18 to 35s One Week in Thailand: Kayaking and Hilltribes
Head into the hills with your small group of adventurers and get sky-high on an eight-day northern Thailand adventure. Pass through the bustling hub of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, and take the time to check out the night markets and bars well worth hopping. Trek the hillside villages outside of Chiang Mai, before exploring the city and its colourful nightlife. Find waterfalls, elephants and your new fave activity (kayaking, anyone?) and soak in some gorgeous natural scenery you’d only see from local hill tribes. This journey will take you through temples, jungles, markets and mountains, forging new friendships along the way.
Why you'll love this trip
Two days of hilltribe trekking — Trek deep into the northern Thai hinterland and spend two nights staying in a traditional hilltribe village, laughing with the locals and learning about their lifestyle.
Kayaking and natural landscapes — Immerse yourself in waterfalls, mountainside views and a kayaking adventure on the Mae Taeng River, with white-water rafting available if you dare.
Street food and home-cooked flavours — Get your street food fix in bustling Bangkok and cool Chiang Mai, then enjoy traditional homecooked dinners during your hilltribe village homestays.
Chiang Mai nightlife — Hit the nightlife in the Nimman area, bar hop, explore night markets and discover the best local spots with your local leader.
Loads of free time — Choose your own adventure, from relaxing with a traditional Thai massage to discovering new friends at ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary.
18 to 35s adventure — Travel with like-minded 18 to 35 year olds on a small group adventure through northern Thailand.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Bangkok
DAY 02
Bangkok - Overnight Train
DAY 03
Chiang Mai
DAY 04
Chiang Mai - Hilltribe Trek
DAY 05
Hilltribe Trek
DAY 06
Chiang Mai
DAY 07
Chiang Mai - Overnight Sleeper Train
DAY 08
Bangkok
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Thailand
Meals
4 breakfasts
3 lunches · 2 dinners
Transport
Overnight sleeper train · Songthaew
Tuk-tuk
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights)
Overnight sleeper train (2 nights) · Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (2 nights)
Included activities
- Bangkok - Orientation Walk
- Chiang Mai - Night Bazaar & Anusarn Market
- Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
- Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
- Hilltribe Trek - Mae Malai Market Visit
- Hilltribe Village - Home-cooked Dinner
- Hilltribe Trek – Mok Fah Waterfall
- Sop Kai Village - River Kayaking
Optional activities
- Bangkok - Thai Massage THB 300
- Bangkok - Grand Palace THB 500
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure THB 2,500
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage THB 300
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex THB 50
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour THB 1,100
- Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School THB 1,400
- Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) THB 1,900
- Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting THB 1,800
- Chiang Mai - Muay Thai Class (Thai boxing) THB 460
- Chiang Mai - Chuan Chom Vocational Training Centre - Massage (from) THB 250
- Chiang Mai - Wat Chedi Luang Temple THB 40
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour THB 990
- Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary THB 1,900
- Chiang Mai – Whitewater Rafting THB 1,800
- Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon (Entrance) THB 300
- Chiang Mai - Wat Prasingh Temple THB 40
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?
- This trip includes a two-day hillside trek, which is challenging and involves a lot of walking. The wet season runs from May to October and often results in muddy or slippery paths.
- You will need an overnight pack to carry your belongings during the hike. Please bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Hiking boots and long pants during wet season are highly recommended.
- When visiting religious attractions such as temples or mosques, clothing covering shoulders and knees is required, along with closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
- This trip involves some long journeys on the road and two overnight trains, which can be tiresome. Overnight trains are a local experience and the best way to travel long distances and maximise time at your destinations.
- Occasionally passengers of different genders may be required to share a compartment and/or you may share with locals or travellers from other groups. For your own security, take a lock for your luggage.
- This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and can be part of a longer itinerary.
Important notes
Visas
Accommodation
Joining point
This trip is designed for travellers aged 18 to 35 and combines northern Thailand's hilltribes, trekking, kayaking, markets, temples and nightlife.
Dates and prices
| Departs | Returns | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 20 Sep 2026 | Sun 27 Sep 2026 | Sale Last minute | $595 $506 |
| Sun 11 Oct 2026 | Sun 18 Oct 2026 | Sale Last minute | $620 $527 |
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | Sun 8 Nov 2026 | Spots available | $650 |
| Sun 8 Nov 2026 | Sun 15 Nov 2026 | Spots available | $650 |
| Sun 15 Nov 2026 | Sun 22 Nov 2026 | Price drop | $620 |
| Sun 29 Nov 2026 | Sun 6 Dec 2026 | Price drop | $620 |
| Sun 6 Dec 2026 | Sun 13 Dec 2026 | Price drop | $590 |
| Sun 13 Dec 2026 | Sun 20 Dec 2026 | Price drop | $590 |
| Sun 20 Dec 2026 | Sun 27 Dec 2026 | Spots available | $650 |
| Sun 3 Jan 2027 | Sun 10 Jan 2027 | Spots available | $695 |
Reviews
First time solo travelling and just out of school. Had an incredible experience making unforgettable memories with unforgettable friendships that I will never forget :)
If you are thinking about booking this trip, please do it as you will have the time of your life! Our tour guide, Maled, made the trip so special and an experience I'll never forget. As a solo female traveller, I have never felt so safe in a new environment. Also definitely sign up to do the white water rafting!
Just out of school and first time solo travelling and was amazing with unforgettable experiences! Guides could not be better :)
This trip was a great introduction to Thailand and gave me experiences I would not have gotten otherwise!! The overnight hike and kayaking was a definite highlight (despite the leeches). Maled was a great tour leader who gave us seamless access to all the activities and provided great recommendations along the way. Highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to explore nature a bit more and have great food and fun along the way!!
Melon was amazing and I highly recommend the Thailand trip.