Discover a land of mouth-watering food, stunning landscapes, fascinating history and incredibly hospitable locals on a 13-day journey through Northern Thailand. Get to know the innermost essence of Thai culture as you travel from city streets to mountain tops. Explore the ancient temples of Ayutthaya,  meet the experts at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, experience the chaotic metropolis of bustling Bangkok, 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 some free time to travel at your own pace, come along and see  there’s more to Thailand than what meets the eye.

Want to explore more of Southeast Asia? Extend your trip with us! Take a short 1 night break where you don’t even have to leave the hotel then join us for Thailands beaches.https://tri.ps/F1Rog

We specialize in trips for adults only. 

Travel insurance will help protect your investment and is required. We use and recommend World Nomads. But if you over 70 it’s best to use some place like Insure My Trip

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

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We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

Should you cancel no more than 30 days after making your deposit you get a 100% refund minus a $150 admin fee.

Should you cancel between 30 days of booking to 180 days before the trip you will get a 50% refund minus the $150 admin fee.

Once we are within 180 days of the trip starting there are no refunds.

Note-should you find someone to fill your spot I can transfer your balance to them minus the $150 fee if it's 60 days before departure. Should you become sick or have other issues it’s highly likely the required travel insurance would kick in and reimburse you so be sure and check with your provider.

It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and make their payments on time. We reserve the right to hold payments according to the cancellation policy above to pay our vendors to make this trip happen. 

By making a deposit you agree to above terms of service and cancellation policy.

To make things easier we created a list specific to this trip of things you may want.  You can find it here.

For our best tips on packing in general check this out.

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travelers are required to comply with local regulations and laws.

What are the medical and vaccination requirements? Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19 but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit.   Therefore proof of up to date COVID Vaccine is required on all of our trips.

Sa-Waddee! 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 at the hotel.  After the meeting, get to know the city via an orientation walk of the area. For dinner, join the group at an optional restaurant. 

Included Activities 

•  Welcome Meeting  

•  Orientation Walk around the area 

Meals included: None

Accommodation 

Asai China Town Hotel (Comfy  Room) or similar

Notes- Airport transfer is not included. You can book it through me here upon check out or on your own here 

If you are staying late  or arriving early you add extra nights at check out here or you might find it cheaper to book yourself via hotels.com every 10 nights you book with them you get a night free. I am an affiliate with them and when you use my link I earn a small commission at no cost to you. 

Looking for something to do today. Check out these platforms for tons of activities and tours. Viator  & Getyourguide 

After an early breakfast, you will depart at 8:00 am to start your journey in Bangkok. You’ll begin at the Grand Palace. Strolling through the palace grounds feels like walking through an Asian version of Alice in Wonderland — the buildings are so beautiful they almost don’t feel real. Your local guide will tell you all about the history behind the palace and the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew. This place is considered to be the spiritual center of the nation, making it a visit that you cannot afford to miss. 

Afterwards you’ll board a longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River, also known as the River of Kings. The name of the river perfectly reflects this part of the tour; you’ll feel like royalty on your relaxing journey! This river is also the reason why Bangkok is known as the ‘Venice of the East,’ and you’ll explore this nickname further as you glide through the network of khlongs, or canals. Many of the khlongs have been filled in over the years and converted into roads. These roads have turned into little Thai communities, and as you swoop through the waters you’ll discover insights into these neighborhoods. This area of Bangkok feels like a world away from the busy streets and chaos, and a welcome break from the bustling city center!

Get off at a pier at Wat Arun, or the Dawn Temple, one of Thailand's most important religious sites, guarding the spiritual lives of Thai Buddhists from dawn to dusk. It is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location, but also because the design is very different to the other temples you can visit in Bangkok. 

From one beautiful temple to another, you’ll move on to Wat Pho, another temple that is integral to the Buddhist religion in Thailand. It’s home to the famous golden reclining Buddha and is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. This is one of the most popular things to do in Bangkok, and with our local guide to take your through the temples, you’ll hear all the secret stories and local knowledge about the place.

A ride on a tuk-tuk is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bangkok, and completely necessary to make you feel like a local. Your local guide will ride along with you as you whiz through the busy streets of Bangkok, stopping at the marvelous Phra Sumeru Fortress, where you’ll learn a bit about the history behind this area. The next stop on the tuk-tuk ride is the Amulet Market, where locals sell all kinds of traditional Thai amulets, charms, and medicines. Your next destination will be Wat Saket, a temple that lies at the foot of the Golden Mount. Your local guide will take you up the 318 steps (sorry, your tuk-tuk can’t help you with that one!) to the 360-degree view of the surrounding old Rattanakosin Island, a view which makes the climb totally worth it.

After an incredible first day you head back to the hotel and the rest of the evening is yours. 

Included Activities

• The Grand Palace

• Klong tour by longtail boat

• Wat Arun 

• Wat Pho

• Tuk Tuk Experience

• Wat Saket - The Golden Mount

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Asai China Town Hotel (Comfy Room) or similar 

Today unleash your creativity and learn about the history of Benjarong, a traditional style of painted Thai porcelain, with a visit to a ceramics community. The name literally means ‘five colors’ (although it’s not unusual to see up to eight) and artists use enamel to create intricate floral and geometric designs. This morning you’ll get to paint your own mug or teacup which will be fired and sent to you to take home as a unique and very special souvenir. 

