Hidden Thailand Tour

Day 1 - Bangkok - arrival and time to explore the area

Arrival in Bangkok and check in to a downtown hotel close to the City’s famous Banglamphu district. Time to relax, explore the area or browse some local markets before a local-style welcome dinner.

Overnight: Bangkok Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Bangkok - city tour with a difference

Tour of some of the sights of Thailand’s vast and bustling capital, including famous Wat Po, the Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Chinatown. We also include behind-the-scenes views, street life and local markets as we travel around Bangkok uniquely by public transport; Skytrain, Chao Phraya River Express, canal boats and of course tuk-tuks. An evening guide to some of the array of street food completes the day.

Overnight: Bangkok Transport: Train, Boat, Tuk Tuk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 3 - Sukhothai - up country by train

Leave the capital by train, travel through the myriad paddy-fields of the Chao Phraya Valley, to the centrally located, historic town of Phitsanulok. After a visit to the fascinating Rural Life Museum, we’ll complete our journey to nearby Sukhothai – World Heritage Site and former capital of Siam.

Overnight: Sukhothai Transport: Minibus, Train,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 4 - Sukhothai - the World Heritage ancient city

Visit the atmospheric ruins of UNESCO-listed Sukhothai. Explore its crumbling but picturesque ancient temples and lotus ponds on foot or by bicycle; visit the well-laid-out museum and experience sunset at one of the temples before checking out the local delicacies in the town’s night market.

Overnight: Sukhothai Transport: Bike, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 5 - Lampang - the old town and elephant hospital

Head north to Lampang, an ancient Mon settlement and more recently important as the centre for the 19th-century teak industry.  Detour to the famous Elephant Hospital before a late afternoon walking tour of the old town and market with its historic Buddhist temples and well-preserved old teak baron and merchants’ villas.

Overnight: Lampang Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 6 - Phayao - mountain-top temple and lakeside Phayao

Continuing north, we’ll stop at the truly spectacular Wat Chalerm Phrakiet, where shrines and pagodas perch atop a jagged limestone outcrop, before arriving in the attractive, yet rarely visited, lakeside town of Phayao. Stroll along the waterfront with perhaps time for a dusk boat trip before settling into a lakeside cafe for sundowners.

Overnight: Phayao Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 7 - Phu Chee Fa - up the mountain

Stops at a traditional house of the local Tai Lue minority, local markets and viewpoints, as well as the highly unusual hot waterfall, Nam Tok Phu Saung.

Overnight: Phatang Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 8 - Chiang Saen - dawn at the 'Gates of Siam' and the Mekong port of Chiang Saen

Early morning start for a cliff-top sunrise over the river and distant Lao mountains from the curious rock formation known to locals as the ‘Gates of Siam’. From here we’ll wind our way down the mountains and follow the picturesque banks of the Mekong via Chiang Khong to the small riverside port and historic town of Chiang Saen.

Overnight: Chiang Saen Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 9 - Golden Triangle - local markets and opium museum

After a walk around the 13th-century city walls, temples and ruins of Chiang Saen we’ll continue through the Golden Triangle to Mae Salong. In earlier times an infamous region, today we’ll come across local markets, an opium museum and bucolic landscapes, rather than warlords and drug caravans!

Overnight: Mae Salong Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 10 - Mae Salong - morning market and Akha village

Fascinating Mae Salong, dramatically perched atop a mountain ridge, was founded by fleeing Kuomintang (Nationalist) soldiers after the Chinese civil war.  Visit the hill-tribe market, participate in some tea tasting (the principal replacement crop for opium), and take a walk to a traditional village of the local Akha minority.

Overnight: Mae Salong Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 11 - Chiang Rai - boat down the Kok to Chiang Rai

Head west to the picturesque town of Tha Ton on the Burmese border, from where, after a visit to a spectacular mountain-top pagoda, we’ll travel by boat down the picturesque Kok River past forests, mountains and riverside villages to Chiang Rai. A stop at the fascinating Ban Dam (Black House) open-air cultural centre and art gallery followed by an evening tour of the town’s famous night bazaar.

Overnight: Chiang Rai Transport: Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 12 - Chiang Rai - the Black House and the White Temple

We’ll take in some of Chiang Rai’s most famous sites – the celebrated Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), the lesser-known but equally spectacular ‘Blue Temple’, Wat Rong Suea Ten. Afternoon scenic drive through the mountains to our final destination, Chiang Mai.

Overnight: Chiang Mai Transport: Minibus,  Meals: B, 

Day 13 - Chiang Mai - walking tour of the old city

Morning walking tour of some of the sites of the Old Town with its narrow lanes, street markets, ornate old temples and cute coffee shops. Afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool, try out a traditional massage or perhaps check out the local handicrafts?

Overnight: Chiang Mai Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 14 - Chiang Mai - morning at leisure and departure

Morning at leisure in Chiang Mai, end of tour and departure at your convenience.

Extra nights in Chiang Mai or Bangkok are available on request.

Airport transfers are included if you purchase the 'with flights' package, otherwise, airport transfers can be arranged.

Overnight: Departure Transport: Walk,  Meals: B,