Northern Explorer

from USD 1660 for 11 days

Explore the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai and the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai where we stay in beautiful rafthouses. Visit some of Thailand’s most interesting and beautiful ancient sites, spend the night in a Thai village and ride elephants and bamboo rafts, as well as experiencing mouth-watering dishes that have made Thai cuisine a world favourite. On this exciting trip you do all of this and more on a fabulous journey to the heart of northern Thailand.

Brief Description Show detailed

Day 1 - BANGKOK

Arrive in this vibrant exciting city. Check into your hotel, relax before meeting up with your Tour Leader this evening. (No meals)

Day 2 - BANGKOK

Guided tour of the Grand Palace and the magnificent Wat Phra Keow (Emerald Buddha). This afternoon your tour leader will take you on an exciting journey along Bangkok’s canals or ‘klongs’. (BD)

Day 3 - PHITSANULOK

Our first stop today is the ancient capital of Siam, Ayuthaya. We have a guided tour of the old palace and city before continuing to Phitsanulok where we have the chance to
enjoy the local culinary experience of the ‘Flying Vegetables’ or the great night food
market. Approx. 5 hours driving. (BD)

Day 4 - SUKOTHAI - CHIANG MAI

Guided tour of the magnificent Buddhist site of Sukothai. Later we drive to Chiang Mai via the elephant orphanage at Lamphang. Tonight we’ll visit the famous Chiang Mai night market.  Approx. 6 hours driving. (B)

Day 5 - CHIANG MAI

An excursion to the hilltop Buddhist temple of Doi Suthep. Free afternoon to explore or experience a Thai massage. (B)

Day 6 - CHIANG MAMOUNTAIN VILLAGEI - TRIBAL

We head out of Chiang Mai into the hills. After a visit toan elephant training camp we travel by pick-up truck to a small tribal village. We then continue on foot through
mountainous terrain to a Palong village where we spend the night in a traditional village house. (BLD)

Day 7 - ELEPHANT RIDE AND BAMBOO RAFTING

After breakfast we ride elephants through the jungle to a small river. We then continue by bamboo raft down the river. Later we return via an orchid garden and butterfly farm to Chiang Mai. There is time to relax around the pool before the evening flight to Bangkok. (BL)

Day 8 - Day 8, RIVER KWAI

A short drive west of Bangkok takes us to Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai. We visit the floating market before visiting waterfalls and seeing a traditional Mon village and elephants en route to the raft houses. We will take an exciting ride up-river to our raft houses, set amongst beautiful jungle scenery, where we spend the night. (BLD)

Day 9 - RIVER KWAI

Today we visit the War Cemeteries, the bridge Museum and the Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi before transferring to our hotel which is situated on a small island in the middle of the Kwai River. The rest of the day is free to explore the town or enjoy the swimming pool. (BLD)

Day 10 - BANGKOK

Drive to the nearby National Park and visit the Erawan Waterfalls. We can swim in the
natural pools or walk up to the top of the falls. We later return to Bangkok, visiting the tallest Buddhist monument in the world on the way. (BL)

Day 11 - BANGKOK

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)