Explore Northern Thailand

4.5Based on

Cultural, religious and historic sites Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Ends

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Highlights

Visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary. Dedicated to rescuing wild elephants and restoring their natural habitat, walk alongside these gentle giants and learn about the important work the sanctuary is doing to ensure their future.

Cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ancient temples at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Park.

Ride the historic railway along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Pass through beautiful scenery and take a moment to reflect on those who lost their lives in the process of building the train line.

Explore Pong Huai Lan – a Lanna village nested in the hills and surrounded by rice fields. Cycle around the peaceful countryside, visit local craft master’s and dig into a hearty farm to table dinner, accompanied by traditional dancing.

Wander through the largest fresh produce market with your local leader in Chiang Mai, then enjoy some free time to explore this city at your own pace.

Itinerary

Uncover Northern Thailand's cultural riches on an 8-day journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. This guided small group tour leads you through the ancient capital of Sukhothai, the bustling markets of Chiang Mai, and tranquil countryside along the way. With easy-paced sightseeing, it’s perfect for all travelers seeking a balance of history and local flavor. Highlights include a special homestay, traditional khantok dinner, and opportunities to explore glittering temples and ancient ruins. The tour package covers accommodation, meals, and transport, ensuring a comfortable cultural immersion. What sets this trip apart is the authentic local interactions—sharing meals, stories, and traditions for a deeper understanding of Thailand’s northern heritage.

day 1 - Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Thailan’s bustling capital, Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors who serve delicious Thai food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or relax with in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, maybe gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-famous street food.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Kanchanaburi

Travel northwest to Kanchanaburi. Located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge, Kanchanaburi is home to the well-known Bridge on the River Kwai. When you arrive, visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetary (POW Cemetary). This was one of the first museums opened with the aim to educate people and keep the memory alive of the prisoners of war (POWs) workers who died constructing the Death Railway.

included:Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

accommodation:Guest house

day 3 - Kanchanaburi

This morning, continue your journey through history with a visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour the POWs and conscripts who passed away while constructing some of the most challenging stretches of the Thai-Burma Death railway. Board the train at Nam Tok station, the main terminal of the Death Railway and ride the historic tracks along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Pass through beautiful scenery and take a moment to reflect on those who lost their lives in the process of bending this rugged environment to man’s will. This afternoon, make your way to the Erawan Falls. These terraced waterfalls, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, tumble into a series of emerald-green pools – the perfect spot to go for a swim, take short walk around the area or simply sit back and relax.

included:Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls, Kanchanaburi - Historical train ride, Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

accommodation:Guest house

day 4 - Phitsnulok

After breakfast, you’ll continue to travel north. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, visit Wat Tha Sung Temple – a magnificent ancient site dating back to the Ayutthaya period. After, continue to your final destination for the day, Phitsanulok. Originally established in the 11th century, this busy provincial capital sits on the banks of the Nan River. When you arrive this afternoon, join your local leader for a relaxed stroll through town before settling in for a free evening.

included:Uthai Thani - Wat Tha Sung

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 5 - Sukhothai

This morning, visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary – an Intrepid Foundation partner dedicated to rescuing wild elephants and restoring their natural habitat. Roll up your sleeves to help prepare food for these gentle giants, then walk alongside them as you learn about their habits and the important work the sanctuary is doing to ensure their future. After, continue your journey to Sukhothai. When you arrive, explore the ancient ruins of Old Sukhothai, beautifully set amid serene lakes and manicured gardens. The religious art and architecture of this era are regarded as the most classic expressions of Thai style, and the park is home to the remains of 21 historic sites, featuring impressive Buddha images and four large ponds often dotted with blooming lotus flowers. This afternoon, hire a bike and spend a leisurely afternoon pedalling through the ruins. Finish today with a home-cooked dinner before settling into your hotel for the night.

included:Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour, Phitsanulok - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary

accommodation:Resort

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Chiang Mai

After breakfast, travel to Chiang Mai. Along the way, visit the Lanna village Pong Huai Lan, nested in the hills and surrounded by rice fields. While you’re here, learn about their community project, which is recognised by Thailand’s Transition toward Net Zero Tourism, then hop on a bike and cycle around the village. As you cycle, stop in at a local masters Rattan weaving workshop (part of Thailand's Royal Project Initiative) and discover the community heritage in their community museum. Later today, you’ll be invited into the home of a local family for a home-cooked farm to table dinner. Then, continue to Chiang Mai where you’ll stay tonight.

included:Huai Lan - Village cycling, Huai Lan - Local crafts master and community project visit, Huai Lan - home-cooked dinner and traditional dancing

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Chiang Mai

This morning, follow your leader through the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai. As you wander through the bustling markets, learn about the fresh produce and distinct Thai flavours. Then the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River cruise, join a Thai cooking class or have lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training centre, where you’ll hear about the work that the centre does to prepare women from the correctional institution with skills to return to society. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to a trip well-travelled.

included:Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Chiang Mai

As there are no further activities today, you’re free to depart at any time. If you’d like to stay longer and explore the beautiful Chiang Mai, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Resort (1 night), Guest house (2 nights)

Meals

4 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Transport

Private minibus, Public bus, Songthaew, Taxi, Train, Tuk tuk, Bicycle

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War CemeteryKanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & FallsKanchanaburi - Historical train rideKanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial MuseumUthai Thani - Wat Tha SungSukhothai - Historical Park bike tourPhitsanulok - Sappraiwan Elephant SanctuaryHuai Lan - Village cyclingHuai Lan - Local crafts master and community project visitHuai Lan - home-cooked dinner and traditional dancingChiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Explore Northern Thailand

4.5

based on 2 reviews

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Excellent based on 817 customer reviews from

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Booking was simple and intuitive. Customer Service contacted us upon our initial inquiry and offered their assistance with any additional travel arrangements we may require.

1 week ago

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