Experience Chiang Mai, Thailand with Next Step Travel!

A Journey of Culture, Connection, and History

Nestled in the lush mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city where history and culture thrive. Once the heart of the Lanna Kingdom, its ancient walls and gilded temples—like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang—stand as enduring symbols of tradition. By day, wander sacred sites and engage with local artisans. By night, lose yourself in the vibrant Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where the aroma of sizzling street food and the buzz of handcrafted treasures fill the air.

Exclusive Optional Post-Trip Excursion to Phuket & Koh Phi Phi
Snorkel in hidden bays, unwind on pristine beaches, and savor tantalizing Thai cuisine with breathtaking island views. Whether you seek pure relaxation or an adventure through Thailand’s enchanting southern isles, this exclusive post-trip extension is beach vacationing done right.

Thailand trip details:

Images: Wat Phra That Doi Itinerary Suthep, an ornate Buddhist temple which offers breathtaking views

Dates: December 7-16, 2025
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Lodging: 4-star boutique hotel lodging
From USD $3,495 for shared accommodation
(Single Room Supplement: $450)
Registration Deadline: October 7, 2025
This trip can accommodate up to 16 travelers.

Exclusive to This Tour:
Optional Post-Trip Escape to Phuket & Koh Phi Phi (Thailand’s southern islands)
Dates: December 16-19, 2025
 $995 + $200 one-way flight
supplement (Single Room Supplement – $395)

Extension Registration Deadline: Summer 2025
Due to high season demand, the deadline for the extension may be earlier than expected,
as accommodations for the Southern Islands fill up quickly.

But don’t just take our word for it—hear directly from Angela:

“First, thank you for organizing such a fantastic trip -this was a trip one never forgets during one’s lifetime. I thoroughly enjoyed the service aspect of the trip that drew me to participate, and I was beyond impressed by all of the activities that we were lucky enough to participate in. Between the monk chat, the cooking class and the time with the elephants, I feel like I saw a side of Thailand that few get to see. The hotel was fabulous and I loved our guide, Joon!”

– Angela J.

Missed the Thailand Webinar? Watch It Here!
Couldn’t attend our Thailand webinar? No problem! Watch the recording here and explore the beauty of Thailand with NPCA’s travel partners, Discover Corps. In this special session, you’ll hear directly from the team about this unique travel experience and get insights from a live Q&A. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about your next adventure!

Itinerary Highlights include the following Memorable Experiences:

• Uncover the beauty of Thailand alongside fellow NPCA members and enjoy dinner with local PCVs and learn about their projects and country experience!
• Visit the famed Chiang Mai Night Market
• Explore the rich culture & shimmering temples of the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai
• Lend a hand at a local primary school helping to teach basic English
• Visit and care for rescued elephants at a leading sanctuary and meet the Mahout, their lifelong caretakers and learn about their importance in Thai culture and society
  • Visit Elephant Parade House and visit the Elephant Museum, explore our journey, tour the elephant art studio, and perhaps paint your own statue—all in support of Asian elephant conservation.
• Connect with a pioneering organization called the Wildflower Home that is working to promote women’s empowerment in Thailand
• Spend a day with a Thai hill-tribe village, explore their culture and way of life
• Learn about Thai society and global issues:
  • Experience an afternoon with monk to learn about Buddhism in contemporary Thai society

Head into the green hills around Chiang Mai to visit Wat Phra That Doi Itinerary Suthep, an ornate Buddhist temple which offers breathtaking views. Explore the lush botanical gardens of Doi Pui and visit a local market, getting a sense of the traditions of the Hmong, the ethnic hill tribe community that inhabits the area. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing Farewell Dinner on a riverside boat cruise together.

Click Here to View:  Thailand Flyer

What’s Included – Your trip price includes the following:

• 9 nights of 4-star hotel lodging on 10-day itinerary & 3 nights of 4-star lodging on extension
• Discover Corps Guide
• All meals listed in itinerary
• Gratuities for all local staff on the trip
• All scheduled activities in the itinerary
• All in-country transportation via air-conditioned motor coach and water taxi
• Unlimited drinking water aboard the bus
• Secondary international medical insurance
• 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline

Venture to a nearby temple for an intimate open-discussion with a local monk to learn about Buddhism & the important role it plays in Thai society.

Once-in-a-lifetime experience! Visit the countryside for a full-day immersion at a local, ethical elephant sanctuary. You’ll meet the mahouts (elephant caretakers) and learn about elephants, their role in Thai society and their daily routines. Spend the day assisting in a variety of tasks including harvesting food, feeding, and bathing elephants, and join the elephants on a walk through the valley.

Click to view Thailand Next Step Travel Dec. 2025 Flyer

Chiang Mai Boutique Hotel Lodging:  While in Chiang Mai, we’ll base ourselves at the Away Resort, a charming 4-star hotel walking distance to the historic streets, temples and markets of Chiang Mai. The hotel is unique in that it is set back from the hustle and bustle of town but still centrally located so you can access all that Chiang Mai has to offer.