From $1,298 Was $1,730
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(15 reviews)
Experience Overview
There’s no shortage of sights and sounds on this eight-day active adventure through Thailand. With buzzing Bangkok as your starting point, keep the energy high on a cycling tour through the historic temples of UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park. Trek to a northern hilltribe village to keep spirits high and enjoy a home-cooked dinner around a campfire. Kayak along the Mae Taeng River, cycle to the gigantic temple of Wat Ban Den and visit the Tai Lue community to learn about their culture and keep the good times rolling. For a real treat, why not throw in a Thai massage or cooking class?
Highlights
- Cycle through Ayutthaya Historical Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 425 temple ruins and historical sites.
- Reach new heights on a trek to an enlightening northern hilltribe village, experiencing rural Thai life from a local's perspective.
- Kayak along the Mae Taeng River and through the surrounding lush jungle – then really get the blood pumping on an optional whitewater rafting experience.
- Even the transport on this trip is an adventure – travel like the locals on an overnight sleeper train, a real Intrepid experience and a great chance to interact with the Thai people.
- Spend a free day exploring the sights and sounds of Chiang Mai – you might visit some of the city’s 300 temples, take a Thai cooking class or indulge in a Thai massage.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2800
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Public bus,Overnight sleeper train,Songthaew,Private mini van
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TTXF
Starts: Bangkok, Thailand
Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Glamping (1 night),Hilltribe Village (1 night),Hotel (4 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $1,298 ($162 /day)
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. Famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food, the city will certainly set the tone at the start of your trip. With so much to offer those with time to explore, perhaps arrive a day or two early to experience all that Bangkok has to offer. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. After the meeting tonight perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-famous street food.
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
- Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (2900 THB)
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)
- Bangkok - Thai Massage (250 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s an early start today, as you take the train to Ayutthaya. The former capital city dates back to the 1300s and is now home to Ayutthaya Historical Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 425 temple ruins and historical sites. After the train journey, have lunch at a local restaurant that serves popular Thai comfort food, then take a tuk-tuk to the historical park for an afternoon cycle. On your bikes, you’ll tour around the important temples of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Lokayasutharam, Wat Na Phra Main and more, marvelling at their grandeur. After, check into a day room and take the rest of the afternoon to relax. This evening, take an overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Included Activities:
- Ayutthaya - Cycling
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
After the journey on the overnight train, you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy the city. Options abound in Chiang Mai, from wandering the Old City to visiting some of the 300 temples which dot the local landscape – maybe take a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (around 45 minutes) to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes –Doi Suthep. A 300-step Naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a memorable experience. There are also many Thai cooking schools offering courses for budding chefs, sure to help you impress your friends when you return home. This evening, your leader will provide recommendations for street food dinner spots, giving a taste of local delicacies.
Optional Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Thai cooking course (1000 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, leave Chiang Mai and head to Mae Malai Market, stocking up on fresh snacks to fuel today’s trek. Your destination is a local hilltribe village, which provides a special opportunity to experience rural Thai life firsthand. Wander along the mountain ridge, taking in the views of the surrounding natural forests. Pause for a packed lunch in Huey Nam Dang National Park, then continue to meet your hosts in the village. Tonight, you’ll experience a local home-cooked dinner by the campfire, followed by a walk around the village to chat with the locals and learn more about their day-to-day life here.
Included Activities:
- Hilltribe Trek
Accommodation:
- Hilltribe Village House (Number of Nights: 1)
Get set for an action-packed day on the water. Make your way to the Mae Taeng River, where you’ll go for a glide on an inflatable kayak. Paddle through lush jungle, stopping to pick fruit and watching for local wildlife. Lunch will be at a special riverside campsite. You’ll then have the chance to test your kayaking skills with an optional whitewater rafting experience. Later, arrive at your accommodation – a boutique camp located in the heart of the Mae Tamaan Valley. Relax after a day of kayaking, and then enjoy a dinner at the campground.
Included Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Kayaking day trip on Mae Teang River
Optional Activities:
- Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting (1800 THB)
Accommodation:
- Glamping (Number of Nights: 1)
Saddle up this morning with a ride to the gigantic temple of Wat Ban Den, where you’ll discover the beautiful temple art and architecture of modern Lanna temple buildings. Each of the 12 chedis here are dedicated to one of the 12 animals of the Thai zodiac, and Buddhists from all over Thailand make the pilgrimage to this special temple, which gives you panoramic views of the valley. Take a lunch break and refresh, then continue cycling to the ‘sticky waterfall’, Nam Tok Buatong. Hidden in the lush green forest of Bua Tong Waterfall National Park, the waterfall gets its name from the porous limestone that’s surprisingly easy to climb on. Today, you’ll cycle though teakwood plantations, with teak being one of the most economic logging industries in Thailand. Spend some time relaxing at the waterfall before continuing to Pa Sak Ngam (translating to ‘beautiful teak forest’) on the local track. Stop at Mae Guang Tara Reservoir at the viewpoint for some more sweeping views, then head back to your accommodation for the night.
