- Discover the highlights of Bangkok by foot and on a longtail canal boat trip
- Meet the animals of the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
- See the majestic waterfalls at Erawan National Park
- Ride the Death Railway and visit the Hellfire Pass
- Enjoy dinner on a floating restaurant by the River Kwai
Highlights of Northern Thailand
10 Days
Excluding Flights From
12 Days
from
Culture
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Bangkok and beyond: Discover a cultural heavyweight of Southeast Asia
With 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 adventurer. 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
Key Information
- Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 4 Classic nights (hotels and resorts), 1 Simple night (sleeper train)
- Travel by private air-conditioned minibus and sleeper train
- Group normally 4 to 15, plus a local tour leader
- Countries visited: Thailand
What's Included
- Nine breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Monday Sunday
20 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025
Wednesday Thursday
29 Oct 2025 30 Oct 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 5 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price USD 2625
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
12 Jan 2026 11 Jan 2026
Wednesday Thursday
21 Jan 2026 22 Jan 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2820
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
16 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026
Wednesday Thursday
25 Feb 2026 26 Feb 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2925 Book with USD 731 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
16 Mar 2026 15 Mar 2026
Wednesday Thursday
25 Mar 2026 26 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2820 Book with USD 705 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
30 Mar 2026 29 Mar 2026
Wednesday Thursday
08 Apr 2026 09 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2820 Book with USD 705 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
05 Oct 2026 04 Oct 2026
Wednesday Thursday
14 Oct 2026 15 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
19 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026
Wednesday Thursday
28 Oct 2026 29 Oct 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
02 Nov 2026 01 Nov 2026
Wednesday Thursday
11 Nov 2026 12 Nov 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 712 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
16 Nov 2026 15 Nov 2026
Wednesday Thursday
25 Nov 2026 26 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
14 Dec 2026 13 Dec 2026
Wednesday Thursday
23 Dec 2026 24 Dec 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2925 Book with USD 731 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 780
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
11 Jan 2027 10 Jan 2027
Wednesday Thursday
20 Jan 2027 21 Jan 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
15 Feb 2027 14 Feb 2027
Wednesday Thursday
24 Feb 2027 25 Feb 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
15 Mar 2027 14 Mar 2027
Wednesday Thursday
24 Mar 2027 25 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
29 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027
Wednesday Thursday
07 Apr 2027 08 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
04 Oct 2027 03 Oct 2027
Wednesday Thursday
13 Oct 2027 14 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
18 Oct 2027 17 Oct 2027
Wednesday Thursday
27 Oct 2027 28 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
01 Nov 2027 31 Oct 2027
Wednesday Thursday
10 Nov 2027 11 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
22 Nov 2027 21 Nov 2027
Wednesday Thursday
01 Dec 2027 02 Dec 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Thursday
17 Dec 2027 16 Dec 2027
Sunday Monday
26 Dec 2027 27 Dec 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 825
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Bangkok Bangkok
Adventure starts in Bangkok
This adventure starts in Bangkok, the enthralling and energetic capital of Thailand. 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.
Around 6pm, say sawasdee to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Thai welcome by arranging an optional group dinner at a local restaurant (which is included for all in 2026).
Want extra time in Bangkok? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon (or similar)
Bangkok city tour including Grand Palace; overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai
We embark on a city tour of Bangkok. 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 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 a 12-hour journey) to Chiang Mai.
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Arrive Chiang Mai; afternoon orientation walk and Doi Suthep temple visit; Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Our 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)
Visit the Elephant Nature Park; free time
After breakfast, we transfer (approximately 1hr 20min) 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, simply enjoy the many comforts of our hotel.
