Don't just visit Thailand; find yourself on a once-in-a-lifetime, genuine cultural experience you'll talk about forever. This 10-day adventure throughout northern Thailand will give you amazing stories to share. Explore the ruins of the former Thai capital city of Ayutthaya, spend a night in a floating rafthouse, and take a local train up to vibrant and unforgettable Chiang Mai to trek into the hills surrounding the city. Get to know the people of the hilltribes who don't often get to meet travellers. This immersive experience will take you back to a simpler time that you might not want to leave.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Ban Pha Mon Homestay, Ban Pha Mon
Your G for Good Moment: Ban Muang Pam Homestay, Ban Muang Pam
Your G for Good Moment: Ban Jabo Homestay, Ban Jabo
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Klong riverboat tour (Bangkok). Wat Po visit. Erawan Falls and Bridge on the River Kwai visit. Thai Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery visit (Kanchanaburi). Temple ruins tour (Ayutthaya). Thai Burma Railway Centre visit. Doi Suthep temple visit (Chiang Mai). Trek to remote hilltribe villages (3 days). Lod Cave visit and bamboo rafting. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore magnificent temples and palaces, Sleep in a floating rafthouse, Swim in the turquoise pools of Erawan Falls, Trek through remote Northern Thailand and stay with the friendly locals
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Train, open pickup truck, private vehicle, trekking, raft, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
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.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels/guesthouses (4 nts), rafthouse (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt), basic huts (3 nts, multi-share).
Itinerary
Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation.
Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
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.
Chiang Mai
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.
Chiang Mai
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.
Chiang Mai/Ban Pha Mon
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.
Ban Pha Mon/Ban Muang Pam
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.
Ban Muang Pam/Ban Jabo
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.
Ban Jabo/Chiang Mai
Following breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and return by private van to Chiang Mai, arriving at approximately 3pm. Tour ends on arrival.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
