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

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour

Email us to book or discuss

+44 (0)203 3089 917

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.

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour

Email us to book or discuss

+44 (0)203 3089 917

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour

Email us to book or discuss

+44 (0)203 3089 917

Highlights

  • Workshops, seminars and challenges developed and delivered by James Wallman.
  • Opportunity to transform your scientific understanding and enjoyment of your leisure time.
  • Explore Thailand's bustling capital city, Bangkok, on foot and by boat.
  • Discover temples, pagodas, forests and wide range of culinary delights.
  • Observe recovering elephants in a rescue and rehabilitation center.
  • Overnight in a welcoming village homestay. 
  • Enjoy a Thai cookery lesson then traditional feast.
  • Pre and post-tour online workshops and guided reading list from James.

Meet the expert

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James Wallman

James is an author, experience evangelist, trend forecaster and advisor, who believes in using the power of science to build better experiences. 

His two books are on experience economy, Stuffocation and Time And How To Spend It, which was the Financial Times Book Of The Year. He gives talks around the world and advises the UK government including an appointment as Sector Specialist: Experience Economy for the Department of International Trade. 

He is an advisor to the Transformational Travel Council and has a broad global client list from Avis to Vodafone, Disneyland to the National Portrait Gallery. He is the founder and CEO of the World Experience Organization, a fast-growing global forum to connect and provoke the pioneers of the experience economy (280 members in 28 countries as of April 2022), and to shine a spotlight on exceptional experience design. Which very much includes holidays and vacations.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Seven nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis.
  • Three lunches and five evening meals.
  • Talks, workshops and challenges delivered by James Wallman throughout.
  • A tour leader on 24-hour call.
  • All excursions and entry fees.
  • Arrival/departure group airport transfers.
  • All private transport throughout the tour.
  • Cookery workshop.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel insurance.
  • International travel to Bangkok.
  • Private airport transfers.
  • Single supplement £275 (except for the Homestay visit, where the whole group will be sharing for one night).

HOW TO GET THERE

This tour begins and ends in Bangkok. Please speak to Intrepid Travel who can offer flight advice and book flights for those travelling from the UK.

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

Most of the activities require basic physical fitness. In Bangkok, you will be exploring on foot for up to 2 hours at a time on uneven city streets.

A suggested kit list will be sent to you beforehand and will include some of the following: hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, Camera, Bug Repellent, Refillable Water Bottle, walking poles and sun protection. Whilst rain is likely at times layers and waterproofs are also recommended (Rain Jacket - Rainy Season April - October).

SOLO TRAVELLERS

All of our tours, cruises, expeditions and weekenders are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement of £275 for this tour. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.

Accommodation

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U Sathon Hotel, Bangkok

A luxurious five-star hotel, located in a peaceful part of the city where natural beauty sits alongside the hustle and bustle of this Bangkok district. The overall design is three low-rise wings set in a courtyard style surrounded by restful green areas with a swimming pool as the centre piece.

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Smile Lanna Hotel, Chiang Mai

A relaxing five-star hotel nestled right in the heart of the city. It is perfectly located on Chang Lor Road connecting to the outer road of Chiang Mai Old City walls. It allows you to explore the historical attractions located both in and out of the Old City.

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Village Homestay, Thai village

The accommodation at the homestay will be in a multi-share room, which is basic. There will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms. This truly unique overnight stay offers a wonderful chance to experience traditional rural Thai lifestyle.