Between countless glittering temples, food markets that whir into life after dark, and an assortment of ancient traditions and communities, Northern Thailand is ideal for the culture-hungry traveller. Join this immersive, varied adventure to experience it for yourself, with an expert local guide revealing their culture, history and traditions as we go. Better yet, a string of handpicked hotels means we can enjoy the Land of Smiles in comfort, allowing us to truly unlock this extraordinary destination.
Day 1: Start BangkokThis adventure, like so many before it, starts in the enthralling capital of Thailand, Bangkok. There is a welcome meeting this evening with your leader, followed by an optional group dinner. But if you have time after your arrival, you may want to walk (15 minutes) to Phra Sumen Fort, an all-white hexagonal construction with a privileged riverside spot.
Accommodation: Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon (or similar)
Day 2: Bangkok city tour including Grand Palace; overnight sleeper train to Chiang MaiWe embark on a city tour of the incredible Thai capital. Our first stop is the Grand Palace complex (home of the Thai royal family) followed by Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha resides, one of the most venerated images in Thailand. Another highlight we encounter is Wat Pho, the largest temple in Bangkok, housing a 151ft (46m) long, 49ft (15m) high gold-plated reclining Buddha.
Please note, when visiting the Grand Palace, clothes covering your shoulders and knees are a requirement for entry.
We then board a longtail boat for a tour of the canals; Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East because of its intricate canal network. Please note, there may be a possibility of larger groups being accommodated in a bigger boat.
This evening, we transfer to Bangkok Hua Lamphong station where we board our overnight sleeper train bound for Chiang Mai.
Accommodation: Overnight train
Day 3: Arrive Chiang Mai; afternoon orientation walk and Doi Suthep temple visit; Chiang Mai Night BazaarOur overnight train arrives early morning into Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North, known for its temples, markets and for the many indigenous communities that live in the hills.
Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights for an early check-in. The rest of the morning is free for you to relax and freshen up after our overnight journey.
Later, meet your group for lunch and enjoy the specialties of Chiang Mai. This afternoon, we head on an orientation walk of the Old Quarter followed by a visit to the hilltop temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the most revered Buddhist shrine in the Chiang Mai region. The climb up to the temple (reached via a 306-step staircase) is well worth the effort – on a clear day, we get excellent views over Chiang Mai and the striking temple-studded landscape.
Tonight, we check out the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, full of local handicrafts and fabulous northern street food dishes, which we can enjoy for dinner. Alternatively, there may be the option to enjoy a traditional khantoke dinner, which is typically a selection of dishes on a ceremonial red pedestal tray.
Accommodation: Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel (or similar)
Day 4: Visit the Elephant Nature Park; free timeAfter breakfast, we transfer to the Chiang Mai countryside (approximately one hour) to the Elephant Nature Park for a half-day visit. This unique project provides a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. We are greeted by an expert guide, tour the park and learn about the problems these animals face in Southeast Asia.
In the afternoon, we transfer back to Chiang Mai where the rest of the day is free for you to explore and . You may want to visit Talat Warorot market, the oldest public market in Chiang Mai and an excellent place to integrate with the local people. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the many comforts of our hotel.
Accommodation: Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel (or similar)
Day 5: Visit Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang temple; transfer to PhraeFollowing breakfast, we say farewell to Chiang Mai and transfer (approximately three hours) to the tranquil riverside town of Phrae, a treasure of the north yet to be truly discovered by the tourist masses.
On the way, we stop at the Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, one of the most highly revered temples in Thailand, which displays the Lanna style of architecture.
Arriving in Phrae in time for lunch, we have the chance to try authentic eastern Lanna cuisine, which is quite different from the dishes in Chiang Mai. This compact town can easily be explored on foot and features many well-preserved, traditional teak houses within the old city.
In the afternoon, we visit the Aunty Sa-Ngiem House workshop to learn about the mo hom (indigo) dyeing process that originated in the Phrae province. Here, we watch the artisan women at work and have the chance to support the local industry.
Accommodation: Huern Nana Resort (or similar)
Day 6: Transfer to Sukhothai; visit the Unesco-listed Sukhothai Historical ParkThis morning, we depart Phrae and travel south to the town of Si Satchanalai (approximately three hours) where we stop for lunch and have the option to try Sukhothai-style noodles.
We then transfer to the town of Sukhothai (approximately one hour), where we spend the night.
This afternoon, we visit the Sukhothai Historical Park, one of the best preserved Unesco-listed sites in Thailand. It contains the relics of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom and partially restored 13th- and 14th-century palaces and temples. We explore the park by electric tram and stay to enjoy sunset.
Accommodation: Sukhothai Treasure (or similar)
Day 7: Travel to KanchanaburiWe depart Sukhothai early for a transfer to Kanchanaburi (approximately seven hours) where we spend the next two nights. The Kanchanaburi province is an area of natural beauty popular with travellers for its caves, waterfalls, river trips and Second World War history.
This evening, we visit Kanchanaburi night market where you can explore and dine like the local people.
Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort (or similar)
Day 8: See the waterfalls of Erawan National Park; ride the Death Railway; visit the bridge on the River Kwai NoiThis morning, our first stop is Erawan National Park. The picturesque waterfalls here are named after Erawan, the multi-headed white elephant from the Hindu religion, which the seven-tiered cascades are said to resemble. Your time is free to enjoy the falls area and there is a chance to swim or walk to the top of the falls (1.24mi/2km, approximately a two-hour return trip).
After, we visit the sobering Hellfire Pass. During the Second World War, Allied prisoners were made to chisel through solid rock here by Japanese forces building a railway line from Thailand to Myanmar. Working by firelight on this particularly difficult section, dozens of prisoners died under brutal circumstances.
We then take a ride on that same railway, once known as the Burma Railway but now more commonly known as the Death Railway. It was constructed to allow Japanese forces to supply their army without the dangers of sending supplies by sea. However, thousands of POWs died under horrific conditions during the construction and so the line earned its nickname.
Our ride finishes at the bridge on the River Kwai Noi, which was reconstructed after the war and recreated in the Oscar-winning war film The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957).
This evening, we dine aboard a floating raft restaurant on the River Kwai Noi, an ideal opportunity to take in our tranquil surroundings and reflect on the day.
Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort (or similar)
Day 9: Return to Bangkok; free afternoonFollowing breakfast, we visit the Kanchanaburi war museum and war cemetery, where we have the chance to pay our respects to the thousands killed constructing the Death Railway before transferring back to Bangkok (approximately 2hr 30min).
The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to do last-minute shopping, sightseeing or simply to relax by the pool before our final evening together.
Accommodation: Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon (or similar)
Day 10: End BangkokThe tour ends this morning after breakfast. Catch your free transfer to the airport to begin your journey home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to extend your stay in this thrilling city.
