Overview

From the luxury of Bangkok's malls and gleaming high-rises, head north to Thailand's hills. Eating and sleeping with the hilltribes will bring you face-to-face with these colourful cultures. We’ll leave plenty of time for fun in historic Chiang Mai with its night market and delicious cuisine. Our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will help you get off the beaten path — but you'll stay flexible by being able to choose the activities you really want.

Map

Itinerary

Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned today, so take this free time to relax, explore the city, and adjust to the heat and pace of Bangkok. After meeting your group and CEO, head out for an optional dinner to get to know everybody better.

This tour is off to a colourful start with optional visits to Wat Po and the Grand Palace. Feeling hungry? Bangkok Street Food Crawl? Koh San Road. Tonight, you'll take the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Make sure you've got room for more than three meals today, because you've got one of two night market street food crawls to take with your group and CEO. Otherwise, there's lots to do here — like a visit to Doi Suthep temple, taking it easy with a soak in the Sankampang Hot Springs, or checking out a Thai boxing match.

It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.

Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night. Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.

After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Use your free time to try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai usa (northern Thai sausage).

Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, make your way to Bangkok via overnight train.

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as the tour ends in Bangkok, on arrival at the train station (approximately 8am). Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and smiles before you head on your way. Arrive in Bangkok at approximately 8am. Tour finishes on arrival at the train station.

Accommodation

Simple hotels (twin-share) or hostels (multi-share) (3 nts), basic hilltribe huts (2 nts, multi-share), sleeper trains (2 nts).

What's Included

Your Discover Moment: Bangkok Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai. Hilltribe trek. Bamboo rafting. Street food crawl. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Meals Included

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

What to Take

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. Be sure to check weather conditions online before you depart. We recommend you bring sun protection cream from home to ensure it meets your needs. During the trek, you will only need to carry a daypack with your essentials. Your luggage will be stored at the start hotel in Chiang Mai and your valuables in a group safety deposit box. Your CEO will provide instructions on what you need to bring in your daypack on the trek. Usually, this includes a couple of changes of clothes, wet shoes (for river crossings), personal toiletries, flashlight/headlamp, tissues, any personal medications, and electronics you wish to bring along. A small drybag for electronics and a reusable water bottle may also be useful. During the trek, guides will have first aid kits.