Explore Northern Thailand
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.
Why you'll love this trip
Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary — Walk alongside rescued elephants and learn about the sanctuary's work to protect these gentle giants and restore their natural habitat.
Sukhothai Historical Park — Cycle among ancient Buddhas and temples at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Park.
Historic railway journey — Ride the historic railway along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai and take in the surrounding scenery.
Pong Huai Lan village — Cycle through peaceful countryside surrounded by rice fields, meet local craft masters and experience a farm-to-table dinner with traditional dancing.
Chiang Mai fresh produce market — Explore one of the city's largest fresh produce markets with your local leader before enjoying free time in Chiang Mai.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Bangkok
Your Northern Thailand adventure begins in Bangkok. Take some time to settle into Thailand's bustling capital before beginning your journey north.
DAY 02
Kanchanaburi
Travel to Kanchanaburi and discover the area's wartime history. Visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery before exploring the famous railway and the scenery surrounding the Kwai Noi River.
DAY 03
Kanchanaburi
Continue exploring Kanchanaburi, including Erawan National Park and its waterfalls. Visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and learn more about the history of the Death Railway.
DAY 04
Phitsanulok
Continue north towards Phitsanulok and experience one of the highlights of the trip at Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary. Walk alongside rescued elephants and learn about the sanctuary's conservation work.
DAY 05
Sukhothai
Explore the ancient ruins of Old Sukhothai, beautifully surrounded by lakes and manicured gardens. Cycle through the historic park and discover its impressive temples and Buddha statues.
DAY 06
Chiang Mai
Continue your journey to Chiang Mai and discover Pong Huai Lan, a Lanna village nestled in the hills and surrounded by rice fields. Cycle through the countryside, meet local craft masters and experience a community project.
DAY 07
Chiang Mai
Explore Chiang Mai with your local leader, including a visit to the city's largest fresh produce market. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.
DAY 08
Chiang Mai
Your Northern Thailand adventure comes to an end in Chiang Mai. Enjoy your final morning in the city before continuing your onward journey.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Bangkok · Kanchanaburi
Phitsanulok · Sukhothai · Chiang Mai
Meals
4 breakfasts
2 dinners
Transport
Private minibus · Public bus · Songthaew
Taxi · Train · Tuk tuk · Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights) · Resort (1 night)
Guest house (2 nights)
Included activities
- Kanchanaburi — Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
- Kanchanaburi — Erawan National Park & Falls
- Kanchanaburi — Historical train ride
- Kanchanaburi — Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
- Uthai Thani — Wat Tha Sung
- Sukhothai — Historical Park bike tour
- Phitsanulok — Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary
- Huai Lan — Village cycling
- Huai Lan — Local crafts master and community project visit
- Huai Lan — Home-cooked dinner and traditional dancing
- Chiang Mai — Fresh Produce Market Visit
Optional activities
- Bangkok — Grand Palace THB 500
- Bangkok — Thai Massage THB 300
- Bangkok — Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure THB 2,500
- Sukhothai — Night Market Free
- Chiang Mai — Night Market Free
- Chiang Mai — Doi Suthep Temple Complex THB 50
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book
Is this trip right for you?
Important notes
Visas
Accommodation notes
Joining point
Dates and prices
| Departs | Returns | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 27 Sep 2026 | Sun 4 Oct 2026 | Sale Last minute | $1,410 $1,269 |
| Sun 4 Oct 2026 | Sun 11 Oct 2026 | 3 spots left | $1,410 |
| Sun 11 Oct 2026 | Sun 18 Oct 2026 | 2 spots left | $1,570 |
| Sun 25 Oct 2026 | Sun 1 Nov 2026 | Fully booked | — |
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | Sun 8 Nov 2026 | Fully booked | — |
| Sun 8 Nov 2026 | Sun 15 Nov 2026 | Fully booked | — |
| Sun 15 Nov 2026 | Sun 22 Nov 2026 | Fully booked | — |
| Fri 20 Nov 2026 | Fri 27 Nov 2026 | Spots available | $1,450 |
| Sun 22 Nov 2026 | Sun 29 Nov 2026 | 4 spots left | $1,660 |
| Thu 26 Nov 2026 | Thu 3 Dec 2026 | Spots available | $1,530 |
Reviews
Our tour guide Elle was incredible and made this trip so memorable. The itinerary was a perfect balance of activity, nature, history, spirituality, culture, elephants, locals, entertainment and delicious food. It was an epic family vacation.
Excellent trip! The sights and meals are amazing. The old train, waterfalls, and elephant sanctuary are the best. The Death Railway and museum and cemetery were particularly intense experiences.
A great way to see northern Thailand. I loved how the tour contained a variety of experiences, from big cities to small towns and from markets to memorials to temples.
A highly enjoyable and well-organized trip with rich, authentic cultural experiences and a full, active itinerary through Northern Thailand. Jane was an outstanding leader, knowledgeable, kind, and engaging.
Excellent trip off the beaten path of Thailand, rich in new experiences, with a great trip leader. The itinerary was flexible enough to ensure free time while still getting the most out of every destination.