Treasures of Northern Thailand

10 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Between countless glittering temples, food markets that whirr into life after dark, and an assortment of ancient traditions and communities, northern Thailand is ideal for the culture-hungry traveller. Join this immersive, varied adventure to experience it for yourself, with an expert local guide revealing their culture, history and traditions as we go. Bette...
26%
$3,132
From$2,320
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover the highlights of Bangkok by foot and on a longtail canal boat trip
    • Meet the animals of the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
    • Hop off the tourist trail and dive into Thai culture in the little-visited town of Phrae
    • See the majestic waterfalls at Erawan National Park
    • Ride the Death Railway and visit the Hellfire Pass
    • Enjoy dinner on a floating restaurant by the River Kwai

What's this trip about?

    Between countless glittering temples, food markets that whirr into life after dark, and an assortment of ancient traditions and communities, northern Thailand is ideal for the culture-hungry traveller. Join this immersive, varied adventure to experience it for yourself, with an expert local guide revealing their culture, history and traditions as we go. Better yet, a string of handpicked hotels means we can enjoy the Land of Smiles in comfort, allowing us to truly unlock this extraordinary destination.Bangkok and beyond: Discover a cultural heavyweight of Southeast Asia

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBangkok
End CityBangkok

Destinations

Attractions

  • Bangkok
  • Chiang Mai

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 15

Trip includes

    • Nine breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Bangkok

This adventure, like so many before it, starts in the enthralling capital of Thailand, Bangkok. There is a welcome meeting this evening with your leader, followed by an optional group dinner. But if you have time after your arrival, you may want to walk (15 minutes) t...

Day 2 Bangkok city tour including Grand Palace; overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai

We embark on a city tour of the incredible Thai capital. Our first stop is the Grand Palace complex (home of the Thai royal family) followed by Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha resides, one of the most venerated images in Thailand. Another highlight we encounte...

Day 3 Arrive Chiang Mai; afternoon orientation walk and Doi Suthep temple visit; Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Our overnight train arrives early morning into Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North, known for its temples, markets and for the many indigenous communities that live in the hills. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights for an early check-in. The ...

Day 4 Visit the Elephant Nature Park; free time

After breakfast, we transfer to the Chiang Mai countryside (approximately one hour 20 min) to the Elephant Nature Park for a half-day visit. This unique project provides a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. We are greeted by an expert guide, tour the park and ...

Day 5 Visit Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang temple; transfer to Phrae

Following breakfast, we say farewell to Chiang Mai and transfer (approximately three hours drive time) to the tranquil riverside town of Phrae, a treasure of the north yet to be truly discovered by the tourist masses. On the way, we stop and visit the Wat Phrathat La...

Day 6 Transfer to Sukhothai; visit the Unesco-listed Sukhothai Historical Park

This morning, we first pay a short visit to Phrae’s Khum Chao Luang Museum; a grand 19th-century teak residence of the Phrae rulers now serving as a local history museum. Departing Phrae, we travel south to the town of Si Satchanalai (approximately three hours drive)...

Day 7 Travel to Kanchanaburi

We depart Sukhothai early for a transfer to Kanchanaburi (approximately nine to ten hours including rest and lunch stops) where we spend the next two nights. The Kanchanaburi province is an area of natural beauty popular with travellers for its caves, waterfalls, rive...

Day 8 See the waterfalls of Erawan National Park; ride the Death Railway; dinner by the River Kwai bridge

This morning, our first stop is Erawan National Park (approximately one hour drive). The picturesque waterfalls here are named after Erawan, the multi-headed white elephant from the Hindu religion, which the seven-tiered cascades are said to resemble. Your time is fre...

Day 9 Return to Bangkok; free afternoon

Following breakfast, we have the chance to walk over the Bridge on the River Kwai before we visit the Kanchanaburi war museum and war cemetery, where we have the chance to pay our respects to the thousands killed constructing the Death Railway before transferring back...

Day 10 End Bangkok

The tour ends this morning after breakfast. Catch your free transfer to the airport to begin your journey home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to extend your stay in this thrilling city.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,320
Price per day$232
Last Updated: 11/20/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
25 Nov 2024
04 Dec 2024
$2,625
$3,165
16 Dec 2024
25 Dec 2024
$2,320
$2,860
13 Jan 2025
22 Jan 2025
$3,075
$3,675
17 Feb 2025
26 Feb 2025
$2,700
$3,300
24 Mar 2025
02 Apr 2025
$3,120
$3,720
14 Apr 2025
23 Apr 2025
$3,120
$3,720
20 Oct 2025
29 Oct 2025
$3,120
$3,720
03 Nov 2025
12 Nov 2025
$3,120
$3,720
24 Nov 2025
03 Dec 2025
$3,120
$3,720
17 Dec 2025
26 Dec 2025
$3,120
$3,720

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
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Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

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Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

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Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

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Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

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Sarah R

Nov 2024

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India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

We spend eight nights in handpicked hotels and resorts (mostly four-star) and one night on a sleeper train. Below are the standard hotels we use: Bangkok: Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon (nights 1 and 9) Discover the best of Bangkok with a stay at this modern, stylish hotel. There’s easy access to a string of landmarks, while the lounger-lined outdoor pool provides the perfect place to chill before or after your explorations. Journey to Chiang Mai: Overnight sleeper train (night 2) Take a traveller’s favourite: the overnight sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, an experience likely to bring out the adventurer in you. We stay in second class, shared open-plan air-conditioned sleeper carriages (mixed sex); each sleeping berth has a privacy curtain, while sleeping sheets, a blanket and pillow are provided. Snacks are often offered on board, including in the dining car (at an additional cost) but we recommend purchasing dinner and snacks at the train station beforehand. Chiang Mai: Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel (nights 3-4) Movenpick has built a global reputation for reliably stylish, upscale hotels, and this Chiang Mai outlet is no different. The highlight may well be the selection of classy spots to eat and drink, which includes a poolside bar serving chilled coconuts and scrumptious smoothies and a Thai restaurant with views over the night bazaar from the terrace. Phrae: Huern Nana Resort (night 5) Stay at the only four-star hotel in Phrae, where a modern design is inspired by traditional local architecture. The rooms are modern and unfussy, while downtime is best spent lounging by the pool. Sukhothai: Sukhothai Treasure (night 6) Wrapped by rice fields and mountains, this upscale retreat blends the natural beauty of Sukhothai with a standout selection of amenities. There’s a palm-lined swimming pool, wine bar and fitness room, while the Pink Lotus Restaurant serves a contemporary take on Thai and Western dishes. Kanchanaburi: River Kwai Bridge Resort (nights 7 and 8) With riverside spots to eat and drink plus a tranquil swimming pool, this peaceful resort is the ideal place to relax. Wander through the gardens or simply chill post-exploration in your air-conditioned room. Worth knowing Single supplements are available (on request) for eight nights of the trip (not available on the overnight train). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
There are nine breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner is included. The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Thai cuisine is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus, ensuring each dish packs a punch; chilli features highly too, but is easily avoided if you prefer. In most towns, there are a wide variety of restaurants, both Thai and Western. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (hotels), 5 Classic nights (hotels and resorts), 1 Simple night (sleeper train)
  • Travel by private air-conditioned minibus and sleeper train
  • Group normally 4 to 15, plus local leader
Trip ID
exodus-AOM

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