Delve Deep: Northern Thailand 2025-26

Delve Deep: Northern Thailand 2025-26

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10 Days From

$1199

Delve Deep: Northern Thailand 2025-26

10 Days Starting in Bangkok and ending in Chiang Mai

Visiting: Thailand

Tour operator:

Topdeck

Tour code:

TNTBC5

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-39

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, History, Rail Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $1199

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Northern Thailand: home of serene temples, unreal scenery, epic histories, food that slaps. And So. Much. More. Want to embrace the new? Jump headfirst into the unknown? Immerse yourself in the extraordinary? This is THE place to do it. We’ll go beyond those all-star attractions and delve deep into the local culture. Grab your camera and pull on those elephant-print pants ‘cos it’s time to get started.

Highlights

  • Visit Mae Klong Railway Market

  • Explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

  • Experience a longtail boat ride to floating raft accommodation

  • Discover the Bridge over the River Kwai

  • Tour the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

  • Bike tour of Chiang Mai

  • Traditional hill tribe experience

  • Visit Tham Lot Cave and Pai Canyon

  • -Visit Mae Klong Railway Market

  • -Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Bangkok (Thailand)

Meals Included: Dinner

Let’s kickstart this adventure in Thailand’s temple-stuffed, neon-lit, food-loving capital. Say sawasdee (sah-wah-dee) to your new travel fam before tucking into your first group dinner. Thought the pad thai from your local takeout was good? Wait ‘til you try the real, authentic thing. Afterwards, the evening is yours for the taking. Need recs? Tick off your souvenir shopping early at a night market. Have a few bevs at a swanky rooftop bar. Or watch a live Muay Thai boxing match. It’s your trip, your way.

Day 2: Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak – River Kwai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Pack an overnight bag (we’ll store the rest of your luggage until we reach Kanchanaburi) and wave goodbye to the city’s locals. Today, we’re making tracks for the legendary River Kwai. First though, a duo of awesome markets. Arrive at Mae Klong Railway Market just in time to see the locals pack up their stalls and make way for the train (yep, an actual train) to pass through. Next up: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This colourful maze of canals (khlongs in the local lingo) is the place to pick up everything from fragrant spices to awesome artwork. Your water journey isn’t quiiite finished yet. Hop on a traditional longtail boat and hightail it (see what we did there?) to tonight’s accommodation: a floating hotel. Sweet dreams...

Day 3: River Kwai – Kanchanaburi

Meals Included: Breakfast

After waking up to dreamy waterside views and the sound of chirping cicadas, it’s time to get your history hat on. No lie, today’s gonna be tough. We’ll start by soaking up one of the region’s most famous sights: the Bridge over the River Kwai. The railway bridge – part of the so-called Death Railway that ran from Thailand to Burma – was built by thousands of POWs during WWII, including many Australians. We’ll learn more about the railway’s construction and the grim working conditions the POWs endured at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. Then, it’s time to take a train ride along what’s left of the Death Railway’s tracks. The evening is up to you. Relax and reflect on the day while watching a spectacular sunset over the river. Then, ask your Trip Leader for some local food recs – they know all the best spots.

Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take one last look at the River Kwai before we head east to Ayutthaya. Never heard of it before? That’s because it’s one of Thailand’s hidden gems – and it is truly special. Once the capital of ancient Siam (the old name for Thailand), Ayutthaya now has UNESCO World Heritage status. The Indiana Jones in you will love touring around its magical temples. We'll head to the site of the old Royal Palace to view two INCRED structures: Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. Then, stock up on snacks and pull out your travel pillow, cos it’s time to board the overnight train. Our destination? The BEAUT city of Chiang Mai.

Day 5: Chiang Mai

This morning, throw open those train curtains and get your first peep of Northern Thailand’s biggest city. Eye-popping architecture. Awesome night markets. And a fascinating fusion of cultures and traditions. Chiang Mai’s got it going ON. We’ll jump straight in with a guided bike tour of its best bits. Then, the afternoon is yours to delve a lil deeper. Tick off some temples, grab some souvenirs at buzzing Warorot Market or chill out at one of the city’s cool cafes. Tonight: gather your travel fam and find a local haunt for a bowl of khao soi: a coconutty, curry-flavoured noodle soup. YUM.

Day 6: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’re gonna want to go big at breakfast today cos we’ve got HEAPS of optional activities for you to dive into. Get your local culture fix during an almsgiving ceremony with the resident monks at a tranquil temple. Or explore the city on two wheels during a guided Vespa tour, including a pit stop at Wat Phra That Doi Kham. It’s that big golden Buddha perched on the hill southwest of the city – you can’t miss it. Hungry? There’s an optional cooking class this afternoon if you fancy upgrading your chef skills. Or practice your foot jabs and switch kicks in a Muay Thai boxing class.

