Tour Detail
Embark on a 12-day Premium adventure through Northern Thailand, where you’ll be captivated by delectable cuisine, breathtaking terrain, enthralling history, and the extraordinary warmth of its people. Dive deep into the heart of Thai tradition as you journey from the bustling urban thoroughfares to serene mountaintops. Traverse the historic ruins of Ayutthaya, engage with the Lisu hill tribes, connect with elephant conservation experts in Chiang Mai, and delve into the nation’s history in Kanchanaburi. Guided by a local expert, you’ll discover the hidden gems of Thailand, revealing that there is much more to this country than initially meets the eye.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Welcome to Thailand! Your journey begins in Bangkok, where you’ll be collected at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling into your room, an important welcome meeting will take place at 6pm. Please check for the Intrepid Premium noticeboard in the reception area of the hotel. If you arrive early, take some time to enjoy Bangkok’s irresistible energy. By day you’ll encounter a city steeped with history and tradition, but by night Bangkok is taken over by a flood of music and neon lights. Watch torrents of tuk tuks zip by while traditional khlong boats slowly wind down the Chao Phraya River. After your meeting, join your small group for a welcome dinner at an excellent local restaurant where your leader will introduce you to a food scene that’s bursting with local flavour.
Accommodation
Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside Hotel Bangkok or similar (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Bangkok – Welcome Dinner
Special information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.
Day 2: Bangkok
Rise early for an optional exclusive experience away from Bangkok’s well-trodden tourist track. Join the locals for to a visit to a temple along the Chao Phraya River, where you’ll ‘make merit’ by bringing an offering to the temple’s monks – a truly unforgettable moment. Today your leader will take you for a day of sightseeing and activities in lively Bangkok. Tour Wat Po, a larger-than-life temple complex in the city – home of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Also visit the majestic Grand Palace and learn about the site which has been the official residence of the kings since the 1700s, and enjoy a boat tour of the city’s canals as your leader shows you how Bangkok’s locals live today. The afternoon is free to do as you wish, perhaps check out the art collection at the Jim Thompson house or relax with a Thai massage.
Accommodation
Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside Hotel Bangkok or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Bangkok – Grand Palace
Bangkok – Wat Pho
Bangkok – Khlong boat canal tour
Bangkok – Temple Merit Making
Add on activities
Bangkok – Jim Thompson’s House – THB200
Bangkok – Thai Massage – THB250
Special information
Please note when visiting the Grand Palace you will be required to wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees (long pants or skirts are suitable) plus covered shoes/sneaker (no sandals).
Day 3: Kanchanaburi
Unleash your creativity and learn about the history of Benjarong, a traditional style of painted Thai porcelain, with a visit to a ceramics community. The name literally means ‘five colours’ (although it’s not unusual to see up to eight) and artists use enamel to create intricate floral and geometric designs. This morning you’ll get to paint your own mug or teacup which will be fired and sent to you to take home as a unique and very special souvenir. There will be time to buy lunch if you wish, before you continue to Kanchanaburi to visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. This prisoner of war cemetery was one of the first museums to attempt to educate the public and keep the memory of the Asian and POW workers who died constructing the infamous Death Railway alive.
Accommodation
U Inchantree or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Benjarong – Ceramics Workshop
Kanchanaburi – Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Kanchanaburi – Bridge over the River Kwai
Special information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 4: Kanchanaburi
Start your day with a visit to Erawan National Park where you can explore the park’s famous seven-level waterfall or simply swim and relax. The falls are regarded as some of the most beautiful in the country, with glacial blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Many Allied prisoners of war and conscripted Asian labourers were engaged here to help build a rail route to Myanmar (Burma), including the passage infamously known as Hellfire Pass. Visit the memorial museum of the pass where your leader will provide more information about this chapter in history. Take a historical train journey across a portion of this ‘death railway’ along the Kwai Noi River and travel over the original wooden viaduct, known as the Krasae Bridge, constructed by the allied POWs. Pass through peaceful and naturally beautiful scenery as you learn of those who lost their lives building this rail route. The evening is yours to explore the town.
Accommodation
U Inchantree or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Kanchanaburi – Erawan National Park Visit
Kanchanaburi – Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
Special information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.
Day 5: Ayutthaya
This morning head to Ayutthaya, one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a World Heritage site. On the way, visit Baan Nong Khao CBT Village, an agricultural village that is famous for its Pha Khao Mah hand-weaving. Visit the community’s museum, a palm sugar field and a local house to see how desserts featuring this famous Thai ingredient are made. Of course, you’ll get to sample these delicious, sweet treats. Then watch the weavers at work as they use more than 100 colours of yarn to create traditional Thai clothing. Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, explore the photogenic 13th-century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat and discover rows of Buddhas beheaded by the Burmese. Look out for the displaced Buddha head suspended in the roots of a Banyan tree – one of the country’s most photographed images. Tonight, the past will come to life as you board a traditional rice barge and tuck into a delicious Thai dinner.
Accommodation
Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Baan Nong Khao – Weaving Community Visit
Ayutthaya – Temple Visit
Ayutthaya – Traditional Rice Barge Dinner Cruise
Day 6: Ayutthaya to Sukhothai
Today you will leave Ayutthaya and travel to the town of Phitsanulok by train. Sit back, relax and watch the scenery roll by. After arriving in Phitsanulok, change to a private vehicle and continue on this comfortable journey which will see you arriving in Sukhothai at approximately 5pm. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. You may like to relax by the pool or unwind with a Thai massage, and for dinner this evening be sure to ask your leader where you can get a bowl of Sukhothai’s famously tasty noodles.
