Beautiful Thailand

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Bangkok)

Destinations visited: Thailand, Bangkok, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,350

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Description

This was the tour that started it all for Intrepid - and it remains one of our most popular. Northern Thailand is among the greatest adventure destinations on the planet and this journey shows why - hiking among hilltribes near Chiang Mai, sailing on rivers like Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and calling in to visit friendly and colourful villages. Come along and see why this has become the benchmark for all other Intrepid Travel journeys.

Highlights

Take a comprehensive journey around magical Thailand.
Glide along Bangkok's waterways.
Visit beautiful Wat Pho.
Have your fortune read in historic Ayuthaya.
Delve into history at the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Trek through remote hilltribe villages.
Learn the unsettled past of the Golden Triangle.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Soak up the energy of Thailand's capital, Bangkok. Travel around the city in a tuk-tuk, stroll down Khao San Road and perhaps check out the lively bar scene. After all, Bangkok is Asia's very own city that never sleeps!

Days 2-4 Kanchanaburi/River Kwai

Swap bustling streets for shady waterways on a longtail boat cruise along Chao Phraya River. Gaze up at the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Hit the road to Kanchanaburi, home to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Discover the area's tragic past at Jeath War Museum and swim beneath a seven-tiered waterfall in Erawan National Park. There's even a chance to kayak back to Kanchanaburi, via the infamous Death Railway Bridge.

Day 5 Ayutthaya

Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, is home to many beautiful, intricately carved temples. Visit Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon with a local guide, before taking an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Days 6-7 Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai boasts dozens of spas and yoga studios, plus a Night Bazaar packed with bargain buys. Maybe choose to hone culinary skills at a Thai cooking class before hailing a songthaew to the temple complex of Doi Suthep.

Day 8 Doi Mae Salong

Head through undulating green valleys lined with tea plantations to picturesque Doi Mae Salong. Go underground to explore a fascinating cave system.

Day 9 Homestay

Experience village life on an overnight stay and, in the evening, enjoy a khantohk dinner and dance performance.

Days 10-11 Hilltribe Trek

Hike through remote villages and learn about hilltribe cultures. Stay in simple huts and trek over lush rice terraces carved into the hills.

Day 12 Chiang Rai

Explore Chiang Mai's 'little sister' – Chiang Rai. While here, an evening boat cruise on the Mekong River is a great way to finish the day.

Day 13 Chiang Mai

Why not enjoy a traditional Thai massage before taking an overnight train to Bangkok.

Days 14-15 Bangkok

Back in the city, meander through the extensive Chatuchak Weekend Market or explore vibrant Chinatown. Perhaps mark the end of the tour by picking up some colourful handicrafts or souvenirs.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nts), Guesthouse (4 nts), Overnight sleeper train (2 nts), Hilltribe village (2 nts), Rafthouse (1 nt), Homestay (1 nt)

Transport

Taxi, Bus, Sammlaw (cycle rickshaw), Songthaew, Overnight sleeper train, Van, Private minibus

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,350

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