2026 Thailand

Airfare is not included with your registration — you’ll arrange your flights separately. If you’d like assistance with planning your flights, timing connections, or the best ways to arrive in Chiang Mai (CNX), we’re happy to help!

Departure flights will be from Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) with suggested afternoon or evening departures to allow for a relaxed morning and hotel-to-airport transfer included.

A valid passport is required to enter Thailand. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates — confirm your specific requirements with the Thai consulate or the U.S. State Department before departure.

Other Travel Requirements:

• Visa / Entry: U.S. citizens (and many other nationalities) entering Thailand as tourists for less than ~30–60 days do not need a visa in advance. Check the Thai consulate for your specific passport details.

• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): All visitors must complete an online TDAC within 72 hours before arrival and present the QR code at immigration.

  • 👉 https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home — Thailand Digital Arrival Card (official Thai Immigration site)

• Onward / Return Ticket: Thai authorities or airlines may ask to see proof of return or onward travel.

• Health / Vaccination: No COVID‑19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine is required. Yellow Fever vaccination may be required only if arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever.

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical care or emergencies.

(Traveler tip: Carry a printed copy of your passport ID page separate from your passport and double-check the Royal Thai Embassy website for the latest entry requirements.)

Travel protection is not included in your trip price. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical, trip cancellation/interruption, and baggage protection well before departure. We will offer you this insurance and you have the option to waive protection.

Transportation from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to the hotel on arrival, and from your hotel to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) on departure, will be provided. Detailed instructions — including meeting points, transportation times, and what to do if your flight is delayed — will be sent before departure.

If you have any questions before or during your trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’m here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

For your safety and peace of mind, we also recommend leaving my contact information, along with your travel itinerary, with a trusted family member or friend at home. This ensures that someone can reach you—or me—if needed while you’re away.

Mary DeSpain – 907‑231‑2111

If you need emergency services while in Thailand, please see the following:

• Ambulance & Fire: Dial 1669

• Police: Dial 191

• Medical Assistance on Site / at Hotels: Contact hotel reception or concierge for guidance

• Airport Assistance: Contact local airport information desks or your trip transportation coordinator

(Traveler tip: Keep hotel, local guide, and tour operator phone numbers handy while on excursions.)

Activity Level: Moderate — This trip includes walking tours of temples, cultural sites, and markets, light hiking at scenic viewpoints, and some days with full-day excursions. Most activities are accessible for travelers in good health, but comfortable shoes and a reasonable level of stamina are recommended.

Shangri‑La Chiang Mai
A luxurious, boutique-style hotel nestled in the mountains just outside Chiang Mai’s Old City, Shangri‑La blends contemporary design with Northern Thai cultural touches. Guests will enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms with premium bedding and private bathrooms. The hotel’s prime location makes it ideal for exploring Chiang Mai’s temples, night markets, and cultural attractions, while offering a serene retreat after full days of sightseeing.
Address: 89/8 Sridonchai Road, Chang Khlan, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Website: https://www.shangri-la.com/chiangmai/shangrila/

The Riverie by Katathani Chiang Rai
Set along the banks of the Kok River, The Riverie offers a blend of modern comfort and Northern Thai charm. Rooms are spacious and designed for relaxation after excursions, featuring scenic river views, premium amenities, and private bathrooms. Onsite amenities include dining options, a swimming pool, spa services, and concierge assistance for tours and cultural activities. Its tranquil riverside setting provides easy access to Chiang Rai’s highlights, including the Golden Triangle and local temples.
Address: 59 Moo 17, Rimkok, Muang, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Website: https://www.theriverie.com/

Thailand is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions apply. Watch for petty theft in crowded markets, temples, or tourist areas, avoid poorly lit streets at night, and stay aware of your surroundings. Violent crime is rare, but pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in busy tourist spots or on public transportation. Health-wise, stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and ensure you have travel insurance covering medical emergencies. Always carry your passport and a copy while sightseeing.

• Day 1, Arrival Hotel Check-In
• Day 2, Wat Doi Suthep and White Hmong Hilltribe Tour, Chiang Mai Night Discovery with Dinner,
• Day 3, CLE Sessions, Culinary Lesson in a Baan Huan Nuan with Lunch
• Day 4, Excursion to Elephant Sanctuary with Lunch
• Day 5, CLE Sessions
• Day 6, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
• Day 7, Golden Triangle Tour
• Day 8, Departure Hotel Check-Out

Destination CLEs requires advance notification of food allergies and dietary restrictions to properly prepare for your trip.

