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 through ancient Buddhas and temples at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historical Park.
Historic railway journey — Ride the historic railway along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai, passing through beautiful scenery and reflecting on its history.
Pong Huai Lan village — Explore a Lanna village surrounded by rice fields, cycle through the countryside, meet local craft masters and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner with traditional dancing.
Chiang Mai fresh produce market — Wander through one of the city's largest fresh produce markets with your local leader before enjoying free time to explore Chiang Mai.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Bangkok
Your Northern Thailand adventure begins in Bangkok. Meet your group and local leader before beginning your journey north through Thailand.
DAY 02
Kanchanaburi
Travel to Kanchanaburi and discover the area's wartime history. Visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and continue through the region surrounding the River Kwai.
DAY 03
Kanchanaburi
Explore more of Kanchanaburi, including Erawan National Park and its waterfalls. Ride the historic railway along the Kwai Noi River and visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.
DAY 04
Phitsanulok
Continue north to Phitsanulok and visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary. Walk alongside rescued elephants and learn about the sanctuary's conservation work.
DAY 05
Sukhothai
Discover the ancient city of Sukhothai and explore its impressive historical park by bicycle. Cycle among ancient Buddhas, temples, serene lakes and beautifully maintained gardens.
DAY 06
Chiang Mai
Continue to Chiang Mai and experience the welcoming culture of Northern Thailand. Explore the surrounding countryside and connect with local communities.
DAY 07
Chiang Mai
Explore Chiang Mai with free time to discover the city at your own pace. Visit local markets, temples or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this historic northern city.
DAY 08
Chiang Mai
Begin the final day with a visit to Chiang Mai's fresh produce market with your local leader. After the market visit, enjoy some free time before your Northern Thailand adventure comes to an end.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Thailand
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
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Before you book
Is this trip right for you?
Important notes
Visas
Accommodation
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 can be hard to keep college kids so entertained and engaged and Elle did it! We had an epic family vacation.
Excellent trip! The sights and meals are amazing. The old train, waterfalls, and elephant sanctuary are the best. I would warn you that the 2 days of death and war at the Death Railway and museum and cemetery are pretty gruesome.
A great way to see northern Thailand. I loved how the tour contained a variety of content, 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, adding great local insight throughout.
Excellent trip off the beaten path of Thailand, rich new experiences, great trip leader and thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip! The itinerary was flexible enough to ensure we had some free time as well as getting the most out of every spot we stopped.