Northern Thailand Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,173 reviews)- Choose from 200+ Northern Thailand tours
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Thailand tour packages
- What people love about Northern Thailand Tours
- 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
Northern Thailand Adventure
1,864 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything is organised so well, and it is so nice to not worry about transport, booking tours etc.”
Ana, 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 $2,563
20% Off- NZ$2,050You save $513
Explore Northern Thailand (from Bangkok to Chiang Mai)
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The local experience was amazing. We were looked after and booked extra day tours.”
Laura, traveled in December
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
20% Off- NZ$1,970
Experience Thailand 6 Days, Small Group Tour (English Only)
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good cultural introduction to Thailand. Covered a lot of ground in 3 days.”
Keith, traveled in January
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 $1,831
10% Off- NZ$1,648You save $183
Best of Northern Thailand
47 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The overnight train and floating raft houses were new experiences. The elephant sanctuary visit was definitely a plus!”
Sally, traveled in December
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 $3,210
7% Off- NZ$2,980You save $230
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 $2,643
10% Off- NZ$2,378You save $264
What people love about Northern Thailand Tours
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
- Best of Northern Thailand
Amazing tour with a lot of cultural insights!
- Experience Thailand 6 Days, Small Group Tour (English Only)
The tour exceeded our expectations. Our guide was very knowledgeable and thoughtful - made sure everyone in the group was happy. Accommodation was clean and comfortable. The whole tour is as advertised - we really enjoyed it.
Travel Northern Thailand your way
The real standout in Northern Thailand is our multi-day Tuk Tuk driving experience - you'll actually learn to drive your own Tuk Tuk across 850km of mountain roads. Our travelers consistently tell us it's their favorite part of the trip because you get to stop at tiny villages and coffee shops that tourists rarely find. We've also got tours that mix elephant conservation work with bamboo rafting and hiking. The Mae Ping gorge route stays cool thanks to mountain breezes flowing through the valleys. You're not just watching from the sidelines here - you'll be right in there helping cook BBQ dinners in hill tribe villages and learning directly from mahouts who've spent their lives working with elephants.
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Northern Thailand. We have 8 adventures that vary from 6 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in January, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Our most popular Thailand route runs 9 days and really gets to the heart of what makes the country special. You'll glide along the Chao Phraya River in traditional longtail boats and cool off with swims around Phi Phi Islands. Our travelers often tell us they love how the schedule flows - the transfers work smoothly and the English-speaking guides know their stuff inside out. Another solid choice combines temple visits in Bangkok with the floating markets before heading north to Chiang Mai for an authentic Khantoke dinner. We've found that mixing guided tours with free time works well; you'll get expert insight at key spots but also have space to wander and discover on your own.
Select from our extensive range of 117 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Northern Thailand with our expert guides leading the 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 doesn't have to break the bank - there are some really solid 8-day tours that pack in the good stuff without the premium price tag. You'll ride along the historic Death Railway as it crosses wooden viaducts near Kanchanaburi and hop on bikes to explore Sukhothai's ancient ruins. Our customers love staying in the cozy riverside hotels in Chiang Rai and mixing with locals at bustling markets. For something different, there's a great tour focused on hill tribe life where you'll visit Karen villages, sleep under the stars near Thi Lor Su waterfall and walk jungle trails around Mae Sot. People who book these tours really like how they balance scheduled activities with free time to wander markets and temples at their own pace.
The luxury side of Northern Thailand is all about exclusive access and top-tier stays. Golf enthusiasts can book 8-day packages that combine rounds at premium courses like Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club with cultural activities between games. You'll rest up at Le Meridien Resort while discovering the Golden Triangle and Doi Tung Royal Villa. The Heritage tour option brings its own perks - private longtail boats gliding through Damnoensaduak's floating markets and special access to hill tribe villages. The hotels are carefully chosen boutique properties that blend traditional Lanna style with modern luxuries. Our guests particularly value their expert private guides who fine-tune each day based on personal interests.
Northern Thailand budget tours- Northern Thailand luxury tours
Northern Thailand tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
152 tours in Northern ThailandExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Thailand. We have 155 adventures that vary from 3 days to 23 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
82 tours in Northern ThailandOur Northern Thailand small-group tours span from 6 to 14 days, with several highly-rated options that our travelers keep coming back to. The tours blend hands-on experiences with cultural depth - you'll cook in local family homes, walk between remote hill tribe settlements, and spend time with elephants at ethical sanctuaries. Many travelers choose our focused 6-day cultural route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, where smaller groups mean more time to explore temple ruins and chat with market vendors. The 9-day journeys give you space to settle into each stop, sharing traditional Khantoke meals and gliding through waterways on longtail boats with your travel companions. For those seeking complete immersion, our 14-day trips build lasting connections during overnight train journeys, bamboo rafting sessions and also village homestays. The intimate group size opens up possibilities - our guides can make impromptu stops at hidden temples, adjust meal times for authentic local dining, and share stories that transform them from tour leaders into trusted friends.
