Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express - 7 Days

From £705£101 per day Save 22%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female65%
  • Male35%

Average age

48
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Bangkok
  • Chiang Mai

Physical rating

1/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

6

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Summary

If you’re short on time but want to see the sights north of Bangkok (and really, who doesn’t?), this is the express trip for you. Take seven days, pack them full of wonderment and reflection in Northern Thailand — Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai, and plenty of temples, palaces, and small villages to explore — and you’ve got a recipe for one of the most memorable weeks you’ll ever have. Toss in the ease of travel by trains and buses and there’s no way you’ll feel like you’re missing out on anything in this dynamic region.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Bangkok

    Arrive at any time.

  • Day 2

    Bangkok/Kanchanaburi

    Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation.

  • Day 3

    Kanchanaburi

    Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.

  • Day 4

    Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai

    Explore the Allied War Cemetery and the Thai-Burmese Railway Centre to learn more about the area's history. Travel to Ayutthaya and visit the historical sites of the old capital city. In the evening board an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

  • Day 5

    Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai is a vibrant city with heaps to see and do. Famous for its night market and cooking classes, it's a feat to fit it all in. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.

  • Day 6

    Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai is a vibrant city with heaps to see and do. Famous for its night market, it's a feat to fit it all in. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.

  • Day 7

    Chiang Mai

    With a little extra time in the area, hilltribe treks are easily accessible, as is the Golden Triangle.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (4 nts), rafthouse (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 5, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 1

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Oct 25

    from £881
  • Nov 25

    from £705
  • Dec 25

    from £920
  • Jan 26

    from £783
  • Feb 26

    from £979
  • Mar 26

    from £950
  • Apr 26

    from £812
  • May 26

    from £812
  • Jun 26

    from £950
  • Jul 26

    from £950
  • Aug 26

    from £812
  • Sep 26

    from £812
  • Oct 26

    from £950
  • Nov 26

    from £950
  • Dec 26

    from £979
  • Jan 27

    from £812
  • Feb 27

    from £812
  • Mar 27

    from £812
  • Apr 27

    from £812
  • May 27

    from £812
  • Jun 27

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  • Jul 27

    from £812
  • Aug 27

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  • Sep 27

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  • Oct 27

    from £812
  • Nov 27

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  • Dec 27

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  • Jan 28

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  • Feb 28

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  • Mar 28

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  • Apr 28

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  • May 28

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  • Jun 28

    from £812
  • Jul 28

    from £812
  • Aug 28

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  • Sep 28

    from £812
  • Oct 28

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  • Nov 28

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  • Dec 28

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  • Save 2%
    Wed 5 Nov 2025 > Tue 11 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 16 left
    £899£881
    Solo Room from +£156
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    Sat 8 Nov 2025 > Fri 14 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure
    4 spaces of 16 left
    £899£881
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    Wed 12 Nov 2025 > Tue 18 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 16 left
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    Solo Room from +£156
  • Save 2%
    Wed 26 Nov 2025 > Tue 2 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 16 left
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    Solo Room from +£156

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.78 out of 5)
Based on 502 reviews
  • Great!

    Irene Oct, 2024 Verified
  • I loved the experience of travelling through North of Thailand and I learned things I would have never learned or visited otherwise. Community focus travel

    Beatriz Oct, 2024 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What kind of experience can I expect on the Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express tour?

    This express trip is designed for those short on time but wanting to explore Northern Thailand, including Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai. It's packed with temples, palaces, and small villages, offering ease of travel by trains and buses for a memorable week in this dynamic region. The travel style is 'Classic'.
  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation includes stays in hotels (4 nights), a unique rafthouse experience (1 night), and travel on a sleeper train (1 night).
  • What should I know about the accommodation quality?

    A variety of hotel and guest house styles are used, which might differ from what you are accustomed to. In some areas, we stay in simple local guest houses in beautiful locations, with small, basic rooms and potentially shared toilet and shower facilities. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators.
  • Are there exceptions for single room bookings?

    Yes, if you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room for all night stops except for the rafthouse (Night 2) and the overnight sleeper train (Night 4).
  • Are meals included in the tour price?

    The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Generally, other meals are not included to offer flexibility in your dining choices and budgeting. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) can recommend excellent local restaurants, and groups often choose to dine together.
  • What is the typical group size and age range for this tour?

    The tour accommodates a maximum group size of 16 people. It is suitable for individuals aged 12 to 100 years.
  • What is the physical rating for this tour?

    This tour has a physical rating of 1, which means an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers should be able to walk without aid, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum.
  • Who will be leading the tour?

    The tour will be accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO) throughout the trip, and local guides will be utilized where specific local knowledge will enhance the experience.
  • What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

    Transportation between destinations and to/from included activities primarily involves trains, private vans, and walking.
  • Are there any considerations for train travel during public holidays?

    During local public holidays like New Year's or Songkran (April 13-15), train routes may have limited space. In such instances, alternative transport may be arranged for one or more of the scheduled train journeys.
  • What is the local currency and how should I manage money during the trip?

    The local currency is the Thai Baht. We recommend carrying debit cards (Visa and Mastercard networks are widely accepted at ATMs) for cash withdrawals. It's also a good idea to have some USD cash for emergency situations. Traveler's cheques are generally not recommended due to exchange difficulties and fees.
  • What is the customary practice for tipping?

    Tipping service providers such as waiters (around 10%) is customary. For drivers and local guides, a recommendation ranges from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day. Tipping your CEO at the end of the trip is appreciated, with a guideline of $20-25 USD per person per week.
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