Thailand Study Tour 2025

Chiang Mai, Thailand Study Tour

January 7th - January 19th, 2025

While this tour is primarily focused on the study and practice of Thai Massage, there is ample time worked into the schedule to explore this beautiful city on your own and as a part of group organized events. You’ll enjoy neighborhood walks, memorable meals, exciting group excursions and an abundance of opportunities to receive Thai Massage around every corner.

Who’s Invited? LMTs who want to study Thai Massage in Thailand, interact with Thai culture and enjoy an exciting getaway with a friendly group of people. LMTs do not need to be an Elevate Massage Training student or have any previous experience in Thai Massage to apply. We have spent the last 10 years studying and building relationships with several reputable schools and world-class teachers in the Chiang Mai area and will place you in the appropriate class based on your level from beginner to advanced.

LMT Travel Companions: A tourist option is available to travel companions who wish to join us for all scheduled events except the massage training. (We are unable to accept any participants who are not LMTs unless you are the travel companion of one of the LMTs on our trip.) LMTs can apply to share accommodations with one travel companion who is at least 21 years old. During the scheduled training the travel companion will have free time to spend in whatever way they choose. There is so much to see and do just outside the doorstep of our centrally located hotel!

Traveling USA - Chiang Mai

By the time you add travel time on the front and back end of this trip you are looking at a total of just over two weeks for the entire Northern Thailand experience. Add another five days if you plan to join us on the optional island excursion (see below). Traveling from the USA to Thailand takes about 20 hours including layovers and there is currently no direct flight available from anywhere in the USA.  Many tour participants typically have to take at least one domestic flight within the USA to reach an international airport with available flights to one of the main airports in Asia. Although we do not include the cost of airfare with this tour we will facilitate two pre-scheduled group meetings online to help you prepare for travel.

Pre-Travel Virtual Group Meetings : We know you are excited. Now let us help you feel more organized and prepared! There are two, one-hour trip planning sessions scheduled virtually for all participants to attend at the same time. The purpose of these virtual meetings is to introduce fellow travelers and discuss trip related questions such as airfare booking, roommates, general travel expectations and more. Attendance to both online meetings is included and strongly encouraged.

Total Cost for LMT Traveler : $2,850 (solo room)

Travel Companion : $1,950 (will room with you and attend all group events except the Thai Massage Trainings. Two single beds or one double bed as available.)

Application : We are only taking up to 12 participants so early application is encouraged. Please let us know you are interested in traveling with us by completing the free Thailand 2025 application below. Upon acceptance you will be required to submit :

• Signed travel and consent form

• Copy of your passport that is valid for at least six months past your arrival date in Thailand

• $600 deposit (per traveler) that is non-refundable and non-transferable

Please wait to purchase non refundable airfare or make additional travel plans until you have received notice of acceptance and the finalized trip dates.

Registration & Payments : A $600 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is due per person immediately upon acceptance of the application. The only way to reserve your space is to

• Complete the application

• Receive the acceptance email

• Submit all required documentation and signed forms

• Make the $600 deposit

If you are unable to make a payment upon acceptance then you will be added to the waitlist until payment is received.

-  any remaining balance can be split into two payment due no later than June 1st and September 1st

- applicants accepted AFTER June 1st are required to pay deposit and first payment

- applicants accepted AFTER September 1st are required to pay in full

- all credit card transactions will be charged an additional 3.5% transaction fee.

- any refunds issued will also be charged a transaction fee.

WHAT’S INCLUDED :

• Thai Massage Training (not included for tourist companions)

• Doi Suthep temple

• Cooking class

• Elephant sanctuary

• Monk chat

• A small, friendly group of up to 12 people

• Two, one hour trip-planning sessions online with your organizers and fellow travelers

• Full time services of your tour organizer who is available to help you with travel planning and make recommendations for things to do in your free time during the trip

• All group transportation within Thailand

• Single occupancy accommodations as available in a centrally located boutique hotel and accommodations with friendly staff

• All breakfasts and one dinner 

• One Traditional Thai massage session

What’s Not Included :

• Round Trip International airfare to/from Thailand.

• Domestic travel and airfare within the US.

• Optional activities and independent transportation during the tour outside of group led events.

• Personal shopping and anything that you do in your free time.

• Cost of food and drink outside of breakfast and planned group dining events.

• Cost of alcoholic beverages.

• Travel insurance - recommended is Allianz

CE Credit : Please note that CE credit MAY be available to LMTs for this study experience. However, while we do study at reputable, Thailand credentialed schools with highly respected, experienced and registered Thai instructors, we cannot guarantee that these institutions and instructors have registered with any accrediting organizations or state licensure boards in the United States at the time of our attendance. We will do our best to work with you on obtaining CE credit. If that is something that you absolutely must have, please let us know in advance. This is still considered an educational business expense with/without CE credits and we will provide you with payment receipt for record keeping purposes.

PACKING

We strongly recommend packing light - which means one carry-on-sized backpack that does NOT need to be checked at the airport and one personal item such as a small day pack or purse that can easily fit under the seat in front of you on the airplane. You can leave room in your bag for souvenirs and buy an extra bag in Thailand if necessary. We will send you a recommended packing list once you have been accepted to the trip.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Examples of physical activities that you will likely encounter on this trip include

1. Carrying your own luggage up and down elevators/stairways to reach your hotel room.

2. Being on your feet, walking and standing, for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. Climbing stairs and light to moderate outdoor trekking on one day.