There will be time to buy lunch if you wish, before you travel to Kanchanaburi to visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. This prisoner of war cemetery was one of the first museums to attempt to educate the public and keep the memory alive of the Asian and POW workers who died constructing the infamous Death Railway. 

The rest of the day is yours.

Included Activities

• Benjarong - Ceramics Workshop

• Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa Kanchanaburi (Superior Room) or similar | 

https://royalriverkwairesort.com/en/

In the morning, set off to visit to Erawan National Park (approximately 1.5 hours) where you can explore the famous seven-level waterfall or simply swim and relax. The falls are considered the most beautiful in the whole country, with glacial blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools perfect for a refreshing dip. If you want to make the climb all the way from level one to level seven it’s about a ninety-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.

In the afternoon travel (approximately 1 hour) back towards Kanchanaburi, where you'll learn about a tragic part of the area's history. Hellfire Pass memorial was built to honour the Allied POWs and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma Death Railway – the eponymous pass, cut through rock 18 metres deep, got its name from the hellish fires used to light the work at night. Then you'll travel a short distance (approximately 20 minutes) to Nam Tok Train Station - The end of the original death railway station during the second world war which was constructed by the allied POWs. Take a ride along the historic tracks alongside the Kwai Noi River, passing through Tham Krasae station which is one of the most beautiful panoramic scenes of the Kwai Noi river from the curves of the wooden railway line close to the mountainside. 

Included Activities

• Erawan National Park & Falls

• Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

• Historical train ride

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa Kanchanaburi (Superior Room) or similar 

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

Raft house

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Special Information

The raft house has Western style toilets and shared bathrooms with showers. There is an open plan living area that is fully covered and so offers plenty of shade, but the sides are open to take in the views and to feel the breeze while moving down the river. At night, the raft house will be moored, and the living room becomes the sleeping area. Thai style thin mattresses are placed on the floors with sheets provided, and everyone will sleep in the one area. Mosquito nets are also provided.

After your river adventure, disembark and travel by private minivan to Ayutthaya, via Suphanburi (approximately 5 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

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: 

Day Room before boarding the overnight train

Overnight train Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai | Special Express 2nd class soft sleeper 

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. Arrive at Chiang Mai train station and transfer to your hotel for early check in and breakfast. Freshen up before embarking on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (approx. 45 minutes) 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 memorable experience. Tonight, you get the crew together and tackle the famous night markets!

Included Activities

• Doi Suthep Temple Visit 

• Chiang Mai Night Market

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

De Lanna Hotel (Superior Room) or similar | https://www.facebook.com/DeLannaCM/

Today, you’ll have a special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll learn how this organization 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 socialize 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 your leisure.

Included Activities

• Chang Chill elephant experience Day Trip

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

De Lanna Hotel (Superior Room) or similar 

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

 Baan See See Guesthouse Doi Mae Salong: http://baanseesee.com/

Jump in a private vehicle and drive for about 1 hour into the Mae Chan District to reach the Ahsa farm. 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 chili 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

Meals included: Lunch

Accommodation

Le Patta Hotel (Superior Room) or similar 

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. For many, the privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple, is a must-visit. Travel approximately 30 minutes out to this contemporary temple, started in 1997 and expected to be a work in progress for another 60 to 70 years. The temple is constantly being added to and it's strange design features reference Buddhist mythology, human sin, and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter, and Superman.

You will then journey 70 minutes to Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs with a lunch stop along the way. Although oddly located, the springs offer an opportunity to take a relaxing soak, and/or enjoy a foot massage 'fish spa style', whilst munching on quail eggs which have been cooked in the heat of the waters. After enjoying the hot springs you’ll hop back on the bus to Chiang Mai, the journey taking about 1.5 hours and arriving back at around 5pm.

Included Activities

• Wat Rong Kun (white temple)

• Mae Ka Chan hot springs

• Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

De Lanna Hotel (Superior Room) or similar 

Today we will visit the Sankampeang District which is approximately one hour away. Upon arrival we will be greeted with a welcome ceremony in Northern Thai Style. While there we will visit a typical Tai Lue House and learn how the locals live. Explore the village and museum viewing various demonstrations including weaving and how to make the Tai Lue Style bag, rice smashing, Ox-cart riding and more. A local lunch will be provided. 

Then, we will be transfer back by private minivan to Chiang Mai Town. We should get back to the City around 3PM. 

Gather again at 4pm for transfer to Chiang Mai train station for overnight train. 

Included Activities 

•  Luang Nua 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Overnight train Chiang Mai to Bangkok | 2nd Class soft sleeper train 

Arrive at Bangkok around 6 am this morning. Transfer to your hotel where you will have the use of day room for refreshing.  And there is plenty of yummy food nearby. 

There are no activities planned for the final day and check out time is at 12:00 noon. 

Notes- Airport transfer is not included. You can book it through me here upon check out or on your own here 

If you are staying late or arriving early you add extra nights at check out here or you might find it cheaper to book yourself via hotels.com every 10 nights you book with them you get a night free. I am an affiliate with them and when you use my link I earn a small commission at no cost to you. 

Looking for something to do today. Check out these platforms for tons of activities and tours. Viator  & Getyourguide 

Want to explore more of Southeast Asia? Extend your trip with us! Take a short 1 night break where you don’t even have to leave the hotel then join us for Thailands beaches.