Basix
18 to 35s
One Week in Thailand: Kayaking and Hilltribes
4.9
Excellent
56 reviews
8 days
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Bangkok, Thailand
Trip Code
TTYN
Min Age
18
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Tuk-tuk
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (2 nights)
From £484(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Trek deep – super deep – into the northern Thai hinterland with two days of trekking and two nights staying in a traditional hilltribe village, laughing with the locals and learning about their lifestyle.
Immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Thailand, from cascading waterfalls and mountainside views to a kayaking adventure on Mae Taeng River (followed by a spot of white-water rafting if you dare) to get a new perspective.
Get your street food fix in bustling Bangkok and cool Chiang Mai and tuck into some of the tastiest eats in all of Asia. When you’ve had your fill (is that even possible?), be treated to traditional homecooked dinners during your hilltribe village homestays.
Hit the nightlife in cruisy Chiang Mai, in the Nimman area that’s swarming with hipster bars and uber-cool lounges. Bar hop, hit the night markets and find all the best spots from a local leader with all the insights.
Enjoy loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s a bit of rest and relaxation at the local Thai massage place or discovering new friends at the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary.
Is this trip right for you?
This trip includes a two-day hillside trek, which is challenging and involves a lot of walking. Take note of the time of year you’re trekking to know what to expect weather-wise. The wet season runs from May to October and often results in muddy or slippery paths. You will need an overnight pack to carry your belongings during the hike. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Hiking boots and long pants during wet season are highly recommended. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have a good level of fitness.
Part of travelling with Tuuur means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
This trip involves some long journeys on the road and two overnight trains, which can be tiresome. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true local experience and the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at your destinations. Occasionally passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and/or you'll be sharing with locals or travellers from other groups. For your own security, take a lock for your luggage.
This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Real Thailand or Epic Bangkok to Singapore.
This trip includes a two-day hillside trek, which is challenging and involves a lot of walking. Take note of the time of year you’re trekking to know what to expect weather-wise. The wet season runs from May to October and often results in muddy or slippery paths. You will need an overnight pack to carry your belongings during the hike. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Hiking boots and long pants during wet season are highly recommended. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have a good level of fitness.
Part of travelling with Tuuur means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
This trip involves some long journeys on the road and two overnight trains, which can be tiresome. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true local experience and the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at your destinations. Occasionally passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and/or you'll be sharing with locals or travellers from other groups. For your own security, take a lock for your luggage.
This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Real Thailand or Epic Bangkok to Singapore.
Itinerary
See the Thai-riffic northern enclaves of Chiang Mai and its natural surroundings
Head into the hills with your small group of adventurers and get sky-high on an eight-day northern Thailand adventure. Pass through the bustling hub of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, and take the time to check out the night markets and bars well worth hopping. Trek the hillside villages outside of Chiang Mai, before exploring the city and its colourful nightlife. Find waterfalls, elephants and your new fave activity (kayaking, anyone?) and soak in some gorgeous natural scenery you’d only see from local hill tribes. This journey will take you through temples, jungles, markets and mountains, forging new friendships along the way.
Inclusions
Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Tuk-tuk
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (2 nights)
Included activities
Bangkok - Orientation Walk
Chiang Mai - Night Bazaar & Anusarn Market
Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
Hilltribe Trek - Mae Malai Market Visit
Hilltribe Village - Home-cooked Dinner
Hilltribe Trek – Mok Fah Waterfall
Sop Kai Village - River Kayaking
Optional activities
Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB300
Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance) - THB50
Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB1100
Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School - THB1400
Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) - THB1900
Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
Chiang Mai - Muay Thai Class (Thai boxing) - THB460
Chiang Mai - Chuan Chom Vocational Training Centre - Massage (from) - THB250
Chiang Mai - Wat Chedi Luang Temple - THB40
Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB990
Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary - THB1900
Chiang Mai – Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon (Entrance) - THB300
Chiang Mai - Wat Prasingh Temple - THB40
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Overnight sleeper train), Days 4 & 5 (Hilltribe Village), and Day 7 (Overnight sleeper train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. We advise booking your onward flight after 3pm on the final day to allow time for potential train delay, transfer to the airport and the time required at the airport for checking in etc.
Reviews (55)
5 stars
48
4 stars
7
Caitlin
Aug 12, 2025
This tour was an experience of a life time! You’re fully immersed into Northern Thai culture and will learn so much along the way! The Hilltribe trek was our highlight and we felt so blessed to have an insight into genuine rural living. Plus, we got to enjoy beautiful sights and meet friendly locals along the way. I would recommend this trip to anyone thinking of coming to Thailand who has a sincere interest in learning about Thai culture and their way of living! Note: you need to be physically fit for the Hilltribe trek as it consists of around 5 hours of walking on both days. Great experience but very challenging doing this in high humidity while carrying your overnight bag the whole way.
George
Aug 05, 2025
This trip is incredible! It allows you to experience the authentic Thailand and offers once in a lifetime moments while meeting incredible people along the way.
Laura
Jul 14, 2025
I can’t choose a favourite part of this trip as I thoroughly enjoyed every single part, but I particularly loved hiking through the jungle and staying with the tribes. There were some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. Thank you to Mr Boon and Mr Bear and everyone who looked after us in the villages. I felt so welcome and looked after. Every meal was delicious and in abundance so no one went hungry. This was the biggest insight into Thai culture and I felt honoured to stay in the villages.
Eleanor
Jul 13, 2025
The Northern part of this trip was definitely my favourite. Melon was amazing. We made so many friends and it was such a unique experience. I would recommend this to everyone.
Anna
Jul 08, 2025
I would 100% urge anyone who is considering to book this trip to do so! It is the most amazing way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try things you never knew were possible. I have made incredible friends from this trip who will last a lifetime.
JARED
Jul 07, 2025
Absolutely loved the trip. Our guide Melon was amazing. Highly recommend her and the tour
Ashley
Jun 15, 2025
Had an absolutely amazing time on this trip. I highly recommend if you are considering booking. We had the time of our lives.
Amelia
May 05, 2025
Unforgettable experience. Melon is a fantastic guide who made us feel so welcome, safe and seen. Phenomenal local guides, especially during the trek. Thank you Melon & the whole team!!
Allison
May 05, 2025
This trip was awesome, especially the trekking in the hill tribe village! It wasn’t something I could easily do on my own so I was glad to have done it in a group! Melon was great as well as the local guides! Something I won’t ever forget!
Laura
Mar 29, 2025
Amazing trip! I learnt so much about myself and Thailand. Has been one of the best experiences of my life.
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