From CAD 2,304 Was CAD 2,560
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
There’s a reason this trip was the one that started it all, and still remains one of the most popular. On this 15-day adventure, you'll discover Northern Thailand, experience the chaotic metropolis of bustling Bangkok, trek among the hillside villages near Chiang Rai, drift down the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi and see the historic temples of the Siam Kingdom. With welcoming hospitality, local experiences, mouth-watering cooking classes and plenty of free time to travel at your own pace, come along and see why this trip was, and still is, a benchmark for all our adventures.
Highlights
- This is one of the original Intrepid journeys that started it all. Discover why Northern Thailand was chosen all those years back as an ideal destination to launch a world of travel experiences.
- Experience rural Thai life with multi-day trek through scenic hilltribe villages in the remote Thai countryside, meeting welcoming locals and sharing laughs along the way.
- Visit the home of the infamous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’, learning about its dark history and the construction of the railway during the war.
- Even the transport on this trip is an adventure – discover the joys of travelling on overnight sleeper trains, longtail boats, songthaew and rafthouses.
- Indulge in an organic farm to plate cooking demonstration and take the chance to learn a few cooking tips from the village chef in the Akha Hilltribe, for an unforgettable meal full of heat, spice and fresh food. You won’t go hungry!
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Animal Protection. Donations support them to promote better living conditions for elephants in captivity and help rescue elephants from inhumane conditions. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2791
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private minvan,Public bus,Overnight sleeper train,Songthaew,Taxi,Longtail Boat
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TTSN
Starts: Bangkok, Thailand
Finishes: Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3), Lunch (5), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Guesthouse (5 nights),Hilltribe village (2 nights),Hotel (4 nights),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights),Rafthouse (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2304 (CAD 154 /day)
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore, so perhaps arrive a day or so early and take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, why not get some of your newfound travel pals together for a street food crawl.
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
- Bangkok - Chatuchak Market visit (Entrance) - Free
- Bangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure (1980 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a one-hour river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’, or canals. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the ‘trinity’ of Bangkok temples, with a 46-metre long gold plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, three metres long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are equally fascinating, filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. Afterwards, hop on a local bus and travel northwest to Kanchanaburi (approximately 4 hours). Located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge, Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous 'Bridge on the River Kwai'.
Included Activities:
- Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
- Bangkok - Wat Pho
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll get an insight into the darker side of Kanchanaburi’s history with a visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetary (POW Cemetary) which was one of the first museums to attempt to educate the public and keep alive the memory of the Asian and POW workers who died constructing the infamous ‘Death Railway’. Then travel to Erawan National Park (approximately 1.5 hours each way), where you can explore the famous seven-level waterfall, and take a dip, if you’d like! The falls are considered the most beautiful in the whole country, with turquoise blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools. If you want to make the climb all the way from level one to level seven it’s about a 90-minute hike, with the uppermost level usually quiet and with a stunning view over the jungle below. Be sure to pack your swimming gear, but also appropriate footwear if you’re going to make the walk. Level seven features a triple cascade that gives the falls their name – Erawan is the mythological three-headed white elephant that carries the Hindu god Indra.
Included Activities:
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
- Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Be ready for a cruisy day as you’ll spend today and tonight floating down the Mae Glong River in a raft house. The rafthouse is towed by a boat and is an ideal and relaxing way to travel down the river – definitely setting the scene for pure relaxation. Spend the afternoon temple-hopping down the river, stopping off to see the cave temple of Wat Baan Tham, the Chinese Wat Tham Khao Noi, and Wat Tham Suea. There’s also plenty of time for travel games, reading a book, listening to your favourite playlist or just watching the world go by with a view of the lush Thai countryside. Enjoy a Thai meal on board and watch day turn to night as you moor on the riverside and fall asleep with the gentle rock of the boat.
