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Journeys: Explore Northern Thailand

8 Days
From CAD $1,934 Was CAD $2,579

Best Rate
Guarantee

Trip Type
Small Group

Activity Level
Light

Rating

(11 reviews)

Experience Overview

Delve into the wonders of northern Thailand on a trip packed with unforgettable experiences. Explore the elegant stone stupas and sprawling palaces of Ayutthaya Historical Park; then venture to Chiang Mai, where we’ll craft local dishes with ingredients gathered from a town market and visit a rural village for a traditional meal. While discovering Buddhist temples and lush mountain landscapes, gain an intimate perspective on Thailand’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Highlights

Swim in turquoise pools below a seven-tiered waterfall
Meet a resident monk and receive a Buddhist blessing at one of Thailand’s most revered temples
Explore Wat Pho to view a colossal gilded statue of the Reclining Buddha
Visit a village home outside and sit down to a traditional khantok dinner

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Trip Details

Product Code: 1608

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Moderate

Transport: Private bus/minivan, train, boat, plane, walking.

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: National Geographic Journey

Supplier Code: ATTNG

Starts: Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes: Bangkok, Thailand

Duration: 8 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical rating: Light

Includes

Activities

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Thai Home Dinner, Chiang Mai Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with Monks, Chiang Mai Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, Chiang Mai
Arrival transfer
Entrance to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre war museum and train ride
Visit to Erawan National Park
Tour at Ayutthaya Historical Park
Dinner on a converted rice barge
Sunset visit to Doi Suthep monastery
Explore Bangkok and take a klong boat ride
Internal flights
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels – 7 nts.

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private bus/minivan, train, boat, plane, walking.

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1934 (CAD $242 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Upon arrival at the airport, head to the arrival hall and go to gate number 4 near the airport information counter. Look for a driver holding a G Adventures sign with your name, who'll take you to your hotel so you can check in and start exploring.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Theatre Residence

Day 2: Bangkok/Kanchanaburi

After breakfast, travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. Board a train for a winding journey into World War II history as you cross the bridge made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learn about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma; then visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where the prisoners of war who worked on the railway were laid to rest.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. You've seen or at least heard of the famous movie, "Bridge on the River Kwai" -- tour the real thing and take a train ride over the bridge. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, and offers fabulous views of the river below. Activity - Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.Accommodation - Royal River Kwai Resort

Day 3: Kanchanaburi/Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

This morning, hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan. This afternoon, transfer to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. Sample traditional Thai dishes during dinner on a converted rice barge from the 1930s.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Cruise down the river aboard a converted 1930s rice barge. Have a delicious Thai meal while taking in the incredible views of the city.Accommodation - Classic Kameo Hotel Ayutthaya

Day 4: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya/Chiang Mai

Set out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world. Stroll down well-planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture for generations to come. Later, return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Visit a traditional village in the countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner, served on low pedestal trays.
Khantok in the Northern dialect means wooden tray, used for carrying dishes, round in shape and made of teak wood. The host will invite guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. After dinner, enjoy tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ayuthaya served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Late in the 17th century its population reached one million, and foreign visitors wrote awestruck accounts of its size and splendour.Transport - Hello again, Bangkok! Travel back to the city and to the airport by private vehicle.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Visit a village outside Chiang Mai and sit down to an authentic Khantoke dinner in the home of a local family. Dishes typically include sticky rice, hang-le curry, and crispy pork with chilli paste. Over tea, learn about life in rural Thailand and visit the family garden to learn about herbs and spices popular in local cooking.Accommodation - Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa

Day 5: Chiang Mai

Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai's morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colourful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Gain insights into core Buddhist principles and daily life in the temple through a conversation with a Theravada monk, an alumnus of the International Buddhist University in Sri Lanka, and a respected teacher of Buddhism and meditation at a renowned international center in Chiang Mai. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand.
Monk chats are a great cultural exchange, but also important in helping the young Monks improve their English.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Pick out the best ingredients at a local market and learn how to make delicious Thai dishes.Activity - Visit a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai's Suthep district. Engage in an informal conversation with a teaching monk at the international meditation center. Discuss Theravadha Buddhism and monastic life. These sessions offer a unique opportunity for personal reflection and a deeper connection to the ancient wisdom of Buddhism.Activity - Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks. Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa

Day 6: Chiang Mai

Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai's temples and forested hills on your own, or choose between a variety of optional activities. Opt to take a cycling tour through verdant rice paddies and the elegant historic district. In the evening, choose to visit Chiang Mai's vibrant night market.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Chiang Mai is a mecca for shopping and handicraft production, so take advantage of this opportunity to do some shopping if you wish.Accommodation - Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa

Day 7: Chiang Mai/Bangkok

This morning, fly to Bangkok and board a traditional klong boat for a ride along the winding canals that have earned the city the nickname the “Venice of the East.” Glide past colourful temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water. Visit Wat Pho, Bangkok's largest and oldest temple complex, and often considered Thailand's first public university—its many inscriptions were intended to instruct visitors. Marvel at the magnificent statue of the Reclining Buddha, glittering with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Take a quick flight back to Bangkok. Activity - Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.Activity - This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Theatre Residence

Day 8: Bangkok

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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Reviews

David - Traveled, November 2022

Informative, varied and a great experience all round

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2022

Alan - Traveled, February 2020

Great experience - all the details went off exactly as planned. Well done!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2020

Gail - Traveled, December 2019

We had a great time. A good mix of group led and independent time. Interesting visits and a cohesive group of people.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2020

HR - Traveled, December 2019

Overall experience was good. The places we visited varied and transport and accommodation was good. We would have liked more in depth explanations about culture, history and mythology.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2019

Ray - Traveled, April 2019

Very enjoyable trip. Our guide was professional and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for her.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2019

Maria Mazzara - Traveled, February 2019

I loved the tour. I loved our guide, Meow— she was incredibly attentive. Only change I would have made is to do tour of Bangkok ( reclining Buddha) on first day & added one more day in Chiang Mai. Along with option to depart from Chiang Mai.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2019

Elsie-Veronica - Traveled, July 2018

I was extremely pleased with the itinerary, the meals, the places, the experiences!!!! Whoa - what a lot of things to do and experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the experience - a train ride, the war museum, the ancient temples.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2018

Renee - Traveled, February 2018

A really intensive trip through Thailand. We covered a lot in a very short time. Of course, this meant that at times we were rushed through some places but it’s to be expected if you’re seeing a lot of places in limited time. The accommodation was excellent and our guide Ben was fantastic! She always went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable and happy.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2018

Gabriele - Traveled, December 2023

Fantastic journey. Our tour guide AEF was great. She was very organized, super friendly and supplied a lot of knowledge. Highly recommended everything.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2024

Belinda - Traveled, January 2023

Everything was great.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2023

Andreas - Traveled, December 2022

10/10 recommend! Best way to experience Thailand, hands down.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2023

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