Explore Northern Thailand

All content by Intrepid

8 days (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.

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Description

Northern Thailand is a treasure-trove filled with glittering temples, ancient ruins, exotic markets and sumptuous foods. Explore the capital of Siam's golden age at Sukhothai, travel through the rainforest of Lampang by elephant, visit the bustling markets of Chiang Mai, stay at a special homestay with local friends and enjoy a traditional khantohk dinner - there's so much to discover on this tour through Thailand's northern kingdom.

Highlights

Soak up the dynamic vibe of Bangkok city.
Try fried bugs at the Sukhothai night market.
Explore Lampang's enchanting ruins by bike.
Watch elephants bathing in the jungle.
Enjoy a traditional khantohk dinner .
Discover adventure and relaxation in Chiang Mai.
Travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on an overnight train.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Loud, bright, chaotic and delightful, Bangkok is a city of modern excesses intermingled with simple traditions, all wrapped up in the famous smiles of the locals.

Day 2 Sukhothai

With some of the most impressive ruins in Thailand, Sukhothai is a friendly town with a wealth of fabulous sights to see.

Day 3 Lampang

Lampang is a northern Thai city with interesting temples and great bars - and where the horse and cart is still used for transport, mainly for tourists though.

Day 4 Homestay

Our fascinating homestay is hosted by some long-time Intrepid friends in a small Thai village. Enjoy a delicious Khantohk dinner while being entertained by traditional Thai music and dance.

Days 5-7 Chiang Mai

Awash with stunning temples, fabulous markets and a lively city centre, charming Chiang Mai is rich in culture and the gateway to the northern hilltribes.

Day 8 Bangkok

Bangkok is more than just colourful city streets, khlongs (canals) weave their way through suburbs, forest parks green up the city and Buddhist temples help bring serenity.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Guesthouse, Homestay, Hotel, Overnight sleeper train, Resort

Transport

Bus, Minibus, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Taxi, Train

Important notes

1. This trip finishes on Day 8 in Bangkok at 12pm midday. 2. A single supplement is available on this trip. See under the Single Traveller section of your Trip Notes for more information.

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from USD$1,130

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