Accommodation: Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel (or similar)
Visit Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang temple; transfer to Sukhothai and visit Sukhothai Historical Park
Bid farewell to Chiang Mai after breakfast and transfer (approximately 5hr 30min to 6hr with stops) to Sukhothai, established in the 13th century as one of the first ancient capitals of Siam. On the way, we stop to visit the Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, one of the most highly revered temples in Thailand, which displays the Lanna style of architecture. Lunch is on the way at a local restaurant with a chance to try authentic Lanna cuisine, including khao soy, a noodle soup in a curry broth.
This afternoon, we visit Sukhothai Historical Park, one of the best-preserved World Heritage 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: Le Charme Sukhothai Resort/Legendha Sukhothai Resort (or similar)
Transfer to Kanchanaburi
Departing Sukhothai, we transfer (approximately 7hr 30min to 8hr) to the town of Kanchanaburi, where we spend three nights. On the way, we stop for lunch and toilet breaks. Located at the confluence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers, Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai.
Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort (or similar)
Visit the Hellfire Pass and ride the Death Railway
After breakfast, 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 30-minute transfer to Nam Tok railway 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.
Upon arrival in Tha Kilen, we transfer (approximately 35 minutes) back to our resort where the rest of the afternoon is free to relax by the pool, walk along the river and visit the bridge or simply explore Kanchanaburi.
Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort (or similar)
See the waterfalls of Erawan National Park; dinner by the River Kwai bridge
Transfer (approximately one hour) to Erawan National Park after breakfast, where picturesque waterfalls 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 round trip).
This evening, we dine at a floating restaurant 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 our time in Kanchanaburi.
Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort (or similar)
Return to Bangkok; free afternoon
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 can pay our respects to the thousands killed constructing the Death Railway before transferring (approximately 2hr 30min) back to Bangkok.
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)
Adventure ends in Bangkok
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.
Hotels, resorts and sleeper train
We spend eight nights in handpicked hotels and resorts (mostly four-star) and one night on a sleeper train. The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are some of the hotels used.
Bangkok: Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon
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.
Sukhothai: Le Charme Sukhothai Resort/Legendha Sukhothai Resort
Stay either in Le Charme or Legendha(above), both well located for visiting Sukhothai Historical Park. The former has a swimming pool, flowering lotus pond and tropical gardens, the latter is designed to resemble a Thai village, with a swimming pool and spa.
Kanchanaburi: River Kwai Bridge Resort
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 relax post-exploration in your air-conditioned room.
Worth knowing
- Single supplements are available (on request) for eight nights of the trip (not available on the overnight train). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
- Sleeper train: We stay in second 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.
Reviews
Add your own reviewElephants... and beautiful Buddhist temples, Thailand at its best
Beautiful Buddhist temples – photographer’s dream. Elephant Nature Park. Learning about the history in Kanchanaburi, walking along the railway line and train journey at “Death Railway”, and walking across the “Bridge on the River Kwai” (bridge beautifully lit up at night with alternating colours, worth seeing).
Most Inspirational Moment
The morning spent with the elephants in the Elephant Nature Park.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nai was excellent, very helpful, friendly and caring, and good sense of humour. He took groups photos (and individual photos) of us at the various destinations and kept us supplied Thai snacks to sample on the journeys. When the earthquake happened in Bangkok midway through our tour, he kept us fully informed of events and the situation, coming up with alternative itinerary when Hellfire's Pass and museum was closed in Kanchanaburi due to the quake, although there were no tremors there.