Private / Personalized
65 tours in Northern ThailandGoing private in Northern Thailand opens up all sorts of possibilities. Many travelers opt for 10-day journeys starting in Bangkok before heading north to spend time with elephants at ethical sanctuaries near Chiang Mai. Having your own guide and driver means you can linger at places you love or move on when ready. There's also a popular 11-day option that includes cooking with local families, visits to both the striking White Temple and Black House in Chiang Rai and wraps up with beach time in Phuket. Our travelers tell us they really value setting their own pace, especially at temples and markets. Photographers and food lovers particularly like this setup - there's no rush to get the perfect shot or learn about local ingredients.
Top Northern Thailand travel itineraries to fit your plans
Northern Thailand's quick 3-day tours give you a solid Chiang Mai experience without feeling rushed. You'll get quality time with elephants at ethical sanctuaries, helping with their care and joining them for river baths. There's time to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - climb those 306 steps and you'll get fantastic city views. Our travelers really enjoy starting their mornings at local markets before diving into hands-on Thai cooking classes. You'll stay in either comfortable city hotels or simple but well-placed guesthouses near the old town area.
Week-long Northern Thailand trips let you properly explore the region's culture and landscape. The routes work well - you'll move from Bangkok's temples through Chiang Mai's traditional areas and onto Chiang Rai's artistic sites. There's time for Damnoen Saduak floating markets, rides on the historic Death Railway and walks through national parks. Many tours include nights in hill tribe villages where you'll share family meals. Our customers particularly love getting up into the jungle canopy for zipline runs and taking it easy on bamboo rafting trips. The Golden Triangle section shows you where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, with good stops at the White Temple and Black House along the way.
Ten-day Northern Thailand tours hit that sweet spot between cultural immersion and downtime. Starting in Bangkok, you'll work north through Ayutthaya's ancient ruins before ending up at Phuket's beaches. The schedule includes elephant sanctuary visits, family cooking sessions and Mekong River cruises. You'll get out to the Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and swimming in really clear waters. Our travelers like how these trips mix guided days with free time - perfect for exploring night markets, trying street food and also finding hidden temples at their own speed.
Demographics
Solo travelers tend to form quick friendships on our Northern Thailand tours. The 14-day northern routes get great feedback, with guests telling us how quickly everyone bonds during overnight train rides and cooking sessions together. First-time visitors often pick our 8-day Chiang Mai focused tours, which offer a good mix of guided activities and independent exploration time. The hill tribe treks bring solo travelers together naturally - you'll share basic lodging and meals while visiting remote villages. Our guests particularly enjoy the night markets and street food tours in Chiang Mai, where local guides introduce the group to authentic spots you might not discover on your own.
Our couples tours in Northern Thailand run 9-11 days, mixing cultural experiences with moments made for two. Many love the private longtail boat rides through Bangkok's canals and intimate dinners in Chiang Mai's historic quarter. The Khao Sok floating bungalows are a couple's favorite - you get misty morning views and quiet evenings stargazing from your private deck. We include special touches like couples' Thai massage lessons and private cooking classes in local homes. Active pairs often choose the tuk-tuk rides through mountain roads, while others prefer taking it slow with Mekong River cruises up to the Golden Triangle.
Young adults keep rating our active northern routes as top picks, especially ones that combine real adventure with cultural insights. The 14-day Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Pai tours get excellent reviews - you'll try jungle zip-lining, learn some Muay Thai moves and hike to hidden waterfalls. Many book tours with overnight trains and hill tribe homestays, which offer great ways to meet other travelers without spending too much. Free time in Pai is always popular; you can join others for treks, hot spring soaks and canyon sunset views. Several routes include hands-on elephant experiences where you'll help prepare meals and walk with these gentle giants in their natural home.
Our senior travelers prefer northern routes that move at a comfortable pace while keeping experiences authentic. The 6-9 day cultural tours work particularly well, with quality hotels and air-conditioned transfers between sites. These trips cover Rama V's Summer Palace, Sukhothai's ancient temples and the distinctive White Temple in Chiang Rai. Many seniors choose tours featuring botanical gardens and craft village visits, where you can watch local artisans at work and learn about traditions without rushing. The Mekong River trips around the Golden Triangle are ideal - you'll drift along while guides share fascinating regional history and stories.
Northern Thailand works brilliantly for families, with tours that mix culture and activities the kids will love. Our customers keep booking the Khao Sok floating bungalows, where children spend hours spotting wildlife right from their rooms. The Bangkok to Chiang Mai route is another favorite, blending elephant sanctuary visits with easy walks that work for all fitness levels. Kids get really into the cooking classes - they love making their own pad thai and discovering exotic fruits at local markets. The hill tribe village stays often turn into highlights; we see children connecting with local kids through play, no shared language needed. These family trips typically run 9-11 days, giving everyone time to settle in properly at each stop.
- Solo Travelers156 tours
- Couples144 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)10 tours
- Seniors (50+)78 tours
Best time to visit Northern Thailand
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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.
- 135 tours
- popular 145 tours
- 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.
- popular 151 tours
- 143 tours
- 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 145 tours
- 140 tours
- 144 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.
- 142 tours
- 140 tours
- popular 143 tours
Contact our Northern Thailand travel experts
Evan
Expert in Northern Thailand at TourRadar
Evan is one of our seasoned Northern Thailand Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Thailand tours answered!
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+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.