- In-depth Cultural
- Wildlife
- Group
- Fully Guided
- Explorer
- Christmas & New Year
- Gold Operator
- Explore!
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Fully Guided
- An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
- Guided in English
- Group Size 7 - 16
- Age range 16 to 85
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Explore the glittering Grand Palace complex in Bangkok
- Gaze in awe at the temple of the Reclining Buddha
- Visit the serene hillside Doi Suthep Temple of Chang Mai
- Bathe the elephants at the Lampang Sanctuary
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Join tour in Bangkok; optional longtail canal trip
- Day 2 Tour of Bangkok, visit Grand Palace; sleeper train to Chiang Mai
- Day 3 Arrive in Chiang Mai; visit Doi Suthep temple; walking tour of Old Town
- Day 4 In Chiang Mai, visit to Elephant Nature Park
- Day 5 Drive to Si Satchanalai temple ruins and continue to homestay in Naton Chan village
- Day 6 In Sukhothai, explore old city ruins by bicycle; drive to Uthai Thani via UNESCO site of Kamphaengphet
- Day 7 Visit morning market; travel by boat and bus to Ayutthaya; visit Royal Palace
- Day 8 Drive to Kanchanaburi; journey on Death Railway and continue onto River Kwai; overnight in raft house
- Day 9 In Kanchanaburi, bamboo rafting on River Kwai; optional visit to Sai Yok National Park
- Day 10 Return to Bangkok via Maeklong railway market
- Day 11 Tour ends in Bangkok
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Additional Services
Where You'll Stay
W22 Hotel
HotelDays 1, 10Overnight Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Sleeper Trainday 2Amora Hotel Chiang Mai
HotelDays 3, 4Ban Natonjun Homestay
Home-stayday 5Payamai Resort
Hotelday 6Ayothaya Hotel
Hotelday 7Boutique Raft Resort
GuesthouseDays 8, 9
Operated by
Explore!
Number of tours
534
Age Range
16 to 85 years old
Response time
12 hours
Response rate
92%
Explore is a global adventure travel company with 42 years’ experience in...
Read moreSustainability Initiatives
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Animal Welfare
Supporting Destinations
Sustainability Programs
Customer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationGood
- FoodExcellent
- MKMichelle· December 5th, 2024I really enjoyed the tour and seeing highlights of Northern Thailand. The high energy, enthusiasm and kindness of tour leader Wit was much appreciated. Sleeping on an overnight train, a raft house and homestay was memorable. The only improvement I could suggest would be that the group all travel with the tour leader in one vehicle where possible.Show more
Explore! commented on this reviewThank you for your lovely feedback about the Best of Northern Thailand tour! We're so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the unique experiences and Wit’s incredible energy and kindness. Your suggestion about group travel is much appreciated and will be... Show moreTrip date: November 2024 - AIan· February 4th, 2023On this trip there were so manyShow moreTrip date: January 2023Review collected by Explore!
- ANilima· February 2nd, 2023Full on itinerary which meant you got maximum out of your trip. The tour guide was excellent. He had amazing in-depth knowledge of Thailand and was so enthusiastic about sharing the information.Show moreTrip date: January 2023Review collected by Explore!
- ACarla· February 8th, 2023The Elephant Nature park was fantastic. They are doing such good work and the chance to get up close to the Elephants was amazing. Also the lunch was really good.Show moreTrip date: January 2023Review collected by Explore!
- APamela· February 4th, 2023The elephant sanctuary, which was not touristy, but very informative and respective of the needs of the elephants. We were very happy that there was limited interaction with the elephants, as we would not have been happy with riding or ‘washing’ these magnificent creaturesShow moreTrip date: January 2023Review collected by Explore!
- AJoanna· February 25th, 2023Two nights at the river at Kanchanburi; River Kwai Death Railway memorial, train and museum; Railway market on last day (added to itinerary; temple at Chang Mai; massages at Chang Mai; Sukothai ruins by bicycle; guide taking around morning market; Elephant sanctuary; Royal Palace in Bangkok; Longtail boat on the first day.Show moreTrip date: February 2023Review collected by Explore!
