This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds
18 to 35s One Week in Northern Thailand





Go from rural hilltribe villages to bustling cities in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Set off on a seven-day adventure through northern Thailand where you’ll wander night markets bursting with delicious flavours and aromas, trek through luscious mountain ridges in Chiang Mai and have plenty of free time to customise your adventure. Maybe you’ll soak up the nightlife in Nimman, get active with some ziplining or cycling or learn some new Thai dishes at a cooking class. Plus, you’ll be immersed in hilltribe village life and bond with the locals when you spend two nights in nature in rural northern Thailand. An epic week of incredible landscapes, authentic local experiences and a group of new travel friends is calling – what are you waiting for?
5.0
1 reviewsStart: Bangkok, Thailand
End: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Duration
- 7 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 35
- Style
- Basic
- Theme
Our themes categorize 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Immerse yourself in some of Thailand’s most beautiful landscapes – see cascading waterfalls, trek mountain ridges and kayak down the Mae Taeng River (followed by some 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. Then, be treated to traditional home-cooked dinners during your stay in a hilltribe village.
- Trek deep into the northern Thai hinterland over two days and spend two nights staying in a traditional hilltribe village, getting to know the locals and learning about their lifestyle.
- Hit the nightlife in cruisy Chiang Mai, in the Nimman area that’s swarming with vibey bars and 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 making friends with the gentle giants at the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary.
Itinerary
This trip generates 60 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.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bangkok - Orientation Walk
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
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.
- Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
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?
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Chiang Mai - Night Bazaar & Anusarn Market
- Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
- 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!
- Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
- Hilltribe Trek - Mae Malai Market Visit
- Hilltribe Village - Home-cooked Dinner
- Hilltribe Trek – Mok Fah Waterfall
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.
- Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Sop Kai Village - River Kayaking
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB300
- Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
After breakfast this morning, there are no further activities planned and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Thailand, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
- Breakfast
- 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
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 (1 night), 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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Why choose us
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We keep our group sizes small and our experiences big, so you can get more out of your travels.
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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. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Hiking boots and long pants during wet season are highly recommended. You will need an overnight pack to carry your belongings during the hike. 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. 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 an overnight train, 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, however it can also be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out our Real Thailand (TTYDC) or Epic Bangkok to Singapore (TTYSC) trips.
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), and Days 4 & 5 (Hilltribe Village) 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. 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
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.
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