Current as of: May 16, 2024 - 17:48
Current as of: May 16, 2024 - 17:48
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
Between countless glittering temples, food markets that whirr 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.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
It is an active-paced itinerary encompassing the highlights of Northern Thailand. We travel by private minibus and take one overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, which allows us to experience the must-see spots in a short amount of time. There are a few longer drives on a couple days of the trip with adequate rest stops and time for lunch along the way.
The trip is led by English-speaking Thai leaders.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 15
This 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)
We 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.
Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Bangkok to freshen up before departing the capital; it will be possible for groups to share a few rooms back at the hotel to shower and change.
Later, we transfer to Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat station where we board our overnight sleeper train (approximately 12 hour journey) bound for Chiang Mai.
Accommodation: Overnight train
Our 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 (approximately 50 minutes’ drive) 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 or it is possible to pay a small fee for a short funicular ride to the top) 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)
After breakfast, we transfer to the Chiang Mai countryside (approximately one hour 20 min) 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. 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)
Following breakfast, we say farewell to Chiang Mai and transfer (approximately three hours drive time) 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 and visit 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)
This morning, we first pay a short visit to Phrae’s Khum Chao Luang Museum; a grand 19th-century teak residence of the Phrae rulers now serving as a local history museum.
Departing Phrae, we travel south to the town of Si Satchanalai (approximately three hours drive) 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 drive), 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)
We depart Sukhothai early for a transfer to Kanchanaburi (approximately nine to ten hours including rest and lunch stops) 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)
This morning, our first stop is Erawan National Park (approximately one hour drive). 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 (approximately one hour drive). 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 short 30-minute transfer to Nam Tok train station where we board a train and ride on that same railway (approximately one hour) to Tha Kilen Station, 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.
This evening, we dine at a floating restaurant by the river overlooking the River Kwai Bridge, which was reconstructed after the war and recreated in the Oscar-winning war film The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), an ideal opportunity to take in our tranquil surroundings and reflect on the day.
Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort (or similar)
Following breakfast, we have the chance to walk over the Bridge on the River Kwai before 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)
The 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.
We spend eight nights in handpicked hotels and resorts (mostly four-star) and one night on a sleeper train. Below are the standard hotels we use:
Bangkok: Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon (nights 1 and 9)
Discover the best of Bangkok with a stay at this modern, stylish hotel. There’s easy access to a string of landmarks, while the lounger-lined outdoor pool provides the perfect place to chill before or after your explorations.
Journey to Chiang Mai: Overnight sleeper train (night 2)
Take a traveller’s favourite: the overnight sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, an experience likely to bring out the adventurer in you. We stay in 2nd class, shared open plan air-conditioned sleeper carriages (mixed sex); each sleeping berth has a privacy curtain, while sleeping sheets, a blanket and pillow are provided. Snacks are often offered on board, including in the dining car (at an additional cost) but we recommend purchasing dinner and snacks at the train station beforehand.
Chiang Mai: Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel (nights 3 and 4)
Movenpick has built a global reputation for reliably stylish, upscale hotels, and this Chiang Mai outlet is no different. The highlight may well be the selection of classy spots to eat and drink, which includes a poolside bar serving chilled coconuts and scrumptious smoothies and a Thai restaurant with views over the night bazaar from the terrace.
Phrae: Huern Nana Resort (night 5)
Stay at the only four-star hotel in Phrae, where a modern design is inspired by traditional local architecture. The rooms are modern and unfussy, while downtime is best spent lounging by the pool.
Sukhothai: Sukhothai Treasure (night 6)
Wrapped by rice fields and mountains, this upscale retreat blends the natural beauty of Sukhothai with a standout selection of amenities. There’s a palm-lined swimming pool, wine bar and fitness room, while the Pink Lotus Restaurant serves a contemporary take on Thai and Western dishes.
Kanchanaburi: River Kwai Bridge Resort (nights 7 and 8)
With riverside spots to eat and drink plus a tranquil swimming pool, this peaceful resort is the ideal place to relax. Wander through the gardens or simply chill post-exploration in your air-conditioned room.
Worth knowing
Single supplement from 432 €
There are nine breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner is included.
The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Thai cuisine is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus, ensuring each dish packs a punch; chilli features highly too, but is easily avoided if you prefer.
In most towns, there are a wide variety of restaurants, both Thai and Western. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
We use a private coach/minibus, usually with air conditioning. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time. However, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic.
The overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are normally on time, but you may experience delays and departure times can change without notice.
Northern Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The rainy season in the north is between May and October. November to April has cooler temperatures.
Bangkok and the surrounding region are hot year-round. The rainy season is between May and October when rainfall is abundant but not excessive. This time of year is characterised by more cloudy days and slightly higher humidity. Downpours are usually short and sharp and can be dramatic to watch! November to April is the dry season with rainfall only on a few days per month. April and May tend to be the hottest months before the monsoon.
Start hotel: Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon, 78 Prajatipatai Boripat Rd, Phantom, Pranakorn Bangkok 10200
Phone: +66 2 022 6336
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Bangkok
Location end: Bangkok
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Travellers from the UK, US and Canada normally do not need a visa to enter Thailand. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip.Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm all the above with your doctor or travel clinic.
Dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are a known risk in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Thailand's time zone: Asia/Bangkok (UTC +07:00)
Thailand's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard), B (three pins, US standard), C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Thailand's currency: Thai baht (THB)
ATMs are widespread in Thailand and are the easiest way of obtaining money. There is a minimum 150 Thai baht (US$4.50) fee for all ATM transactions in Thailand. Credit cards are normally in restaurants and shops catering for tourists.
If you would like to bring cash, there is ample opportunity to change this. US dollars and British pounds are both easily exchanged. As you will probably be carrying much of your money in cash, we strongly recommend using a money belt.
You will need about 10,500 baht (US$300) for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Tipping is at your discretion but is customary in Thailand. To remove the hassle, the leader will suggest you contribute approximately 770 baht (US$22) per person to a tipping kitty. This is used by the leader to tip drivers, hotel and local staff etc but it is not used at restaurants. If you do not wish to contribute, you are, of course, free to decline.
In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have received. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of 100-210 baht (US$3-US$6) per day for your leader.
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.