Northern Thailand Tours & Trips
Picture shopping at Taling Chan floating markets, exploring Wat Pra Maha Doi Sutthep temple, experiencing Thai cooking classes, and visiting the local Elephant Sanctuary. Discover the Summer Palace of Rama V, tour ancient Sukhothai Historical Park, and boat around the Golden Triangle. Northern Thailand is ready for you, and it’s a trip like no other.
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- Choose from 200+ Northern Thailand tours
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Lois • traveled in April
My experience with TruTravels is one to remember for sure. I had an absolute blast with some of the most amazing people! I couldn't fault the tour at all...I have learnt so much about Thailand and the culture behind it and had great fun along the way. Thank you so much for this tour.
Northern Thailand Adventure - M
Monica • traveled in June
Kridtapas aka Pom, was the best tour guide ever!! He was so friendly, knowlegeable, accomodating, flexible, adventurous and cool. His english was excellent. He made the tour very meaningful for us. Had we not booked the tour, we would have not seen nearly all the places that Pom took us to. The tour really packed a lot of action, adventure and exciting places into only 9 days. Thank you Pom for giving us the adventure of a lifetime!
Experience Thailand 9 Days - Bangkok to the North, Small Group Tour (English Only) - M
Michelremond • traveled in August
Good service Excellent of tour agency arrangement. Nice n pleasant service. Hotel nice, clean n Convenient location. Valued for money. Will come back again to revisit. Thanks Legend Travel Group. Thailand is friendly country!
Thailand Highlights 10-Day Package
Table of contents
- The best Northern Thailand tour packages
- Travel Northern Thailand your way
- Best tour companies for Northern Thailand tours
- Popular Northern Thailand Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Northern Thailand tour
- Discover Northern Thailand tours for every budget
- Northern Thailand tours for every type of group
- Top Northern Thailand travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Thailand
- Contact our Northern Thailand travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern Thailand Tours & Trips
The best Northern Thailand tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Thailand travel expert at TourRadar
Experience Thailand 9 Days - Bangkok to the North, Small Group Tour (English Only)
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a wonderful trip with lot's of history and culture.”
Claudia, traveled in December
Northern Thailand's cultural treasures unfold from Sukhothai's UNESCO ruins to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The Golden Triangle beckons, with stays at Imperial River House Chiang Rai, and traditional craft-making at Baan Tipmanee workshop.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Lampang, Golden Triangle Park, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Destination Services Thailand From $2,777
10% Off- NZ$2,499You save $278
Northern Thailand Adventure
1,864 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Every activity on the trip was incredible and Sea brought a great energy and enthusiasm everyday.”
Hannah, traveled in October
Explore Northern Thailand's treasures from ancient Ayutthaya temples to Chiang Mai's elephant sanctuaries. Experience hill tribe homestays, traditional cooking classes, and jungle adventures while staying in authentic accommodations.
Duration 14 days Destinations Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Pai Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator TruTravels From $2,523
30% Off- NZ$1,766You save $757
Fantastic Circle of Thailand Tour - 10 Days
39 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were comfortable, the food was delicious, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly.”
Williams, traveled in May
Journey through Northern Thailand starting from Bangkok's temples to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Mae Tang elephant sanctuary. Experience white water rafting, trek to jungle waterfalls, and explore the Golden Triangle. Stay at White Boutique Hotel while savoring traditional Khantoke dinners and local cuisine for $308 per day.
Duration 10 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Mae Taeng, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Legend Travel Group From $5,311
55% Off- NZ$2,390+$1,032 local paymentsYou save $2,921
Experience Thailand 6 Days, Small Group Tour (English Only)
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, our guide's extensive knowledge of each location added so much depth to our journey.”
Tatiana, traveled in October
Northern Thailand reveals UNESCO sites Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Historical Parks, Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, and Golden Triangle excursions. Four-star comfort at Imperial Phitsanulok and Empress Chiang Mai complements visits to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Lampang, Phayao, Golden Triangle Park, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Destination Services Thailand From $2,013
10% Off- NZ$1,812You save $201
Thailand Highlights 10-Day Package
37 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very nice tour. Places went to were very good.”
Samuel, traveled in January
Northern Thailand unfolds at approx. $380/day. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple and Mae Taeng Elephant Camp highlight the journey. Boutique hotels like The Rise Suites or Na Nirand Resort in Chiang Mai provide comfort. Traditional Khantoke dinner and bamboo rafting on Mae Taeng River included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep Pui National Park, Mae Taeng, Golden Triangle Park, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Legend Travel Group From $6,467
55% Off- NZ$2,910+$1,032 local paymentsYou save $3,557
Explore Northern Thailand
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved the freetime options occasionally too, often tours are so critivall3timed, no sparetime to shop for souvenirs.”
