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Explore Northern Thailand

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Explore Northern Thailand

Was From $ 1,870 AUD
Now From $ 1,496 AUD
Sale!

Description

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.

Trip Name
Explore Northern Thailand
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bangkok
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.
Day 2 - Kanchanaburi
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.
Day 3 - Kanchanaburi
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.
Day 4 - Phitsanulok
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.
Day 5 - Sukhothai
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.
Day 6 - Chiang Mai
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.
Day 7 - Chiang Mai
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.
Day 8 - Chiang Mai
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202615-03-2026AUD $ 2,025-
22-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 1,746-
29-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 1,746-
05-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 1,496-
19-04-202626-04-2026AUD $ 1,995-
17-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 1,780-
19-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 1,895-
23-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 1,870-
27-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 1,870-
04-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 1,870-
11-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 1,925-
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 1,895-
01-11-202608-11-2026AUD $ 1,955-
08-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 1,945-
15-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 1,950-
22-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 1,995-
26-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 1,995-
29-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 1,995-
13-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 1,940-
20-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 1,995-
24-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 1,995-
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 1,995-
31-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 1,995-
03-01-202710-01-2027AUD $ 2,090-
10-01-202717-01-2027AUD $ 2,090-
17-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 2,090-
24-01-202731-01-2027AUD $ 2,090-
31-01-202707-02-2027AUD $ 2,090-
07-02-202714-02-2027AUD $ 2,015-
14-02-202721-02-2027AUD $ 2,015-
21-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 2,015-
28-02-202707-03-2027AUD $ 2,015-
07-03-202714-03-2027AUD $ 2,015-
14-03-202721-03-2027AUD $ 2,015-
21-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 2,015-
28-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 2,015-
04-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 1,935-
18-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 1,935-
16-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 1,935-
10-06-202717-06-2027AUD $ 1,935-
18-07-202725-07-2027AUD $ 1,935-
22-08-202729-08-2027AUD $ 1,935-
03-10-202710-10-2027AUD $ 1,935-
17-10-202724-10-2027AUD $ 1,935-
24-10-202731-10-2027AUD $ 1,935-
31-10-202707-11-2027AUD $ 1,935-
07-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 2,015-
14-11-202721-11-2027AUD $ 2,015-
21-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 2,090-
25-11-202702-12-2027AUD $ 2,090-
28-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 2,090-
12-12-202719-12-2027AUD $ 2,015-
19-12-202726-12-2027AUD $ 2,090-
23-12-202730-12-2027AUD $ 2,090-
26-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 2,090-
30-12-202706-01-2028AUD $ 2,090-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Resort (1 night), Guest house (2 nights)

Transport

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

Map