Included Activities:
- Rafthouse - Wat Baan Tham cave temple
- Kanchanaburi - Rafthouse experience
- Rafthouse - Wat Tham Suea temple
- Rafthouse - Wat Tham Khao Noi
Accommodation:
- Rafthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After your river adventure, disembark and travel by private minivan to Ayutthaya, via Suphanburi (approximately 4 hours). You’ll have access to a day room, so you can freshen up before your overnight train later tonight. Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai, and it became one of the most powerful in Asia with over a million residents by the 18th century. Trading brought great riches to the city, and merchant tales tell of golden palaces, elaborate ceremonies, and breathtaking temples. You’ll see the remains and reminders of its golden age with a guided tour of the historic ruins and temples spread across the town. The rows of headless Buddhas at Wat Phra Mahathat, sacked by the Burmese in the 18th century, are very atmospheric, and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. This evening, head north to Chiang Mai on an overnight train journey, accommodated in air-conditioned sleeping berths (approximately 13 hours).
Included Activities:
- Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has is most renowned for its temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound – chances are, you may not want to leave. When you arrive in Chiang Mai, your day will be free. There are a number of optional activities for you to choose from, so you can do as much, or as little, as you like. There are also many Thai cooking schools offering courses for budding chefs, sure to help you impress your friends when you return home. Or get active with a bicycle tour to discover the city and surrounding countryside from a different perspective. Tonight, you might like to get some of your crew together and tackle the famous night markets – your group leader can help you out with their recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Night Market
Optional Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage (200 THB)
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour (990 THB)
- Chiang Mai - Thai cooking course (1000 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another free day for you to spend how you wish. While Chiang Mai's markets, temples and cooking schools offer more than enough to keep visitors busy, there's also the option of a very special outing to Chang Chill Elephant sanctuary. In a country where the cruel industry of elephant riding is still big business, Chang Chill provides a sanctuary for rescued, injured and orphaned elephants. You’ll be greeted by an expert guide, who'll tell you stories of rescued elephants and explain the issues surrounding elephants in South East Asia. You'll then have a chance to feed the elephants from a viewing platform. Lunch on these activities is also provided, followed by elephant bath time. Sit back and watch these creatures so clearly enjoying themselves.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Set off by road and travel by public bus from Chiang Mai to Mae Chan (approximately 4 hours), then transfer to a private minivan to continue onto Doi Mae Salong (approximately 1 hour). The atmosphere in the charming town of Doi Mae Salong is reminiscent of a small southern Chinese village, as it was settled by former Chinese Nationalist soldiers who fled from (then) Burma in the 1960s. The region is famous for its Chinese tea traders and you can enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains and tea fields. Check out the interesting markets, where you may see produce and crafts made by hilltribe people like the Akha.
Included Activities:
- Do Mae Salong - Local market
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Jump in a private vehicle and drive for about 1 hour into the Mae Chan District to reach the Ahsa farm stay. Here, take part in a farm to table cooking experience, where you’ll wander the property in search for organic eggs, fruits and vegetables. Then, continue back to the kitchen and begin whipping up a culinary storm – you’ll learn the secrets of a punchy chilli paste, hot and sour soups, a Thai-style stir fry and a traditional dessert. You’ll learn how to make these dishes from a local chef from the village, and then enjoy the fruits of your labour over a relaxed lunch. After your hunger is tamed, continue to Chiang Rai city, where you’ll arrive at your guesthouse for the evening. Chiang Mai's 'little sister', Chiang Rai boasts a relaxed atmosphere, a great night market, and a variety of good restaurants. This charming city has a small-town feel and is a great place to explore on foot.
Included Activities:
- Organic Farm - Farm To Plate Demonstration & Lunch
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Head out for today's trek this morning, stopping at a shop along the way to pick up some fresh food for breakfast. From the starting point at Doi Bor Village, you'll take a dirt road through rice fields and pineapple plantations. Walk through the bamboo forest, then stop for lunch, which will be prepared by your local guide. Carry on to Baan Arpha Pattana (the Akha Tribal Village) where you'll be spending the night. Only 250 people live in this village, most of whom are Buddhists, and some who still respect spirits. Most of the locals migrated from Myanmar about 80 years ago, including Mr. Arpha, who the village was named after. Most of the villagers here grow rice, pineapple or farm pigs and chickens. When you arrive at your accommodation at the Akha Tribal House, you'll learn how to make hand crafted wrist bands from the local hilltribe people, before settling in for the night.
