Northern Thailand Adventures
- Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Hilltribe Village - Chiang Mai - Bangkok
Description
Your journey begins in Bangkok, where the energy of the city sets the tone for an unforgettable adventure. Step back in time as you explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with majestic temples and rich history. Then, board an overnight train to Chiang Mai, watching the countryside roll by as you drift off to sleep. In Chiang Mai, soak in the charm of this cultural hub before heading into the lush mountains for an epic trek. Hike through dense jungles, hidden waterfalls, and remote trails, leading to a hill tribe village, where you’ll stay in a traditional bamboo house, share meals with locals, and experience their way of life.
With breathtaking landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and a tour leader who’s more like a travel buddy, this trip is all about real adventure, meaningful connections, and memories that last a lifetime. Spots are limited—book now and let’s explore!
Travel Itinerary
- Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Hilltribe Village - Chiang Mai - Bangkok
Day 1: Bangkok - The City of Angels
Sawadee Krab / Ka! Welcome to Bangkok, a city where golden temples rise next to modern skyscrapers, street food stalls fill the air with mouthwatering aromas, and every corner tells a story of tradition and transformation.
Arrive at your convenience and take the day to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s sipping Thai iced coffee by the Chao Phraya River, shopping at the bustling markets, or unwinding with a traditional Thai massage, Bangkok welcomes you with endless possibilities.
At 18:00, gather at the hotel lobby to meet your tour leader and fellow travelers. We’ll go over the exciting journey ahead before heading out for a welcome dinner, where you’ll taste some of Thailand’s most iconic dishes and get a first taste of the country’s incredible flavors.
Day 2: From Bangkok’s Vibrant Streets to the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya
Start the day with a guided walk through Chinatown, where vibrant markets, historic alleyways, and sizzling street food bring Bangkok’s cultural mix to life. After soaking up the atmosphere, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.
In the afternoon, we leave Bangkok behind and head to Ayutthaya, the former royal capital. Explore some of its most impressive temple ruins, where ancient stupas and towering prangs tell the story of a once glorious kingdom.
As the sun sets, we board the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai a classic Thai travel experience. Settle into your berth, relax, and watch the countryside roll by as we journey north.
Day 3: Sunrise Arrival & the Sacred Mountain of Chiang Mai
As the train rolls into Chiang Mai in the early morning, we step into Thailand’s cultural heart, where ancient traditions meet laid-back northern charm. Since our rooms won’t be ready until noon, we make the most of the morning by heading up Suthep Mountain to visit one of Chiang Mai’s most sacred landmarks, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. From its golden pagoda to the panoramic views over the city, this hilltop temple offers a perfect introduction to the region’s spiritual heritage.
After returning to the city, enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace wander through the historic Old Town, visit lively markets, or take in the relaxed atmosphere of Chiang Mai’s charming streets.
No visit to Chiang Mai is complete without indulging in its most famous dishes. Be sure to try Khao Soi, a rich, curry-based noodle soup, and Sai oua, a flavorful northern Thai sausage packed with herbs and spices. These local specialties capture the essence of northern Thai cuisine and are a must-try for any food lover.
At 18:00, we regroup for a briefing with our trekking team, who will introduce us to the adventure that lies ahead in the remote hills of northern Thailand.
Day 4: Into the Hills – Trekking Through Northern Thailand
Leaving Chiang Mai behind, we drive to Mae Malai Market, the starting point of our trekking adventure. From here, we hike through lush forests and rolling hills, immersing ourselves in the stunning landscapes of northern Thailand.
Along the way, we’ll pass through diverse hill tribe communities, each with its own unique traditions, language, and way of life. It’s a chance to witness the rich cultural heritage of this region firsthand.
After a few hours of trekking, we arrive at our first hill tribe village, where we settle into simple thatch bungalows for the night. As the sun sets, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere—you can help our trekking team cook a meal for everyone, a perfect way to end the day in the heart of the mountains
Day 5: Trekking Deeper into the Hills & Immersing in Local Traditions
The adventure continues as we trek for 2–3 hours through breathtaking mountain trails, surrounded by dense forests and the sounds of nature. We stop along the way for a well earned lunch break, recharging before the next leg of our journey.
In the afternoon, we make our way to a Karen village, where there may be a chance to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made a craft deeply rooted in the local way of life.
With renewed energy, we trek further into the hills, embracing the challenge and beauty of the journey (you’ve got this!). By late afternoon, we arrive in Pak Khaolam village, our home for the night. As the sun dips behind the hills, settle into another simple but cozy thatch bungalow and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of remote village life. Here, you can observe our trekking team building a bamboo raft, preparing for tomorrow’s your adventure on the river.
Day 6: Into the Hills – Trekking Through Northern Thailand
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Pak Khaolam village and set off on a bamboo raft journey down the river, gliding past lush jungle landscapes and remote villages along the way. This peaceful ride offers a unique perspective on local life, as we float past communities that rely on the river for their daily activities.
By midday, we reach our lunch spot, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Chiang Mai. After days of trekking, it’s time to unwind and treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage—a perfect way to soothe tired muscles and relax after the adventure.
As the sun sets, we celebrate our journey at one of Chiang Mai’s best bars, where you can grab a drink on us and toast to an unforgettable experience—new friendships, incredible landscapes, and memories that will last a lifetime!
Day 7: One Last Day in Chiang Mai & Afternoon Train to Bangkok
Make the most of your final morning in Chiang Mai with free time to explore at your own pace. Stroll through vibrant markets for last-minute souvenirs, visit one of the city’s many beautiful temples, or enjoy a relaxing Thai massage—because after days of trekking, you’ve definitely earned it! And if you can’t stop thinking about khao soi, there’s still time for one last bowl of that rich, curry-infused goodness.
In the afternoon, we board the overnight train back to Bangkok. Settle into your sleeper berth, watch the northern landscapes pass by, and enjoy a peaceful journey back to the capital, waking up in the city the next morning.
Day 8: One Last Day in Chiang Mai & Afternoon Train to Bangkok
As the overnight train rolls into Bangkok around 8:00 AM, it’s time to say farewell—but not goodbye! This adventure may be coming to an end, but the memories, friendships, and incredible experiences will stay with you long after the journey.
Before heading off, take a moment to snap some last-minute photos with your newfound travel buddies and exchange social media contacts because who knows? Another adventure together might be just around the corner.
If you have extra time in Bangkok or need help planning your next move, your tour leader is happy to offer recommendations whether it’s exploring hidden gems, finding the best street food, or figuring out transportation for your next adventure.
From here, you’re free to continue exploring Bangkok or make your way to your next destination. Until next time, happy travels!