Starting in Bangkok we take a tour to the Grand Palace. Former residence of the king, this collection of impressive temples and buildings is set amongst picturesque courtyards and gilded roofs. After lunch trying some delicious Thai cuisine by the Chao Phraya river, we have an afternoon long-tail canal boat trip through the surprisingly green and rural western suburbs of Thonburi, with various stops including one at an interesting orchid farm. In the early evening, we hop aboard the overnight sleeper train heading north to Chiang Mai.

 

Chiang Mai is often referred to as the capital of the North and has a wealth of temples and markets waiting to be explored. After spending time visiting the colourful Doi Suthep temple overlooking the city, and seeing how various local handicrafts are made, we continue north into the forested hills and begin our jungle adventure.

 

We begin with a visit to the local market in Mae Malai and then start two half days of trekking to local Karen hill-tribe villages where we will learn all about their way of life, including bamboo weaving and trap making. We also enjoy time trekking through rice and vegetable fields learning about cultivation techniques and through the forest learning how to survive in this challenging environment.

 

Next it’s on board an elephant for a short ride through beautiful unspoiled jungle before taking to the river for an exciting journey aboard traditional bamboo rafts, stopping en route at local villages. Finally we head back to Chiang Mai where you have a free day to explore the city, do a cooking course, or one of several other options. The overnight sleeper train then takes us back to Bangkok where our tour ends with a dinner cruise and departure airport transfer.

 

Note: if you would like to see more of northern Thailand, then our Golden Triangle tour follows exactly the same itinerary as this tour, but instead of returning to Bangkok after the trek, you spend 5 days exploring remote border villages, enjoying a river boat trip, and staying in the city of Chiang Rai. Our Thailand Wildlife Safari and Wildlife & Beaches tours are also timed to start immediately after this tour, allowing you to combine them into one longer holiday.

Travelling with your children? Check our family information page.

We also have a range of diving holidays that take place in Thailand.