Explore Northern Thailand
Experience Overview
Travel through Northern Thailand on this eight-day adventure from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Ride the historical railway in Kanchanaburi, walk with elephants in Phitsnuloke and explore the ancient ruins of Old Sukhothai, beautifully set amid serene lakes and manicured gardens. Learn about the Lanna village Pong Huai Lan community project, follow your local leader through the bustling fresh produce market in Chiang Mai and enjoy the welcoming hospitality in the Land of Smiles.
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.
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
Travel Styles:
Explorer
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TTSK
Starts: Bangkok, Thailand
Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights), Resort (1 night), Guest house (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1670 ($209 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
- Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Activities:
- Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Accommodation:
- Guest house (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Activities:
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls
- Kanchanaburi - Historical train ride
- Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
Accommodation:
- Guest house (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Activities:
- Uthai Thani - Wat Tha Sung
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Activities:
- Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
- Phitsanulok - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary
Optional Activities:
- Sukhothai - Night Market - Free
Accommodation:
- Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Activities:
- Huai Lan - Village cycling
- Huai Lan - Local crafts master and community project visit
- Huai Lan - home-cooked dinner and traditional dancing
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit
Optional Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Night Market - Free
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (50 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Similar Tours
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
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!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Ryan - Traveled, March 2024
Great variation of activities, free time and optional activities. All of the locations were convenient & gave you a really great idea about local living. The hotels & homestay locations were very clean and we always felt comfortable even though we went in the hot dry season. Would highly recommend this tour as it gives you so many experiences that you will remember and not just another "city holiday." Seeing the Elephants free-range setting instead of the cruel non-scene you usually see was a highlight. Riding bikes through the rice paddocks, seeing ancient ruins & having a drink with some awesome people were all a highlight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Anna - Traveled, March 2024
Highly recommend this trip. It’s active and fun. Lots of diverse and unique experiences. Sukhothai is amazing and it seems most travelers don’t know to go there. Our guide Nok was amazing and made the trip easy and fun. It was efficient and well organized. You get your moneys worth.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Amelia - Traveled, March 2024
An amazing trip, you get to immerse yourself in Thai culture which is really special. I loved the cycling tours, the elephants were just amazing and we really loved the optional cooking class in Chiang Mai! Nok was an amazing guide as well, thoroughly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Anna - Traveled, March 2024
Highly recommend this trip. It’s active and fun. Lots of diverse and unique experiences. Sukhothai is amazing and it seems most travelers don’t know to go there. Our guide Nok was amazing and made the trip easy and fun. It was efficient and well organized. You get your moneys worth.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Gary - Traveled, March 2024
A wonderful and authentic way to experience a country and it's people, with a group of fellow travellers up for doing the same.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Tania - Traveled, March 2024
This was a fabulous trip. My husband and I wanted an ethical travel company, wanted someone else to be responsible for decisions and wanted some adventure. We got that plus so much more. Our local guide had so much info, tips and support. Our little group of 7 bonded and came away with new friends. Thank you intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Kate - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip, superb guide, Ben was caring, considerate and knowledgeable, with fun spirit. Homestay and cycling were such a highlight, everyone, drivers, homestay all wonderful, highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Sarah - Traveled, February 2024
Just finished a trip to Northern Thailand with Intrepid. It was a great holiday - visiting lots of interesting places with a nice group and a lovely knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Kim - Traveled, February 2024
I had an amazing time, so many amazing memories, would highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Ovidiu - Traveled, February 2024
I had an unforgettable journey in Northern Thailand with Naowarat Janchay as my fantastic tour guide. I feel appreciative for the opportunity to have experienced such a stunning location rich in culture, cuisine, and history.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Helen - Traveled, February 2024
A well organised, interesting and fun trip providing an excellent insight into Thailand. The homestay allowed us to see how people lived in this area and I really enjoyed our cooking classes both at the homestay and in Chaing Mai
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2024
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