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The city tour of Bangkok on day 1 is not really a city tour as such, you just visit the places listed on the itinerary and do the longtail boat trip. The city is so vast that it is impossible to see much of the city, either at the start or the end. You really need an extra day or two added on to the trip to explore Bangkok and visit a few more attractions. It is not a compact city and most attractions are far apart, not within walking distance. Tuk-tuks are the best way to make the most of your time and enable you to see more, prices are reasonable and you can haggle for a lower price, within reason... they have to make a living! On the day of arrival of the tour I had some free time before the tour brief, but was so tired from the long indirect flight that I slept for a few hours. On return to Bangkok at the end of the tour and with evening flight on the last day, I did manage to see a few of the sights high up on my list - Wat Saket, Wat Suthat and Jim Thompson's house all worth visiting. The orientation tour on arrival in Chiang Mai just focuses on showing you where things are in the area around the hotel. It does not go into the old town and there is no "city tour" in the itinerary for Chiang Mai. If you want to explore the old city, you will need to visit this in the free afternoons after the mornings' itineraries when you have "free time" to yourself to explore/shop/relax. The main street in the old city, from Phae Gate, has some lovely clothes and souvenirs shops selling good quality goods at good prices along it and, at the very end of the street you come to Wat Phra Singh - a good sized and beautiful Buddhist temple complex, worth visiting (and taking lots of photos!), as is Wat Chedi Luang in the old city, not far from the main road through the heart of the old city. Could have done with slightly longer in the shop at the Elephant nature park as good quality items are sold there and monies from items sold help fund the place. Whilst the tour's itinerary changed in 2025 from when I booked it in 2024, dropping one destination (which I was disappointed at), it did mean we had longer and just the right amount of time in Kanchanaburi. The trip notes show two days of long journeys, but these are broken up with good number of stops and on one day a visit to a temple on the way. The tour's bus was one of the most comfortable I have travelled in and with only 7 of us in our group (excluding Nai), we were able to spread ourselves out and take full advantage of the fully reclining seats with option of back massage incorporated within the seats. Most of us slept for a good amount of the journeys, especially with some of the early starts, so it meant that the journeys weren't so long as a result of the comfort and sleeping at times - we had arrived by the time we woke up. When travelling such vast countries and numerous destinations on these types of tours, long journeys are inevitable and whilst less time spent seeing other places, you do get to see the countryside, towns and villages along the way.
Incredible Landscapes, Unique Experiences and Seamless Adventure
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to and lush jungles of Chiang Mai, every moment was postcard-perfect. Tasting Thailand’s famous street food was a highlight – think pad thai, mango sticky rice. Whether it was exploring ancient temples, or walking through the streets, every activity was well-planned and exciting.
The opportunity to connect with locals, learn their traditions, and even participate in a dying class was priceless. Exodus Adventures took care of every detail, making it stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you’re considering Thailand, this is the way to go! Book it, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget
Above expectations!
Wonderful tour of Northern Thailand. Lots of variety from the history and culture of the Kings and the Buddhas to swimming in the Erewan Falls, paying respects to the POWs at the River Kwai, spending money in the night markets and sampling the wonderful food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Not sure I could pick out one....I did love Sukhothai, a very graceful town with relics of an ancient kingdom and a night market set at the riverside. And a wonderful hotel. Visiting the Elephant Nature Park was also wonderful but perhaps the best thing was the group. There was 15 of us and we all got on so well - no cliques. Every day was fantastic fun.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I can't recommend Nai highly enough. He was fun, very organised, meticulous in preparation. Could always recommend excellent restaurants. He was a major reason for the success of the tour. Very knowledgeable about all that he showed us and enthusiastic about his country's history. Also had a ready supply of rice cakes and sweets he shared with us on on bus journeys!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be open minded, be flexible and enjoy getting to know your fellow travellers. Be prepared for the heat and drink water, water and then more water. A proper thermos flask with a double wall is a must for keeping water cold. A hat is essential. Mosquitoes not a problem.
Every day packed with joy
I absolutely loved this trip. We had a fabulous tour leader and a lovely group of 15 like-minded travellers broadly aged from 20’s to 70’s which really added to our experience. So many great memories packed into every day – from the overnight train to Chiang Mai, to swimming in waterfalls – all the time feeling safe and looked after. A wonderful holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
Wandering round ancient Sukhothai at dusk trying to capture the best sunset photo.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nai was attentive, well-organised, generous and fun, ensuring we maximised our experience (eg giving us all gold leaf, flowers and candles at Doi Suthep temple and sharing his favourite snacks on the coach). He was always at our side to guide us through every experience and chose some delicious (and cheap!) restaurants and food stalls where he took command of arranging multiple bills. He was brilliant!
