July 4: Departure Day, Los Angeles to Chiang Mai, Thailand

In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.

July 5 is lost crossing the International Date Line

July 6 & 7: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Begin in the UNESCO Creative City of Chiang Mai, tucked into the mountains of northern Thailand. Get to know your fellow group members and learn about Thai culture in an in-depth orientation that includes a relaxing bike ride around the neighborhood. Experience majestic Buddhist artistry and architecture as you visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Umong, and other stunning temples in and around the ancient walled city. Learn to make your favorite Thai recipes at a local cooking school and prepare your own authentic Thai feast.  

July 8: Mae Chaem, Thailand

Travel by private van  into the mountains to the west. Spend the afternoon, night, and next morning learning about the complexities of elephant conservation. Meet with elephant experts and take a peaceful walk alongside the elephants in this humane, ethically-run sanctuary. We’ll spend the night in the guest rooms at the sanctuary.

July 9 & 10: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Your day begins with the elephants—starting first thing in the morning you’ll participate in the work that goes into their daily care and then enjoy lunch at the sanctuary. Return to Chiang Mai in the afternoon and attend a boxing match where you’ll experience the ancient sport of Muay Thai. Return to the guesthouse for a good night’s rest. Rising early, visit a nearby school to play games with the students, take part in language exchange activities, and learn about what life is like for Thai students. Later in the evening join in a farewell karaoke session to say goodbye to the guesthouse staff and enjoy your last evening in Thailand.

July 11 & 12: Luang Prabang, Laos

A short afternoon flight will bring you to Luang Prabang, a small city in northern Laos. After a delicious, Lao-style dinner, we’ll go over the basics of Lao culture during a brief orientation followed by a stroll through the night bazaar. A trip to Living Land Farm offers a chance to learn about traditional organic farming techniques while supporting a community enterprise that benefits area residents. Enjoy a dinner made with fresh, local ingredients, then teach English and learn basic Lao in a language exchange with our farm hosts.

July 13 & 14: Luang Prabang, Laos

Trek into the hills, through forests and fields, and arrive at a small, traditional village for an authentic experience of traditional Lao life. Learn how animist beliefs and shamanism mesh with daily life. Slow down your pace, take part in farm work, play sports and games with local children, and spend two nights with your group in a house in the village.

July 15: Luang Prabang, Laos

Say farewell to our village hosts and trek back into Luang Prabang, stopping at Kuang Si waterfall to swim and cool off. Enjoy a final evening in Laos as you prepare to head to Cambodia the following moning.

July 16 – 19: Siem Reap, Cambodia

A mid-morning flight from Luang Prabang with a brief stop in Pakse, Laos, will bring you to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the access point to Angkor Wat. Spend three days learning about the ancient Khmer Empire by touring spectacular Hindu and Buddhist temples by bicycle. Put the finishing touches on  your independent project and prepare to give a brief presentation to the other students.

July 20 – 22: Koh Samet, Thailand

After a short flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok, head south in a private van to Rayong, then hop aboard a boat and cruise south to the island of Koh Samet. Relax on white-sand beaches and swim in the warm turquoise water of the Gulf of Thailand. After a journey through three countries, we’ll start to wind things down with beach games, fire dancing shows, beautiful sunsets, and project presentations.

July 23: Bangkok, Thailand

Return to Bangkok in time for an evening boat cruise with dinner on the Chao Phraya River. Spend the night at a hotel near the airport and get ready for an early flight back home where friends and family will eagerly await your photos and stories.

July 24: Return Day, Bangkok to Los Angeles