Simply Northern Thailand

Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Chiang Mai, also known as the ‘Rose of the North’. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe get a headstart with your exploring and visit one of the spectacular temples, try some delicious street food or walk along the riverfront. Chiang Mai is a great place to explore on two wheels, so maybe hire a bike to see the city from another angle. You could also visit Doi Suthep, a famous temple perched on a 1676 m (5499 ft) mountain of the same name. The climb up to the temple involves around 300 steps, but if you’re up for something active, the views are well worth it. If a bit of relaxation is more your thing, why not treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. After your welcome meeting, maybe gather your new travel friends and head out for dinner – your local leader will have all the best recommendations for where to eat.

Today join in the drive to the ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary, supported by our Intrepid Foundation partner WAP, for an encounter with these incredible creatures. During your visit, you’ll learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free-roaming elephants in the region. You’ll watch the elephants go about their daily routines from a safe distance, observing how they graze and socialise. The sanctuary’s expert guides will chat with you about the elephants as well as the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices. After, return to Chiang Mai for some free time. You might like to book into a cooking class to learn how to make some northern Thai cuisine – what better souvenir to take home than a new recipe or two to remind you of your adventure? Speak to your local leader for more suggestions for how to spend your day.

After breakfast, take a public bus to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Sukhothai. Arrive in the mid-afternoon, then head out on an orientation walk with your local leader. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Sukhothai was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Today, many of its impressive monuments still stand, with the park’s centrepiece being the Wat Mahathat temple complex. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore.

This morning, explore the Sukhothai Historical Park by bike, maybe make a stop for a picnic within the park grounds if you are interested. The rest of the day is yours – maybe watch a cooking demonstration to learn how to make regional specialties like khao poep (thin sheets of rice noodle folded over meat and vegetables, served in pork bone broth), or take a Buddha amulet-making workshop led by a local artisan.

Say goodbye to Sukhothai this morning and take a local bus to Bangkok – Thailand’s bustling capital. Make sure you have a good book, podcast or your favourite playlist ready for the journey. Tonight, you’ll go on a walking tour of Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown with your leader. After, maybe join your leader to hit some street food stalls. In Chinatown, you can try dishes that blend Thai and Chinese influences like kanom pakkaad (turnip cake) and chwee kueh (steamed rice cake served with spicy sambal). Maybe gather your group to head to a local bar or two and get to know Bangkok’s nightlife.

Embark on a half-day guided walking tour of the historic Sam Yot district with your leader. This is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most culturally rich neighbourhoods, known for its long-standing communities and the vibrant daily life, which you’ll watch unfolding on the streets today. You’ll pass some of the area’s most important religious and cultural landmarks, which showcase the spiritual diversity of this area. Stop by the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara (a significant Sikh place of worship), the Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine (an important landmark for the local Thai Chinese community) and the Buddhist temple of Wat Bophit Phimuk Worawihan. Make your way to the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market, the largest flower market in Thailand. Browse the colourful array of fresh flowers that have been delivered from across the country, from orchids and roses to marigold garlands used for offerings and ceremonies. The sheer scale of this bustling market is a testament to the importance of flowers in Thai culture. Your afternoon is free for you to explore Bangkok your way. You could visit the trendy neighbourhood of Talat Noi or stroll down Song Wat Road to see some street art – your local leader will be on hand to give you recommendations.

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Bangkok, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.