Northern Thailand in 18 Days: From Hill Tribes to Tropical Shores

Upon arrival at the airport, our driver will greet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Take this opportunity to explore Bangkok, unwind after your trip, or simply relax and soak up the local atmosphere.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Accommodation and airport pickup.

Start your day with a tour of the most important historical sites in the cosmopolitan capital of Bangkok.

Explore the Grand Palace, a complex of buildings in the heart of the capital that has been the official residence of the kings of the Kingdom of Siam since 1782. Visit Wat Arun, the “Temple of Dawn”, one of the most important historical sites in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew, the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha”, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in the country, and Wat Pho, the “Temple of the Reclining Buddha”, is famous for its remarkable collection of sacred Buddha images including a 46-meter-long reclining Buddha.

The charming Wat Arun

Finally, you will head to Chinatown, one of the most vibrant and colorful areas of the capital. Visit Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, home to the world’s largest solid gold statue weighing 5.5 tons and 3 meters high.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart from Bangkok and head to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of Thailand’s most important historical sites and countless temple ruins that testify to the city’s former grandeur. Start at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, part of the royal palace complex and once the site of traditional royal ceremonies. Then, visit Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya, which once housed relics of the Buddha. See the famous Buddha head enshrined in the roots of a Bodhi tree.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

During the tour, you’ll also explore some of the most fascinating nearby attractions, including Bang-Pa-In, the summer palace of the Thai royal family, where you can admire the palace complex, statues and gardens with a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Chinese and Thai architectural styles of King Rama V’s summer palace.

Return to Bangkok in the afternoon. In the evening you can relax at the hotel or explore the famous culinary streets of Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

We will head out to the outskirts of Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, famous for its colourful boats, wares and bustling market scene. Glide past picturesque riverside villages and fruit plantations on a scenic long-tail speedboat ride, taking memorable photos of the colorful market on the water.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will fly to Chiang Mai in the afternoon. Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel. Check in and have free time.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will leave Chiang Mai and travel north towards Chiang Rai. The first stop is a natural hot spring, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the therapeutic atmosphere. Next, visit Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, a surreal, all-white architectural masterpiece unlike any other in Thailand. Continue to the Golden Triangle, the legendary meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Here, enjoy panoramic views and a relaxing boat ride on the Mekong River.

Wat Rong Khun

In the late afternoon, you will travel through the hills to Mae Salong, a small Chinese village famous for its beautiful natural scenery and tea plantations. Stroll through the village and experience the daily life steeped in tea culture and Chinese heritage.

Overnight at a homestay in Mae Salong.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start your day with a walk through the vibrant Akha hill tribe market where locals trade fresh produce, herbal medicines and handicrafts. Then, visit a tea plantation and factory to learn more about how the crops are grown and sip the famous local tea.
Then, you will visit the Akha tribe village, Ban Lorcha. With the guidance of an Akha host, you will discover their rich culture, local crafts, traditional dances and see how daily life goes on in this remote village.

Doi Angkhang

In the afternoon, drive up the winding roads of Doi Angkhang, a highland border region bordering Myanmar. We will stop at a mountain viewpoint overlooking the Thai-Myanmar border, enjoying the cool air and breathtaking mountain views before moving down to Fang.

Overnight at a local guest house in Fang.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, you’ll depart for the idyllic town of Pai, but first stop in the Mae Taeng area for a half-day of gentle adventure. Start with an elephant encounter at a sanctuary where you can observe, touch and feed them, followed by a relaxing bamboo rafting trip down a calm river, a peaceful way to take in the lush jungle surroundings.

Pai Village

Then continue driving into the hills towards Pai, a mountain town loved for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery.

Overnight at a local guesthouse in Pai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Enjoy a scenic mountain drive from Pai to Mae Hong Son, with many scenic stops along the way. The bus will stop at several scenic viewpoints to admire the lush landscape and visit a Lisu hill tribe village to learn about their unique dress, customs and lifestyle.

Mae Hong Son- Thailand

You will arrive in Mae Hong Son in the late afternoon, a peaceful town nestled among misty mountains and known for its ethnic diversity and natural beauty.

Overnight in Mae Hong Son.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, delve deeper into local culture with a visit to a Shan ethnic village, where you’ll learn about the traditional production of sesame oil using water buffalo and even get a chance to ride a buffalo if you wish.

Visit Karen Long-Neck Village

After lunch, take a long-tail boat ride on the Pai River to visit a Karen Long Neck village, where women wear iconic brass necklaces and maintain unique cultural practices. In the evening, enjoy a local dinner and stroll through the night market by Jong Kham Lake, a serene setting surrounded by temples reflected in the water.

