Go Island Hopping in Thailand

Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is home to more than 1,400 islands, hosting a diverse array of landscapes, from mountains to forests to rocky coastlines. Travellers will start their journey in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, which they will have a day to explore. They will then depart for the islands of Ko Ngai and Ko Lanta. Ko Ngai hosts a variety of natural beauty. Bird watchers can expect to see a variety of birds during migration, and snorkelers can see coral reefs on the western and southern coasts. Ko Lanta is a small area, but has resisted overdevelopment. There are many areas to see reefs and fish. Travelers will have the option to visit many attractions such as Aow Nui, Hat Kor Kwang, Hat Phra Ae, Tanod Cap, Gypsy House, and more. At koh Ngai, everyone can snorkel and take a nearby trip to Ko Chueak, a nearby beach island. At Ko Lanta, everyone can enjoy a barbeque before going on an optional day trip to Ko Rok national park. Travelers will have the chance to explore the small town of Ao Nang. There will also be opportunities for kayaking, jungle trekking, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, and more. 

This is a G Adventures trip caters to travelers aged 12 and up (Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This is an 8 day trip and costs $1,014. 

Journey from Laos to Thailand

Located in Asia to the north of Thailand, Laos is renowned for its scenery and food. Referred to as the Land of a Million Elephants, travelers will begin this trip in the city of Vientiane, Laos's capital and largest city. Here, travelers will have the chance to see some of the country’s most significant monuments, including Pha That Luang, an icon of Laotian Buddhism completely covered in gold leaf. Next, travelers will visit the small town of Vang Vieng and will go on a guided hike to see gorgeous scenery and will have the chance to go caving, biking or kayaking. Travelers will then visit the city of Luang Prabang, where monks walk through the streets every morning! This city is known for its Buddhist temples and travelers will have the chance to explore such monuments and even visit the Royal Ballet Theatre. Travelers will then stop by Chaing Kong on the bank of the Mekong River before crossing into Thailand and arriving in Chiang Mai. Thailand is located just south of Laos and is a historically Buddhist country. In Chiang Mai, travelers will have the opportunity to go on a cycling tour, take a Northern Thai cooking class, or participate in numerous other activities. This trip ends in Bangkok (Thailand's capital) where travelers can see the Grand Palace, go on a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River canals and visit Khao San Road for international restaurants and music.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $662 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 11 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals and accommodation will be included.

Explore Cambodia’s Ancient Ruins and Beaches

Cambodia, with its tropical climate and beautiful beaches, is known for its rich culture and ancient temples. Travelers will begin this trip in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and enjoy a night out before driving to Siem Reap, Cambodia the next day. Siem Reap has numerous examples of Cambodian tradition as it is home to various temples, including Angkor Wat, a monumental Buddhist temple and the largest religious monument in the world. While in Siem Reap, travelers will also have the opportunity to attend the Phare Circus, a cultural performance with theater, music and dance, and go on a tour of Tonle Sap (Southeast Asia’s largest lake). Travelers will also get to visit Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The city is known for its historical architecture and cuisine. Travelers will experience the largest city in Cambodia with a street food crawl and will also have the chance to visit the Silver Pagoda, another famous Buddhist temple. One of the last stops in Cambodia allows travelers to enjoy the country’s warm weather with a visit to a private beach in Koh Rong, the biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand. Here, travelers get a break from the hustle and bustle of the cities; with no transportation on the island except for taxi boats, travelers can enjoy Cambodian seafood and Koh Rong’s gorgeous underwater ecosystem. At the last stop in Cambodia, Chambok Village, travelers will get one more glimpse of Cambodian nature by getting to explore the village and see its beautiful waterfalls. This trip ends in Ho Chi Minh City—also known as Saigon—in Vietnam, where travelers will depart after enjoying some time in the country’s economic hub.

This is an eight-day G Adventures trip for people ages 18-Thirtysomething. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This trip is ten days long and costs $522 and includes transportation between locations, accommodations, and some meals.

Discover Thailand’s Village Hill Tribes and Street Food

Thailand, often referred to as the Land of Smiles, is a historically Buddhist country with gorgeous temples and a unique cuisine. The country has a tropical climate with abundant rain and gorgeous scenery from jungles to mountains and beaches. Travelers begin their trip in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. The city is home to the Grand Palace, famous Buddhist temples, and Khao San Road, a lively street full of international restaurants and music. Travelers will have the chance to partake in various activities such as a Klong Riverboat Tour and a visit to the Royal Barge Museum. The trip continues in Chiang Mai, a Thailand city known for its cuisine and beautiful scenery. Travelers will have the opportunity to see the mountains of Chiang Mai with a cycling tour or enjoy the food scene with a Northern Thai Cooking Class or Khantoke Dinner and Show. Ban Mae Jok, a Thai village, is the next stop on this trip. Upon driving to Ban Mae Jok, travelers will get to go on a Hilltribe Trek and encounter the Kareen hill tribe, the largest hill tribe group in Thailand, while traversing lush Thai forests. Finally, the trip includes a bamboo raft to Shan Village and, after, a return to Chiang Mai for a last day of activities. Travelers will then catch a night train back to Bangkok for departure from Thailand the next day.

This is an eight-day G Adventures trip for people ages 18-thirtysomething. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community.  This trip costs $478 and includes transportation between locations, accommodations, and some meals.

