15-Day Lantern Festival Trip

$7,600 USD – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

A down payment of half the trip cost is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.

*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.

Payments made by credit or debit card are subject to processing fees at the time of booking. These fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. To avoid these fees, you can pay via bank account which does not incur any processing fees.

I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?

There is no single supplement for this trip and every person who signs up will get their own room. We do not offer roommate pairing on this trip.

What is included :

  • Airport pick-up
  • 14 nights accommodation (single occupancy)
  • Local trip leader throughout
  • Trip host
  • 3 domestic flights
  • Private, air-conditioned ground transportation
  • Water transfers
  • Activities as indicated on the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

What is not included :

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • International flights
  • Airport drop-off
  • Optional activities
  • Some lunches and dinners
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs

  1. Who can go on this trip?
    This trip is only for women part of the Solo in Style Facebook group.

    Smile policy
    We welcome all kinds of travelers and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You should be able to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.

    No complainers
    Our goal is for everyone to have fun and a trip of a lifetime. On our trips, you should be able to let the small stuff go and exercise flexibility when things don’t go according to plan. If you are a traveler who finds fault with everything and complains about the little things, then our trips are not right for you. Come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!

    Thailand is not like home
    Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home and remember that it’s all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! For example, water pressure, bed and pillow firmness, and room temperature may be different than what you’re used to back home. Also, Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain remote areas.

    Trip leader
    Your trip leader will help you have an unforgettable experience and can answer questions & offer suggestions. He/she will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but is not your personal assistant. Travelers must exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our trips. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your trip leader who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip.

    Semi-independent trip
    Our trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your trip leader can offer recommendations for alternative activities but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities. Additionally, you’re free to arrive before or depart after the trip but pre-/post-trip plans, accommodation, transport, etc are yours to arrange. We do not offer assistance with any plans outside of the trip dates.

  2. This trip requires a low level of physical fitness. If you’re not feeling up for an activity, you’re welcome to explore on your own.

    Some hotels do not have elevators so you’ll need to be able to walk up and down 2 – 3 or more flights of stairs with varying degrees of steepness, with your luggage, and unassisted. Most hotels will have porters or staff to help you with luggage but please keep this in mind when tipping.

    To participate in this trip you should be able to:

    • Walk 1 – 2 miles (1.5 ~ 3 kilometers) throughout the day unassisted, up/down stairs, over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with/without an incline, and on paths with rough terrain.
    • Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, indoors and outdoors, and in all weather conditions.
    • Carry your luggage from the taxi/van to the hotel and your room.
    • Get in and out of a van and boat without assistance.

  3. Each group consists of 8 – 14 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.

    A small group number means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the trip leader who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.

  4. While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the trip leader can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and are at your own expense.

  5. Airport pick-up is included in this trip*. The arrival airport is Bangkok (BKK or DMK).

    *Airport pick-up is included only if you arrive on Day 1. If you are not arriving on Day 1, airport pick-up is not included but you can easily take a taxi at the airport or pre-arrange an airport pick-up with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you may find online.

    Airport drop-off is not included on this trip. The departure airport is Bangkok (BKK or DMK). The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport. Or you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport pick-up with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one found on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.

  6. Currently, passport holders from the USA, Australia, the UK, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland do not need a visa for a visit of up to 30 days in Thailand.

    If you are from a country other than those listed above, please check with your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate about your visa requirements.

    You may be required to show proof of exit from the country in the form of a departure flight.

    As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

  7. The official currency of Thailand is the baht (THB).

    Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.

  8. We strongly recommend using ATMs while in Thailand as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to withdraw some money from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.

    It’s a good idea to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in another country. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.

    Your trip leader can point you in the right direction of an ATM or exchange office during the trip.

  9. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted in Thailand. In some high-end establishments such as expensive shops, restaurants, and some hotels, you can pay by card, though American Express and Discover aren’t commonly accepted. Everywhere else, it’s best to carry cash in case you come across a retailer that cannot take card payments.

  10. Thailand does not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is acceptable.

    Tipping your trip leader: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip around 100 – 150 USD at the end of your trip based on past travelers’ feedback.

    For more information about tipping, please see our blog on tipping.

  11. We recommend having access to anywhere between $400 – 700 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.

    As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches and dinners, tips, and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.

  12. Before using your phone overseas, check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:

    Welcome to Thailand! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day. 

    Consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.

    NOTE: Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling to Khao Sok’s floating hotel as there is no service due to its extremely remote location. You will not have any cell phone or internet access for 1 day.

  13. Most hotels you will stay at in Thailand offer free Wifi as will some restaurants and other public places. Keep in mind that the internet may not be as fast as you’re used to and could be spotty if not absent in more remote areas.

    In remote areas such as the Khao Sok National Park, the Wifi can be spotty, weak, or completely absent. Also, be prepared to ‘disconnect’ for one night at the floating hotel as there is no Wifi or cell service due to its extremely remote location.

  14. In Thailand, the most common plug is a dual plug that fits European and US pin plugs (see picture below). The supply voltage is 230V and 50Hz. Converters might be necessary for your electronic devices.

  15. Thailand has warm weather year-round with variations in terms of water level and humidity with a peak of rain during the monsoon season. Monsoon season varies depending on the area you are traveling to within the country but it is generally between August and November. Pack lightweight clothing in general and bring your rain gear for occasional rains.

  16. In Thailand, it is warm to hot almost all year round so it’s best to pack summer clothes. When visiting temples, women need to make sure to have their knees and shoulders covered. We recommend bringing a scarf to cover your shoulders.

    Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:

    • Lightweight clothing that dries quickly
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat
    • Flashlight/headlamp
    • Umbrella (for shade & rain)
    • Bathing suit
    • Comfortable walking shoes (with good ankle support and traction)
    • Water shoes (for canoeing and jungle)
    • Scarf/light clothing covering knees & shoulders (for temples)
    • Light jacket/cardigan (for cooler nights)
    • Rain jacket
    • Flip flops/sandals
    • Sunscreen (biodegradable if possible)
    • Shampoo/conditioner/soap*
    • Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag for the day
    • Diarrhea medicine
    • Constipation medicine
    • Motion sickness medicine
    • First aid kit (travel size)
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Prescription medication (if needed)
    • Snacks for the road (cliff bars, nuts, etc.)
    • An extra duffle bag (for souvenirs if you are an avid shopper)
    • Overnight bag (for  1 night at the floating lakehouse hotel)
    • Adapters/converters (if needed)
    • Mosquito repellent (DEET strength)
    • Mask (for dusty tuk tuk rides)
    • Washcloth (for shower)
    • Wet wipes/Napkins (no toilet paper in some public bathrooms)
    • Hairdryer if needed (some hotels will have, but not all)
    • Earplugs (for boat transfers)
    • Conditioner* (for  1 night at the floating lakehouse hotel)

    *All hotels will have soap and shampoo but the floating lakehouse hotel does not provide conditioner. 

  17. Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a fee if needed. It is best to give laundry to the hotel staff in the morning and it is usually ready by the next day.

    PRO TIP: 1 kilogram of laundry usually costs approximately 1 USD at local dry cleaners. It is best to pack less and do laundry during your trip. This way you have more room for souvenirs!

  18. Yes, we can. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.

  19. Most will agree that the drinking water in Thailand is safe for brushing your teeth but is not recommended for drinking. Drinking only bottled water is recommended. Bottled water is easily found and can be purchased for a fee.

    You can purchase bottled water but to alleviate the plastic waste epidemic, we recommend a reusable filtered water bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl.

    Thailand has a very serious plastic waste problem, but unfortunately, there are not many water refill stations. Most of the hotels at which we stay have two free glass water bottles that are placed in your room each day. These can be used to refill your personal water bottles, so you can bring a water bottle and refill it with water from the glass bottles in your room. This is a small role we can play in the solution to the plastic epidemic.

  20. Thailand is generally a safe country in terms of violent and non-violent crime. The most common crime that occurs is petty crime such as taxi/tuk-tuk rip-offs. As with most travel destinations, it is important to choose carefully before getting into any taxi and to negotiate the price before leaving.

    As with any destination, it is always a good idea to avoid flashy or expensive-looking jewelry and to avoid putting anything in your back pockets when traveling around touristy areas or larger towns and cities.

    The US State Department offers general travel information about Thailand. See below for more information:

    US State Department Travel to Thailand

  21. Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website for Thailand before traveling to see any recommended vaccinations.

    If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.

Flights

Your arrival and departure airport is Bangkok (BKK) or (DMK).

*Please do not purchase any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking.

Visa

Currently, passport holders from the USA, Australia, the UK, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland do not need a visa for a visit of up to 30 days in Thailand. You may be required to show proof of exit in the form of a departure flight.

If you are from a country other than those listed above, please check with your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate about your visa requirements.

As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

Thailand has warm weather year-round with variations in terms of water level and humidity with a peak of rain during the monsoon season. Monsoon season varies depending on the area you are traveling to within the country but it is generally between August and November. Pack lightweight clothing in general and bring your rain gear for occasional rains.

From floating lake houses to 5-star hotels, the accommodation on the trip has been a highlight for many of our past travelers.

*We do not offer pre-/post-tour extra nights. When the trip is confirmed, we will let you know the name of the hotel(s) so you can book any extra nights on your own.

Bangkok

Hidden from the city’s hustle and bustle behind a curtain of banyan tree branches lies this urban oasis. There is an inviting saltwater infinity pool as well as a 5-star breakfast that’s not to be missed!

Railay Beach

This charming colonial-style hotel boasts extra-large rooms, each featuring unique touches like outdoor showers and oversized sunken bathtubs. Enjoy the swim-up pool bar and start your day with a wonderful breakfast in a stunning setting.

Khao Sok National Park - Jungle resort

Tucked away in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, this serene resort is surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs and vibrant rainforest. It offers eco bungalows amidst lush greenery and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Cheow Lan Lake - Floating Lake House

Cheow Lan Lake is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The resort’s rooms feature spacious wooden decks with stunning views of the lake and cliffs. Enjoy incredible stargazing under a star-filled sky, swim or kayak in the crystal-clear waters, and take in unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. Click here to see a video of the lakehouse you’ll be staying in!

NOTE: Each lake house is fan-cooled (no air conditioning) and there’s no hot water in the showers. The rooms don’t have keys but you’re welcome to bring your own lock.

There is no Wifi or cell service, and the electricity runs on a generator, available only at night while you sleep. This is your chance to truly disconnect, immerse yourself in nature, and experience one of the most peaceful places on Earth.

Chiang Mai

This boutique hotel, built in the Lanna style, lies on the banks of the Ping River away from the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai’s center but just a short walk or tuk tuk ride away from its main square. The spacious rooms feature private balconies with river views and en suite bathrooms. The hotel boasts beautiful gardens, terraces for relaxing, a picnic area, a coffee shop, a restaurant, a bar, and a saltwater swimming pool to cool off in.

Bangkok

Situated along the scenic Chao Phraya River, this boutique hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Bangkok, featuring elegant rooms and a riverside pool. Enjoy delicious cuisine at the riverfront restaurant or relax while taking in breathtaking views. Just moments from iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace and lively Khao San Road, it’s the perfect base to explore the city’s vibrant energy.

*Hotels are subject to change.

We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We recommend Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.

For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.

Trip insurance get a quote travelex

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N