Highlights of Thailand
Journey through the Land of Smiles, where spicy delicacies, majestic elephants, golden Buddhas, colourful hilltribe villages, and fantastic markets all come together. Thailand's stunning beauty and charming culture are always present on this 10-day small group adventure. Witness traditional hilltribe life in a Hmong village, support the rehabilitation of the endangered Asian elephant in Chiang Mai, cruise down Bangkok’s famous khlongs, step back in time in the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai and try your hand at creating some delectable Thai dishes. This is your chance to capture the adventure and timeless essence of Thailand.
Why you'll love this trip
Meet rescued Asian elephants — Spend an unforgettable day at an elephant reserve learning about conservation and animal protection in the region.
Thailand's iconic sights — Discover the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi and Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai.
Thai cooking in Sukhothai — Create and taste delicious traditional dishes during a hands-on cooking class with a local host.
Hmong Hilltribe Lodge — Experience traditional hilltribe life with an overnight stay, barbecue dinner and Hmong cultural show.
Sukhothai by bicycle — Explore the ancient ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park on a leisurely bike tour, followed by a delicious picnic lunch.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Bangkok
Your Thailand adventure begins in Bangkok, the vibrant capital known for golden temples, bustling markets, colourful street food and winding khlongs.
DAY 02
Kanchanaburi
Travel west from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, a region rich in natural beauty and World War II history. Discover the River Kwai and the area's historic railway and memorial sites.
DAY 03
Kanchanaburi
This morning, make tracks for the Erawan Falls. These terraced waterfalls, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, cascade into a series of emerald green pools – a beautiful place to swim, walk or sit back and relax. After your visit drive to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour the allied prisoners of war (POWs) and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma Death Railway. You can head out to a teak observation deck and look across to Myanmar just kilometres away. You’ll also see the eponymous pass, cut through rock 18 metres deep, that got its name from the hellish fires used to light the work at night. Board the train on the Death Railway and ride the historic tracks along the Kwai Noi River. Pass through magnificent scenery and spend a moment reflecting on those who were forced to give their lives in the process of bending this environment to man’s will. Tonight, you can explore the rows of street vendors in town and perhaps grab a drink overlooking the River Kwai.
Closure of the Hell Fire Pass:
1 Jan: New Year's Day; 13-15 Apr: Songkran Holiday; 5–25 May: Annual Maintenance Work; 5 Dec - National Day; 24-27 Dec: Christmas Holidays; 31 Dec: New Year’s Eve.
During these dates we will offer a visit to JEATH WWII Museum in Kanchanaburi City instead of the Pass.
DAY 04
Ayutthaya
Continue north to Ayutthaya, Thailand's ancient capital and a UNESCO-listed historical destination filled with atmospheric temple ruins and fascinating reminders of the kingdom's past.
DAY 05
Sukhothai
Travel onward to Sukhothai, the heart of Thailand's ancient kingdom. Explore the historic city and discover its beautiful temples and ruins.
DAY 06
Sukhothai
Continue exploring Sukhothai and immerse yourself in local flavours during a hands-on Thai cooking experience with a local host.
DAY 07
Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
Spend the night at the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge and experience traditional hilltribe culture. Enjoy a traditional meal and a cultural performance during your stay.
DAY 08
Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai, Thailand's cultural capital, surrounded by mountains, temples and lush countryside.
DAY 09
Chiang Mai
Spend the day discovering Chiang Mai and learning about elephant conservation at ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary.
DAY 10
Chiang Mai
Your Highlights of Thailand adventure comes to an end in Chiang Mai. Before you leave, enjoy coffee at the atmospheric Kaomai Estate 1955.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Bangkok · Kanchanaburi
Ayutthaya · Sukhothai
Hmong Hilltribe Lodge · Chiang Mai
Meals
9 breakfasts
2 lunches · 3 dinners
Transport
Train · Private mini van
Longtail boat · Songtheaw · Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights)
Lodge (1 night) · Resort (5 nights)
Included activities
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
- Bangkok - Grand Palace
- Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
- Kanchanaburi - Historical train ride
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls
- Ayutthaya - Historical Park
- Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
- Sukhothai - Thai cooking class
- Sukhothai - Bike Tour Lunch
- Hmong Hilltribe Lodge - Traditional meal & cultural performance
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex
- Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary
- Chiang Mai - Coffee at Kaomai Estate 1955
Optional activities
- Additional activities available locally
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in the destinations you visit.
Before you book
Is this trip right for you?
Less time is spent in a vehicle and more time is available to explore each destination. This trip has been carefully designed to give you the best experience of the region by reducing the number of one-night-only stops. As a shorter trip that covers quite a lot of ground, there will be travelling every other day to the next destination. Please note travel times on the itinerary days carefully for travel estimates.
Important notes
Visas
Accommodation notes
Joining point
Dates and prices
| Departs | Returns | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 16 Oct 2026 | Sun 25 Oct 2026 | Spots available | $2,780 |
| Fri 23 Oct 2026 | Sun 1 Nov 2026 | Spots available | $2,850 |
| Fri 6 Nov 2026 | Sun 15 Nov 2026 | Sale Last minute | $2,670 $2,270 |
| Tue 10 Nov 2026 | Thu 19 Nov 2026 | Sale Last minute | $2,970 $2,228 |
| Fri 13 Nov 2026 | Sun 22 Nov 2026 | 2 spots left | $3,055 |
| Tue 24 Nov 2026 | Thu 3 Dec 2026 | Price drop | $2,730 |
| Fri 27 Nov 2026 | Sun 6 Dec 2026 | Price drop | $2,670 |
| Fri 18 Dec 2026 | Sun 27 Dec 2026 | Spots available | $2,750 |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Sun 3 Jan 2027 | Spots available | $2,795 |
| Tue 29 Dec 2026 | Thu 7 Jan 2027 | 3 spots left | $2,850 |
Reviews
The trip taking us from the South upto the North was an eye opener. The Thai people are so calm and approachable. The landscape is awesome. Between the temperatures and amount of water everything grows... THAILAND is a wonderful country to visit.
A fabulous trip with a great balance of activities, the days were full, but there was still time to explore on our own as well. I have a much greater understanding and appreciation of Thailand’s history and rich culture having done this trip.
Highly recommended tour. We had a great time. Well organised and Interesting attractions.
A comprehensive and informative tour which highlighted Thailand diversity from traditional temples, natural environments, cultural experiences and traditional cuisine. I would highly recommend this tour for those who would like to experience a variety of places in Thailand.
The trip was very fun and useful. The company and tour guide are very attentive and listen to customers. The trip was memorable.