Journeys: Explore Northern Thailand - 8 Days
Trip Snapshot
Genders
- Female51%
- Male49%
Average age
Start / End
- Bangkok
- Bangkok
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
10Highlights
- Ayutthaya's Ancient Grandeur & Culinary Delights: Step back in time at Ayutthaya Historical Park, exploring its majestic stone stupas and royal ruins. Conclude your historical journey with a delightful traditional Thai dinner aboard a charmingly converted 1930s rice barge, savoring authentic flavors as the sun sets over the ancient capital.
- Immersive Chiang Mai Culture & Cuisine: Dive deep into the heart of Northern Thailand in Chiang Mai with a hands-on cooking class, sourcing fresh ingredients from a vibrant local market. Experience genuine hospitality with a traditional Thai home dinner in a rural village, connecting with local life and flavors.
- Spiritual Serenity at Doi Suthep & Monk Encounters: Ascend to the revered Doi Suthep monastery for an unforgettable sunset, offering panoramic vistas of Chiang Mai's lush landscapes. Enhance your understanding of local traditions with a unique 'Monk Chat,' engaging in insightful cultural exchange.
- Kanchanaburi's Historical Odyssey: Embark on a poignant journey into World War II history in Kanchanaburi. Cross the legendary Bridge on the River Kwai by train and reflect on significant events at the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and solemn War Cemetery.
- Erawan Falls' Emerald Pools Adventure: Discover the natural splendor of Erawan National Park, hiking through lush terrain to reach the exquisite seven-tiered Erawan Falls. Indulge in a refreshing dip in its iconic turquoise pools, surrounded by pristine rainforest.
- Bangkok's Waterways & Sacred Wonders: Conclude your Thai exploration with a captivating klong boat ride through Bangkok's intricate canals, often dubbed the "Venice of the East." Witness vibrant riverside life and marvel at the magnificent golden Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, one of Thailand's most revered temples.
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Summary
Delve into the wonders of northern Thailand on a trip packed with unforgettable experiences. Explore the elegant stone stupas and sprawling palaces of Ayutthaya Historical Park; then venture to Chiang Mai, where we’ll craft local dishes with ingredients gathered from a town market and visit a rural village for a traditional meal. While discovering Buddhist temples and lush mountain landscapes, gain an intimate perspective on Thailand’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Itinerary
Day 1
Bangkok
Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included.
Day 2
Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
After breakfast, travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. Board a train for a winding journey into World War II history as you cross the bridge made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learn about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma; then visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where the prisoners of war who worked on the railway were laid to rest.
Day 3
Kanchanaburi/Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
This morning, hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan. This afternoon, transfer to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. Sample traditional Thai dishes during dinner on a converted rice barge from the 1930s.
Day 4
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya/Chiang Mai
Set out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world. Stroll down well-planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture for generations to come. Later, return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Visit a traditional village in the countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner, served on low pedestal trays. Khantok in the Northern dialect means wooden tray, used for carrying dishes, round in shape and made of teak wood. The host will invite guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. After dinner, enjoy tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living.
Day 5
Chiang Mai
Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colourful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Gain insights into core Buddhist principles and daily life in the temple through a conversation with a Theravada monk, an alumnus of the International Buddhist University in Sri Lanka, and a respected teacher of Buddhism and meditation at a renowned international center in Chiang Mai. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand. Monk chats are a great cultural exchange, but also important in helping the young Monks improve their English.
Day 6
Chiang Mai
Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and forested hills on your own, or choose between a variety of optional activities. Opt to take a cycling tour through verdant rice paddies and the elegant historic district. In the evening, choose to visit Chiang Mai’s vibrant night market.
Day 7
Chiang Mai/Bangkok
This morning, fly to Bangkok and board a traditional klong boat for a ride along the winding canals that have earned the city the nickname the “Venice of the East.” Glide past colourful temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water. Visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple complex, and often considered Thailand’s first public university—its many inscriptions were intended to instruct visitors. Marvel at the magnificent statue of the Reclining Buddha, glittering with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl.
Day 8
Bangkok
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels – 7?nts.
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Jun 2026
from £1,528Jul 2026
from £1,222Aug 2026
from £1,222Oct 2026
from £1,528Nov 2026
from £1,528Dec 2026
from £1,606Jan 2027
from £1,606Feb 2027
from £1,606Mar 2027
from £1,528May 2027
from £1,449Jun 2027
from £1,528Jul 2027
from £1,528Aug 2027
from £1,528Sep 2027
from £1,449Oct 2027
from £1,528Nov 2027
from £1,528Dec 2027
from £1,606Jan 2028
from £1,449Feb 2028
from £1,449Mar 2028
from £1,449Apr 2028
from £1,449May 2028
from £1,449Jun 2028
from £1,449Jul 2028
from £1,449Aug 2028
from £1,449Sep 2028
from £1,449Oct 2028
from £1,449Nov 2028
from £1,449Dec 2028
from £1,449
- Save 2%Sunday 5 Jul 2026to Sunday 12 Jul 20264 spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,559£1,528
- Save 22%Sunday 19 Jul 2026to Sunday 26 Jul 20266+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,559£1,222Best offer
Customer reviews & ratings
Keep including home visit and dinner. That was a high point experience. Also enjoyed cooking class Overall, wonderful trip thanks to ?TomTom? Wonderful guide and itinerary
Deborah Sep, 2024 Verifiedoverall it was a good experience-
Stefan Sep, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
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