Accommodation
Legendha Sukhothai Resort or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Ayutthaya – Train to Phitsanuloke
Special information
Today’s travel time is approximately 5 hours.
Day 7: Sukhothai
Sukhothai, established in the 13th century, was one of the first ancient capitals of Siam. Start your day with an optional alms offering before visiting its famed World Heritage listed historical park, which captures the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Visit the historical park, which spans the ruins of the town, where you will rent a bicycle and take part in a cycle tour. As you ride around, your leader will let you know more about the history of this former metropolis and its fascinating structures. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful grounds of Sukhothai Park. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town, or you might want to simply read a book by the pool back at your accommodation. This evening, regroup and head to the home of one of our local friends where you’ll enjoy a wonderful homecooked dinner and a unique insight into life in this part of the country.
Accommodation
Legendha Sukhothai Resort or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Sukhothai – Morning Alms Offering
Sukhothai – Historical Park Visit and Bike Ride
Sukhothai – Dinner in a local home
Day 8: Mae Taeng
Travel from Sukhothai to the Mae Taeng region. Draped between tranquil rice fields and fruit orchards, you’ll find the enchanting Lisu Lodge, your Feature Stay accommodation. The lodge is a community-based project that trains and employs Lisu villagers from the nearby hill tribe and aims to preserve their cultural heritage. The Lisu people are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group and one of the six main hill tribes of Northern Thailand. Meet the colourfully dressed villagers and learn more about the Lisu way of life – a truly special experience that is sure to be one of your enduring memories of Thailand. The lodge offers gorgeous guestrooms decorated in the traditional Lisu style with modern comforts. Savour unforgettable views of the surrounding hillside and valley, and enjoy a tantalising dinner of Thai food mixed with traditional Lisu dishes. You don’t have to look for a cultural experience here – it’s all around you.
Accommodation
Lisu Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 7 hours.
Day 9: Mae Taeng
After breakfast at Lisu Lodge, it’s a quick trip to Muang Kued Village where you will meet with a local villager and enjoy a private guided tour. Learn about village life, the reforestation of the surrounding area and how produce is grown in the village orchards. Explore the organic farm and choose the ingredients for a cooking class where you’ll learn how to cook traditional Thai food. After a delicious lunch, join the villagers for a chance to learn how to weave palm leaves to create ornaments and accessories. You’ll also enjoy a tasty barbeque dinner at the nearby Mae Tamaan Base Camp.
Accommodation
Lisu Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Muang Kued – Village Visit, Cooking Class, and Handicraft Workshop
Mae Taeng – Mae Tamaan Base Camp BBQ Dinner
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Travel to the Elephant Nature Park – a unique project that provides sanctuary for elephants and other animals. Be greeted by an expert local guide and learn the stories of the rescued elephants and the issues they face in South-East Asia. Feed the elephants from a viewing platform, walk with the expert staff to watch elephants bathe and play, and enjoy a vegetarian buffet lunch. On arrival back in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon, the evening is yours to enjoy your way. You may like to visit the vibrant Night Bazaar or take a stroll around the old town which is bounded by moats. Your guide can give you recommendations on where to go for dinner.
Accommodation
Smile Lanna Resort or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Chiang Mai – Elephant Nature Park Half Day Trip
Day 11: Chiang Mai
Start your day with a caffeine hit and a visit to a sustainable social enterprise with a focus on all things coffee. From here, you will drive to the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Take in stunning views along the scenic and winding mountain road which brings you to an impressive 300-step Naga-guarded stairway. The rewards justify the ascent to the top, with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention the fantastic panoramic views of the city. Return to Chiang Mai where you will have time to relax before an exclusive farewell dinner cooked by a local chef. Dine on delicious traditional northern Thai food like kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef, as you reminisce about the wonderful adventures you’ve had in Northern Thailand.
Accommodation
Smile Lanna Resort or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Chiang Mai – Akha Ama Coffee Social Enterprise Visit
Chiang Mai – Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Chiang Mai – Farewell Dinner
Special information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Day 12: Chiang Mai
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in Chiang Mai we can help arrange extra accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals
Breakfast
Inclusions
Meals
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
Train, Private mini van, Longtail boat, Songtheaw, Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Resort (5 nights), Lodge (2 nights)
Premium Inclusions
Arrival airport transfer
Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
Luggage transfer
Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
24/7 on-ground support
Activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Bangkok – Welcome Dinner
Bangkok – Grand Palace
Bangkok – Wat Pho
Bangkok – Khlong boat canal tour
Bangkok – Temple Merit Making
Benjarong – Ceramics Workshop
Kanchanaburi – Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Kanchanaburi – Bridge over the River Kwai
Kanchanaburi – Erawan National Park Visit
Kanchanaburi – Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
Baan Nong Khao – Weaving Community Visit
Ayutthaya – Temple Visit
Ayutthaya – Traditional Rice Barge Dinner Cruise
Ayutthaya – Train to Phitsanuloke
Sukhothai – Morning Alms Offering
Sukhothai – Historical Park Visit and Bike Ride
Sukhothai – Dinner in a local home
Muang Kued – Village Visit, Cooking Class, and Handicraft Workshop
Mae Taeng – Mae Tamaan Base Camp BBQ Dinner
Chiang Mai – Elephant Nature Park Half Day Trip
Chiang Mai – Akha Ama Coffee Social Enterprise Visit
Chiang Mai – Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Chiang Mai – Farewell Dinner
Add on activities
Bangkok – Jim Thompson’s House – THB200
Bangkok – Thai Massage – THB250