Included Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Cycling
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, cycle to Baan Luang Nue. This village is home to a Tai Lue community – an ethnic group from Xixuangbanna that has held onto its traditional customs and practices. Learn about the village’s culture as you’re shown around a Tai Lue house and a rice storage facility, which has been transformed into a museum. Try your hand at rice smashing or collect fresh duck eggs from the field (depending on availability), then enjoy a home-cooked meal for lunch. Cycle back to Chiang Mai in the afternoon, then spend the evening however you like. You might decide to relax after the day’s efforts, or toast to your final night in Thailand at a local bar – your leader always has the best recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Baan Luang Nue community visit
- Cycling to Baan Luang Nue
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you are staying in Chiang Mai, why not join an Urban Adventure and allow yourself to be spirited away on an early morning tour that puts you at the epicentre of Buddhist rituals. Learn to meditate, offer alms to monks and make an offering at a temple. If you’re feeling active, you might want to saddle up for a half day cycling trip. Enjoy a pleasant ride along the green banks of the Ping River and stop at a former leper colony turned rehabilitation centre. Continue along various fruit orchards, cycling down small country roads and meandering around the villages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here you’ll discover the real rural Thailand and encounter the Thai way of life. Explore the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of Lanna, before you cycle back to Chiang Mai. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Naomi - Traveled, October 2023
Well organised trip which was well worth the physical challenge. A great way to see the Thailand countryside and it's people. Chai was an excellent tour leader. Looking forward to my next active trip with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Julie - Traveled, October 2023
The most fun 12 days of my life. Physically challenging, great company, wonderful tour leader in Chai. Can’t recommend it enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2023
Nicola - Traveled, July 2023
Our first group trip and our guide made it so easy and we are now converted. Activities were challenging but really rewarding. You visit places that most tourists don't. One the best family trips that we have had. We will remember it for years to come.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023
Nicholas - Traveled, June 2023
This was like self organised backpacking but without the hassle. We had a nice small group. So relaxing having a Tour Leader taking the organising and thinking for us. Good itinery providing a safe activity adventure. I am regular walker and biker and this hit the spot. To my suprise the Kayak trip was the best activity , which was good becuase im a real novice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Ellen - Traveled, December 2022
I am a fit 57 year old woman who likes active vacations but doesn’t want to spend a ton of money on fancy hotels. Intrepid is the perfect tour for me because they save me a ton of time and because they are a B Corp, I know they are audited and have high business standards. A trip like this would have taken me a ton of time to plan and organize plus vet good guides. I trust and appreciate that Intrepid has done that all for me plus delivered the tour at a fair price.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2022
Brooke - Traveled, December 2022
My family had a wonderful experience on this trip. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, organized, and friendly, and the activities each gave us a gorgeous overview of the culture, geographical diversity, and cuisine of a Thailand. Can’t recommend this trip enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2022
Craig - Traveled, December 2022
If you are active and want a combination of physical activities and cultural experiences I would highly recommend this tour. You get a great exposure to different areas of Thailand and get fit at the same time! The food was absolutely incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2022
Lisa - Traveled, December 2022
I am a convert for active adventures and now no longer travel any other way. This type of travel is honestly the best!!! Hiking, biking and kayaking was an excellent way to experience Thailand and gain a unique insight into the culture. The additional activities such as the cooking class and visiting the death railway museum are definitely recommended! As a side note for any fellow vegan travellers, your tour leader will make sure you’re well looked after in Thailand and you certainly will not go hungry.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2022
Mechelle - Traveled, November 2022
This was an action packed trip with the best guide I ever had. She made the trip so much fun and she shared so much of her culture including food, history and how people live. All the activities were so much fun. You do need to be able to hike, bike, and kayak al day in a warm climate but all in our group did fantastic. It was a memorable trip and I saw and did activities I would never done on my own as a solo traveller.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2022
Nadia - Traveled, November 2022
Excellent trip full of activities. Perfect amount of challenge and fun. Issy was an amazing guide well organized, knowledgeable and full of energy while making you feel like family. Excellent culture, food and people along the way. The home stays are an authentic experience. If your looking to see the country and not be part of a tourist trap this is definitely the way to go.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2022
Samuel - Traveled, November 2022
Our leader Issy was an absolute legend, always providing things to do and showing us around regardless of the time of day. The hilltribe trek was excellent, very authentic. Amazing food all throughout. The trip seems expensive however there's a significant amount of people helping throughout the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2022
Ted - Traveled, November 2022
Fantastic trip with great activities. Really well-organised and cannot recommend our excellent guide Izzy enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2022
Kathy White - Traveled, June 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with Intrepid Travel! So many locations to explore = taking overnight train, hiking to tribal communities, kayaking and biking. Highly recommend this company and their staff, plus network of local country hotels & guides for smooth and impressive services & meals. Enjoyed relaxing group time together & extra special trip insights that we will keep as cherished memories! Kathy & John Whistler, BC
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2024
Davina - Traveled, June 2024
Super fun trip. Excellent itinerary. The bike trip is a really good challenge and there is a support van following the group so if you needed a rest at any point you could sit out sections of the bike ride if needed. There are plenty of stops long the route with water and snacks provided. The kayaking is fun and in parts quite relaxing and it’s a wonderful way to see parts of the countryside. The jungle hike provided some great views of the hills and we were cooked a feast by the guides who used food we had chosen together in the local market before we started the hike. We got to visit lots of temples, eat great food and meet lovely people in the hill tribe villages and the local countryside around Chiang Mai. Our Guide Is was awesome and she ensured we all had a great time and were very well fed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2024
Jordan - Traveled, June 2023
Izzy makes the trip. Thailand is gorgeous, but the best thing about it is the people!!! Land of Smiles is no joke. Izzy’s passion and love for her country inspires you to feel the same— in love with Thailand.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
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