Included Activities:
- Chiang Rai - 3 day Hilltribe villages trek
- Hill Tribe Trek - Lunch
- Ar Pha Pattana Village - Community Dinner
Accommodation:
- Hilltribe village house (Number of Nights: 1)
After a basic breakfast prepared by your guide, you'll start today's walk from Arpha Pattana Village to Huai Mae Sai waterfall, walking up and down hilly trails through bamboo forests. When you reach the waterfall, you'll have the chance to swim and relax by the pond while your guide prepares lunch. Learn how to cook in bamboo cups from your guide, watching as they prepare today's meal. After, continue uphill, past the rice fields of the Lahu people to Doi Bor viewpoint. Soak up the views here, then head downhill to Yafu Village. Learn about the local culture when you arrive, and how the villagers grow corn, rice, nuts, ginger and farm cows, pigs and chickens.
Included Activities:
- Hill Tribe Trek - Lunch
- Baan Yafu Lahu Village - Community Dinner
Accommodation:
- Hilltribe village house (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in the quiet of the rural village this morning. Enjoy a basic breakfast prepared by your guide, then start today's walk. This will be the last day of your trek. Starting from Yafu Lahu Village, you'll walk to Ruammit Village, where your trek comes to an end. Then, take a songthaew (traditional passenger vehicle) back to Chiang Rai, where you'll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Hill Tribe Trek - Lunch
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning visit privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple – a must visit in Chiang Rai. This contemporary temple is constantly being updated, and its strange design features references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman. Afterwards, return to Chiang Mai by bus (approximately 4 hours). The rest of the day is free to explore, so perhaps take a scenic, winding drive up a mountain to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a most memorable experience. Keep in mind this evening you’ll get back on the rails for an overnight train to Bangkok (approximately 13 hours).
Included Activities:
- Chiang Rai - Wat Rong Kun (White Temple)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive back in Bangkok and spend your day shopping or sightseeing before meeting up with your group for dinner. Being a weekend, this is a great opportunity to visit the weekend market at Chatuchak – one of the biggest and busiest markets you will ever see. Your leader can also give you other ideas of what to do – places like Jim Thompson's House, the Grand Palace and Chinatown are all great to explore. There's a fantastic array of transport options available for getting around this traffic-choked city and although it's most efficient to stick to the canals, river, and Skytrain, a trip in a tuk-tuk is certainly an experience!
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)
- Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (1960 THB)
- Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
- Bangkok - Chatuchak Market visit (Entrance) - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean that your adventure has to come to an end! Feel free to continue to soak up Thai culture and cuisine with an extra couple of days in its capital, if you’d like. If you wish to spend more time in Bangkok, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Carmen - Traveled, March 2024
Exactly what I was expecting from an Intrepid tour - packed with great experiences including some things I probably wouldn't have been able to organise myself. A great overview of the country. FYI the first day of the hill tribe trek is actually 7km/5 hours with steep hills - this info needs to be updated as it came as a surprise to us and was a lot harder than expected!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
maxine - Traveled, March 2024
The tour guides at intrepid are so knowledgeable and helpful. I didn't want the trip to end. I felt like my safety and well-being were always a top priority!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Scott - Traveled, March 2024
What a great overview of Northern Thailand. Our leader Rong could not have been better. The trek was amazing but challenging and really enjoyed the raft house. Well paced and full of delightful moments
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Rosalind - Traveled, February 2024
Beautiful Northern Thailand trip encompasses a great range of culture, religion, some political history, and embraces the wonderful surrounds. The Hilltribe trek is exceptional and well worth the physical effort. The Rafthouse stay is a wonderful experience. Follow the guide around each site and you will learn lots. The Chiang mai optional cooking class is outstanding. Our food experiences were also outstanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Norma-Jean - Traveled, February 2024
An experience of a lifetime with a wonderful, kind and thoughtful guide. Maled took such great care of our group and is well respected by his peers and contacts. Everything was so well organized I felt safe and cared for. The Erawan waterfalls and the River raft were the highlights for me. Thank you so much!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Gebrela - Traveled, February 2024
