15 Days | Thailand – the original, and for many, still the best.





There’s a reason this trip was the tour that started it all, and still remains one of the most popular. Discover Northern Thailand, a lush adventure destination that takes you to the heart of what it means to be Intrepid. 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 Beautiful Northern Thailand was, and still is, a benchmark for all other Intrepid adventures.
Trip overview

- Start
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Finish
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Thailand
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- TTSN
- This is one of the original Intrepid 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Even the transport on this trip is an adventure – discover the joys of travelling on overnight sleeper trains, longtail boats, songthaew and rafthouses.
- Indulge in an organic farm to plate cooking demonstration and lunch at a farm stay in the Mae Chan District – full of heat, spice and fresh food, you won’t go hungry!
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
3 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Private minvan, Public bus, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Taxi, Longtail Boat
Guesthouse (5 nights), Hilltribe village (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Rafthouse (1 night)
- Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
- Bangkok - Wat Pho
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
- Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
- Rafthouse - Wat Baan Tham cave temple
- Kanchanaburi - Rafthouse experience
- Rafthouse - Wat Tham Suea temple
- Rafthouse - Wat Tham Khao Noi
- Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
- Chiang Mai - Night Market
- Do Mae Salong - Local market
- Organic Farm - Farm To Plate Demonstration & Lunch
- Chiang Rai - 3 day Hilltribe villages trek
- Hill Tribe Trek - Lunch
- Ar Pha Pattana Village - Community Dinner
- Baan Yafu Lahu Village - Community Dinner
- Chiang Rai - Wat Rong Kun (White Temple)
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
- Bangkok - Chatuchak Market visit - THB100
- Bangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure - THB1980
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB200
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB990
- Chiang Mai - Thai cooking course - THB1000
- Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
- Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure - THB1960
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
Dates and availability
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 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.
2. Itinerary change for TTSN231008: due to issue of train availability, we have to change the order of destinations on this departure. The itinerary on this departure will be as follows:
1. Bangkok
2. Bangkok/overnight train to Chiang Mai
3-4. Chiang Mai
5 Doi Mae Salong
6. Chiang Rai
7-8. Hilltribe Village Trek
9. Chiang Rai
10. overnight train to Ayuthaya
11-12. Kanchanaburi
13. Rafthouse
14. Bangkok
15. Trip end
No activities will be impacted by this change. Your tour leader will be able to provide more day to day details.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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