Advice for Potential Travellers
You do have to live out your suitcase quite a bit so pack lightly and use hotel laundry when you have a two-night stay. Take a thermal water bottle to keep water cool in sweltering heat.
Exodus broke a duty of care
First of all, I would like to point out that we are great fans of Exodus and have enjoyed many trips with Exodus in the past:
Turkey, Leysian activity week, 2012
Morocco, Marrakesh mountains and coast, 2014
Italy, Puglia cycle the heel of Italy, 2015
Finland, Finish wilderness week, 2022
This year’s trip to Thailand was an unforgettable mistake … more of an ordeal and less of a holiday. Why was this? Too much time spent on a bus. Your response to this is probably that the trip notes warned us of the times to be spent on the bus, but I would argue that the times given were purely the Google drive times without allowances for short stops and heavy traffic. To put it plainly, if we had known how long we were going to spend on that bus, we would not of booked this tour. The bus travel times that you gave were misleading.
By now, you will be well aware of the bus driver’s mistake when he took us down a busy dual carriageway on the wrong side of the road. We were incredibly lucky to avoid a fatal accident. I believe that an accident enquiry would have led to “lessons to be learnt”. One of the lessons would have been that the driver was required to drive more hours than could be reasonably expected of anyone. You possibly weren’t breaking any local laws, but that’s not the point. The point is that our driver was being pushed to such an extent that he began making errors, thereby putting our lives at risk. In summary, the trust we placed in Exodus has been broken.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking along Hellfire Pass whilst listening to a superbly produced electronic guide. Less than an hour to do this felt crazy.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nai our group guide and leader was beyond amazing … an inspiration both as a human and as a client oriented organiser. He was ably supported by Kelly, an equally strong and caring individual.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is currently not a safe trip due to the unreasonable demands placed on the tour’s bus driver.
Reply from Exodus
We would like to thank you for your review, Mr Fielding, although we were regretful to learn that your latest Exodus adventure did not live up to your expectations. Our customers’ safety is of paramount importance to us, so we were particularly concerned to hear about an incident involving your driver and that you felt this was caused by the excessive distances you covered. We understand that he turned onto the wrong side of a dual carriageway, incorrectly believing it was one main highway with all lanes following the same direction, which must have been extremely worrying. We understand that concerns were raised by members of your group and that your tour leader reiterated our expectations regarding road safety with your driver. To provide some context as to how this driver was assigned to your group, we are advised that in Thailand our local operators source vehicles and drivers from third party suppliers, and we usually find on our trips to this part of the world that they are diligent, safe, and highly experienced. However, yours was of course the first departure of this new tour, which meant we needed to source a new supplier who could provide the service in this part of Thailand. We sourced the services of a company our local operator had worked with on non-Exodus tours for many years and always delivered an excellent service. We can also confirm that all the relevant documentation checks were done and that your driver had many years of experience behind the wheel. Whilst he did not complete disproportionate amounts of driving for this type of tour, the incident that occurred on your trip does not fill us with any confidence in this driver’s ability to safely transport our groups, and we have, therefore, replaced our supplier ahead of all future tours; we will closely monitor the feedback we receive to ensure that the next supplier meets our expectations. We realise this does not do anything to change the experience you had, but we do hope it shows that we have listened to your concerns and followed up appropriately in keeping with our commitment to customer safety. In terms of the driving times referenced in our literature, these are of course a guide and do not factor in traffic and rest breaks, as these are unpredictable and vary on every departure; nevertheless, we recognise that our trip notes could be clearer and we have updated them to include more realistic driving times, based on your group’s experience. We hope you feel heard, and that despite your clear disappointment you will give us a chance to restore your faith in Exodus on a future trip.
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Highlights of Northern Thailand
10 Days
Excluding Flights From
12 Days
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