Original
Explorer
Beautiful Northern Thailand
15 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
circle114 reviews
location_on 15 days
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Start
Bangkok, Thailand
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Finish
Bangkok, Thailand
tour
Trip Code
TTSN
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
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Meals
3 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
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Transport
Private minvan, Public bus, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Taxi, Longtail Boat
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (5 nights), Hilltribe village (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Rafthouse (1 night)
From £1,272(15 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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This is one of the original Tuuur journeys that started it all. Discover why Northern Thailand was chosen all those years back as an ideal destination to launch a world of travel experiences.
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Experience rural Thai life with multi-day trek through scenic hilltribe villages in the remote Thai countryside, meeting welcoming locals and sharing laughs along the way.
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Visit the home of the infamous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’, learning about its dark history and the construction of the railway during the war.
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Even the transport on this trip is an adventure – discover the joys of travelling on overnight sleeper trains, longtail boats, songthaew and rafthouses.
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Indulge in an organic farm to plate cooking demonstration and take the chance to learn a few cooking tips from the village chef in the Akha Hilltribe, for an unforgettable meal full of heat, spice and fresh food. You won’t go hungry!
Is this trip right for you?
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The hilltribe village house stays are a wonderful opportunity to witness every day rural life. Facilities are simple and multi-share but comfortable, with mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets all provided. Some travellers are nervous about the village house experience before they arrive, but we find most end up naming this as a highlight of their time in Thailand and a rewarding, authentic experience. On occasion your accommodation may not have hot water, but you will probably be keen to cool down from the heat with a refreshing cold shower!
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As we cover so much of the country in just over two weeks, be prepared for some long travel days. This trip includes two nights on overnight trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Accommodation is simple but comfortable – soft sleeper class multishare compartments with air-conditioning and bunk beds, with sheets and a pillow provided.
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Temperatures and humidity can be high in Thailand, especially when walking in the countryside where, at times, there may be little shade. Be prepared by taking plenty of drink breaks and wearing appropriate skin protection. Some travellers find an umbrella handy to keep the sun off (this will also come in handy should it rain!).
Itinerary
Thailand – the original, and for many, still the best.
There’s a reason this trip was the one that started it all, and still remains one of the most popular. On this 15-day adventure, you'll discover Northern Thailand, experience the chaotic metropolis of bustling Bangkok, trek among the hillside villages near Chiang Rai, drift down the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi and see the historic temples of the Siam Kingdom. With welcoming hospitality, local experiences, mouth-watering cooking classes and plenty of free time to travel at your own pace, come along and see why this trip was, and still is, a benchmark for all our adventures.
- DAY 1Day 1 • Bangkok
- DAY 2Day 2 • Bangkok - Kanchanaburi
- DAY 3Day 3 • River Kwai - Erawan NP - Kanchanaburi
- DAY 4Day 4 • Rafthouse
- DAY 5Day 5 • Ayutthaya - Overnight train
- DAY 6Day 6 • Chiang Mai
- DAY 7Day 7 • Chiang Mai
- DAY 8Day 8 • Doi Mae Salong
- DAY 9Day 9 • Chiang Rai
- DAY 10Day 10 • Hilltribe Villages Trek
- DAY 11Day 11 • Hilltribe Villages Trek
- DAY 12Day 12 • Hilltribe Villages trek - Chiang Rai
- DAY 13Day 13 • Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Overnight Train
- DAY 14Day 14 • Bangkok
- DAY 15Day 15 • Bangkok
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
3 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
airport_shuttle Transport
Private minvan, Public bus, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Taxi, Longtail Boat
bed Accommodation
Guesthouse (5 nights), Hilltribe village (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Rafthouse (1 night)
festival Included activities
circleBangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
circleBangkok - Wat Pho
circleKanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
circleKanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
circleRafthouse - Wat Baan Tham cave temple
circleKanchanaburi - Rafthouse experience
circleRafthouse - Wat Tham Suea temple
circleRafthouse - Wat Tham Khao Noi
circleAyutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
circleChiang Mai - Night Market
circleDo Mae Salong - Local market
circleAkha Hilltribe - Farm To Plate Demonstration & Lunch
circleChiang Rai - 3 day Hilltribe villages trek
circleHill Tribe Trek - Lunch
circleAr Pha Pattana Village - Community Dinner
circleBaan Yafu Lahu Village - Community Dinner
circleChiang Rai - Wat Rong Kun (White Temple)
museum Optional activities
circleBangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
circleBangkok - Chatuchak Market visit (Entrance) - Free
circleBangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure - THB1980
circleChiang Mai - Thai massage - THB300
circleChiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB1100
circleChiang Mai - Thai cooking course - THB1000
circleChiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary - THB1900
circleBangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
circleBangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure - THB1960
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£1,590£1,272
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Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Sunday Jul 20, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left
£1,628£1,465
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Sunday Jul 27, 2025
Sunday Aug 10, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,590
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Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,590
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Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,590
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Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£1,590£1,431
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Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£1,590£1,431
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Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left
£1,667£1,417
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Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Sunday Nov 23, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£1,733£1,473
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Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left
£1,716£1,459
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Sunday Nov 23, 2025
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,716
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Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,716
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Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Sunday Dec 21, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£1,733£1,646
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Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Sunday Dec 28, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,716
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Sunday Dec 21, 2025
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left
£1,716
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Important notes
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1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 04 (Rafthouse),Days 05 & 13 (Overnight Train) and Days 10 & 11 (Trek) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested.
