Northern Thailand Adventure
Northern Thailand Adventure
Wat Tham Khao Noi in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Huay Mae Khamin waterfalls in Srinakarin National Park, Kanchanaburi
Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
$1429
Tour Overview
Embark on the Northern Thailand Adventure, a captivating journey through Thailand's rich cultural and natural landscapes. Begin in bustling Bangkok, exploring its vibrant canals and the iconic Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi to experience the serene beauty of Erawan Falls and the historic Bridge on the River Kwai. Discover the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya before heading to Chiang Mai, where you can delve into local life and visit the stunning Doi Suthep temple. Trek through the lush northern countryside, staying with welcoming locals in traditional hilltribe villages. Experience the unique cultures of the Lahu and Karen communities, and explore the mystical Tham Lod cave by bamboo raft. This small group tour offers a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, with diverse accommodations ranging from hotels to homestays, ensuring an unforgettable Thai experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown
Arrive at any time.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Location: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi
Accommodation: Pung-Waan Resort
Accommodation Name: Pung-Waan Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation.
ACTIVITY: Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
ACTIVITY: This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a unique experience aboard a floating rafthouse on the famous River Kwai.
Day 3: Kanchanaburi
Location: Kanchanaburi
Accommodation: Good Times Resort
Accommodation Name: Good Times Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.
TRANSPORT: Enjoy a short drive to view the beautiful Erawan Waterfalls. (1-2 hours per direction)
ACTIVITY: Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.
ACTIVITY: Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. We're sure you've seen or at least heard of the famous movie "Bridge on the River Kwai." Well, now you can tour the real thing. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, offering fabulous views of the river below.
Day 4: Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
Location: Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit the ruins of Ayutthaya, which served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Located 86km (53 mi) north of Bangkok, the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include stunning pagodas and Buddha images.
TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the city. Visit Doi Suthep in the afternoon.
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.
ACTIVITY: Walk the inner Old Town of Chiang Mai with your CEO who will point out the basic landmarks and points of interest.
ACTIVITY: After the orientation walk enjoy a street food crawl of local vendors in Chiang Mai. Sample different cuisines from food stalls and open yourself up to new flavours.
FREE TIME: Use free time here to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Day 6: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Take a full free day to relax or explore the countryside of northern Thailand.
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.
FREE TIME: Use free time here to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai.
Day 7: Chiang Mai/Ban Pha Mon
Location: Chiang Mai, Huay Nam Dung National Park, Ban Pha Mon
Accommodation: Ban Pha Mon Homestay
Accommodation Name: Ban Pha Mon Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from Chiang Mai to the trailhead. Trek through farmland and bamboo and teak forests. Learn about bush food and medicinal plants. Enjoy lunch en route before continuing through rice fields and valleys to reach the first village of a Lahu tribe. Assist with food prep and cooking, or check out a local Lahu massage.
Tucked away in the hills of northern Thailand is where the most colourful and unchanged traditional communities can be found. Trek through forests and rural terrains to visit some of these diverse hilltribe villages; often, each will have their own unique language, clothing style, and belief system that differs significantly from those of neighbouring tribes. You are well looked after by your CEO and local guides, who take the responsibility of preparing all meals and carrying food supplies.
Additional Information: The exact itinerary of the walking on this trip may change from time to time, taking into account the weather and local conditions. Also, please note there may be times when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate -- your CEO and guides will be able to advise you. Be prepared for the accommodation to be basic; remember, it's all about an authentic and unique experience!
ACTIVITY: Hit the road early in the morning to head to the trailhead. Start the trek through forests and rugged terrain that winds itself around various hilltop villages. Trek from Huay Nam Dung National Park to Ban Pha Mon, a Lahu village.
ACTIVITY: These agricultural communities support themselves with farming and hunting but typically struggled to survive financially outside of growing seasons. To prevent families from leaving and the gradual loss of culture and history, we worked with a local NGO to help sustainably build tourism opportunities through a year-long training program, including this overnight stay.
Day 8: Ban Pha Mon/Ban Muang Pam
Location: Ban Pha Mon, Ban Muang Pam
Accommodation: Ban Muang Pam Homestay
Accommodation Name: Ban Muang Pam Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek between villages, over farmlands and grasslands, and ascend to the ridge line. Learn about bush medicine and seasonal fruits as you make your way to the lunch stop. Go for a swim and help the local guides prepare lunch. Continue on to the Karen village and spend the night.
Trek for about six hours and between villages, over farmlands and grasslands and acend to the ridgeline. Learn about bush medicine, seasonal fruits and plants and seeds. Slip your wet shoes on and descend to the Huew Hin Poon Creek for lunch.
Here, go for a swim and help the local guides make a friction fire and prepare lunch. Continue another hour and a half to the jungle Buddhist temple outside the second village. Spend the night in the Karen village learn about wood carving, weaving and cooking.
ACTIVITY: Trek to reach the lunch stop, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. Enjoy lunch before carrying on to the Karen village of Ban Muang Pam. Here, discover more about local life, help prepare dinner, or learn about weaving and wood carving.
ACTIVITY: Experience traditional White Karen culture in a mountain valley when you’ll explore how to live a self-sufficient life. Trek the conservation forest area and rice fields with trained local guides, observe traditional weaving by the Women’s Textiles Group, and learn how to make a bamboo souvenir. By staying in a traditional Karen home with host families, you’re supporting community efforts to preserve White Karen culture.