Helpful PACKING LIST

Weather Overview (Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai – Early November)

• November marks the start of the cool, dry season in Northern Thailand. Days are generally warm and dry with clearer skies as the monsoon season ends.

• Daytime temperatures in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai typically range from approximately 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).

• Morning and evening temperatures can be noticeably cooler, especially in higher elevations; it may feel crisp at dawn or after sunset.

• Rainfall is significantly reduced compared with the wet season, though isolated brief showers remain possible early in November.

• Humidity decreases as the dry season advances, making outdoor activities generally comfortable for sightseeing and touring.

What to Pack for This Trip

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable daytime clothing suitable for warm weather and outdoor excursions.

• Layers for cooler mornings and evenings, such as light sweaters or a fleece.

• Modest attire for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered). A light scarf or shawl can be helpful for this purpose.

• Smart-casual outfits for dinners or evening events.

Outerwear & Weather Protection

• Lightweight jacket or windbreaker for early mornings, evenings, or potential brief showers.

• Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket (optional in early November).

Footwear

• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for temple grounds, trails, and city streets.

Sun Protection

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun exposure during daytime excursions.

Optional

• A reusable water bottle for hydration during tours and walking excursions.

• A small daypack for daily excursions.

For the 2026 Thailand CLE Trip, daytime attire should be lightweight and breathable, with modest clothing for temple visits. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for excursions, while CLE sessions call for business casual. Evenings and special events are best suited to smart casual or semi-formal attire, and a light layer is useful for cooler mornings or air-conditioned venues.

It is recommended to bring some U.S. dollars or Thai baht for tipping, small purchases, or transportation during excursions. Converting approximately $500–$1,000 USD is generally sufficient, though carrying cash is optional. ATMs are widely available in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and most accept international debit and credit cards.

Currency Name: Thai Baht (THB) | Symbol: ฿
Exchange Rate: Varies; check current rates before travel.

Cash: Useful for tips, local markets, small shops, street food, taxis, and excursions. Carry smaller denominations (100–1,000 THB) for convenience.

ATMs: Widely available in major cities; international debit and credit cards are generally accepted.

Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping centers. Carry some cash as a backup for smaller vendors or rural excursions.

Currency Exchange: Available at airports, banks, hotels, and authorized exchange offices. ATMs often offer competitive rates for withdrawals.

Hotel & Public Wi‑Fi

• Complimentary Wi‑Fi available at most hotels in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

• Public Wi‑Fi accessible in airports, cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers.

• Public networks may be less secure; avoid sensitive transactions on open Wi‑Fi.

Local SIM Cards

• Major carriers: AIS, True, DTAC.

• Tourist prepaid SIMs available at airports, convenience stores, or carrier shops.

• Passport required for registration.

• Provides 4G/5G data for calls, messaging, and navigation.

eSIM Options

• Can be activated on most unlocked smartphones via QR code.

• Offers immediate connectivity and flexible data packages.

• Supports 4G/5G and hotspot sharing.

Coverage & Reliability

• Strong coverage in major cities; 4G/5G widely available.

• Rural or mountainous areas may have weaker signal.

• Download offline maps or key info as backup.

Costs & Data Usage

• Local SIM and eSIM plans are affordable for short-term visitors.

• Data packages vary by provider and trip length.

• International roaming is convenient but significantly more expensive than local options.

Temple & Religious Etiquette

• Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.

• Remove shoes before entering temples or homes.

• Speak quietly and act respectfully in religious settings.

Greetings & Interaction

• Use the wai (hands pressed together, slight bow) to greet or show respect.

• Avoid touching anyone’s head; it is considered the most sacred part of the body.

• Public displays of affection are uncommon.

Dining & Tipping

• Wait for elders to begin meals.

• Use utensils rather than hands to serve food.

• Tipping is appreciated but optional; 5–10% or rounding up is customary for restaurants and guides.

General Behavior

• Show respect for the Thai monarchy; avoid inappropriate remarks.

• Be polite, patient, and maintain a calm demeanor.

• Photography: ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural or religious settings.