Overland Tour of Thailand and Laos

  Laos

• Luang Prabang: 
Luang Prabang

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai
• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Chiang Rai

Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: This overland tour of Thailand and Laos starts in Bangkok where the group will meet and get to know each other, have dinner and visit the local night market. You will then spend the next day visiting the local tourist attractions at the Grand Palace and Wat Po where you can even get a traditional Thai massage! The tour then travels north east of Bangkok to Ayutthaya and the many temples in the area. A little further north in Lopburi, will be your chance to get some volunteer work in Thailand under your belt by visiting a local orphanage. You will spend time with the children, entertaining them and brightening up their day. The following day you will visit an HIV/AIDS hospice to meet the patients and help with their daily life by chatting with them, cleaning and feeding lunch. It will also be an insight into the problem of HIV/AIDS within Thailand. From Lopburi you head further north to Lamphang and visit a local elephant hospital, giving you the opportunity to see these magnificent animals and see how they are treated for injuries.

After nearly a week in Thailand you head up to the hill country and Chang Mai where you will have the opportunity for some sightseeing and shopping for local crafts. You now head further north towards the Burmese (Myanmar) and Laos borders (The Golden Triangle) via Chang Rai to Mae Sai. Once here, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the local mountain tribes and interact with the local communities. You will also organise your visa for Laos here before heading over the border and embarking on your boat trip down the Mekong from Houei Sai to Pak Beng and finishing at Luang Phrabang, the old capital of Laos. Here you will have time to explore the temples, National Museum and Phousi Mount. The trip carries on through a scenic mountain route to Vang Vieng to spend an evening viewing the sunset in the Nam Song Valley. The tour then heads to Vientiane, Laos' capital city and a walking tour of the town, visiting the local temples and attractions. You then head on to the final destination Nong Khai, in Thailand where you will embark on the overnight journey back to Bangkok at the end of your two weeks.

Highlights: If you're interested in humanitarian tours of Thailand and Laos, this opportunity to see this region of South East Asia, its wildlife, people and natural wonders is an opportunity not to be missed. The added benefit to this tour is that not only do you have the trip of a lifetime but your tour allows you and the group to interact with and brighten the day of Thai orphans. You will also gain an insight into the issues of HIV/AIDS in Thailand whilst helping the patients at the hospice.

Cost in US$: $2093 for 2 weeks

Before you go, we prepare you with:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions and forms
- vaccination and inoculation recommendations
- advice on health, safety and culture shock
- contact details to pass along to those at home

When you arrive, we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date
- welcome orientation
- survival language lesson
- regularly-inspected accommodation
- well-researched quality placements
- meals or food at your accommodation

At all times, you have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers
- access to our wealth of first-hand knowledge

And more! Call us to speak with a knowledgeable travel advisor and to request a free color catalog.

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994