Original
Explorer
Beautiful Northern Thailand
15 Days | Thailand – the original, and for many, still the best.
4.7
Excellent
circlelocation_on 15 days
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Bangkok, Thailand
location_on
Bangkok, Thailand
tour
TTSN
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15
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3 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
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Private minvan, Public bus, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Taxi, Longtail Boat
bed
Guesthouse (5 nights), Hilltribe village (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Rafthouse (1 night)
From £1,402(15 days)
Trip Informations
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.
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!
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By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Tuuur Foundation partner, World Animal Protection. Donations support them to promote better living conditions for elephants in captivity and help rescue elephants from inhumane conditions. Tuuur will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Tuuur Foundation.
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
- 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 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
circleOrganic Farm - 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)
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Trip size max: - Sold Out
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Trip size max: - 5 spaces left
£1,760£1,584
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Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Trip size max: - 1 space left
£1,958
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Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Trip size max: - 5 spaces left
£1,667£1,500
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Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Trip size max: - 6 spaces left
£1,650£1,402
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Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Trip size max: - Sold Out
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Trip size max: - Sold Out
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Trip size max: - 6 spaces left
£1,722
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Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Trip size max: - 10 spaces left
£1,650
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Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Trip size max: - 7 spaces left
£1,667
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Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Trip size max: - 11 spaces left
£1,650
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Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
Trip size max: - 10 spaces left
£1,612
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Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Trip size max: - 12 spaces left
£1,590
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Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Sunday Jul 20, 2025
Trip size max: - 9 spaces left
£1,612
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Sunday Jul 27, 2025
Sunday Aug 10, 2025
Trip size max: - 12 spaces left
£1,590
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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.
Reviews (95)
5 stars
83
4 stars
7
3 stars
1
2 stars
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1 star
2
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Rachel
This trip exceeded my expectations. Damrong our leader was a real character - very funny and also very organized and respectful to all the people who we encountered along the way. I would add that the hill tribe trek was challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness!
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Stephen
Intrepid found the ideal local guide for my introduction to Thailand's culture, geography, and history. And the itinerary struck a perfect balance between being well-organized and predictable, while still feeling adventurous and like a real personal accomplishment. Would enthusiastically choose Intrepid again for future journeys of discovery!
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Lynn
I have just returned from the Intrepid Northern Thailand trip. Eve, our tour guide, did an excellent job navigating our trip. My only concern is the moderate rating of the 3-day trek. If it stays in the same form, it should be listed as difficult.
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Julie
This trip is one of the most different trips I have ever been on. All the different modes of transport, accommodation, locations are absolutely recommended. Guide knowledge and organisation brilliant. Smaller groups make a huge difference too.
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Jannick
The trip was excellent, the group was great and the guide was even better. The beautiful country has changed me for the better and i feel lucky to have experienced it via Intrepid.
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Michael
Superb tour, well prepared and varier that I cannot say which part was my favourite, all aided by a great guide.
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Elspeth
This trip was amazing. Our group was very small so it felt very personal and relaxed. Everything was super well organized and our guide Maled was fantastic, introduced us to so many great places to eat and had some amazing experiences, always ready to help and organized activities for us on free days. This trip is great for a wide variety of experiences, loved the raft house, the cooking class, the hike - even though it rained solidly for the whole three days it was still great fun, beautiful scenery and not too hot! Would absolutely recommend this trip.
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Hunter
Excellent adventure, just make sure that you’re prepared for the hike and wear long sleeves and pants to stop the mosquitoes. There were some steep climbs in the rain and mud but for those that couldn’t the guide organised a 4wd to pick us up and take some of our group to the next campsite (which cost about $20 USD)
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Ivan
Great experience with some off the grid stops. Anyone interested in doing the trip needs to be aware that the weather is very, very humid and that a long sleeve shirt, trousers and insect repellent are essential. Also, that trekking can be physically demanding- take it slowly and if you need to stop or skip that part simply let the guide know and they will accommodate your request. However, if you like pushing yourself a little and love the lush and green and rewarding incredible views of places not the typical tourist goes to, then this trip is for you.
When going to the hill tribes, expect humble accomodation with the essentials. It’s about experiencing the local way of life in the rural areas of Northern Thailand, so not the typical luxurious type of trip but you will get luxury of a different kind, such as: unique flavourful Thai food prepared by the tribe members, a traditional cooking master class, breathtaking views of temples on the top of mountains and refreshing waterfall pools.
Huge thanks to Maled - our guide- for making of the trip a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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Grace
Absolutely incredible time exploring Northern Thailand. Maled our tour guide was amazing from start to finish and made the journey so smooth! My favourite part of the trip was the raft house experience and Maled taking us to amazing restaurants to try the Thai Cuisine