Joanne, traveled in January
Northern Thailand's cultural heritage spans ancient Sukhothai temples to Chiang Mai's vibrant markets. Local village life, ChangChill elephant sanctuary visits, and UNESCO-listed sites await while staying in varied accommodations from resorts to authentic homestays.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bangkok, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,220
20% Off- NZ$1,776You save $444
Marvelous Thailand In 10 Days - Private Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Thailand is a tropical paradise. They truly were a feast for the senses.”
Naoki, traveled in May
From Sukosol Hotel Bangkok, this 10-day expedition reveals Northern Thailand's wonders. Shop at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, connect with elephants at Chiang Mai's Jungle Sanctuary, and gaze upon Wat Rong Khun temple in Chiang Rai. Approx. $350 per day includes guides, domestic flights, ending at Phuket's Chanalai Romantic Resort.
Duration 10 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $6,096
70% Off- NZ$1,829+$861 local paymentsYou save $4,267
Thailand Nature Escape 10 Days-Truly Local Experience - Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Smooth airport transfers, good guides and great local experiences made it a enjoyable tour.”
Peter, traveled in October
Explore Northern Thailand's highlights from Chiang Mai's elephant sanctuaries to Chiang Rai's Golden Triangle. Visit Karen Village, enjoy bamboo rafting at Mae Wang National Park, and experience authentic stays at Karen Ecolodge and Akha Mudhouse.
Duration 10 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Mae Wang National Park, Chiang Rai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian Operator PrestiGo Asia From $5,991
45% Off- NZ$3,295You save $2,696
Best of Northern Thailand
47 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The elephant sanctuary was wonderful. All the experiences were great and gave us a taste of life and the history of Thailand as we wanted.”
Susan, traveled in November
The temples of Chiang Mai and UNESCO ruins of Sukhothai showcase Thailand's heritage. Time at Elephant Nature Park and cycling through ancient cities complement stays in authentic accommodations, including Nathon Chan village homestay. Rated 4.5/5 by guests.
Duration 11 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep Pui National Park, Elephant Nature Park, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $2,690
15% Off- NZ$2,280You save $410
Chiang Mai Cruising Tour To Pak Beng, Luang Prabang, And Vientiane – 8 Days
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The pace was just right, giving us time to soak in the views of the Mekong and visit local villages along the way.”
Betsy, traveled in January
Start in Chiang Mai visiting Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) before heading to Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong. Experience local hot springs and traditional temples while staying at Teak Garden Riverfront Resort. Perfect introduction to Northern Thailand's cultural heritage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang, Vientiane Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator VietLong Travel From
15% Off- NZ$2,273
Travel Northern Thailand your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Northern Thailand tours
Our travelers consistently praise the guides at both TruTravels and G Adventures for their personal touch and deep local knowledge. At TruTravels, Dan and Minnie get lots of mentions from guests who loved how they made each day fun while sharing interesting cultural insights. Over at G Adventures, Willie and Pentor come up again and again in reviews for creating really special group experiences and handling everything smoothly. Destination Services has solid feedback for their well-planned tours, with Sunny and Thunder getting specific praise for explaining things clearly and being genuinely helpful throughout. Though it's worth noting that some travelers mentioned the actual trips didn't quite match what was advertised in every detail. Bravo Indochina Tours does a great job with their itinerary planning, comfortable transport options and fantastic communication. Toni, in particular, gets high marks from our customers for being super responsive and going above and beyond to help with questions and special requests. Looking at the guides across all these companies, you can see how much of a difference they make - it's really the people who transform a good itinerary into something special. While each company has its own style, they've all got guides who know their stuff and clearly care about giving travelers a great experience.
Popular Northern Thailand Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Northern Thailand tour
Most people kick off their Northern Thailand trip from Bangkok - about 58 of our travelers start there, while 25 begin in Chiang Mai and another 12 from Chiang Rai. Looking at our booking patterns, you'll want to lock in your plans roughly 3.3 months ahead, especially if you're traveling during the popular cool season from November through February. The journeys between cities can take a while, but our customers often tell us these longer road and train rides give them great views of rural Thai life. November to February brings the nicest weather with cool temperatures and very little rain. Just keep in mind that March through May is burning season, when farmers clear their fields and the air gets quite hazy. Many of our guests like taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - it saves on hotel costs and gives you that real Thai travel experience. The Sunday Walking Street market in Chiang Mai is perfect for trying street food and meeting local artists who make and sell their crafts right there.
Discover Northern Thailand tours for every budget
Northern Thailand tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Northern Thailand travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers147 tours- Couples140 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)9 tours
- Seniors (50+)77 tours
Best time to visit Northern Thailand
- Winter 2025 / 2026
During winter from November through February, you'll get perfect touring weather in Northern Thailand with cool air and clear skies. Our most requested trip is an 11-day journey where you drive your own tuk-tuk between mountain communities, explore quiet temples and stay at comfortable riverside hotels each night. Many travelers combine Bangkok temple visits with time at an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, plus hands-on cooking lessons for authentic northern dishes. The 9-day route through the Golden Triangle by boat is consistently popular - you'll see the White Temple in Chiang Rai and spend time with hill tribe communities. Families often book our shorter 6-day cultural tours, while hikers head to Doi Inthanon National Park for bamboo rafting and waterfall trails.
