This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds
18 to 35s One Week in Thailand: Kayaking and Hilltribes
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.
4.9
93 reviewsStart: Bangkok, Thailand
End: Bangkok, Thailand
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 35
- Style
- Basic
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- 18 to 35s
- 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
From
GBP £440
GBP £352
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.
Itinerary
This trip generates 31 kg of CO2-e per person per day. Learn more about our climate commitment.
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to keep you occupied – maybe take a walk around Chinatown and explore the vibrant streets or head to the magnificent Grand Palace. Tonight, it’s time to dig into some traditional tastes of Thailand. Bangkok is known for its street food, so maybe head out with your leader and check out some roadside stalls around the Sukhumvit area. Later, maybe discover Bangkok’s nightlife and head out to one (or more) of the best local bars. Ask your guide for directions or grab your new travel mates and attempt to navigate the BTS skytrain and MRT subway.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Bangkok - Orientation Walk
Optional activities
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, you have a free day in Bangkok before your overnight train this morning. Maybe start off with a relaxing Thai massage – the perfect way to limber up and start your day. Then, maybe check out Talad Noi by bike, take on the Bangkok Temples. After your day exploring, hop on an overnight train up to Chiang Mai.
Accommodation
- Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
Special information
Your travel time tonight will be approximately 13 hours.
Soft sleeper class trains are used for the overnight journey, and they’ve got all you’ll need! The compartments are multi-share with air-conditioning and bunk beds that come with sheets and a pillow. Baggage travels in the carriage with you, and there's a food and drink service available on board.
Arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning and transfer to your guesthouse. Then, you’ll head out on an orientation walk to get your bearings. Chiang Mai is the perfect entrance to the Thai highlands, with misty mountains and colourful hillside villages waiting to be explored. This will be your base for the next few days, as you’ll return here after your hillside trek. Today, you’re free to relax or explore the city. Maybe get active and go ziplining or cycle around the city. Take on a cooking class to learn some local flavours (and pick up some mad skills to take home) or just wander around on foot and visit Doi Sethep Temple and a couple of the cool cafes around the area. Tonight, why not get your group together to go bar hopping or explore the night markets in the happening Nimman area?
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Chiang Mai - Night Bazaar & Anusarn Market
- Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
Optional activities
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB300
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex - THB50
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB1100
- Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School - THB1400
- Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) - THB1900
This morning at around 8 am, leave Chiang Mai and head to Mae Malai Market to stock up on some delicious fresh snacks for your trek. Then, visit Mok Fah Waterfall for a cheeky dose of natural beauty. Sit down for some lunch to refuel with your group at a local restaurant, then continue to the starting point of today’s hike. Your destination for this evening is the Mae Ma Nai Hilltribe Village. Walk along the mountain ridge and take in the views of the natural forest and remote scenery. When you arrive, enjoy a local home-cooked dinner by the campfire to celebrate a successful day. Later, take a walk around the village and chat with the locals. This is a really special opportunity to experience rural Thai life first-hand!
Accommodation
- Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
- Hilltribe Trek - Mae Malai Market Visit
- Hilltribe Village - Home-cooked Dinner
- Hilltribe Trek – Mok Fah Waterfall
Special information
Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours (8 km).
All meals are included while trekking, but you'll need to purchase and carry your own water and snacks. Please allow approximately US 10 to cover your water for the trek. Accommodation is multi-share, sleeping on roll mats on the floor of the wooden huts typical of the villages. There are shared squat toilets and basic washing facilities (a hose or water pipe) in most villages. You may also be able to wash in a nearby stream. Warmer clothing and sleeping bags are recommended from November to January, as the nights are usually quite cool during this period.
The best thing about being deep in the jungle in the morning is waking up to the natural sounds of wildlife calls. After breakfast, begin today’s trek through the storybook landscape of farmland and jungle, exploring other hilltribe villages and seeing how life differs between them. Your whole trek is the perfect nature photo op, so make sure you’ve got your camera handy! Enjoy lunch along the way and reach Pong Ngan Lahu Village this afternoon. After two long days of hiking, relax your legs and soak in some natural scenery before an included home-cooked dinner tonight.
