Trekking in Chiang Mai - 9 days Tour by On The Go Tours

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Ends

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Highlights

Bangkok - Discover the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on a local-style city tour

Damnoen Saduak - Experience the vibrant floating market and the dramatic Talad Rom Hoob Railway Market

Ayutthaya - Explore the ancient ruins of Thailand’s former capital, including Wat Mahathat and the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots

Chiang Mai - Walk through the Old City’s historic temples, browse Kaad Luang market, and admire sunset views from sacred Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park - Trek through scenic hills to a Karen village and take part in an ethical elephant experience

Tang River - Raft downstream by bamboo raft, visiting remote Lahu and Shan villages to learn about hill tribe traditions

Mae Malai - Visit a lively local market to gather supplies and observe daily life before heading into the hills

Wat Traimit - See the impressive Golden Buddha, a solid gold statue housed in one of Bangkok’s most revered temples

Tang River - Raft downstream by bamboo raft, visiting remote Lahu and Shan villages to learn about hill tribe traditions

Mae Malai - Visit a lively local market to gather supplies and observe daily life before heading into the hills

Wat Traimit - See the impressive Golden Buddha, a solid gold statue housed in one of Bangkok’s most revered temples

Itinerary

Experience trekking through Thailand in Chiang Mai in this 9-day tour that begins in Bangkok with visits to Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and local markets. Explore the floating market and railway market before heading to Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins. Travel north by train to Chiang Mai, where you’ll explore the Old City, trek through Karen, Lahu, and Shan villages, visit waterfalls, and enjoy bamboo rafting, before ending back in Chiang Mai.

day 1 - Welcome to Bangkok!

Once you have arrived in Bangkok, a dynamic city blending tradition and modernity, make your way to the hotel. You will then have the day at leisure to explore, enjoy a coffee at a local cafe, or relax. Later, at 6 PM, our guide will meet us at the hotel before taking us for a welcome dinner.

Meals:1 Dinner

OverNight:Bangkok

day 2 - Bangkok City Tour

This morning, we will meet our guide in the hotel lobby at 8 AM and set off to explore Bangkok like a local. We begin with a ride on the Skytrain, followed by a short boat trip to Tha Tien Pier, where we visit Wat Pho, home to the impressive Reclining Buddha and over a thousand Buddha images. The peaceful sound of monks chanting often fills the temple grounds.

We then walk to Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and continue to the Grand Palace, the former royal residence and a stunning example of Thai craftsmanship.

Next, we stop at the Amulet Market, known for its array of spiritual charms. For a change of pace, we jump in a tuk tuk and head to Wat Saket, where we climb the Golden Mount for sweeping views of the city. We will then make our way back to our accommodation., the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Bangkok

day 3 - Floating Market & Bangkok's Chinatown

Bangkok - Daminoen Saduak - Bangkok. Early this morning, we will head to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where we’ll board a longtail boat and cruise through narrow canals lined with wooden homes, fruit orchards, and market stalls. As we travel, we’ll observe local life along the waterways and experience the bustling atmosphere of this traditional trading hub.

Once we have arrived, you will have some time to explore the market, which supplies freshly cooked street food, traditional Thai snacks, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.

We continue to Talad Rom Hoob, the famous railway market set along active train tracks. As the train approaches with a loud horn, vendors quickly clear their goods and just as swiftly reset them once it passes, creating a fascinating and fast-paced local tradition.

In the early afternoon, we return to the city and explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown. Packed with food stalls, market lanes, and gold shops, this bustling district offers a lively glimpse into Bangkok’s everyday culture.

Our final stop is Wat Traimit, home to the impressive Golden Buddha. This revered temple is known for its rich history and a remarkable statue made entirely of solid gold. You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day free at your leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Bangkok

day 4 - Exploring Ayutthaya & Overnight Train to Chiang Mai

Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai. After breakfast, we will depart from Bangkok, heading 75 km to the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya. As we travel to Ayutthaya, we will make a stop at Bang Pa-In, also known as the Summer Palace, a striking complex that showcases a mix of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles, originally built in the 17th century.

We then continue to Ayutthaya to explore the remnants of this once-thriving capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll visit key landmarks, including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once the royal temple, and Wat Mahathat, where the iconic Buddha head rests within the roots of a tree, an enduring symbol of the city’s history. Afterwards, you will have some time to freshen up at our day use hotel.

We will then leave our hotel, heading to the train station where we will take an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Please note: A day-use room is provided in Ayutthaya before the overnight train. As there is no restaurant on board, the guide will accompany the group for dinner beforehand (dinner is not included).

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Overnight train

day 5 - Arrival & Old City Walk in Chiang Mai

On arrival at Chiang Mai train station, we’ll be met by our local guide and head to a nearby restaurant for breakfast.

