Insights of the North

^{15 Days / 14 Nights}

Itinerary (Bangkok – Homestay – Kanchanaburi – Ayudhaya – Chiang Mai – Trekking – Thaton – Chiang Rai – Bangkok )


You want to discover the real Thailand? Then try catching a ride in a Song Thaew taxi, stroll through a local market and try to bargain with the Thai stall holders or jump on an elephant to explore the forest countryside. These and many other possibilities are open to you as we show you a side of Thailand not experienced by most visitors. We will also give you quite enough time to relax and just watch this fascinating world go by.

Day 1 : Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok! Today is free as group members will arrive individually. We will though provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area until it is time for the group meeting in the evening where we would like you give your local leader an idea of some of the things you would like to do on your tour.

Day 2-3 : Homestay and River Kwai
Leave busy Bangkok behind by catching a local bus to a small village near to Kanchanaburi town. After settling in to your charming homestay and receiving a warm welcome from our host family you will then have time to explore the village and the chance to offer our English skills to the local school children. And join in the daily activities of your 'Thai family'. Time to say farewell to your kind hosts as you need to catch the local bus to Kanchanaburi and explore many sights in the area, including the 'Death Railway', Erawan Falls, one of Thailand's most beautiful national parks or visit the Tiger Temple - All at your own choices.

Day 4-5 : Ayuthaya and Chiang Mai
Jump to a local bus for Ayuthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many sites to visit and so many ways to visit them; by bicycle, local Tuk Tuk or on elephant back! At our own expense you can chose exactly what you want to see, and how. Then, when it is time to leave for Chiang Mai in the evening, it is another fun mode of transport - the overnight sleeper with comfortable second-class air-conditioned berths. After settling yourself into your cozy hotel in town you leader will take you on a walking tour around the old city to see charming temples, the local Warorot Market to practice your shopping skills, and perhaps, visit a meditation temple. So many things to do here, something for everybody; spectacular temples, the gastronomic delights offered by the local food vendors and fantastic shopping.

Day 6-8 : Hilltribe Trek
Time to set off on an exciting 3-day trek through the hills and forests, a highlight of your tour. You will not find the trekking too strenuous as long as you are reasonably fit as it will be a good mix of walking, meeting people of very different cultures and ways of life, elephant-back riding and an exhilarating bamboo-raft trip.

Day 9 : Chiang Mai
A full day's break after the hard work in the jungle. However those who are still energetic enough can take more options, such as a short Thai cooking, a visit to Doi Suthep or just enjoy more shopping at the night bazaar. Alternatively, relax with a traditional Thai massage. Your leader will be ready to give you help and advice.

Day 10-12 : Thaton - Chiang Rai
On arrival at your hotel those who not in a hurry to leave Bangkok can perhaps join a walking tour to see a different side of the bustling city and then, if you wish, a farewell dinner together before each leaves for their next destination .

Day 13-15 : Bangkok
Finally we take the local bus for the 3-hour journey to Chiang Mai to connect with the evening air-conditioned overnight train for Bangkok. On arrival at your hotel those who not in a hurry to leave Bangkok can perhaps join a walking tour to see a different side of the bustling city and then, if you wish, a farewell dinner together before each leaves for their next destination .