First time traveling with intrepid I had a wonderful experience and I would consider intrepid for my future travels
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Paul - Traveled, January 2024
I am in my mid 70s and fairly fit but was a little concerned about making the full trek. It is quite hard and I and others did choose to use a vehicle for the second half of day 2 without impacting those who stayed with it. Footwear advice: good gripping soled trainers are fine - trekking boots unnecessary. Thanks to our great guide Rong. The best!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Elaine - Traveled, January 2024
Intrepid provided yet another excellent, well organised and well informed leader in Damrong. It's lovely to have local leaders.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Anja - Traveled, January 2024
I can highly recommend this varied itinerary of Northern Thailand. Our leader Maled and the group made this an unforgettable experience with great food, both active days with the hill tribes as well as chill time on the raft house. We hired a truck to carry luggage on our 3-day trek, which made it more flexible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Tessa - Traveled, January 2024
Fantastic trip - exceeded my expectations. Well thought through itinerary to cover a lot of ground with variety of culture, nature, activity and relaxation, felt we got away from the tourist traps and got to understand a bit about Thai culture. Amazing food. Loved the sleeper trains. Helped that we had a great group!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2024
Meg - Traveled, January 2024
Fabulous trip! Well-chosen, varied itinerary. Delicious food. I loved our experiences and learned a lot about the Thai culture
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Thomas - Traveled, December 2024
All in all a great all round trip, I loved Thailand, the immersion you get from doing northern Thailand and going off the tourist trail is wonderful. Try the hill tribe walk it’s a really great experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Margaret - Traveled, December 2023
Beautiful Northern Thailand is a must for anyone who wishes to experience the diversity that Thailand has to offer. The wonderful hospitality shown by the hilltribes is something that is unique and unspoilt. The colourful temples of Chaing Mai and Chaing Rai,the train journey,and physically challenging activities are just some highlights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
FIONA - Traveled, December 2023
I've just returned from my fourth Intrepid trip ( northern Thailand this time). Again, a wonderful experience that will stay in my heart and mind forever. Oat was an excellent Tour Leader, so calm, organised and inclusive. We are already planning our next Intrepid trip... Africa
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Reico Ramon - Traveled, December 2023
I highly recommend this trip to everyone, who wants to get a very broad impression of Thailand. You will experience every aspect of this amazing country, it's people, history and food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2024
Brian - Traveled, December 2023
The Northern Thailand trip was paced very well, with decent start times and ample space in the vehicles. The trip took me to places I wouldn't have set out on my own to explore, including some unique temples and towns. The overnight raft, hiking to the hilltribes and the White Temple were highlights along with meeting some lovely like-minded travelers from around the world. Our guide, Phatsada, was super accommodating to try and make everyone happy and got us to all of our locations safely and on time. Like all group tours, a level of compromise is needed from all members to ensure a cohesive experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Madison - Traveled, December 2023
This tour ensured that many aspects of Thailand were able to be shown and experienced, I felt like I was really able experience the ‘true’ Thailand. Highlights included the Rafthouse and the village trek. We were especially lucky to have Damrong as our tour leader. His personality and enthusiasm was infectious!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Jemma - Traveled, December 2023
This trip was a great mix of culture and adventure. Our guide Damrong made everything very easy and he was good fun. Made some great friends and had an incredible trip. Will definitely travel again with Intrepid Travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Julia - Traveled, December 2023
The first and most important shoutout has to go to our tour leader, Damrong. The unbelievable beauty and culture of northern Thailand was exemplified through Damrong’s expert guidance, beautiful nature and patience. This trip had a little bit of everything - urban, country, culture and shopping. I am wholly satisfied with this itinerary, the company and of course, Damrong
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Julie - Traveled, December 2023
I would definitely recommend Beautiful Northern Thailand. The trip was comprehensive and well organised. We stayed in many different locations and used all modes of transport. Our guide Phatsada was warm friendly and fun. He managed the different needs of the group very well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
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