vietnam and stay in a local lodge surrounded by mountains and rice terraces. Learn about the H’mong, an ethnic group that originated in China, who now inhabit and cultivate the rugged hill country across Southeast Asia, as well as other highland tribes such as the Red Dzao and Tay. Get acquainted with their vibrant traditions and everyday life, and learn about artisan techniques such as papermaking, batik dye methods, or embroidery. Go on hikes to explore the beautiful Sapa region, discovering its many waterfalls, caves, and rice terraces. Return to Hanoi for a final evening in Vietnam and fly to Chiang Rai, Thailand, the next day.

Chiang Rai  • 5 days • Chiang Rai is the mountainous northernmost province of Thailand—and also the name of the province’s main city, your home for the next five days. From our base at a family-owned guesthouse near the city center, visit iconic temples to learn about the practices of Buddhism in the region. Participate in cultural activities such as cooking classes, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), offering alms to monks, or visiting the area’s many artisan craft markets. Venture outside the city center to a small community near the base of Doi Hang, where you will learn about organic farming, gather vegetables and herbs, and make traditional Thai dishes alongside community members.

Chiang Mai  • 1 day • Travel by private van to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s largest northern city, and spend an evening in the quiet suburb of Wiang Kum Kam, surrounded by remnants of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.

Karen Homestay • 2 days • Head west past northern Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, toward Mae Chaem district, for a two-night homestay in a small Karen community. Learn about the cultural heritage of this diverse family of tribes as you participate in daily life and make meals with your host families. During your stay, join mahouts and guides to trek into the forest to find the community’s elephants. Help staff from Kindred Elephant Sanctuary gather data on elephant behavior and dietary habits for research purposes, and watch these fascinating animals in the wild.

Chiang Mai  • 3 days • Return to Chiang Mai and stay within the Old City walls, surrounded by temples, evening markets, and charming cafes. Visit the Highland People’s Museum to deepen your knowledge of the area’s cultural tapestry, trek to the forest temple of Wat Pa Lat, and soak up your final days as you reflect on your experience with your group, and celebrate your adventure at a final farewell dinner.

Return • Travel Day • Fly from Chiang Mai to Los Angeles with your group and a trip leader, then continue on to your final destination.