Experience Overview
An amazing 14-day adventure starting in Bangkok and ending in the beautiful northern city of Chiang Mai. Experience the coolest places & activities central and northern Thailand have to offer. Cycle around the ancient temple ruins of Ayutthaya. Swim with elephants, trek & zipline through the jungle, learn to cook Thai food and stay with a hill-tribe village in Chiang Mai, visit the hippy/backpacker mountain town, Pai. The ultimate northern Thailand adventure.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3045
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: UATNTA
Starts: Bangkok, Thailand
Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Basic
Includes
Activities
- Khao San Road Nightlife, Taling Chan Floating Markets, River Kwai boat cruise, Erawan waterfalls, Bike ride around Ayutthaya ruins, Chiang Mai temples, Jungle trek and hill tribe homestay, Zip lining, Elephant sanctuary, Hot springs and waterfalls in Pai, Lod cave, Bamboo rafting, White Buddha temple, Suneset at Pai Canyon, Chiang Mai Grand Canyon water park, Thai cooking class, All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1920 (CAD 137 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Bangkok baby, your adventure begins! So you've made it to this busy city, and you'll have the first day to settle in and relax, meet your TruFam, and go explore the local area, whatever ya fancy. In the evening, it's time for our welcome dinner at one of our favourite restaurants on the one & only Khao San Road!
Day 2: Kanchanaburi & River Kwai
So you know the film Bridge Over River Kwai? Well, today we are going to see the bridge over River Kwai (surprise)! Before we head off to the river, we hop off to do some shopping and not at just any market, but a FLOATING one! Sick right? Have a browse at the stalls, selling all sorts of food, clothing, souvenirs and even homeware! Once we've done our browsing the market by long-tail boat, it's off to Kanchanaburi! When we have arrived, we get on another boat and cruise down the River Kwai enjoying the sight of the bridge (an insta worthy moment fo' sho'). It's sunset o'clock and what a better place to watch the sunset than the bridge over River Kwai! Get those poses ready for all the 10/10 shots you're going to get because trust us, you won't want to miss this photo op. The view is incredible and is definitely bucket list-worthy!
Day 3: Erawan Waterfalls
Imagine, a 7 tier, crystal clear blue waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, sounds unreal right! Erawan falls, just an hour away from Kanchanaburi, is basically what you imagine paradise to look like. Something you would expect to see on the television and not in real life, but it is real life! We know TLC said don't go chasing waterfalls but ya know, I think we can be excused this once because just look at how beautiful it is? Make sure you have your swimmers as you'll want to take a dip, and check this out, there are 7 tiers for you to cool off in. Don't say we don't spoil you! It is a little bit of a walk to the top but trust us when we say it is TOTALLY worth it. We'll have some lunch at the waterfalls, gotta stay hydrated and energised from all that walking & swimming ya feel! Then we head back to Kanchanaburi, where you can either chill by the pool or explore the town before we meet for dinner and drinks! Buckets, anyone?
Day 4: Kanchanaburi/Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Today you have the morning free before we hit the road again! So choose to spend this morning how you please, whether that's by the pool or exploring the town some more. Next, we are off to Ayutthaya, an ancient capital city, that is dripping with culture and history! We'll hop on some bikes and cycle around the world heritage site, giving us fantastic views. We'll also learn about the fascinating history of Ayutthaya and of course, the kingdom of Siam which is what Thailand used to be called (fun fact for ya, go tell your friends!). Time to grab a bite to eat and then it's all aboard the night train to Chiang Mai! The train is comfortable, you get your own bed with pillows and covers, comfort is key! So it shouldn't be too hard to get a decent night's sleep ready to take on a new place in the morning. The overnight train is defo an experience in itself and should be on your bucket list, a fantastic and different way of seeing Thailand too. Chiang Mai, we're coming in strong.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
We check into our guesthouse, which is ideally situated between the old & new areas of Chiang Mai (winning). You'll have some time to relax by the pool or do some exploring and check out the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, which is literally right opposite our accommodation (winning x2!). Now it's time to visit the most famous and possibly the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Pra Maha Doi Sutthep. The views are incredible, situated high up on the mountain, you'll get a panoramic view of the city. There is a hefty set of stairs (300 roughly) but think of the panoramic views, so worth it. Trust, you'll feel on top of the world (literally). Once you've taken your snaps of the insane views and got some for the gram (it's gotta be done), you have the afternoon free to do whatever you would like, before we meet later on, in time for dinner! You can lounge by the pool, take a little nap (having fun is tiring right?), or continue to explore Chiang Mai!
