Sticky Falls, or Bua Tong, is an incredibly unique waterfall. Though one normally thinks of sliding down cascades, a grippy mineral deposit allows us to climb up these falls! The cartoonish, surreal shape of the rock and the clear, mineral-spring waters are surrounded by lush forest. We’ll cool off in the pools at the base of the falls and keep our eyes peeled for colorful butterflies. The next day will be spent at the Elephant Nature Park, a rehabilitation center that’s home to elephants, dogs, cats, and even buffalo. We’ll get to feed and bathe elephants, and even help care for their habitats. This is one of the most exciting days of the trip! On our last day in Chiang Mai, we’ll take a morning hike to Wat Palad, a beautiful temple tucked away (i.e., hidden) in the forest. Stone carvings, small bridges, natural waterfalls, and statued monks can all be found around this peaceful, uncrowded Buddhist temple.

It’s off to Thailand’s eastern island paradise on the Andaman Sea! We’ll spend a day traveling in a longtail boat and snorkeling in the clear, gentle waters of Koh Kood. You may see schools of batfish, turtles, stonefish, moray eels, stingrays, and more! We’ll relax on the soft, white-sand beaches under abundant palm tree shade. Next up is helping clean up the mangrove forests near Koh Kood. We’ll participate in beach beautification, weed out invasive species, and plant new mangroves. We’ll also spend time learning about the dugong, a relative of the manatee, and keep our fingers crossed that we’ll spot one in the bay!

After sampling authentic, fresh street food and watching entertaining street performers in Phuket’s night markets, we’ll visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. We’ll spend the morning with one of the center’s animal caretakers to learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of these smaller tree-dwelling apes and help out with whatever is needed that day. We’d be remiss not to visit the 112-foot-tall Big Buddha (locally known as Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha), a revered landmark that offers sweeping 360-degree views of Phuket. Several afternoons will be spent hopping around Phuket’s most beautiful beaches!

When one thinks of Thailand, white limestone karst cliffs rising sharply out of the water often come to mind. We’ll spend time cruising around famous landmarks in Phang Nga Bay like James Bond Island (so named for its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun). Nearby is Koh Panyee, an entire village build over the water on stilts. We’ll visit quieter beaches as well, taking time to swim and snorkel in the emerald-green water.