Travel From Phnom Penh to Bangkok

Having emerged in recent decades as two of the most alluring destinations in Southeast Asia, Cambodia and Thailand now attract millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy their tropical scenery, electric nightlife, delicious local food and awe-inspiring historical sites. On this Roamie trip hosted by G Adventures, travelers will make their way from Phnom Penh to Bangkok over the course of five days, while staying in hostels and partaking in an exciting array of activities. Beginning in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, travelers will spend the first two days biking through the city and sampling local delicacies before driving to Sambor Prei Kuk. These ancient ruins, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, date back to the 7th century and were once the royal sanctuary and capital of Chenla Empire. After witnessing the temples, travelers will stay a night in the Siem Reap, the second largest city in Cambodia. On the third day, travelers will be free to explore the city and participate in any activities they desire — go on a guided nature tour, eat at a Khmer training restaurant, or even visit the world-famous temple of Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, this temple complex is considered to be the largest religious structure in the world, encompassing over 400 acres. Travelers will cross the border into Thailand on the fourth day, stopping at the Rong Kluea market, a popular site for trade between Thailand and Cambodia, which boasts of nearly 1400 individual shops. Travelers will arrive in Bangkok and be led through the city, experiencing the lively party atmosphere and vibrant nightlife for one final evening before returning home the next day.

This 5-day experience starts at $319 per person and includes accommodations, transportation, various activities and a few meals. Roamies are small-group trips organized by G Adventures for travelers ages 18-35, who stay in hostels and receive an immersive travel experience.

Promote English Education in Rural Thailand

Thailand’s Nan province struggles with a lack of educational resources. Many students are children of seasonal farmworkers who lack transportation to schools and suffer from poor attendance and high dropout rates. These schools particularly need English teachers as an understanding of the language has become necessary for many jobs in Thailand. Volunteers for the “Child Education” program provide valuable language lessons while engaging students with activities to drive attendance and promote the importance of an education. This trip is run by Cross-Cultural Solutions, a group that aims to “mobilize cross-cultural impact volunteering that improves education and health opportunities for children who need it most.” The trip can last anywhere from one to four weeks and starts at $1,990.

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Cross-Cultural Solutions

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Volunteer at an Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

Elephant is the national animal of Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia historically known as Siam. However, as illicit logging practices have destroyed much of the natural habitat of elephants, and because the animals themselves have been increasingly exploited by the entertainment and tourism industries, elephant numbers have started to dwindle in Thailand. During this experience, volunteer travelers will work at an elephant sanctuary south of Bangkok that strives to give rescued and injured elephants the opportunity to live chain-free after a strenuous life in the tourism industry. Volunteer tasks include cleaning and maintaining enclosures, pools and mud baths; harvesting plant matter, including banana trees and grasses, to feed the elephants; and walking elephants to the forest to allow them to forage on natural foods. Volunteers will work 6 days a week, from 6:30 to 17:00, with several breaks in between. During their free time, volunteers can visit the beaches of Cha-am and Hua Hin and explore these beautiful cities to immerse themselves in traditional Thai culture. 

This minimum 2-week and maximum 12-week experience starts at $920 per person for 2 weeks and $3,010 per person for 4 weeks. Accommodation, food and 24/7 GoEco support are all included.

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GOECO

Care for Elephants at a Wildlife Rescue in Thailand

Thailand’s Surin province is home to more than 300 elephants, many of them treated inhumanely for street begging and circus performances. The harsh treatment these elephants endure can lower their life expectancy by at least 50%. On the “Thailand Elephants” trip, participants will be working at the region’s only "elephant refugee camp.” Volunteers’ tasks are dependent on the camp’s specific needs but could include the preservation of elephant habitat, the construction of shade shelters and enclosures, and the preparation of food for the elephants. This weeklong trip costs $905.

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Globe Aware

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Take a Trek with Northern Thailand’s Hill Tribes

Thailand is celebrated for its unique mix of modern culture and historical roots. Take part in this hands-on immersion experience by spending five days with members of the Black Lahu and Karen tribes. Thailand’s bustling cities will seem far away as visitors take part in the daily customs and rituals of the country’s northern hill tribes. Those enrolled on this trip can learn about traditional farming techniques, sample regional delicacies, explore stunning jungle scenery and test their artistic abilities through bamboo weaving. The cost of this trip includes all scheduled activities and accommodations along with most meals and in-country transport. This five-day experience starts at $369 per person. 

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Provide for Rescued Gibbons in Thailand

Thailand seamlessly blends together the modern and the traditional, boasting both tropical beaches and royal palaces. However, it struggles to protect its diverse wildlife. The “Gibbon Conservation and Rescue Sanctuary Volunteering in Thailand” trip works to place gibbons in a caring sanctuary. They may have been victims of abuse, survived rough contact with humans or even been injured. Gibbons are a small type of ape that lives in Southeast Asian tropical forests. Their habitats are disappearing due to deforestation, and they are often captured by humans. Therefore, gibbons are one of the most threatened primates. As a volunteer, plan to work at a local sanctuary to provide rescued gibbons with a safe and comfortable environment. The age requirement for this trip is 18 years old and it costs $1,343 for one week with volunteer opportunities lasting up to 12 weeks.

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Kaya Responsible Travel

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