Explore Northern Thailand

Explore Northern Thailand

Bangkok

Wat Arun Buddhist temple, Bangkok

Day 1
Sukhothai

Sukhothai Historical Park

Days 2-3
Sukhothai Historical Park

Sukhothai Historical Park

Day 3
Chiang Mai

Elephants in Chiang Mai's Elephant Nature Park, Thailand

Days 6-8

Map
459 Views
8 Days From

$1260

$1071

Tour Overview

Northern Thailand is a treasure trove filled with glittering temples, ancient ruins, exotic markets and sumptuous foods. Explore the capital of Siam's golden age at Sukhothai, visit the bustling markets of Chiang Mai, stay at a special homestay with local friends and enjoy a traditional khantok dinner - there's so much to discover on this tour through Thailand's northern kingdoms. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Experience the best of Northern Thailand with ample time in the charming Chiang Mai in a whirlwind 8-days and enjoy the local hospitality and understand why the nation is the Land of Smile.

  • Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at Chang Chill Elephant Park

  • Work up an appetite with a leisurely cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ruined temples of World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Park, then feast on a home-cooked picnic lunch.

  • See how the locals live on a bicycle ride through your homestay village. Ride past the rice fields and breathe in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance.

Places You'll See

 Lumphini Park, Bangkok

Lumphini Park, Bangkok

Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Bangkok

Grand Palace, Bangkok
Garden and Phra Maha Prasat complex in The Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand
Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Bangkok
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
Jim Thompson House, Bangkok
Lumphini Park, Bangkok
The White marble temple in the Grand palace area, Bangkok, Thailand, Asia

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. With no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into world famous street food.

Optional Activities:
-Bangkok - Grand Palace
-Bangkok - Thai Massage
-Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure
...more ...less

Day 2: Sukhothai

Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai, Thailand
Sukhothai, Thailand
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park

Location: Sukhothai

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Resort

This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by train (approx 6 hours) and private mini van (approx 1 hour) to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.

Included Activities:
-Sukhothai - Night Market

Day 3: Sukhothai

Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai, Thailand
Sukhothai, Thailand
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park

Location: Sukhothai

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way, and if you have enough free time, visit a local ceramics factory.

Included Activities:
-Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
-Sukhothai - Home-cooked picnic lunch

Day 4: Village Homestay

Location: Village Homestay

Accommodation: Homestay (Multishare)

Accommodation Name: Homestay (Multishare)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel by private minivan from Sukothai (approx 4 hours) to the warm and welcoming home of Intrepid's long-time friends in a small Thai village where you’ll spend the night. Accommodation at the homestay is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantok dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.

Included Activities:
-Village Homestay - Cultural performance
-Village Homestay - Khantok dinner

Day 5: Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

Location: Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, jump on some bikes and cruise around the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. Say goodbye to your new friends and travel on to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and enjoy a free evening tonight.

Included Activities:
-Village Homestay - Home-Cooked Lunch
-Village Homestay - Cycling tour

Optional Activities:
-Chiang Mai - Night Market - Free

Day 6: Chiang Mai

Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Inthanon national park at Chiang mai, Thailand.
Landscape views in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Mount Inthanon, Inthanon national park, Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

This morning, follow your leader to the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai for a visit. You'll be able to learn about these fresh ingredients and where the beautiful flavors of Thai cooking comes from. Then the rest of the day is free.Perhaps explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks. Or maybe wander markets, meet monks, cruise the river, and slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River Experience. Don't miss out on trying lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training center where you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Or maybe join a Thai cooking class to discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine. Your tour leader will be able to help you make the best of your day with plenty suggestions.

Included Activities:
-Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

Optional Activities:
-Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Inthanon national park at Chiang mai, Thailand.
Mount Inthanon, Inthanon national park, Chiang Mai
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Landscape views in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.

Included Activities:
-Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary

Day 8: Chiang Mai

Mount Inthanon, Inthanon national park, Chiang Mai
Landscape views in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Inthanon national park at Chiang mai, Thailand.
Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you are staying on in Chiang Mai why not join an Urban Adventure and allow yourself to be spirited away on an early morning Chiang Mai tour that puts you at the epicentre of Buddhist rituals. Learn to meditate, offer alms to monks, and make an offering at a temple. If you’re feeling active then you might want to saddle up for a half day cycling trip. Enjoy a pleasant ride along the green banks of the Ping River and stop at a former leper colony turned rehabilitation centre. Continue along various fruit orchards, cycling down small country roads and meandering around the villages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here you’ll discover the real rural Thailand and encounter the Thai way of life. Explore the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of Lanna, before you cycle back to Chiang Mai.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (4 nights), Resort (2 nights), Multi-share Homestay (1 night)

  • Meals
    3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinners

  • Sukhothai - Night Market

  • Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour

  • Sukhothai - Home-cooked picnic lunch

  • Village Homestay - Cultural performance

  • Village Homestay - Khantok dinner

  • Village Homestay - Home-Cooked Lunch

  • Village Homestay - Cycling tour

  • Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

Included Activities

  • Sukhothai - Night Market
  • Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
  • Sukhothai - Home-cooked picnic lunch
  • Village Homestay - Cultural performance
  • Village Homestay - Khantok dinner
  • Village Homestay - Cycling tour
  • Chiang Mai - Thai Cooking Class
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill elephant sanctuary
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary Lunch

Transport

  • OVERNIGHT TRAINS
  • Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/

Accommodation

  • Hotel (4 nights), Resort (2 nights), Multi-share Homestay (1 night)

Important Information

  • 1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip excluding Day 4 (Homestay). Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested.

Mode of Transport

  • OVERNIGHT TRAINS
  • Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/

Accommodation

  • Multi-share Homestay (1 night), Hotel (4 nights), Resort (2 nights)

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    There is a night at a homestay on this trip, a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday Thai life. Facilities are basic and multishare, typically with mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms. The rewards of such an authentic local experience are immeasurable. ...more ...less

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍 ...more ...less

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon! ...more ...less

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic. ...more ...less

john whelan (Google Reviewer)  

We booked the 10 day...

28-Feb-2025

We booked the 10 day Group Explorer package with them for Vietnam and Wow !!! . It was fantastic. We were initially a bit anxious, but that all settled after day one. There is a fair bit of travelling and moving involved, but we'll woth it as you get to see and experience loads .Our Guide Huy was brilliant and looked after us really well from local knowledge to restaurants and tour information and activities . It's worth doing folks with intrepid . Well done, keep up that standard of service. ...more ...less

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong ...more ...less

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X ...more ...less

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure! ...more ...less

Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)  

I have recently completed the...

07-Feb-2025

I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour. A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent. From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included. Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳. Prepare to have all your senses assaulted . Go for it. ...more ...less

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best. ...more ...less

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$1260 $1197 (USD)

Operator discount: -$63 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$1260 $1071 (USD)

Operator discount: -$189 (USD)

Prices last published on 16-Mar-2025

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for Extra Savings

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Explore Northern Thailand

8 Days Starting in Bangkok and ending in Chiang Mai

Visiting: Bangkok, Sukhothai, Village Homestay, Village Homestay - Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTSK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $1260 $1071 (USD) Operator discount: -$189 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 16-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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