Day 6: Jungle Trekking & Hill Tribe Homestay
Did someone say TruExclusive? Hell yeah, we did! You won't find this experience anywhere else. We are off to do one of the most popular activities in Northern Thailand, a trek through the jungle. The trek doesn't require a high level of fitness, but it is a bit of a challenge SO beers will be very well deserved afterwards! We'll spend one night in a local village homestay so that you can experience what life is like for the many traditional farmers of Northern Thailand. You'll see their lives have not changed an enormous amount for generations. This truly is an amazing and once in a lifetime experience, definitely one you'll cherish forever. Expect to see all kinds of nature and wildlife when on the trek, maybe even a waterfall or two, amazing scenes as well as photo opportunities (important stuff, duh). Once we get to the hill tribe village, our hosts will cook us a lovely traditional meal, and once our stomachs are full, we can sit around the fire and play some games or exchange some stories. Whatever we do, it's time to chill after a busy day!
Day 7: Chiang Mai
Rise and shine! Enjoy your morning in the jungle before it's time we head back to Chiang Mai, but of course, we have a trick up our sleeve, and we are using a much better mode of transport, bamboo rafts! Sick right? We'll float down the river with a cheeky stop at a waterfall because ya know, we can't get enough of those things. Marvel at the wildlife and nature from your raft, see what you can spot. You might see some elephants along the way if your lucky so keep yo' fingers crossed! Trekked through the jungle? Took a bamboo raft down the river? COMPLETED IT MATE! Today's also the day when we will visit an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, animal welfare is extremely close to our hearts, and we visit a dedicated elephant rehabilitation sanctuary. The elephants here are free to roam and not here for the entertainment of tourists. We visit to educate ourselves on one of Thailand's most famous native animals but to also redistribute funds to programmes that do good. Once we get back to Chiang Mai, rest up in time to continue our Northern adventure tomorrow!
Day 8: Chiang Mai
The adventure capital of Thailand (some may say), Chiang Mai! Today is one of our favourite activities, that is very popular with tourists, and that's ziplining through the jungle! This is going to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping, you'll practically be flying through the jungle while looking down at it all (if you dare)! Throw in a few rope bridges and abseils, and that's experiencing the jungle in a way you never could by foot! You can thank us later, once you've made all your friends and fam jealous, obvs. This is truly an unforgettable experience!
Day 9: Elephant Sanctuary
After an excting few days this morning you'll have the chance to chill, read a book, grab a cocktail, do whatever floats your boat! In the afternoon, grab your bags because we will be hopping on a bus to the hippie town of Pai! Just 3 hours outside of Chiang Mai, a very popular backpacker destination, and we can see why! Filled with cool retro bars, market stalls, excellent food and wonderful people from all walks of life. Ahh, the life of Pai (sorry we had to!).
Day 10: Pai
Day trippin' time! Today we'll head out to see some of Pai's highlights, and it's surrounding areas! Starting at the biggest cave in Thailand, Lod cave, we'll hike through the main chambers and then take a bamboo raft along the river which runs through the cave (depending on season and accessibility). It's like something out of a movie, incredible stuff. Indiana Jones, who? It's now time to give your muscles a break, as we head to the hot springs which are situated in the jungle and are heated by geothermal activity. Take a dip in the crystal clear water, treat yourself to a clay mask and just have the ultimate relaxation session in the warm temperatures. We'll then head to the waterfall nearby with an amazing view! Who needs a waterpark when we have one better, a waterfall with a natural slide! We'll finish off our day at Pai Canyon which means even more amazing views of the surrounding mountains and jungle, and even better, we'll be there at sunset! *cue Sunset Lover by Petit Biscuit* So take yo' pics and take in the insane view before heading back to Pai town. In the evening we'll head to a nice restaurant and a few chilled bars where we can mingle with other backpackers too. After all, we deserve it after the day of sightseeing we've had!
Day 11: Pai
Chill day lets goooo! After a bit of a lie-in, spend your day lounging, swimming, playing a few games, reading a good book or having a snooze in the sun. The choice is yours (don't forget to sun cream up though). Once we've had our relaxation fill, we'll head for dinner and drinks and see where the night takes us.
