Days 1-2: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi | Assisting Underprivileged Children

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, ranks as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, popular for its street food, shopping, nightlife and inherent Buddhist culture. Few international cities like Bangkok can seamlessly balance east meets west and tradition and modernity. Head to Kanchanaburi, a province 130km (80mi) west of Bangkok, noteworthy for its ancient civilization and World War II history. We spend time at ‘Moo Ban Dek’, a jungle home for underprivileged children located amongst evergreen forests. Here, a registered Nonprofit Thai Organisation, The Foundation for Children, provides free education and accommodation to children who are disadvantaged, impoverished and originate from abusive backgrounds. The Foundation believes that by offering a pristine natural environment, with loving care, freedom, empathy and encouragement, children’s emotional stresses and behavioral deviations can be healed

Day 3: Bangkok – Chiang Mai | Monk Chat and discover the projects of SBK 

Known as Thailand’s “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is the cultural hub of northern Thailand and the former seat of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Surrounded by mountains, pristine rainforests, and peaceful countryside dotted with beautiful temples, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. We will take a visit to Wat Suan Dok, final resting place for the ashes of former kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family. Join a Monk Chat program offering a unique cultural experience where visitors can engage with Buddhist monks at local temples. These informal sessions provide an opportunity to learn about Buddhism, Thai culture, and the monks’ way of life, while also allowing monks to practice their English. Via the conversation, you will also learn about the quest of promoting and support education and propagation of Buddhism in the Mekong Basin countries from MBK foundation.

Day 4: Chiang Mai - Lampang – Chiang Rai | A Day Caring for Elephants

Elephants have a special significance in Thai history, tradition, culture and royalty through the centuries since the old Siam. The Friends of the Asian Elephant is a Thai-registered foundation established in the 1990s, just outside Chiang Mai. Their main purpose is to care for injured, sick or abused elephants throughout Thailand, that would otherwise have nowhere to go. This is the world’s first elephant hospital and a desperately needed service. The hospital offers free care to any elephant, so far, providing medical services to over 4,000 elephant cases. A nursery launched in 2014 provides care for elephants during pregnancy, birthing and post-natal. Visit the nursery before transferring directly to your hotel in Chiang Rai.

Days 5: Chiang Rai | Visit the Ayui Foundation

North Thailand is famous for its colourful hill tribes. Drive out of Chiang Rai to Mae Chan district and continue uphill along narrow mountain roads to visit the simple Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The Akha, who originated in Tibet, are amongst the poorest of Thailand’s ethnic minorities and can also be found in the northern part of Laos. They are mainly farmers and known for their artistry. The Yao, whose origins are in China, are heavily influenced by Chinese traditions, still using Chinese characters in the writing of their language. The two minorities live peacefully close to each other. Observe the distinct differences between them and learn more about their culture, traditions and costumes.

After lunch at your hotel, we will discover the Baan Mai community, where we visit the Ayui Foundation, established by Australian teacher Sumalee (Sue) Milne. Since 2007, the foundation has been dedicated to supporting disadvantaged Akha hill tribe teenagers, regardless of religion, by providing access to education, healthcare, food, and a safe place to live. During our visit, we spend time at the girls’ home in the Baan Mai community, where all the girls reside. In the afternoon, engage in meaningful conversations with either Ms. Sue or the foundation’s nanny. If the schedule aligns, the children may showcase their traditional Akha costumes and perform a traditional dance. We bid farewell to the foundation at dinner time and return to the hotel, enriched by this heartfelt experience.

Day 6-7: Chiang Rai – Bangkok | Temples & Grand Palace 

Our final day is spent sightseeing in Bangkok. We explore the city’s myriad of waterways and canals, the so-called ‘Venice of the East’ by long-tail boat. A highlight is riverside Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s most iconic structures, an impressive temple noteworthy for its its unique architectural design, an 82m (269ft) high Khmer-style tower. A visit to the magnificent Grand Palace, Bangkok’s biggest tourist attraction, most historic monument and pilgrimage destination, is a must. An informative guided tour takes us through the sprawling complex containing 100-plus royal heritage buildings, for 200 years, the former residence of successive kings. The most important section is Wat Phra Kaeo, home to the 14th century Emerald Green Buddha, Thailand’s holiest Buddhist site.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Bangkok airport for your onward flight