The science of how to get more from your time: Thailand

30 September 2024 - 8 days for £2,399

Experience an immersive adventure in Thailand's bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai that’s designed – using the latest discoveries in the art and science of experience design - to be joyous and challenging, educational and transformational.

Science first proved that experiences beat material goods at making us happy. And now scientists are discovering which experiences are more likely to make us feel more alive and happier - and make us more resilient, creative and successful. 

Author and experience designer James Wallman (Stuffocation, Time and How to Spend It) has employed the latest discoveries from the emerging science of experience design to develop this highly immersive tour. Of course, there’ll be plenty of surprise and delight. But there’ll also be challenge and transformation, as you experientially learn how to spend your time better through enriching adventurous experiences as you explore the most engaging aspects of Thailand. 

James will also run online workshops for the group before and after the tour in order to maximize the experience, plus you will receive a free copy of Time and How to Spend It to read beforehand.

In partnership with Intrepid Travel

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BANGKOK AND MEET JAMES

Sa-wat dee, welcome to Thailand! Your adventure begins in the country’s bustling capital, Bangkok, famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food.

After checking into the U Sathon Hotel, you will meet James, the rest of the group and your tour leader in the evening, for a welcome meeting and tour overview where James will give an introductory workshop. Afterwards, James will take you for a welcome dinner at a lively restaurant near the hotel.

DAY 2: EXPLORE BANGKOK

This morning, you will board a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. 

Continue to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The sprawling royal complex houses numerous ornate structures that highlight the grand architectural traditions of Thailand. Visit Wat Pho, one of the ‘trinity’ of Bangkok. As one of the largest temple complexes in the city, it’s famed for its giant reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long, covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage.

Next, continue to Chinatown which lies on the elongated Yaowarat Road in Bangkok and is known for its many gold shops and Chinese medicine sellers. Yaowarat Road has many narrow busy side streets/streets with food stalls, restaurant and market stalls. It is here that James will run a walking workshop, that will help immerse you in this vibrant area.

In the evening, you will enjoy a group meal together to review the days encounters.

DAY 3: BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI

You will take the morning flight to Chiang Mai, the most vibrant city in northern Thailand and home to many famous temples and a fascinating old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, known as the ‘Rose of the North’. In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a memorable experience. 

After checking in to the Smile Lanna Hotel, you will enjoy a traditional Khantok dinner, refined for foreign palates with hill tribe dances and traditional Lanna performances which are hard to find these days.

DAY 4: EXPLORE CHIANG MAI

In the early morning, you will drive to Chiang Mai’s most famous national park, Doi Inthanon. Where you will travel to continue driving to the highest peak of Thailand at 2,565 meters above sea level. On route, you will stop at the Royal Twin Pagodas dedicated to the King and Queen of Thailand. Besides the beautiful pagodas, you will enjoy the great panorama views of mountains from the pagodas. The highlight of the day is a gentle trek to a waterfall on the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail. After the falls, the trail travels along a little irrigation canal, where you will have views of forested mountains and rice terraces. The trail ends in the White Karen village Baan Man Klang Luang, where a cup of coffee is waiting for you. 

After this exhilarating day, you will return to Chang Mai for a group meal.

DAY 5: ELEPHANT NATURE PARK

After breakfast and a picturesque drive through rural countryside, you will visit the Elephant Nature Park; a rescue and rehabilitation centre for elephants, as well as many other rescued animals. You will learn about the rescued and orphaned elephants and their individual stories. Whilst having the opportunity to spend time with the various herds. Many of these elephants have left behind a traumatic past and for the first time can form relationships with other elephants, rediscover their elephant nature and live free of fear amongst the natural surroundings of the sanctuary. There is no riding or bathing the elephants at Elephant Nature Park. Your visit helps to support the parks regional projects and allows them to provide ongoing care for their herd as well as make future rescues possible.

DAY 6: VILLAGE HOMESTAY

Today you will visit a small rural Thai village, where you will be welcomed to stay overnight as a guest in one of their traditional houses. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantohk dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing. 

DAY 7: ORGANIC FARM TO TABLE COOKERY

Enjoy the morning at leisure around the village then leave the homestay after having home-cooked lunch.

After checking back in to the Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai and some time at leisure, you will be picked up for a traditional Thai cooking class. Set in the heart of a beautiful, serene organic farm and garden, this school provides students with a relaxing atmosphere in which to learn. All classes include a guided market tour, during which you will learn about several Thai ingredients, many of which you will later use to prepare your delicious meals. Here, you will also receive a cookbook, so that you can recreate Thai dishes at home.

DAY 8: CHIANG MAI DEPARTURE

After breakfast, travel to the airport to board your homebound flight.

If you wish to stay for a few more days in ChaNg Mai or visit some of the stunning islands in the south, this can be added onto your tour.