Day 12: Pai/Chiang Mai
This morning it's time to head back to Chiang Mai! We hope you're ready to become the new Thai Masterchef as we are off to a cooking school to learn about some of Thailand's traditional dishes and then have a go at making them ourselves! Most of Thailand's delicious food comes from the North, so there's no better way than to learn from the masters themselves, right? First, we'll head to the market where our guides and teachers will show us how to select the freshest & tastiest ingredients, they have that insider knowledge ya feel? Now it's time for us to turn those ingredients we picked into some mouthwatering meals! Don't fret, you'll be shown how to cook the recipes step by step! Now for the best bit, tasting what you've cooked, so make sure you're paying attention when cooking! A fantastic experience, and you'll get to go home with new recipes and new skills, so tell all your friends and fam to get ready! Winner winner chicken dinner (Quorn if your veggie)!
Day 13: Chiang Mai
So we all know the Grand Canyon but do you know of Chiang Mai's very own Grand Canyon? Well, if not, don't worry as you'll get to know! This is an old excavation site, where they would dig out sand for building etc. However, now it is a man-made lagoon which has turned into an adult playground, we LOVE to see it! There are countless of slides, floating chairs to lay in, tubes and then for the brave-hearted have a go at cliff jumping, deep water soloing or climbing on their climbing wall. Take yo' pick! There's a restaurant there on-site, so we can grab our lunch, refresh and energise ourselves! In the evening, we head out into Chiang Mai our final dinner and drinks *cue sad song*.
Day 14: Chiang Mai
Today is the day your Northern Adventure comes to an end (We know, we are sad too)! You'll be leaving with some unforgettable memories and of course, your TruFam aka friends for life! If you are continuing your adventure, then our TruNinjas will be more than happy to help with any onward travel! If you have a little longer to spend travelling and exploring then check out our Vietnam explorer or if you'd like to carry on in Thailand, then why not head south on our Thailand Experience? It's been real, TruFam!
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Alexandru - Traveled, December 2024
Insane experience. Recomand
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2024
Dee - Traveled, November 2023
Smile was an amazing guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Rachel Baldwin - Traveled, October 2023
Our adventure kicked off on Halloween night in Bangkok.The air buzzed with excitement as we explored the vibrant streets, neon-lit markets, and sampled street food that was both delicious and daring. Sea, our spirited guide, set the tone for an unforgettable journey. * Then ,We ventured to Kanchanaburi, a place steeped in history and The River Kwai. With Sea leading the way, we discovered temples old and new ,we trekked through lush jungles, discovering hidden waterfalls and immersed ourselves in the culture of a local tribe during our homestay. Sea surprised us with an adrenaline-packed day of zip lining through the jungle which was filled with stunning panoramic views , then of to an Elephant samctuary. We fed, bathed, and connected with these gentle giants, understanding the importance of ethical wildlife experiences. Chiang Mai welcomed us with open arms. Sea guided us through ancient temples . And As dusk settled, we explored the bustling markets , bargaining for souvenirs and savoring street delicacies * The winding road led us to the town of. Pai. Sea ,introduced us to Amazing views taking In a beautiful sun set and Hot Springs , where we soaked away our worries. Our journey came full circle as we returned to chiang Mia . Talk turned to The memories and friends we’d made along the way . We also experienced how it is to cook authentic Thai food with a cooking master class . Sea, with her infectious laughter and wealth of knowledge, has become more than a guide; she is now our friend. * TruTravels and Sea orchestrated a symphony of adventure, culture, and camaraderie. We laughed, we learned, and we left a piece of our souls in Thailand. As we boarded our flight home, we knew this trip was more than a vacation—it was a transformation. ???????? Sea, you’re not just a guide; you’re a storyteller, a connector, and a guardian of memories. Thank you for making our 14 days in Thailand extraordinary. Until we meet again! Paddy Reilly x
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Rhianna Horn - Traveled, October 2023
Our tour started with Sea and Ming and unfortunately Ming had to leave to go with another tour. But let me tell you about Sea. Sea was an absolute joy to be with and went above and beyond on our tour. She constantly gave us more ideas for our evenings and helped us book them. Answered all of our questions about Thai culture over and over again and helped us to try new food at every restaurant. I can not recommend sea enough she made this whole experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Nienke - Traveled, October 2023
I did the 14 days Northern Thailand adventure with Sea as our tour guide. She really went the extra mile to ensure all our needs were met and that we were always having the best time. She has been such a big part of an amazing memorable trip which wouldn’t have been possible without her being so wonderful! As well as a tour guide she became our friend and I am so thankful to have experienced Northern Thailand with her as our guide. Thank you Tru Travels and a big thank you to Sea for being the best - you’ve been such a big part to one of the best experiences of my life!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Eve Smith - Traveled, October 2023
Dear Sea, I don’t know how to tell you how thankful I am for everything you’ve done. You are an amazing tour guide but most of all an absolute joy to be around. You’ve showed us so much about your country, culture, food etc. You made sure that we got the ultimate experience by budgeting and planning for extra activities. You made my Thailand experience more then I could’ve wished for
