Often overlooked for the country's southern islands, northern Thailand offers incredible opportunities to witness local culture and tradition. You'll get time to explore the capital of Bangkok before heading up to scenic cities along the Mekong, wandering through rice fields and discovering temple-rich regions. This engaging itinerary satiates explorers that are eager to go off the beaten path, with time to visit historic sites and local towns at your own pace.
Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Bangkok/Nong Khai
Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. This evening board an overnight train to Nong Khai.
Day 3 Nong Khai/Chiang Khan
Arrive early in Nong Khai and enjoy a scenic drive along the Mekong, spotting Laos on the other side of the bank. Arrive in the charming town of Chiang Khan mid-morning.
Day 4 Chiang Khan
Experience morning alms-giving by offering rice to local monks. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, wandering around this small town on the Mekong.
Day 5 Chiang Khan/Phitsanulok
Travel to Phitsanoluk. Enjoy an orientation walk of one of Thailands oldest most historic cities, followed by an afternoon at leisure. For dinner, devour flying morning glory - a local specialty that also provides the entertainment of vegetables soaring through the air.
Day 6 Phitsanulok/Lampang
Drive to Sukhothai Historic Park and wander through ruins of this ancient Kingdom. Continue on to Lampang and enjoy a homestay in a traditional Lanna village. Participate in craft demonstrations and opt to help prepare a local meal.
Day 7 Lampang/Chiang Mai
Travel to Chiang Mai. Climb the many stairs to Doi Suthep, the beautiful temple that overlooks Chiang Mai from its location atop a mountain. Fulfil dreams of Thai streetfood this evening at the incredible night market.
Day 8 Chiang Mai
Enjoy free time in Chiang Mai. Opt to go on a segway tour or cycle through the countryside. It's a feat to fit it all in.
Day 9 Chiang Mai
Enjoy free time to explore Chiang Mai. Opt for a bicycle tour, a visit the Mae Sai waterfall, shopping at the night market, or getting a traditional Thai massage. Enjoy a local cooking class with dinner.
Day 10 Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
Free time in Chiang Mai before boarding an overnight train to Ayutthaya.
Day 11 Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi
Arrive in Ayutthaya and enjoy a short tour of historical sites followed by a drive to Kanchanaburi. Explore the Death Railway Museum and Allied War Cemetery, and stretch your legs during a short stop at The Bridge on the River Kwai. Catch a boat transfer to a riverside resort in the jungle.
Day 12 Kanchanaburi
Enjoy free time to explore. Opt to go caving or trekking.
Day 13 Kanchanaburi/Bangkok
Enjoy swimming under the magnificent Erawan Falls. Later transfer to Bangkok for your last night out on the town.
Day 14 Bangkok
Depart at any time.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Village Homestay, Lampang Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, Chiang Mai
- Wat Pho visit
- Klong riverboat tour
- Sukhothai Historic Park visit
- Doi Suthep temple visit
- Night Market visit
- Khantoke Cooking Class
- Thai/Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery visit
- Bridge on the River Kwai visit
- Erawan Waterfalls visit
- Morning alms-giving
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 11 breakfasts
- 2 dinners
Reference : GAH