Day 7: Chiang Mai – Pai

Meals Included: Breakfast

After another included brekkie, we’ll wave goodbye to Chiang Mai (for now). Press your nose to the minivan window and soak up all the stunning views racing past as we make our way into the Hmong Hills. Once there, we’ll visit an authentic hill tribe and try the region’s local bevvy: tea! Learn how to pluck tea leaves and roast them during a guided tour of a local tea garden. Then, slurp on some award-winning concoctions in the tranquil tea house. Next, it’s onwards to Pai. This town might be tiny but it’s surrounded by tangled rainforests, tumbling waterfalls and Thailand’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Tonight, get your bearings with a stroll down Pai’s Walking Street – the ideal spot to dig into some delish street food. Our pick? Khao soi: a regional coconutty noodle soup. YUM.

Day 8: Pai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Fuel up at breakfast before we head for the spectacular subterranean wonders of Tham Lot Cave. What’s that? Something just brushed past your ear? Probably just a bat – the cave’s home to hundreds of them. On our way back to Pai, we’ll stop off for steaming bowls of noodles with some seriously eye-popping views. Then, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Head back to Pai Walking Street to pick up a few more gifts for your home fam. Or grab your trip mates and float down the Pai River in inflatable tubes. Memories = made.

Day 9: Pai – Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise and shine! Emerge back into the daylight and hop on the minivan for one last journey. Prepare for windy roads, Topdeckers. Before we return to Chiang Mai for our final evening together though, we’ve got a pitstop to make. Remember how Pai’s home to Thailand’s version of the Grand Canyon? Well, today you’ll be seeing it for yourself. Hope you’re not scared of heights. Then, onwards to Chiang Mai for your final dinner with your new travel besties *tries not to cry*.

Day 10: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ve toured the temples, soaked up all the views, made paper out of elephant poo. All that’s left to do now is swap deets with your travel fam and say your goodbyes. Not quite ready for the fun to be over? Fly back down to Bangkok to join our Southern Thailand trip for a week of island-hopping and jungle adventures. Or meet us in buzzing Hanoi – the starting point of our epic Delve Deep: Vietnam & Cambodia adventure.

What's Included

  • Transport

    Local boat, overnight train, private vehicle

  • Guide

  • Accommodation

    Overnight stay in floating raft accommodation and other accommodations as per itinerary.

  • Meals

    Some meals are included as per the itinerary.

  • Activities

    Includes visits to Mae Klong Railway Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bridge over the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and more.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as Vespa tours, cooking classes, and Muay Thai boxing classes are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Northern Thailand using a mix of local boats, an overnight train, and private vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey.

Accommodation

Experience unique stays including a floating hotel on the River Kwai, offering serene waterside views and a memorable overnight train journey to Chiang Mai.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes a unique overnight stay in floating raft accommodation on the River Kwai.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    The tour utilizes local boats, an overnight train, and private vehicles for transportation.

  • Is there a guided tour included in Chiang Mai?

    Yes, there is a guided bike tour of Chiang Mai included in the itinerary.

  • What historical sites will be visited on this tour?

    The tour includes visits to the Bridge over the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

  • Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a traditional hill tribe experience and a tour of a local tea garden in the Hmong Hills.

  • What activities are available in Pai?

    In Pai, you can explore Tham Lot Cave, visit Pai Canyon, and enjoy the local street food on Pai's Walking Street.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Curious? Open-minded? Same. Topdeckers are a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. They come from all over the globe and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they’re looking to feel real. To experience more. To embrace the unknown. To grow and connect – without judgement.

  • Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?

    Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility

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

    We operate Single Share across across all touring styles and will match you with someone of the same gender

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    E-Documentation will be sent

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

    Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes you can on European Tours

Reviews of this operator

Sarah, Traveller  

Road Trip USA

01-Oct-2020

"The tour leader and bus driver were exceptional at all times. The optional activities were great and catered to a lot of different people. The tour as a whole was great and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would definitely book with Topdeck again."

Tobin, Traveller  

Japan Highlights

29-Nov-2019

“Incredible experience! I had done a tour with another company in Europe so thought I knew what to expect but was blown away with my Topdeck tour. Better accommodation, such a great group of people and our trip leader was incredible. Saw so much stuff I would have missed without him. Highly recommended!”

Emily, Traveller  

Jordan & Israel

08-Aug-2019

“I felt so safe everywhere we went and would go back in a heartbeat if I could! Can't wait to make my way back to Egypt! I would recommend this to everyone, any doubt you have about Egypt or any of the Middle Eastern countries will be washed away as soon as you step off that plane!”

Axel Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

So Topdeck, you have better...

07-Apr-2024

So Topdeck, you have better not of cancelled my trip that I paid over $6000, and now I can’t even login into my own account because of some 403 Error and need permission to gain access to my account. Get it sorted out because I am not flying all the way over to Lisbon Portugal to find my reservation at the hotel has been cancelled. This is absolutely unacceptable and disgraceful. You even got my flights wrong when I went to Tokyo back in 2017 and I ended up at the wrong airport. Topdeck get your act together and sort it out. And let me back into my own account.

Jayden Urch (Google Reviewer)  

Will cancel your trip 1...

16-Sep-2023

Will cancel your trip 1 week beforehand

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Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Topdeck requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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