3. Sitting, kneeling and moving around on the floor for 6 hours during a Thai massage training day.

4. Sleeping with possible city noise and energy-conserving air conditioning systems that require you to be inside the room in order to turn them on and use them.

5. Navigating Chiang Mai city on your own after orientation and transportation lessons.

6. A general (and completely normal) experience of jet lag and culture shock that may cause you to feel a little bit discombobulated, tired and/or emotional.

We are dedicated to helping you have the best trip possible and strive for exceptional service, communication and organization.

Please feel free to get in touch with any questions you might have charlene@elevatemassage.training

We are happy to talk with you more about the trip before you apply.

SAMPLE ITINERARY : Itinerary is subject to changes as necessary to create the best travel experience for you. Please wait to purchase non refundable airfare or make additional travel plans until you have received notice of acceptance and the finalized trip dates.

Chiang Mai Only - 12 nights/13 days

January 7th - January 19th, 2025

Day One  : Welcome to Chiang Mai Group Orientation and Dinner

Tues, Jan. 7th, 2025

4pm is the official start of the organized tour and evening group orientation at the hotel followed by dinner. All participants must arrive at the Chiang Mai hotel by today. Once we have your flight information we will help you with transportation arrangements to/from the hotel. If you would like to arrive in Chiang Mai prior to this day then we will provide you with the name of the hotel so that you may book additional nights on your own.

Day Two : Relax, Refresh, Immerse

Wed, Jan. 8th, 2025

Visit one of Thailand’s most sacred mountain temples for an immersive cultural experience like no other. The grounds are lush and peaceful, the views of the Chiang Mai city are stunning and there is enough time for both exploration and quiet contemplation.

Enjoy a ½ day of self-care that includes receiving Thai Massage.

Day Three : One-Day Thai Massage Training

Thurs, Jan. 9th, 2025

9am - 5pm Training Day for LMTs Only, Course TBA

Evening on your own.

Travel Companions have a free day

Day Four : Cooking Class

Fri, Jan. 10st, 2025

Take an escape from the bustling city and learn how to prepare and cook a Thai meal while relaxing in the countryside.

Evening on your own.

Day Five : Free Day

Sat, Jan. 11th, 2025

There are SO many options for things to do today, it’s really up to you and how you are feeling. Some options may include : Sleep in. Relax and chill. Receive Thai Massage. Visit the spa. Explore the Old City of Chiang Mai. Eat. Book a tour to the national park. Shop at the Walking Street Market and/or Night Bazaar. Enjoy live music. Our centrally located hotel makes it easy to get around by foot, grab app, tuk tuk or taxi. Let us know how we can help!

Day Six : Elephant Sanctuary

Sun, Jan. 12th, 2025

Take a trip to the countryside for a day of nature and elephant interaction at a sustainable, respected sanctuary.

Evening on your own.

Days Seven - Eleven : Thai Massage Training for LMTs/Free Week for Travel Companions

Mon. Jan. 13th - Fri. Jan. 17th, 2025

Thai Massage Training will be 9am - approx 5pm each day.

There will be one evening group activity planned for this week after school (a celebratory group dinner on the last day of school) Other than that, evenings are on your own.

Travel companions have many independent options this week for resting and site-seeing.

Day Twelve : Final Day in Chiang Mai

Sat, Jan 18th, 2025

There are SO many options for things to do today, it’s really up to you and how you are feeling. Some options may include : Sleep in. Relax and chill. Receive Thai Massage. Visit the spa. Explore the Old City of Chiang Mai. Eat. Book a tour to the national park. Shop at the Walking Street Market and/or Night Bazaar. Enjoy live music. Our centrally located hotel makes it easy to get around by foot, grab app, tuk tuk or taxi. Let us know how we can help!

Day Thirteen : Goodbye and Onward Travel

Sun, Jan. 19th, 2025

Tour over after breakfast

Most travelers will fly out of Chiang Mai today either to start their journey home or to join us for the island excursion. Please see below for details about the island excursion and plan to join us for the Virtual Group Meet-Ups for assistance with flight arrangements.

Optional Island Excursion to Koh Chang Island

January 19th - January 24th, 2025 

5 Days/4 Nights

Cost of Island Excursion as of 8/8/24 $1,400 single occupancy - an additional $600 deposit due upon acceptance

Includes :

- transportation from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang Island (January 19th)

- single occupancy accommodations on the island with daily breakfast (January 19th - January 23rd)

- transportation from Koh Chang Island to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport hotel (January 23rd)

- one night in Bangkok hotel (January 23rd - January 24th)

Please let us know you are interested when you complete the application.

Sample Island Excursion Itinerary

Day One  : Fly from CNX to BKK then BKK to Trat then Ferry to Island Hotel Sun, Jan. 19th, 2025

Day Two - Four : Island Time Mon, Jan 20th– Tues Jan. 22nd

Day Five : Ferry and Fly to BKK – overnight in BKK Wed, Jan. 23rd

Day Six : Fly home to USA Thurs, Jan. 24th

Optional things to do on the island : The beach!, kayaking, snorkeling, island hopping by boat, sunset cruise, spa day, jungle exploration, volunteer at kids care center