Explore Northern Thailand

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
Explore Northern Thailand
8 Days
From AUD $1780
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Explore Northern Thailand

Explore Northern Thailand

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Northern Thailand is a treasure trove filled with glittering temples, ancient ruins, exotic markets and sumptuous foods.

Highlights

  • Visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary. Dedicated to rescuing wild elephants and restoring their natural habitat, walk alongside these gentle giants and learn about the important work the sanctuary is doing to ensure their future.
  • Cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ancient temples at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Park.
  • Ride the historic railway along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Pass through beautiful scenery and take a moment to reflect on those who lost their lives in the process of building the train line.
  • Explore Pong Huai Lan – a Lanna village nested in the hills and surrounded by rice fields. Cycle around the peaceful countryside, visit local craft master’s and dig into a hearty farm to table dinner, accompanied by traditional dancing.
  • Wander through the largest fresh produce market with your local leader in Chiang Mai, then enjoy some free time to explore this city at your own pace.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private minibus,Public bus,Songthaew,Taxi,Train,Tuk tuk,Bicycle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Thailan’s bustling capital, Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors who serve delicious Thai food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or relax with in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, maybe gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-famous street food.

Optional Activities:

  • Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Kanchanaburi
Travel northwest to Kanchanaburi. Located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge, Kanchanaburi is home to the well-known Bridge on the River Kwai. When you arrive, visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetary (POW Cemetary). This was one of the first museums opened with the aim to educate people and keep the memory alive of the prisoners of war (POWs) workers who died constructing the Death Railway.

Included Activities:

  • Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Accommodation:

  • Guest house (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Kanchanaburi
This morning, continue your journey through history with a visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour the POWs and conscripts who passed away while constructing some of the most challenging stretches of the Thai-Burma Death railway. Board the train at Nam Tok station, the main terminal of the Death Railway and ride the historic tracks along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Pass through beautiful scenery and take a moment to reflect on those who lost their lives in the process of bending this rugged environment to man’s will. This afternoon, make your way to the Erawan Falls. These terraced waterfalls, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, tumble into a series of emerald-green pools – the perfect spot to go for a swim, take short walk around the area or simply sit back and relax.

Included Activities:

  • Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls
  • Kanchanaburi - Historical train ride
  • Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

Accommodation:

  • Guest house (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Phitsnulok
After breakfast, you’ll continue to travel north. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, visit Wat Tha Sung Temple – a magnificent ancient site dating back to the Ayutthaya period. After, continue to your final destination for the day, Phitsanulok. Originally established in the 11th century, this busy provincial capital sits on the banks of the Nan River. When you arrive this afternoon, join your local leader for a relaxed stroll through town before settling in for a free evening.

Included Activities:

  • Uthai Thani - Wat Tha Sung

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Sukhothai
This morning, visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary – an Intrepid Foundation partner dedicated to rescuing wild elephants and restoring their natural habitat. Roll up your sleeves to help prepare food for these gentle giants, then walk alongside them as you learn about their habits and the important work the sanctuary is doing to ensure their future. After, continue your journey to Sukhothai. When you arrive, explore the ancient ruins of Old Sukhothai, beautifully set amid serene lakes and manicured gardens. The religious art and architecture of this era are regarded as the most classic expressions of Thai style, and the park is home to the remains of 21 historic sites, featuring impressive Buddha images and four large ponds often dotted with blooming lotus flowers. This afternoon, hire a bike and spend a leisurely afternoon pedalling through the ruins. Finish today with a home-cooked dinner before settling into your hotel for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
  • Phitsanulok - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary

Optional Activities:

  • Sukhothai - Night Market - Free

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Chiang Mai
After breakfast, travel to Chiang Mai. Along the way, visit the Lanna village Pong Huai Lan, nested in the hills and surrounded by rice fields. While you’re here, learn about their community project, which is recognised by Thailand’s Transition toward Net Zero Tourism, then hop on a bike and cycle around the village. As you cycle, stop in at a local masters Rattan weaving workshop (part of Thailand's Royal Project Initiative) and discover the community heritage in their community museum. Later today, you’ll be invited into the home of a local family for a home-cooked farm to table dinner. Then, continue to Chiang Mai where you’ll stay tonight.

Included Activities:

  • Huai Lan - Village cycling
  • Huai Lan - Local crafts master and community project visit
  • Huai Lan - home-cooked dinner and traditional dancing

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Chiang Mai
This morning, follow your leader through the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai. As you wander through the bustling markets, learn about the fresh produce and distinct Thai flavours. Then the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River cruise, join a Thai cooking class or have lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training centre, where you’ll hear about the work that the centre does to prepare women from the correctional institution with skills to return to society. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

  • Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

Optional Activities:

  • Chiang Mai - Night Market - Free
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (50 THB)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Chiang Mai
As there are no further activities today, you’re free to depart at any time. If you’d like to stay longer and explore the beautiful Chiang Mai, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,780
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Northern Thailand is a treasure trove filled with glittering temples, ancient ruins, exotic markets and sumptuous foods.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 25 Jan 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Bethan
Traveled, April 2024

04/18/2024

I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys trips that are a mixture of activities, cultural experiences and getting to know more about the history, development and way of life of local people. The food is also a gourmet experience not to be missed.

4.5
Sarah
Traveled, March 2024

04/08/2024

Ben made this trip the best ever, your aura and loving nature gave us so much inner peace. I would explore the whole world with her as a leader. She introduced us to the culture and life in Thailand - we were able to see such great places and experience a lot. She played a huge part in keeping us all connected. Thanks Ben, I'll never forget this.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989