Accommodation
- Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
Special information
Your trekking time today will be approximately 5 hours (10 km).
The Mae Taeng River awaits you this morning, as you head off on a kayaking adventure towards Sop Kai Village. Paddle downstream as you're immersed by gorgeous surroundings for 2 to 3 hours, taking in the lush green scenery. From here, you can choose to head back to Chiang Mai via private transfer and enjoy a leisurely evening or opt to take to the rapids for some whitewater rafting. Paddle further down the river and get the adrenaline pumping before you head back to Chiang Mai for the night. When you arrive, maybe refresh and recharge or head out to explore the Wat Prasingh and Wat Chedi Luang temples in your free time. Tonight, ask your leader for the best spots for a pad thai or a khao soi.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Included activities
- Sop Kai Village - River Kayaking
Optional activities
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB300
- Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
Today is a free day to explore Chiang Mai and you’re spoilt for options. Maybe take the chance to learn one of the world’s legendary martial arts, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) this morning. Spend 1.5 hours learning the basics of Muay Thai with the pros, plus how to adapt yourselves to be the weapons and the guard. You could also visit the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary and witness these majestic animals roaming the valley and chilling in nature. Or maybe stop by Chuan Chom Vocational Training Center for lunch or a massage. Here, you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Later, board an overnight train for Bangkok.
Accommodation
- Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Optional activities
- Chiang Mai - Muay Thai Class (Thai boxing) - THB460
- Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School - THB1400
- Chiang Mai - Chuan Chom Vocational Training Centre - Massage (from) - THB250
- Chiang Mai - Wat Chedi Luang Temple - THB40
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB990
- Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) - THB1900
- Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary - THB1900
- Chiang Mai – Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
- Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon (Entrance) - THB300
- Chiang Mai - Wat Prasingh Temple - THB40
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex - THB50
Special information
This is a combo trip, meaning some group members may finish their trip in Chiang Mai today.
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 13 hours.
Your train is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok early this morning. When you arrive at the station, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer, and we wouldn’t blame you, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your overnight train will arrive around 6-7am this morning. Overnight trains in Thailand often arrive late, so you may want to allow time for possible delay (approx. 1-2 hours) if you have other onward travel plans.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
ThailandMeals
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 - 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
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Before you book you should know
- 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 Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people. When visiting religious attractions such as temples or mosques, you are required to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (long pants or skirts are appropriate), along with closed-toe shoes or sneakers (sandals are not permitted). 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.
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.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (2 nights)
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the Itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin share basis, unless otherwise stated in the Itinerary. There may be times when facilities are shared, rather than ensuite, which will also be mentioned in the Itinerary if applicable.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination before checking in.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Lub D Bangkok China Town
777 Maha Chai Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Bangkok
THAILAND
Phone: +66 21634501
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
If you have pre-booked a transfer for an arrival at Suvanabhumi International Airport, you will be met after exiting the customs hall. A transfer representative holding a sign with your name on it will meet you between Exit Doors 3-4. If you cannot find your transfer representative, please go to the Information Counter at Exit Door 3. Ask them to call our transfer provider, Ms. Janet, on +66 64 649 0485. Neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.
For arrivals at Don Muang International Airport, when you are at the arrival hall, our representative will be in front of Gate 5. Please find the Intrepid Logo and check your name on the signboard held by the representative on your lefthand side. If you have trouble locating our representative, please call our transfer provider Ms. Janet, at +66 64 649 0485.
Metered taxis are available outside the entrance of Don Muang on the 1st floor. Exit the customs hall, go down to the 1st floor and leave the airport at Gate 3, 4, 7 or 8. You will find a table with a “metred taxis” sign. The total taxi fare will be approximately THB400. Pre-paid taxis are also available, where you will be given a docket to pay the driver a set price of THB700. Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxis parked outside the airport.
Dates and prices
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Reviews
4.9 . 93 reviews
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