Best of Northern Thailand

11 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
On this cultural journey we venture into the heart of Thailand where we discover ancient sights and cruise along bustling waterways. We see the infamous 'Bridge over the River Kwai', explore ruined temples, and spend a night on a jungle raft house. Bangkok - Explore the glittering Grand Palace complex and Wat Po, the temple of the Reclining Buddha Sukh...
$173 OFF
$1,943
From$1,770
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Explore cities ancient & new: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Bangkok & Chiang Mai
    • Cruise the Cho Phraya River aboard a converted rice barge and stay in floating raft houses
    • Spend quality time with Elephants at a Nature Park

What's this trip about?

    On this cultural journey we venture into the heart of Thailand where we discover ancient sights and cruise along bustling waterways. We see the infamous 'Bridge over the River Kwai', explore ruined temples, and spend a night on a jungle raft house. Bangkok - Explore the glittering Grand Palace complex and Wat Po, the temple of the Reclining Buddha Sukhothai - Cycle around the historic park and stay overnight in a homestay in Nathon Chan village Chiang Mai - Witness the excellent conservation work being done at Elephant Nature Park

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityBangkok
End CityBangkok

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Ayutthaya
  • Bangkok
  • Chiang Mai
  • Sukhothai

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in Bangkok; Optional Longtail Canal trip

Arrive in Thailand's capital, the lively metropolis of Bangkok. The bustling street life of this energetic city is set to a backdrop of colourful, ornate shrines and modern glass-fronted high-rises, which jostle for position to dominate the city's skyline. It is a pl...

Day 2 In Bangkok, visit Grand Palace; sleeper train to Chiang Mai

Our sightseeing tour this morning is on foot and includes the Grand Palace with its stunning Emerald Buddha and Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The afternoon is left free, then in the evening we board the overnight train for Chiang Mai.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 Arrive in Chiang Mai; visit Doi Suthep temple; walking tour of Old Town

Chiang Mai offers a complete contrast and relief from the heat and noise of Bangkok. Its elevation is just over 300m, so the climate is most agreeable. Founded in the 13th century, it owes its prosperity mainly to the teak trade. Our sightseeing will include the famous Doi Suthep temple and an orientation walk of the old town.

Meals Provided : None

Day 4 In Chiang Mai, included visit to Elephant Nature Park

This morning we head out to the Elephant Nature Park, one of the largest elephant conservation centres in Thailand and it's located one and half hour drive from Chiang Mai. The park comprises of huge swathes of land for the elephants to roam in, along with an elephant...

Day 5 Drive to Si Satchanalai temple ruins and continue to homestay in Nathon Chan village

Today we head south to Si Satchanalai the twin city to Sukhothai. Although architecturally very different, it is just as impressive in many ways with a variety of outside influences noticeable in the construction of the wats and chedis (religious memorials). The most ...

Day 6 In Sukothai, explore old city ruins by bicycle; drive to Uthai Thani via UNESCO site of Kamphaengphet

This morning we make the short drive to Sukothai, and once here we plan to explore the old city by bicycle. Sukothai was the first capital of Siam; which was at the pinnacle of Thai civilisation for over 200 years up to the end of the 1400s. It then went into decline ...

Day 7 Visit morning market; travel by boat and bus to Ayutthaya; visit Royal Palace

This morning we plan a visit to a local market before boarding a traditional boat for a trip along the Sakraekrang River . As we drift down the sleepy meandering waters we get a real insight into the authentic life of the indigenous river dwellers and boat people. The...

Day 8 Drive to Kanchanaburi; journey on Death Railway and continue onto River Kwai; overnight in raft house

An early morning drive, by-passing Bangkok takes us to the River Kwai and Kanchanaburi, where we visit the war cemetery and the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. The building of the bridge and the Death Railway as it has become known, is one of the most infamous epis...

Day 9 In Kanchanburi, take bamboo rafts on River Kwai; visit Mon minority village or Lawa Cave

We spend a full day here exploring the jungle and the river both on foot and by bamboo rafts. There is the option to head out to Sai Yok National Park for a nature walk and waterfall visit.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 Return to Bangkok via Maeklong railway market

We leave the peaceful surroundings of the Kwai Noi River this morning as we join the road and head back towards the capital. On our way back will we stop by the small town of Maeklong, home to one of the most unusual spots in Thailand. The Maeklong Railway Market was ...

Day 11 Tour ends in Bangkok

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Bangkok. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Bangkok at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like a...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,770
Price per day$161
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
12 Oct 2025
22 Oct 2025
$2,280
$390
02 Nov 2025
12 Nov 2025
$2,420
$390
09 Nov 2025
19 Nov 2025
$2,420
$390
16 Nov 2025
26 Nov 2025
$2,140
$390
30 Nov 2025
10 Dec 2025
$2,070
$400
18 Dec 2025
28 Dec 2025
$2,070
$400
11 Jan 2026
20 Jan 2026
$1,770
$400
18 Jan 2026
27 Jan 2026
$1,770
$400
25 Jan 2026
03 Feb 2026
$1,770
$400
01 Feb 2026
10 Feb 2026
$1,770
$400

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
P

Paul

Mar 2025

Written on

Best of Northern Thailand

Great tour with a fantastic tour leader - Pok was so helpful and knowledgeable. He was also very good at noticing individual preferences and interests which enhanced...

C

Charlotte

Mar 2025

Written on

Best of Northern Thailand

Pok was an excellent tour leader. He was very caring, well informed and organised. There was nothing he would not do for the guests. We were lucky to have him as our...

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Best of Northern Thailand

Our explore leader, Pok, was brilliant. He was knowledgeable as well as enthusiastic. He shared information as well as answered any questions that were put to him. ...

G

Gillian Russell

Mar 2025

Written on

Best of Northern Thailand

Our first visit to Thailand and this tour was a wonderful introduction! We had an outstanding, very experienced tour leader in Worasak Paiboon (Pok) - he was one of...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Bangkok to Saigon by Bike

We had a fantastic trip with explore! Starting with a brief intro to Thailand with professional friendly experienced guides Koi, Tri and the fab support Team (Bus dr...

M

Mel

Mar 2025

Written on

Walking in Madeira

Great tour - everything was well organised but offered enough flexibility for people wanting to do their own thing in the evenings after the guided tours. Most of th...

D

Darren

Mar 2025

Written on

Efficient and easy to navigate online booking

Booked online. Very easy to do with full information abou...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Thailand: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens for a stay of less than 30 days. All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining on entry to Thailand. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and infectious hepatitis. Although not compulsory, travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on Dengue, Malaria and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 9
  • Dinner : 3
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-OS

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