This trip takes in the best of Central and Northern Thailand. We start in Chiang Mai, a moated city surrounded mountains. We head off trekking in the Mae Wang area,where we go hiking, rafting and elephant riding. We homestay in a local village or in a waterfall camp, the choice is yours. After trekking we return to Chiang Mai and you get to perfect your Thai cooking at cookery school! We move on to Kanchanaburi, a glimpse into Thailand’s war time past and also a chance to relax at our riverside guesthouse before we reach our final destination Bangkok.
Trip Summary:
Area: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai | Fitness level **
Day 1: Chiang Mai
After transferring from the airport to the hotel, Chiang Mai is yours to explore, just ask me for advice. We will have a meeting at the hotel in the evening to discuss our plans for the rest of the trip.
Day 2: Chiang Mai
We will set off early to make the best of your day in Chiang Mai. We head out to see the elephants take a shower and watch a skills demonstration show. Next we will go to the Tribal Research Institute and in the late afternoon we go to the top of Doi Suthep which offers fantastic views over the city. And after that you might want to get a massage, get down to some serious shopping at the Night Bazaar or enjoy a night out on the town.
Day 3: Trekking
We head out early by songtaew to our trekking adventure. We stop off at the local market to stock up on trekking grub. After lunch we get up and close with the elephants and you get the chance to try your hand at ellie driving! We walk onto our home for the night, a peaceful hilltribe village homestay. As their guests you are part of a genuine, grassroots experience.
Day 4: Trekking
We rise early to walk our way down from the hills and on the way back do a spot of bamboo rafting. After which we return to Chiang Mai.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Wake up early morning to offer food to the Buddhist monks, a chance to do something truly Thai. Later in the morning we will hire cycles and your tour leader guide you around the city’s beautiful temples. In the afternoon we head out of the city to cookery school and learn how to cook some Thai classics. The evening is free to go out and explore Chiang Mai at night.
Day 6: Chiang Mai
A free day so please feel free to ask my advice on other things to do because there are so many adventures to be had in and around Chiang Mai. Everything from handicraft shopping to canopy hopping! Late afternoon we catch the overnight train back to Bangkok.
Day 7: Kanchanaburi
In the morning we will transfer by taxi from Bangkok to take a two-hour public bus to Kanchanaburi. We drop our things at the riverside guesthouse and chill out. In the afternoon we cycle to the bridge over the River Kwai, visit the local caves and brush up our history at the War Museum and the cemetery.
Day 8: Kanchanaburi
Today we will take a full day trip. We start by visiting Hellfire Pass, which is a part of the railway that cost hundreds of lives. Then we move onto Erawan National Park with its famous seven tier waterfall and stunning turquoise water. A great chance to swim and let the fish nibble your toes! The evening is free to chill out in the riverside guesthouse.
Day 9: Bangkok
We leave early morning and have the final day in the capital, from where I can help show you around or organize onward travel.
Day 10: Bangkok
After breakfast our trip is over. If you would like to really unwind why not consider tagging on our Island Explorer trip or check out our homestay.
It is possible to reverse this trip, starting in Bangkok, finishing in Chiang Mai. This is a better option for those of you travelling onto Laos.