Thailand 2024

Tranquil Treasures

SIGN UP BY AUGUST 10TH

November 10th - 18th , 2024 (Deposit: $100)

Welcome to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand! Upon arrival, be welcomed by your private guide and head to your hotel in a comfortable private car, about one hour from the international airport. Over the next five days, we will enjoy on a luxury dinner cruise down the Chao Phraya River, explore the city by visiting a flower and vegetable market, Grand Palace, sail the canal, and visit temples, Wat Arun and Wat Po, embrace local culture at the Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, as well as have a full day of free time to appreciate this magical city on your own, with a new Lesbifriend, or with your travel partner. Each night you will return to Maduzi Hotel, a one-of-a-kind conceptual 4-star boutique hotel offering the ultimate privacy, tailor-made services, top amenities, warmth, elegance, comfort, class, and an overall tranquil experience.

Halfway into this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, jet to Chiang Mai (this flight is included in your package), get settled into the 4-star Rim Resort Chiang Mai hotel and have some free time before we experience Khantoke Traditional Northern Thai Dinner.

  • Over the next few days we will bask in the city of Chiang Mai, nicknamed “Rose of the North'' because of its sweeping natural beauty, fascinating Lanna culture, historic temples, and bustling food scene. We will start our first full day by immersing ourselves in culture with a visit to a local school where we can learn and play with the kids, donate school supplies, and give them lunch. Then we will visit the San Kamphaeng district, the heart of the silk and cotton industries, where we can witness the fascinating process of making and weaving popular fabrics and have the chance to paint your own umbrella before closing out the day at Thai Celadon, a ceramic producing area. We will continue to soak up Thai culture with an afternoon visit to a Thai host family where we will learn about traditional architecture, stroll through the orchard and herb gardens, and even learn how to make cigars from banana leaves before having a delicious home-cooked Northern Thai meal that you will prepare with the host family. Before having a day of free time to explore on your own, as a group we will celebrate Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s most-loved festivals where we will make our own lanterns, make a wish and release them to float down the river.

Included:

  • Luxury accommodations - Stay at Maduzi Hotel and The Rim Resort Chiang Mai or the equivalent

  • Daily (8) breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners

  • Domestic transportation (flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai)

  • Activities and excursions described above or the equivalent

  • Guided tours and sightseeing

  • Connect with amazing black queer people

  • Lesbifriends swag bag

  • Travel guide

  • On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!

Not Included:

  • International flights to and from Thailand

  • Any applicable covid testing

  • Meals not mentioned

  • Travel Insurance (required for all Lesbifriends Travel trips)

  • COVID Insurance (recommended by Thailand)

  • Personal purchases / Activities

  • Bangkok Exploration:

    • Luxury dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

    • Visits to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Po.

    • Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market adventures.

    Chiang Mai Highlights:

    • Visit to a local school, with opportunities for interaction and donations.

    • Exploration of San Kamphaeng district's silk and cotton industries.

    • Artistic experience painting your own umbrella.

    • Cultural immersion at Thai Celadon, a ceramic-producing area.

    • Visit to a Thai host family, learning traditional architecture and making cigars from banana leaves.

    • Loy Krathong Festival, creating and releasing lanterns down the river.

    Culinary Delights:

    • Khantoke Traditional Northern Thai Dinner in Chiang Mai.

    • Home-cooked Northern Thai meal with a Thai host family.

Activity Level 3: On Your Feet Traveler

This is for travelers who like to be on the go. To spend the morning in a museum or sightseeing a castle, then have the choice of swimming in the afternoon or shopping or continuing to explore the area. Walks range from 5 to 9 miles a day, it’s up to what you do.

Elevate your Experience

VIP ADD-ONS

  • Talad Noi Neighbourhood, Wat Traimit, and Chatuchak Market

    $95 - Duration 7hrs

    Uncover the vibrant tapestry of Bangkok! Begin your day with a captivating half-day walking tour through the Forgotten Talad Noi Neighborhood. This local enclave bursts with color, history, and diverse influences, from Portuguese settlers to Chinese, Vietnamese, and Khmer communities. Discover hidden gems like the Holy Rosary Church (Wat Kalawa) and ancient mechanic shops, complemented by street art, hip cafes, and sacred shrines.