Afterwards, we set out on foot to explore the Old City, where ancient temples and quiet lanes reflect the city’s rich heritage. Highlights of our walk include Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Singh with its beautifully decorated Lai Kham chapel, and Wat Chiang Mun, the oldest temple in the city and former residence of King Meng Rai.

We return to our hotel in the early afternoon for check-in. You’ll have the remainder of the day to unwind and enjoy the hotel facilities at your leisure.

In the evening, you can opt to take an e-tuktuk tour to discover the flavours and character of Chiang Mai. As you travel through the riverside, old city, and Nimmanhaemin areas, you'll sample a variety of local treats, including khao soi, khanom jeen nam ngiaow, and authentic Burmese dishes. Begin with a drink and Northern delicacies at a quiet riverside spot, then pass lively markets and landmarks before stopping at a public park to watch local life unfold. End your evening with dessert at a bustling food court, soaking in the city's vibrant street food culture before returning to your hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Chiang Mai

day 6 - Market Flavours and Sunset at Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep - Chiang Mai. Today, we begin with a guided walk through Kaad Luang, Chiang Mai’s historic central market area near the Ping River. This bustling complex of three adjoining markets has been a local shopping hub since the late 1800s. As we explore, we’ll learn about the area’s history and culture while sampling fresh produce and regional specialties along the way. As we explore, you will have a chance to try local food and taste some of the locally produced coffee in some of the trendiest coffee shops.

After lunch, we head up to Doi Suthep, a sacred temple perched on one of Chiang Mai’s highest hills. Here, we take in sweeping views of the city and experience the serene sound of monks chanting as day turns to dusk. Watching the sunset from this spiritual site offers a quiet moment of reflection high above the bustle below.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Chiang Mai

day 7 - Trekking to a Karen Village & Elephant Experience

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep-Pui National Park - Karen Hill Tribe Village. After breakfast, we’ll join our guide in the lobby and set off from Chiang Mai, pausing at a lively market in Mae Malai to gather supplies for the journey ahead. From here, we will make our way to Mok Fah Waterfall, where you will have a chance to swim or relax before we take a truck to the Karen hill tribe village.

Once we have arrived, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning a scenic three-hour trek to the Karen village of Bann Pa Kao Lam. Along the way, we will take in the natural surroundings, and we will learn about the local landscape and way of life as we pass through the hills. We will also take part in a memorable elephant experience, helping to feed and bathe the elephants in the river.

Tonight, we will stay in a local homestay in the village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by our hosts. The evening will be relaxed, with our guide sharing light-hearted entertainment, including stories, games, and a few laughs.

Please note: The elephant experience is conducted ethically, with no riding involved.

Hiking distance & duration:10 km & 5 hours

Elevation: less than 300 metres

Please note: The trekking tour operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturdays,

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Homestay

day 8 - Rafting & Hill Tribe Encounters

Karen Hill Tribe Village - Lahu Village - Shan Village - Chiang Mai. This morning, we will take a short trek to the rafting point, where we will enjoy a bamboo rafting experience through several rapids on the Tang River. As we travel, we will make a stop at Bann Pong Ngan, a Lahu hill tribe village, where we’ll take time to learn about local traditions and daily life in this remote community.

Afterwards, we continue to the Shan village of Bann Sob Kai, where we enjoy a late lunch before making our way back to Chiang Mai. Once we have made our way back to the hotel in the late afternoon, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore Chiang Mai, enjoy dinner, or relax. Alternatively, you can opt to join a Khantoke dinner, where you’ll sit on floor cushions in traditional Lanna style, enjoy Northern Thai dishes, and watch live performances of classical music and dance that celebrate Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage.

Please note:During bamboo rafting, you’ll be seated on the raft while locals guide you along the river. A dry bag is recommended for personal items.

Hiking distance and duration:5 km & 1 hour

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Chiang Mai

day 9 - Departure from Chiang Mai

After our final breakfast at the hotel, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time for some last-minute shopping or exploring before making your way to the airport for your onward flight, depending on your departure schedule.

Alternatively, you can opt to join an optional tour from 09:00 to 14:30, where you’ll spend time with a local family whose Lanna heritage spans five generations and is known in the former Northern Thai kingdom. You’ll learn about their daily life, traditions, crafts, and cuisine, explore their traditional home and gardens, and help prepare a meal cooked over a charcoal fire. You will then return to Chiang Mai for your onward travel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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What's Included

Accommodation

6 nights in 3-4 star hotels & 1 night local homestay

Meals

8 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 2 dinners

Transport

Transportation in an air-conditioned minivan

Others

1 night overnight train Bangkok - Chiang Mai in an air conditioned sleeper berthServices of English-speaking guides for included sightseeing & activitiesNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner, and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Entrance

All entrance fees and sightseeing as per itinerary

What's Excluded

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