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Evie Smith - Traveled, October 2023
Sea is the best tour guide I could have ever asked for! She made us all feel welcome, was very informative and made us all laugh. The experience wouldn’t have been the same without her and I will always cherish the memories we made. Everything on the trip was organised and ran smoothly which made the experience 10/10. She organised extra activities for us and always gave recommendations which helped us embrace the Thai culture. She was supportive and caring if anyone was poorly and she made the atmosphere feel like a home from home. She has made the trip an unforgettable experience and I couldn’t recommend her enough! Thank you Sea for opening my eyes to Thai culture and giving me the most magical 14 days in Thailand!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Hannah Butcher - Traveled, October 2023
I don’t even know how to put into words how amazing the last 14 days have been and that is all thanks to our wonderful tour guide Sea! From the moment we started the trip and even before we got on the plane it was so well organised and her communication was fantastic. Sea made everyone feel welcome so quickly and we have all bonded as a group, I have truly made friends for life. Every activity on the trip was incredible and Sea brought a great energy and enthusiasm everyday. Sea went over and above arranging dinner reservations, extra evening activities, always catering to what we wanted to see and made sure we didn’t miss anything out. The timing was always spot on, we never missed or was late to anything. Her passion and enthusiasm for the culture in Thailand is something she should be very proud of and we are so lucky she has shared this with us. Sea has not only been our tour guide but has become our friend and we will never forget her. Sea cared for group members when they were sick or ill, she was always kind and made sure we were not lonely and she showed us the best dance moves in Thailand! Having travelled many times before i have never experienced such a well planned tour and amazing tour guide. Sea is simply the best and I know our whole group would agree! She deserved to go far in her career and I wish her all the success. We will miss her so much on the next part of our tour :( We hope to all have a reunion either in Thailand or the UK one day and will stay in touch inbetween.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Megan Potte - Traveled, October 2023
My northern Thailand experience has been amazing. This was all thanks to my amazing travel ninja Sea! Sea went above and beyond throughout the whole trip to make it as memorable as possible for each and every member of the group. She welcomed us every morning with her incredibly positive smile and got us excited for the day ahead which she had planned with great love and care. I will miss her dearly and hope to get her as a guide for future trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Bria Smith - Traveled, October 2023
Sea, our tour guide was amazing. From the moment she entered the room to greet the group she was a bundle of energy and automatically brought the group together and made us feel at home! Sea was extremely caring and attentive - offering constant advice and providing all the remedies when any of us were under the weather. Sea went above and beyond in arranging activities that went beyond the itinerary such as Muay Thai and group dinners out which again helped to create a great group dynamic. All activities that we done on the tour were fun and experiences you would not have found elsewhere such as a village home stay and bamboo rafting. Sea only elevated these experiences with her positive attitude and bubbly personality. Sea was a bundle of laughs, full of facts and insights and genuinely the most kindhearted person I have met. She made the tour spectacular and I cannot thank her enough! We love you Sea!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Emily March - Traveled, October 2023
This was the most incredible trip. From start to finish Sea took the best care of us and was incredibly well organised and brought all the positive energy we needed on tired mornings. The activities themselves were unforgettable especially the home stay and Elephant sanctuary. You see and experience so much in the two weeks it’s mind blowing. We were always picked up by our transport on time and knew Sea was on hand if we ever needed help. When I became ill she was right there by my side which I massively appreciated. Sea is the cutest and most lovely guide, her knowledge on Thai culture and the places we visited was amazing and we could never ask too many questions as she was always happy to answer. Her energy is contagious and you can’t help but have a good time in her presence. If you are lucky enough to have Sea as your tour guide you’re in for a treat as she makes the whole experience a trip of a lifetime!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Ana Rorke - Traveled, October 2023
My experience so far with TruTravels has been exceptional. Everything is organised so well, and it is so nice to not worry about transport, booking tours etc. Everything has been on time and well thought out - for example, rest mornings and days after busy days. We saw so much in so little time but nothing felt rushed. We experienced various forms of transport and ways of seeing things, such as cycling, tuktuks and walking. We had opportunity to try different foods, but also options for comfort food from home. Our tour guide Sea was absolutely outstanding. She was fun, knowledgeable and always went above and beyond for us. She organised extra activities for us such as specific nights out, cabarets, Muay Thai, that weren’t part of the itinerary. She always asked our opinions so she could tailor the experience to the group. I didn’t have to worry about missing anything, because she had always thought of it ahead of time to ensure we had the best experience. Every time we went for meals, transport and tables were always booked ahead of time, even with short notice. She was so caring and always looked out for us, encouraging us to try new things. She was our biggest cheerleader and I always felt safe in her hands. If there were any problems, she was the first to make sure they were fixed. Her energy and positivity helped keep momentum in the group and I couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide to experience Thailand with. She was so proud to share her culture, language and customs with us, and was always interested to learn about ours. Our first friend in Thailand that I will remember forever.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Hannah Bakker - Traveled, October 2023