    The journey continues to Wat Traimit, home to a majestic 5.5-tonne seated Buddha, a Sukhothai-style masterpiece covered in gold leaf. Delve into the statue's fascinating history at the museum, exploring the rich narratives of Chinese traders on the second floor. Afterward, dive into the bustling world of Chatuchak Market, the world's largest weekend market with over 15,000 stalls. Indulge in a sensory feast of food, arts, antiques, and fashion, immersing yourself in the heart of local life. The excursion concludes with a transfer back to your hotel, leaving you with lasting memories of Bangkok's cultural kaleidoscope.

  • A Half-Day Oasis in Doi Saket District

    $100 - Duration 10hrs

    Embark on a transformative half-day Yoga retreat amidst the serene beauty of Chiang Mai's Doi Saket District. Located in the tranquil heart of nature, this retreat is the perfect sanctuary for those seeking relaxation away from the bustling city.

    Join us for 5.5 hours of rejuvenation, including mindful Yoga, Meditation, and an authentic Thai cultural experience. Meet at the serene Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai 50220, Thailand, and indulge in a delicious Thai meal, offering a holistic escape for your body, mind, and spirit.

  • Explore Markets, Museums, and Inner Serenity in a Full Day

    $100 - Duration 10hrs

    Journey through Chiang Mai's cultural heart with our immersive day-long experience. Begin at the bustling Worarot Market, where the vibrant tapestry of local life unfolds in a kaleidoscope of colors and scents. Traverse the city in a traditional "Samlor," weaving through iconic landmarks like Thapae Gate and the regal Three Kings Monument.

    Delve into the rich legacy of Lanna culture at the meticulously curated Lanna Folklife Museum, housed in a beautifully renovated courthouse. Engage with captivating dioramas, each revealing a facet of Lanna life, from history and religion to traditional costumes.

    After a morning of cultural exploration, indulge in the exquisite flavors of northern Thai cuisine at a local eatery, featuring the renowned "Khao Soy" noodles. The day culminates in a one-hour yoga session, a serene interlude amid the city's vibrant energy. Led by expert instructors, the session encompasses Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga Vinyasa, and restorative practices suitable for all levels.

  • Savor Bangkok's culinary delights on a private Tuk Tuk night food tour with rooftop river views along the Chao Phraya.

    $90 - Duration 2.5hrs

    As the sun sets over Bangkok, immerse yourself in the flavors of the city on a private night food tour with Tuk Tuk. Your expert guide will meet you at the hotel lobby around 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm, leading you on a delectable journey through Bangkok's culinary hotspots.

    Indulge in authentic Thai dishes at the locals' cherished eateries, and as the night unfolds, ascend to a rooftop bar for a refreshing drink and breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River. After this enchanting 2.5-hour tour, our attentive driver will ensure you're safely returned to your hotel.

Trip Summary

Dates - November 10th - 18th, 2024

Cost Per Person - Starting at $2995

Payments - $100 Deposit + Affordable Payment Plan

Arrival Check-In Date and Airport - November 10th, 2023 5:00 PM
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Departure Check-Out Date and Airport - November 18th, 2024
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

Where We Are Staying - Maduzi Hotel and The Rim Resort Chiang Mai or the equivalent

About The Accommodations

Warm, elegant and classy, Maduzi Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Bangkok. The interior designed in a unique Thai and multi-cultural mix reflects the owner’s heritage, and luxurious rooms fitted with top amenities offer a private home away from home for globe trotters. The Rim Resort is situated in The Old City, in the serene ambiance of a canal and Chiang Mai’s historical ramparts and moats, The Rim resort features Colonial Lanna design emphasizing northern Thai landscape, local arts, and handicrafts.

  • If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.

    For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.

  • Do you know someone who is interested in joining our trip but has not been to a Lesbifriend event or trip? Here is your chance to save a little money while bringing them on a trip of a lifetime!

    For every traveler that you refer to our trip, you will receive up to a $150 ($25 cash, $50 current trip credit, or $75 future domestic trip credit, or $150 future international trip credit) referral bonus once that person pays in full. There is no limit to the number of people you can refer; the only condition is that anyone you refer has not already signed up with Lesbifriends.

    Be sure to tell your friend to enter your name on the registration form under “Who Referred You.”