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2. Itinerary change on 12JAN 2025 departure (Departure code: TTSN250112):
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the overnight train ticket on Day 5 to Chiang Mai was completely sold out and is unavailable for group booking on this departure. Therefore, we will need to adjust the itinerary and run this trip in reverse as below, to ensure your experiences on the trip won’t be affected and all destinations are still covered. Included activities in each destination will still be provided.
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Reversed itinerary for this departure:
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1. Bangkok
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2. Bangkok/overnight train to Chiang Mai
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3-4. Chiang Mai
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5 Doi Mae Salong
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6. Chiang Rai
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7-8. Hilltribe Village Trek
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9. Chiang Rai
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10. overnight train to Ayutthaya
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11-12. Kanchanaburi
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13. Rafthouse
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14. Bangkok
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15. Trip end
Reviews (109)
5 stars
95
4 stars
8
3 stars
1
2 stars
2
1 star
3
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Julia
Apr 18, 2025
Brilliant tour of Northern Thailand . We learnt so much and saw so many different places . The trek was harder than expected but it was very hot . It wasn’t a problem though as our guide organised for a few of us to have a lift one afternoon to avoid the steep climb and we also all had our luggage taken by car all 3 days for a small fee .
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Christopher
Mar 23, 2025
The trip was extremely well organised and enabled us to cover a wide range of activities over a 2 week window. Our group leader was bubbly, authentic and full of knowledge which added so much to the experience
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Tim
Mar 23, 2025
This has been my second intrepid trip, and I was absolutely thrilled with the experience of exploring the northern regions of Thailand the cultural activities were better than I could imagine. Our tour guide “If” was outstanding. I would highly recommend Intrepid for anyone who is interested in learning the true nature of a country.
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Geoff
Mar 03, 2025
This is an amazing adventure which gives a real insight into Thai life and culture. Lots of local interactions and opportunities to immerse yourself into Thailand. The walking has some steep parts but take it slow and everyone makes it. Do this trip!!!
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Layla
Jan 25, 2025
This is an excellent trip to get a taste of Northern Thailand, its scenery, people, food and hospitality.
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Garreth
Jan 18, 2025
Probably the best experience of my life great group and very well organised, guide was superb
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Scott
Jan 18, 2025
The Beautiful Northern Thailand tour was brilliant. The variety of experiences was excellent, and our guide was outstanding. I thoroughly recommend it.
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Lucy
Jan 18, 2025
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Pieter
Dec 23, 2024
I had a wonderful time in Northern Thailand! This region is characterised by its stunning and raw nature. Thai people are very friendly and its cuisine is excellent. The tour was well-organised and we experienced many different things in a short time frame. Thanks to our guide, I was able to expand my knowledge about Thailand. I will definitely go back.
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Suanne
Dec 22, 2024
Northern Thailand trip was amazing, our tour guide was very approachable (with good English) and very knowledgeable. The trip has an amazing itinerary that allows for the authentic Thailand experience of culture, food and land. Having a small group creates a comfortable atmosphere.