Beautiful Northern Thailand
Adventure into northern Thailand - River Kwai, ancient temples, Golden Triangle, hilltribes and incredible memories to last a lifetime
There’s a reason this trip was the one that started it all and remains one of the most popular. On this 13-day adventure, you'll discover Northern Thailand, experience the metropolis of bustling Bangkok, trek among the hillside villages, drift down the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, see the historic temples of the Siam Kingdom and venture into Golden Triangle. With unbeatable hospitality, bustling local markets, serene mountains and rivers and plenty chance to make your own discoveries, come along and see why this trip was, and still is, a benchmark for all our adventures.
Why you'll love this trip
Experience rural Thai life — Multi-day trekking through scenic hilltribe villages in the remote Thai countryside, meeting welcoming locals and sharing laughs along the way.
Farm-to-plate cooking experience — Enjoy an organic farm to plate cooking demonstration with the Akha Hilltribe and learn cooking tips from the village chef.
River Kwai adventure — Discover the history behind the Bridge over the River Kwai, swim at Erawan Waterfall, drift down the river in a traditional rafthouse and enjoy dinner onboard.
Golden Triangle and Doi Mae Salong — Explore the crafts market and enjoy tea at Doi Mae Salong, then venture into Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.
Embrace the journey — Travel by overnight sleeper train, longtail boat, songthaew and rafthouse while discovering Northern Thailand.
Itinerary
DAY 01Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok and begin your Northern Thailand adventure in the bustling capital.
DAY 02Kanchanaburi
Travel to Kanchanaburi and discover the history of the River Kwai region.
DAY 03Kanchanaburi
Explore Kanchanaburi, visit Erawan Waterfalls and enjoy a traditional rafthouse experience with dinner.
DAY 04Ayutthaya / Overnight train
Discover the historic temples of Ayutthaya before continuing your journey by overnight sleeper train.
DAY 05Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai and begin exploring Northern Thailand.
DAY 06Hilltribe Villages Trek
Begin a multi-day hilltribe trek through scenic countryside and remote village communities.
DAY 07Hilltribe Villages Trek
Continue trekking through the hilltribe villages and surrounding countryside.
DAY 08Hilltribe Village Trek / Doi Mae Salong
Complete the hilltribe trek and continue towards Doi Mae Salong, known for its mountain scenery, markets and tea.
DAY 09Chiang Rai
Explore Chiang Rai and experience the culture and landscapes of Thailand's far north.
DAY 10Chiang Rai
Visit the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, including a Mekong River cruise and Opium House.
DAY 11Chiang Mai
Return to Chiang Mai and continue discovering Northern Thailand.
DAY 12Chiang Mai
Enjoy a final full day in Chiang Mai with time for optional experiences and local exploration.
DAY 13Chiang Mai
Your Northern Thailand adventure comes to an end in Chiang Mai.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Bangkok · Kanchanaburi
Ayutthaya · Chiang Mai · Chiang Rai
Meals
3 breakfasts
4 lunches · 3 dinners
Transport
Private minvan · Public bus · Overnight sleeper train
Songthaew · Taxi · Longtail boat · Rafthouse
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights) · Guesthouse (5 nights)
Hilltribe village homestay (2 nights) · Sleeper train (1 night)
Included activities
- Bangkok — Khlong boat canal tour
- Bangkok — Wat Pho
- Kanchanaburi — Rafthouse experience with dinner
- Kanchanaburi — Erawan Waterfalls
- Kanchanaburi — Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
- Ayutthaya — Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
- Hilltribe Village — Home-cooked Dinner
- Hilltribe Trek — Mok Fah Waterfall
- Hilltribe Trek — Mae Malai Market Visit
- Mae Taeng — 3-day hilltribe trekking
- Akha Hilltribe — Farm To Plate Demonstration & Lunch
- Doi Mae Salong — Local market
- Golden Triangle — Mekong River cruise
- Golden Triangle — Opium House
- Chiang Rai — Wat Rong Kun (White Temple)
Optional activities
- Bangkok — Grand PalaceTHB 500
- Bangkok — Chatuchak Market visit (Entrance)Free
- Bangkok — Bangkok by Bike Urban AdventureTHB 1,980
- Chiang Mai — Thai massageTHB 300
- Chiang Mai — Bicycle tourTHB 1,100
- Chiang Mai — Thai cooking courseTHB 1,000
- Chiang Mai — Doi Suthep Temple ComplexTHB 50
- Chiang Mai — Night MarketFree
- Chiang Mai — ChangChill Elephant SanctuaryTHB 1,900
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?
- The hilltribe village house stays are a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday rural life. Facilities are simple and multi-share but comfortable, with mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets provided.
- Temperatures and humidity can be high in Thailand, especially when walking in the countryside where there may be little shade. Take plenty of drink breaks and wear appropriate skin protection.
- This trip covers much of the country in less than two weeks, so be prepared for some long travel days, including an overnight sleeper train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Important notes
Visas
Accommodation
Joining point
Dates and prices
| Departs | Returns | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 4 Oct 2026 | Fri 16 Oct 2026 | Sale Last minute | $1,875$1,594 |
| Sun 18 Oct 2026 | Fri 30 Oct 2026 | 1 spot left | $2,340 |
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | Fri 13 Nov 2026 | 1 spot left | $2,370 |
| Sun 8 Nov 2026 | Fri 20 Nov 2026 | 4 spots left | $2,140 |
| Sun 22 Nov 2026 | Fri 4 Dec 2026 | Spots available | $2,130 |
| Sun 6 Dec 2026 | Fri 18 Dec 2026 | Spots available | $2,090 |
| Sun 13 Dec 2026 | Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Price drop | $1,950 |
| Sun 27 Dec 2026 | Fri 8 Jan 2027 | Spots available | $2,130 |
| Tue 19 Jan 2027 | Sun 31 Jan 2027 | Different season | $2,045 |
| Tue 2 Feb 2027 | Sun 14 Feb 2027 | Different season | $2,045 |
Reviews
This is perhaps the best tour I have ever done. The level of professionalism by Rit, Lek and Mr Boone was top tier. They all made sure everything ran efficiently and made the experience even more enjoyable than I thought possible.
An amazing and varied trip but you need to be well prepared to really enjoy rather than endure the hike!
Excellent trip, our guide was very knowledgeable and I learnt so much about Thailand. Favourite part was the trekking, hard work but a very rewarding experience.
Had a blast, being outside of Bangkok for Songkran was a better experience.
This was an amazing tour which took us all the way from Bangkok to the border with Laos and Myanmar. The trekking was challenging with high temperatures in April and the ups and downs were very steep.