- ABrian· February 28th, 2023Very impressed with the overnight train and that it freed up more time at destination. The Elephant Sanctuary visit was outstanding. Night markets in Chiang Mai were a revelation. Visit to the River Kwai was a very moving and informative experience. Bangkok Royal Palace was spectacular.Show moreTrip date: February 2023Review collected by Explore!
- AVirginia· March 14th, 2023Highlights included Si Satchanalai, Kanchanaburi, the River Kwai and Hell Fire Pass. Our stay in the raft houses on the river Kwai was also a highlight as was the Maeklong Railway market.Show moreTrip date: February 2023Review collected by Explore!
- AMeiling· February 16th, 2023Seeing the lesser known sites relating to the old capitals, not just the UNESCO world, heritage ones. Also staying in the raft hotel which was a lovely setting. and the elephant sanctuary was really well run and very enjoyable and educational.Show moreTrip date: February 2023Review collected by Explore!
- Akatrina· February 21st, 2023The highlight was seeing the splendid temples but the River Kwai and the Hells path was a hightlight for me. Also i enjoyed the cycling but would have liked that to be a little bit longer.Show moreTrip date: February 2023Review collected by Explore!
Dates & Availability
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- Instant ConfirmationFrom Sunday12 Oct, 2025To Wednesday22 Oct, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,180
- From Sunday2 Nov, 2025To Wednesday12 Nov, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold outFrom:$3,840
- From Sunday9 Nov, 2025To Wednesday19 Nov, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold outFrom:$3,840
- From Sunday16 Nov, 2025To Wednesday26 Nov, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold outFrom:$3,840
- 2 Other Unavailable Departures
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Sunday30 Nov, 2025To Wednesday10 Dec, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,290
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Thursday18 Dec, 2025To Sunday28 Dec, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,290
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Sunday4 Jan, 2026To Wednesday14 Jan, 2026EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,800
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Sunday11 Jan, 2026To Wednesday21 Jan, 2026EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,800
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Wednesday14 Jan, 2026To Saturday24 Jan, 2026EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,800
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Sunday18 Jan, 2026To Wednesday28 Jan, 2026EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,800
Best price guarantee Learn More
What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- D
Diana
Asked on February 15th, 2025What happens if I miss the welcome meeting?
Explore!Operator•Written February 2025If you miss it, your tour leader will brief you on essential information when you catch up.
- N
Natalie
Asked on February 1st, 2025What is the price for extra nights in Bangkok?
- Explore!Operator•Written February 2025
The accommodation in Bangkok costs AUD 120 per room per night if you wish to extend your stay.
- J
Janina
Asked on December 30th, 2024What kind of payments are accepted?
- Explore!Operator•Written January 2025
We accept various forms of payments, including credit cards and bank transfers.
- S
Sonja
Asked on December 9th, 2024Will I need a visa for this tour?
- Explore!Operator•Written December 2024
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and residence; please check your specific requirements.
- K
Kimberly
Asked on December 3rd, 2024How many people are in this trip?
- Explore!Operator•Written December 2024
We currently have 12 people booked onto our February 16th 2025 departure.
- K
Kimberly
Traveler•Written December 2024I was wondering what the total maximum is for this trip because I'm not interested in over say 16.
- Explore!Operator•Written December 2024
16 is the maximum on our trips.
K2 more answers - F
Franziska
Asked on June 24th, 2024Are meals included in the tour package?
- Explore!Operator•Written June 2024
Meals may vary by tour; please refer to the itinerary for exact meal inclusions.
- X
Xavier
Asked on June 8th, 2024How do I confirm my flight details for transfers?
- Explore!Operator•Written June 2024
Please ensure to submit your flight information at least 21 days prior to departure for transfer arrangements.
- L
Lorena
Asked on May 20th, 2024What is the minimum age for participants on the tour?
- Explore!Operator•Written May 2024
The minimum age for our group trips is 16 years.
- B
Benjamin
Asked on February 16th, 2024What's the group size for this tour?
- Explore!Operator•Written February 2024
Group sizes may vary, generally we keep small groups to enhance personal experiences.
- E
Esther
Asked on February 10th, 2024What should I do if I have further questions?
- Explore!Operator•Written February 2024
You can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button for any additional inquiries.
Good to Know
Tour ID: 124770
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