We had the best time with Sea. Not only was she a wonderful guide, but I made a life long friend. She is great at her job, getting everyone where they needed to be on time and making sure everyone was ok. There was 15 of us and 1 of her, and she truly took such good care of us. I would recommend her 10/10, and would do another tour with her in a heartbeat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Sandra - Traveled, October 2023
There are so many reasons why I’ve had the best two weeks in northern Thailand so it’s hard to know where to start! From the very first day when we were all getting to know each other in a new scary place the tour felt very accommodating and not pressuring to drink or party- the main aim from Sea was that we all felt comfortable and we’re having the best time, whatever that meant to each of us! A very special moment for me was the visit to the hill tribe and getting the opportunity to present the children with toys and sweets, and it was a real pleasure to get the chance to do that trip. The places Sea took us to eat and the food she recommended were always delicious despite our group being quite big! She is so knowledgable and the way she talked us through her culture during temple visits kept us all engaged even in immense heat. Sea always checked in with us to make sure we understood or if we had any questions as she went along which gave everyone the chance to understand all of the information. One particular credit to Sea was our first night out on Khao San road which happened to fall on Halloween which is a huge festival here so every bar was completely full with people but Sea kept us moving and got us in somewhere we could all still chat and get to know each other as for our first night out she wanted to make sure we had a great time despite the unusual circumstances that night. Sea made me feel safe, cared for, protected and understood as an individual and I am so grateful I got to share this fantastic experience with such an amazing tour guide. Sea organised us incredibly throughout the 2 weeks and kept us on schedule, always explaining exactly what we needed each day and what to expect. Sea provided us with her own water, food, medicines and oils to keep us cool during the heat and her main priority was our comfort, enjoyment and safety. Sea suggested places for us to eat and places to go in our own time and was so invested in ensuring we see the absolute best northern Thailand has to offer. Every second spent on this tour has been the best trip of my life and I wouldn’t have wanted to see Northern Thailand through anyone else’s eyes other than Sea’s and I am forever grateful to her for this.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Daniela - Traveled, November 2023
Best time of my life
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Wouter Koops - Traveled, November 2023
The tour was amazing, the group was lovely, and Eve and Taro guided us real well with all information and to be able to rely on them when we needed help. They were always ready to help us with anything (much more than just food reccomendations on the menu). I have made some very special memories on the tour, and also with Eve and Taro specifically. Love, Wouter.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Abby Windle - Traveled, November 2023
Eve and Taro were our tour guides for the 14-day Northern Thailand Adventure, and they were great. Always up for a laugh and easy to get along with, the pair of them definitely enhanced our experience of the tour. It wouldn’t have been the same without them! We really enjoyed the activities and they were organised well and as an added bonus it never felt like there was pressure to partake in everything on offer! Thanks again TruFam! ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Anja Mayer - Traveled, November 2023
We had an amazing time with Taro & Eve. The really cared about us and maked sure everyone had their best time. Thanks for making our Trip so special!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Courtney Monaghan - Traveled, October 2023
Where do I start? Our experience with true travels has exceeded my expectations. Myself and my boyfriend have never been on a group tour before so we were abit nervous to begin with. Once we met Arthur our nerves were immediately gone as he was so welcoming & kind. Throughout the whole tour Arthur was there for us to answer any questions & calm any worries. He was so knowledgeable & thorough with all information he gave on our day trips. Every day was so much fun with Arthur as he was always so enthusiastic & excited!! Couldn’t recommend Arthur and tru travels enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
Tilly Keating - Traveled, October 2023
Being my first group tour and visit to Thailand, I had mixed emotions. I felt anxious, excited and overwhelmed all in one. However, as soon as I met our tour guide, Arthur, my mind was put at ease! He welcomed my best friend and I to our starting hotel with open arms and has been supportive throughout the whole tour. Any questions we had were answered quickly and he always made sure we had a great time. Arthur’s energy was infectious and he truly made the whole experience unforgettable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
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