$CAD

Toll Free: +1(844) 717-7265

Explore Northern Thailand

8 Days
From CAD 1,377 Was CAD 1,530

Best Rate
Guarantee

Trip Type
Small Group

Activity Level
Light

Rating

(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

Northern Thailand is a treasure trove filled with glittering temples, ancient ruins, exotic markets and sumptuous foods. Explore the capital of Siam's golden age at Sukhothai, visit the bustling markets of Chiang Mai, stay at a special homestay with local friends and enjoy a traditional khantok dinner - there's so much to discover on this tour through Thailand's northern kingdoms.

Highlights

Experience the best of Northern Thailand with ample time in the charming Chiang Mai in a whirlwind 8-days and enjoy the local hospitality and understand why the nation is the Land of Smile.
Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at Chang Chill Elephant Park
Work up an appetite with a leisurely cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ruined temples of World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Park, then feast on a home-cooked picnic lunch.
See how the locals live on a bicycle ride through your homestay village. Ride past the rice fields and breathe in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance.
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.

View Larger Map

Trip Details

Product Code: 2787

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Moderate

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

Guide Language: English

Supplier Code: TTSK

Starts: Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Duration: 8 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical rating: Light

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (3), Lunch (3), Dinner (1)
Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Resort (2 nights),Multi-share Homestay (1 night)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1377 (CAD 172 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. With no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore. You could 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 a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into world famous street food.

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
Bangkok - Thai Massage (250 THB)
Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Sukhothai

This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by train (approx 6 hours) and private mini van (approx 1 hour) to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.

Included Activities:

Sukhothai - Night Market

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Sukhothai

Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way, and if you have enough free time, visit a local ceramics factory.

Included Activities:

Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
Sukhothai - Home-cooked picnic lunch

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Village Homestay

Travel by private minivan from Sukothai (approx 4 hours) to the warm and welcoming home of Intrepid's long-time friends in a small Thai village where you’ll spend the night. Accommodation at the homestay is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantok dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.

Included Activities:

Village Homestay - Cultural performance
Village Homestay - Khantok dinner

Accommodation:

Homestay (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

In the morning, jump on some bikes and cruise around the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. Say goodbye to your new friends and travel on to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous 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 won’t want to leave. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and enjoy a free evening tonight.

Included Activities:

Village Homestay - Home-Cooked Lunch
Village Homestay - Cycling tour

Optional Activities:

Chiang Mai - Night Market - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Chiang Mai

This morning, follow your leader to the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai for a visit. You'll be able to learn about these fresh ingredients and where the beautiful flavors of Thai cooking comes from. Then the rest of the day is free.Perhaps explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks. Or maybe wander markets, meet monks, cruise the river, and slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River Experience. Don't miss out on trying lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training center where you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Or maybe join a Thai cooking class to discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine. Your tour leader will be able to help you make the best of your day with plenty suggestions.

Included Activities:

Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

Optional Activities:

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance) (50 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.

Included Activities:

Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Chiang Mai

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you are staying on in Chiang Mai why not join an Urban Adventure and allow yourself to be spirited away on an early morning Chiang Mai tour that puts you at the epicentre of Buddhist rituals. Learn to meditate, offer alms to monks, and make an offering at a temple. If you’re feeling active then you might want to saddle up for a half day cycling trip. Enjoy a pleasant ride along the green banks of the Ping River and stop at a former leper colony turned rehabilitation centre. Continue along various fruit orchards, cycling down small country roads and meandering around the villages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here you’ll discover the real rural Thailand and encounter the Thai way of life. Explore the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of Lanna, before you cycle back to Chiang Mai.

Similar Experiences

Journeys: Explore Northern Thailand

8 Days from CAD 1,699

Northern Thailand Adventure

10 Days from CAD 1,274

Northern Thailand Adventure

14 Days from CAD 1,536

Treasures of Northern Thailand

10 Days from CAD 3,590

Thailand Adventure: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Street Food Crawls

7 Days from CAD 638

Bangkok to Hanoi: Chiang Mai, Night Markets & Streetside Bar

9 Days from CAD 921

Northern Thailand: Hilltribes & Villages

8 Days from CAD 575

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

Reserve Now

Reviews

Bethan - Traveled, April 2024

I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys trips that are a mixture of activities, cultural experiences and getting to know more about the history, development and way of life of local people. The food is also a gourmet experience not to be missed.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024

Sarah - Traveled, March 2024

Ben made this trip the best ever, your aura and loving nature gave us so much inner peace. I would explore the whole world with her as a leader. She introduced us to the culture and life in Thailand - we were able to see such great places and experience a lot. She played a huge part in keeping us all connected. Thanks Ben, I'll never forget this.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024

Edward - Traveled, March 2024

Was my first trip overseas. Highly recommend using Intrepid, well set out tour with hands on activities

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024

Christine - Traveled, February 2024

This trip is great and far exceeds expectations. Our guide, Cherry, is the best. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Very lovely lady.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024

Robert - Traveled, March 2024

A great tour with excellent itinerary and fantastic guide

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024

Mark - Traveled, March 2024

Had a great time on this short trip of Northern Thailand. Everything was great but some of the accommodation could have been a little better. A pool & breakfast at every hotel should be included for the price. Other than that, a great bunch of people to travel with & the tour leader Rabbit was excellent. Overall very happy with the trip.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2024

Peter - Traveled, March 2024

This tour was well organised and the tour guide was very friendly and informative.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024

David - Traveled, March 2024

Excellent holiday for a solo traveller who enjoys being with a group. Don’t expect luxury throughout. You’ll experience immersion in the real Thai lifestyle.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024

Isabella - Traveled, March 2024

The Northern Tour is amazing we are very lucky to have such a great guide Nok. Very knowledgeable and looked after us the whole way. We always have excellent food from great places. All the accommodation was very clean and in a great location. The homestay was so much better than I thought. The family was so welcoming and taught us about their ways. We went in the very hot dry season and all rooms were cool never to hot. Definitely the right amount of time in every place. Seeing the elephants was such a highlight of the trip. Definitely book!!