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Peregrine Travel Centre

Explore Northern Thailand

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Explore Northern Thailand

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Description

Northern Thailand is a treasure trove filled with glittering temples, ancient ruins, exotic markets and sumptuous foods. Explore the capital of Siam’s golden age at Sukhothai, visit the bustling markets of Chiang Mai, stay at a special homestay with local friends and enjoy a traditional khantok dinner – there’s so much to discover on this tour through Thailand’s northern kingdoms.

Trip Name
Explore Northern Thailand
Last Updated
2024-09-02
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Experience the best of Northern Thailand with ample time in the charming Chiang Mai in a whirlwind 8-days and enjoy the local hospitality and understand why the nation is the Land of Smile.
  • Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at Chang Chill Elephant Park
  • Work up an appetite with a leisurely cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ruined temples of World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Park, then feast on a home-cooked picnic lunch.
  • See how the locals live on a bicycle ride through your homestay village. Ride past the rice fields and breathe in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Animal Protection. Donations support them to promote better living conditions for elephants in captivity and help rescue elephants from inhumane conditions. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. With no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into world famous street food.
Day 2 - Sukhothai
This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by train (approx 6 hours) and private mini van (approx 1 hour) to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.
Day 3 - Sukhothai
Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way, and if you have enough free time, visit a local ceramics factory.
Day 4 - Village Homestay
Travel by private minivan from Sukothai (approx 4 hours) to the warm and welcoming home of Intrepid's long-time friends in a small Thai village where you’ll spend the night. Accommodation at the homestay is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantok dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.
Day 5 - Village Homestay - Chiang Mai
In the morning, jump on some bikes and cruise around the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. Say goodbye to your new friends and travel on to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and enjoy a free evening tonight.
Day 6 - Chiang Mai
This morning, follow your leader to the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai for a visit. You'll be able to learn about these fresh ingredients and where the beautiful flavors of Thai cooking comes from. Then the rest of the day is free.Perhaps explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks. Or maybe wander markets, meet monks, cruise the river, and slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River Experience. Don't miss out on trying lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training center where you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Or maybe join a Thai cooking class to discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine. Your tour leader will be able to help you make the best of your day with plenty suggestions.
Day 7 - Chiang Mai
Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.
Day 8 - Chiang Mai
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you are staying on in Chiang Mai why not join an Urban Adventure and allow yourself to be spirited away on an early morning Chiang Mai tour that puts you at the epicentre of Buddhist rituals. Learn to meditate, offer alms to monks, and make an offering at a temple. If you’re feeling active then you might want to saddle up for a half day cycling trip. Enjoy a pleasant ride along the green banks of the Ping River and stop at a former leper colony turned rehabilitation centre. Continue along various fruit orchards, cycling down small country roads and meandering around the villages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here you’ll discover the real rural Thailand and encounter the Thai way of life. Explore the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of Lanna, before you cycle back to Chiang Mai.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $ 1,865-
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $ 1,647-
15-12-202422-12-2024AUD $ 1,602-
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $ 1,728-
22-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 2,100-
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $ 1,696-
05-01-202512-01-2025AUD $ 1,850-
12-01-202519-01-2025AUD $ 1,584-
19-01-202526-01-2025AUD $ 1,557-
26-01-202502-02-2025AUD $ 1,526-
02-02-202509-02-2025AUD $ 1,526-
09-02-202516-02-2025AUD $ 1,539-
16-02-202523-02-2025AUD $ 1,526-
23-02-202502-03-2025AUD $ 1,526-
02-03-202509-03-2025AUD $ 1,526-
09-03-202516-03-2025AUD $ 1,526-
23-03-202530-03-2025AUD $ 1,467-
06-04-202513-04-2025AUD $ 1,467-
20-04-202527-04-2025AUD $ 1,467-
11-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 1,467-
15-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 1,467-
06-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 1,467-
13-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 1,467-
20-07-202527-07-2025AUD $ 1,467-
27-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 1,467-
10-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 1,467-
31-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 1,467-
14-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 1,467-
28-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 1,467-
05-10-202512-10-2025AUD $ 1,467-
12-10-202519-10-2025AUD $ 1,526-
19-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 1,526-
26-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 1,526-
02-11-202509-11-2025AUD $ 1,647-
09-11-202516-11-2025AUD $ 1,647-
16-11-202523-11-2025AUD $ 1,647-
23-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 1,647-
28-11-202505-12-2025AUD $ 1,647-
30-11-202507-12-2025AUD $ 1,647-
07-12-202514-12-2025AUD $ 1,647-
14-12-202521-12-2025AUD $ 1,647-
19-12-202526-12-2025AUD $ 1,830-
21-12-202528-12-2025AUD $ 1,830-
26-12-202502-01-2026AUD $ 1,830-
28-12-202504-01-2026AUD $ 1,830-
04-01-202611-01-2026AUD $ 1,795-
09-01-202616-01-2026AUD $ 1,795-
11-01-202618-01-2026AUD $ 1,795-
18-01-202625-01-2026AUD $ 1,795-
25-01-202601-02-2026AUD $ 1,795-
01-02-202608-02-2026AUD $ 1,795-
08-02-202615-02-2026AUD $ 1,795-
15-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 1,795-
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $ 1,795-
01-03-202608-03-2026AUD $ 1,795-
08-03-202615-03-2026AUD $ 1,795-
15-03-202622-03-2026AUD $ 1,795-
22-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 1,795-
29-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 1,795-
05-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 1,795-
19-04-202626-04-2026AUD $ 1,795-
10-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 1,795-
14-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 1,795-
05-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 1,795-
12-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 1,795-
19-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 1,795-
26-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 1,795-
09-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 1,795-
30-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 1,795-
13-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 1,795-
27-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 1,795-
04-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 1,795-
11-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 1,795-
18-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 1,795-
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 1,795-
01-11-202608-11-2026AUD $ 1,795-
08-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 1,865-
15-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 1,865-
22-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 1,865-
27-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 1,865-
29-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 1,865-
06-12-202613-12-2026AUD $ 1,865-
13-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 1,865-
18-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 1,865-
20-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 1,865-
25-12-202601-01-2027AUD $ 1,865-
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 1,865-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights),Resort (2 nights),Multi-share Homestay (1 night)

Transport

Private minibus,Public bus,Songthaew,Taxi,Train,Tuk tuk,Bicycle

Map

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