Thailand, Temples & Tribes

Day 1: Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok, the captivating capital of Thailand. Arrival transfer to our hotel where our Welcome Meeting takes place later in the evening. After the welcome meeting it’s a short walk to the famous ‘Condoms & Cabbages’ restaurant where we’ll enjoy dinner as a group, sampling some of tasty Thai dishes.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok  

Today we explore the pulsating city of Bangkok. We visit the vibrant 24 hour flower market before exploring the stunning Grand Palace and its golden stupas. Then we take an exhilarating tuk tuk ride to Wat Pho, home of the reclining Buddha, before boarding longtail boats for a cruise along the city’s canals, known in Thai as khlongs, passing stilted houses, old men fishing and pretty temples along the way. From where we disembark it’s a short walk to the lively Khao San Road where street cafes and bars abound.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi  

Departing Bangkok we drive to the small town of Kanchanaburi where we pay our respects at the Allied War Cemetery, the site where thousands of Allied POWs are buried. Next we visit the infamous ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ immortalised by the film of the same name. A scenic train ride takes us over the bridge to follow the tracks laid down by the POWs during the Second World War. Arriving at Nam Tok we drive to ‘Hellfire Pass’ and visit an interesting museum detailing how the POWs used little more than their bare hands to dig through the mountain. After a full day’s sightseeing a leisurely longtail boat ride leads us to our fabulous floating jungle raft hotel. To the beauty of a hundred softly glowing lanterns and the sounds of the tropical forest and cool water flowing by we enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening on the deck.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Day 4: Kanchanaburi –Erawan NP – Ayuthaya –Chiang Mai 

This morning we travel on to the beautiful Erawan National Park, to explore the rivers, waterfalls and trails on foot. The park boasts a stunning tiered waterfall and there’s time to take a dip in one of the many refreshing pools. Ancient Ayuthaya is our next stop, the once former capital laden with golden temples and lavished decorated palaces that glittered from miles away. We explore Ayuthaya’s famous ruins, visiting the magnificent stupas at Wat Phri Sanphet and iconic Wat Mahatat where the head of a damaged Buddha statue has slowly been embraced and lifted by a nearby tree. After diner we board a sleeper train to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Sleeper Tain.

Day 5: Chiang Mai –Mae Rim

This morning we arrive into the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand. First up we visit the beautiful Doi Suthep Temple which is perched on a mountain top overlooking Chiang Mai. We take time to relax and enjoy the view before driving into the countryside to the Hmong hill tribe lodge where we will stay this evening. The lodge, similar to a rural resort in style with a swimming pool is located in the land of the Hmong, a community that lives peacefully in the mountains raising animals and farming. Here, you can take walks into the surrounding countryside to visit the some of the nearby hill tribe villages. We’ll enjoy a sumptuous BBQ this evening before being entertained by dancers from Mae Khi village.

Overnight in Mae Rim.

Day 6: Mae Rim – Chaing Rai

Departing Chiang Mai we travelling through stunning karst and jungle scenery along the Kok River in longtail boats. After a break for lunch we visit the Golden Triangle and learn of the Opium Trade that made this region so wealthy. We then visit a hill tribe community site where you have the chance to learn more about how five of the most prominent tribes in the area live, including their traditional costumes and homes. Our last stop of the day is the unique Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) which depicts scenes from movies including the Matrix, Star Wars and Superman! After exploring the temple we return to Chiang Mai arriving late in the evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 7: Chiang Mai 

Early this morning there’s the opportunity to give Alms to the local monks with your guide. After breakfast we take a traditional trishaw for a ride around the old city of Chiang Mai, visiting some of the key temples within the city walls. Then we head to a local cooking school to try our hand at preparing tasty local cuisine in a traditional Thai setting. This informative cooking class teaches us how to prepare three of Thailand’s most popular dishes that we’ll later get to enjoy for lunch.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore at leisure. In the evening we visit the Chiang Mai night market, a haven of souvenirs and works by local artisans.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 8: Chiang Mai 

Sat at the foothills of northern Thailand and spattered with pretty temples, Chiang Mai is a dream to explore. Today is free for you to partake in optional activities from spa treatments to cooking classes and white water rafting to canopy ziplines.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 9: Chiang Mai –Lisu Village  

This morning we set off for the Lisu Lodge, a small eco-lodge that is integrated into the heart of the local community by playing its part in a project to conserve the natural heritage of the hill tribes in Chiang Mai. The lodge is run by the Lisu hill tribe villagers, as are all the tours and activities available here, while the food is locally sourced and fetched from the organic rice fields and vegetable gardens. Enjoy free time to explore the area and to learn more about the lives of the locals. In the evening there is the chance to partake in a Basi ceremony, intended to bring good luck which involved the tying of blessed string around your wrist.

Overnight in Lisu Hill Tribe Village.

Day 10: Lisu Village – Mae Kampong 

Morning we move on to the charming village of Mae Kampong where we meet our homestay families. This village has embraced the opportunities that surround it, generating enough electricity from the nearby rushing stream to supply the village and sell the rest back to the grid. They grow strawberries and flowers on hills that were once covered in poppies, a somewhat different crop and have developed a small homestay scheme to help supplement the income of the village. This afternoon a local village guide will take us on a walking tour whilst in the evening our gracious hosts will prepare dinner before the traditional dance ceremony.

Overnight in Mae Kampong.

Day 11: Mae Kampong –Huai Khum 

Our foray into Thailand’s northern hills continues as we make our way to Huai Khum. Nestled on the banks of the River Mae Kok and surrounded by tribal villages, each with their own culture and traditions, Huai Khum Resort is the ideal base for trekking. The resort is best described as rustic, but what is lacks in luxury it more than compensates in location and charm.

We take a leisurely trek this afternoon through some of the small villages before spending a relaxing evening in the resort. On our walk we may encounter Akha, Lahu or Lisu tribes people working in the fields, collecting firewood or making traditional handicrafts.

Overnight in Huai Khum Resort.

Day 12: Huai Khum –Bangkok 

Soak up the tranquility of the lodge and local villages this morning with some free time before catching an afternoon flight back to the busy capital city of Bangkok. Enjoy your final evening in Thailand at leisure doing some last minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 13: Bangkok 

Our tour concludes after breakfast. Hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport. You can extend your stay in this amazing city by booking post tour accommodation. If doing so your departure transfer to the airport will be offered at the completion of your arrangements.