Overnight in Mae Hong Son.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Depart from Mae Hong Son and enjoy a relaxing drive to Mae La Noi, stopping at a scenic cafe where you can sip freshly brewed coffee while soaking up the misty mountain scenery.

Mae La Noi, Thailand

Head deeper into the hills to visit the villages of the Karen and Lawa ethnic minorities, located at over 1,200 meters above sea level. In the late afternoon, visit a local homestay, learn how to cook traditional dishes together and share a cozy home-cooked dinner right in the heart of the mountains.

Overnight in Mae La Noi.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Wake up to the peaceful rhythms of mountain village life. This morning, take a leisurely walk through the surrounding Karen and Lawa villages, listening to your local host share fascinating insights into their unique customs, culture and daily routines.

Mae Sariang

We will then visit a hilltop temple, perched quietly above the village. From the temple roof, you will be immersed in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and scattered houses, providing a moment of serenity you will never forget. Leaving the village in the afternoon, you will travel south through beautiful highland roads to Mae Sariang, a peaceful riverside town near the Myanmar border.

Overnight in Mae Sariang.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start your day with a visit to the local Mae Sariang market, where villagers gather to exchange produce, spices and handicrafts. This is the perfect opportunity to sample local food, shop and take some photos.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Then, on your way back to Chiang Mai, stop at the crown jewel of Thailand’s natural heritage, Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest peak in Thailand. Explore the cloud forests, majestic waterfalls such as Wachirathan and the King and Queen’s Pagodas, surrounded by lush gardens and cool mountain air.

Return to Chiang Mai, in the evening, you can relax, stroll the night market or enjoy a Thai massage for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Chiang Mai and head south to the historic town of Lamphun. Here, visit the revered Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a glittering Lanna-style temple complex dating back to the 11th century. On the way to Lampang, stop at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, where you can watch a show, interact with elephants, and learn more about their conservation efforts.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Lampang, one of the few towns in Thailand where you can still see old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages on the streets. Visit the majestic Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a wooden temple considered one of the finest examples of Lanna architecture.

Overnight in Lampang.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will depart early to Sukhothai, Thailand’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will explore the vast Sukhothai Historical Park by bike, seeing serene lotus ponds, elegant Buddha statues and centuries-old temple ruins. Don’t miss iconic landmarks such as Wat Sri Chum (famous for its giant seated Buddha), Wat Tha Pha Daeng and the picturesque Wat Sorasak, surrounded by elephant statues.

Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand

In the afternoon, transfer to Sukhothai Airport for your flight to Phuket, Thailand’s tropical resort paradise. Upon arrival, check in and relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Phuket.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Phuket’s top attractions. Start with a visit to the iconic Big Buddha, perched atop Nakkerd Hill with panoramic views of Chalong Bay. Then head to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most revered Buddhist temple, to learn about local spirituality and admire its colourful architecture. Afterwards, explore the charm of Phuket Old Town, with its Chinese-Portuguese buildings, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Karon Viewpoint

In the afternoon, continue along the island’s southern coast, stopping at Karon Viewpoint, one of Phuket’s best viewpoints for breathtaking ocean views and sunsets. In the evening, stroll through the night markets, sample street food and fresh seafood, or relax at one of the local pubs and cafes.

Overnight in Phuket.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will transfer to the pier to take a boat to the world-famous Phi Phi Islands. Sail through the crystal clear waters and arrive at Bamboo Island, a true tropical gem with powdery white sands and fantastic snorkeling in the turquoise waters.

Phi Phi Leh, Phuket

Continue to Phi Phi Don for a delicious lunch at a beachside restaurant, then on to Phi Phi Leh, where towering limestone cliffs and hidden coves await. Some highlights to check out include Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave. Return to the mainland in the late afternoon and take some time to relax.

Overnight in Phuket.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, you will continue your journey to visit another famous island in Phuket. Start your morning with a trip to Royal Phuket Marina, where your speedboat adventure begins. Sail past the iconic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, kayak through hidden lagoons with crystal clear waters and see the famous cone-shaped rock of James Bond Island.

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

Return to the center in the afternoon, you can enjoy a traditional Thai massage to relax after the long journey.

Overnight in Phuket.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Enjoy your final morning with a relaxing breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight time, take a last dip in the pool or enjoy a coffee by the beach. Then our driver will take you to the airport for your return flight.

Included: Airport drop-off and breakfast at the hotel.