- 105 tours
- 134 tours
- popular 145 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring sees fewer crowds from March to May but offers its own special experiences. Our 9-day cultural route works well - you'll catch floating markets in the cool morning hours and spend hot afternoons in air-conditioned temples and museums. Many pick tours with plenty of water activities, staying in floating bungalows at Khao Sok and also snorkeling around Phi Phi Islands. The 6-day northern highlights tour fits nicely in spring, mixing temple visits with dawn market walks and evening cooking classes. Our travelers particularly enjoy hill tribe treks this season when mountain temperatures stay mild and the trails between villages are in good condition.
- popular 146 tours
- 139 tours
- 140 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours from June through August focus on staying cool and dry. Our most practical choice is a 9-day journey using air-conditioned transport between sites with lots of water activities mixed in. You'll visit temples early, take cooking classes later and explore night markets when evening brings cooler air. The Golden Triangle region works well too, since higher elevations mean milder temperatures. Many pick our 6-day cultural route featuring botanical gardens, temple visits and also traditional craft workshops - all timed around typical afternoon rains.
- 139 tours
- 137 tours
- popular 142 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Fall brings pleasant temperatures and green scenery after the rains. Our most popular September-October tour runs 6 days from Bangkok's canals up to Chiang Mai's temples, stopping at Sukhothai's historical park on the way. The 9-day northern route really comes alive in autumn - you'll see harvest time in rural villages, join morning alms-giving and explore the Golden Triangle when visibility peaks. Hill tribe treks are ideal these months with trails lush but not muddy. Many guests choose tours including Mae Rim's Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and Thailand's longest canopy walkway when conditions are just right.
- 142 tours
- popular 146 tours
- 84 tours
Contact our Northern Thailand travel experts
Sulu
Expert in Northern Thailand at TourRadar
Sulu is one of our seasoned Northern Thailand Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Thailand tours answered!
- Choose from 217+ Northern Thailand tours
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Northern Thailand Tours & Trips
What Can You Experience in Northern Thailand's Local Culture?
You'll love diving into Northern Thailand's rich traditions especially in Chiang Mai where the Khantoke Dinner is a must-try experience. Picture yourself enjoying authentic Northern Thai dishes served on a traditional raised platform while hill tribe dancers perform their mesmerizing routines. The 9-day Fantastic Thailand tour includes this and it's definitely worth your time. If you're into cooking you can get hands-on experience at several cooking schools in Chiang Mai where local experts will teach you their secrets. The Northern Thailand & Beaches tour takes you through local markets to pick fresh ingredients before learning to whip up traditional dishes yourself.
Where Can You Find the Best Natural Areas and How Do You Get There?
Northern Thailand's parks are absolutely stunning and each offers something unique. Doi Inthanon National Park home to Thailand's highest peak is easily reached by mountain roads from Chiang Mai and you'll find amazing hiking trails waterfalls and Royal Pagodas there. The 11-day Tuk Tuk Adventure lets you explore all of this at your own pace. Over at Khao Sok National Park you can actually stay in floating bungalows surrounded by limestone mountains and spend your days kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake - the Northern Thailand & Beaches tour includes this incredible experience. For something really special head to Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary where you'll find Thi Lor Su Southeast Asia's largest waterfall. You'll need to combine songthaews and some trekking to get there but the Umphang Wildlife Explorer tour makes it all seamless.
What Are the Hidden Gems When It Comes to Travel Routes?
The Mae Hong Son Loop is honestly one of Northern Thailand's best-kept secrets. This winding mountain road connects Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son through Pai and you'll find yourself stopping constantly for amazing views hot springs and waterfalls along the way. Lots of travelers choose this route because it's perfect for motorbiking adventures and lets you really experience local village life. The Cycling Northern Thailand tour follows this loop and gives you a unique perspective from two wheels.
Which Local Foods Should You Try and Where Can You Find Them?
You absolutely have to try Khao Soi while you're in Chiang Mai - it's this incredible coconut curry noodle soup that's basically the region's signature dish. The Marvelous Northern Thailand 8-day tour knows exactly where to find the best bowls. Don't miss Sai Oua either it's a flavorful Northern Thai sausage you'll find in street markets and local restaurants. The Northern Thailand & Beaches tour takes you to all the right spots to sample these local specialties.
How Do You Get Around Northern Thailand?
Getting around is actually pretty straightforward and can be part of the adventure. Songthaews these converted pickup trucks are great for getting around towns and shorter trips - the Umphang Wildlife Explorer tour uses them to reach some amazing spots. For longer journeys you've got regular buses between major cities and overnight trains with comfy sleeper berths especially between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Both the Northern Thailand & Beaches and Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train tours include these overnight train experiences. If you're feeling adventurous rent a motorbike particularly for exploring rural areas and mountain roads - it's perfect for doing the Mae Hong Son Loop.