Day 9: Ban Muang Pam/Ban Jabo
Location: Ban Muang Pam, Tham Lod, Ban Jabo
Accommodation: Ban Jabo Homestay
Accommodation Name: Ban Jabo Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, leave the village and continue on, trekking beside the Pam River through lush jungle. Arrive at Tham Lod, a 1666m deep cave. Enter by bamboo raft and move to different chambers - a truly unique experience. Following the cave visit and lunch travel to Ban Jabo, a Black Lahu village. Learn about the Lahu culture, try out some traditional activities, and lend a hand making dinner using regional products and cooking methods.
ACTIVITY: After breakfast, leave the village and continue on, trekking beside the Pam River through lush jungle. Arrive at Tham Lod, a 1666m deep cave. Bamboo rafts are required to enter the cave and move to different chambers - a truly unique experience.
ACTIVITY: Experience an unforgettable stay in this highland village. Connect with a Black Lahu family and learn about daily life for this hilltribe. Try your hand at bamboo weaving or playing a Lahu instrument, and help your host family prepare a traditional meal.
Day 10: Ban Jabo/Chiang Mai
Location: Ban Jabo, Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and return by private van to Chiang Mai, arriving at approximately 3pm. Tour ends on arrival.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (4 nts), rafthouse (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt), basic huts (3 nts, multi-share). -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners -
G for Good Moments
Experience homestays at Ban Pha Mon, Ban Muang Pam, and Ban Jabo, supporting local communities.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group at the start of the tour.
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Klong Riverboat Tour
Enjoy a riverboat tour in Bangkok.
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Wat Po Visit
Visit the famous Wat Po temple in Bangkok.
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Erawan Falls and Bridge on the River Kwai Visit
Explore the beautiful Erawan Falls and the historic Bridge on the River Kwai.
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Thai Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery Visit
Learn about history at the Thai Burma Railway Centre and visit the Allied War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi.
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Temple Ruins Tour
Tour the ancient temple ruins in Ayutthaya.
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Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Visit the Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai.
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Trek to Remote Hilltribe Villages
Embark on a 3-day trek to visit remote hilltribe villages.
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Lod Cave Visit and Bamboo Rafting
Explore Lod Cave and enjoy bamboo rafting.
What's Not Included
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International Travel
International flights to and from the destination are not included.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
Transport
Train, open pickup truck, private vehicle, trekking, raft, walking.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including hotels and guesthouses for 4 nights, a unique floating rafthouse for 1 night, a sleeper train for 1 night, and basic huts for 3 nights with multi-share facilities.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
Group Size
Max 16, Avg 12.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel through Northern Thailand using a mix of train, open pickup truck, private vehicle, trekking, raft, and walking, ensuring a diverse and immersive journey through the region's landscapes.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. ...more ...less
Important Notes
1. PASSPORT DETAILS
G Adventures requires your passport number and date of birth before we can confirm your booking. Please make sure you give this information to your travel agent.
2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
3. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our CEOs, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
A variety of styles of hotels/guesthouses are used on this tour. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home, as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guesthouses in stunning locations – rooms are small and basic, may be multi-share, and there may be shared toilet facilities and showers. ...more ...less
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit.
Most travellers prefer to carry a softbag or rolling bag of small to medium size can be suitable. If you have combined Independent trip with some other G Adventures trip (basic or standard) we recommend you to travel with a backpack. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics. While hiking with a backpack, your main luggage can be stored at the hotel in Chiang Mai.
If you don’t know what type of clothes to bring, you can check different weather web sites. We also recommend you to bring sun protection creams (better to buy them at home, because ones in Thailand are produced for local types of skin).
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the Northern Thailand Adventure tour?
During the Northern Thailand Adventure tour, you will stay in a variety of accommodations including hotels/guesthouses, a floating rafthouse, a sleeper train, and basic huts in multi-share settings. The accommodations are simple and may not have the same level of service and efficiency as you might be used to back home. ...more ...less
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What activities are included in the Northern Thailand Adventure tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a klong riverboat tour in Bangkok, visits to Wat Pho, Erawan Falls, the Bridge on the River Kwai, the Thai Burma Railway Centre, and Doi Suthep temple. You will also trek to remote hilltribe villages, visit Lod Cave and a prehistoric coffin cave, and experience bamboo rafting. ...more ...less
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What is the transportation like on this tour?
Transportation during the tour includes train, open pickup truck, private vehicle, trekking, raft, and walking. You will also experience an overnight train journey from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners. Meals are often prepared with the help of local guides and may include traditional dishes from the regions visited.
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What should I pack for the Northern Thailand Adventure tour?
It is recommended to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing suitable for the hot and humid climate of Asia. A soft bag or rolling bag of small to medium size is suitable, and a day pack for carrying water, cameras, and other electronics is essential. Sun protection creams are also recommended. ...more ...less
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What is the group size for the Northern Thailand Adventure tour?
The maximum group size for the tour is 16, with an average of 12 participants.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for the tour?
Yes, you must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will have the opportunity to stay with local families in hilltribe villages, learn about traditional crafts such as weaving and wood carving, and participate in cooking traditional meals. The tour also includes visits to significant cultural and historical sites.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Northern Thailand Adventure
10 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visiting: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Huay Nam Dung National Park, Ban Pha Mon, Ban Muang Pam, Tham Lod, Ban Jabo ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
23693
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
