Tour overview

This 8-day small-group adventure travels north from Bangkok to Chiang Mai through the history, temples and countryside of Thailand, using local transport from minibuses and songthaews to trains, tuk tuks and bicycles. A local leader travels with you, and groups are no larger than twelve. You stay seven nights in hotels, a resort and guest houses, with four breakfasts and two home-cooked dinners.

From Bangkok you travel to Kanchanaburi, home of the Bridge on the River Kwai, to visit the war cemetery where prisoners of war who died building the Thai-Burma Railway are buried. At the Hellfire Pass Memorial you learn about one of the hardest sections of the line, then ride the train along the Kwai Noi River to the bridge. In the afternoon, the terraced Erawan Falls tumble into emerald pools that are perfect for a swim.

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Travelling north past the ancient temple of Wat Tha Sung to Phitsanulok on the Nan River, you visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary, where you help prepare food for the elephants and walk alongside them. In Sukhothai you cycle among the ruins of Thailand's first capital, with Buddha images and lotus-filled ponds, then share a home-cooked dinner.

On the way to Chiang Mai you stop in the Lanna village of Pong Huai Lan to cycle among its rice fields, visit a rattan weaving workshop and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner with a local family and traditional dancing. In Chiang Mai your leader takes you through the city's largest fresh produce market, with the rest of the day free for a cooking class or a cruise on the Mae Ping River.

The physical rating is medium. This trip suits active travellers who want to discover northern Thailand's history and rural life in a short trip.

Trip highlights

  • Hellfire Pass and the Death Railway (Day 3)
  • A swim at Erawan Falls (Day 3)
  • The Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary (Day 5)
  • Cycling in Sukhothai Historical Park (Day 5)
  • A farm-to-table dinner in Huai Lan (Day 6)
  • A Chiang Mai market visit (Day 7)

Your route

7 stops from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

8-day route: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Erawan Falls – Phitsanulok – Sukhothai – Huai Lan – Chiang Mai
  1. Bangkok Day 1
  2. Kanchanaburi Days 2–3
  3. Hellfire Pass Day 3
  4. Uthai Thani Day 4
  5. Phitsanulok Day 4
  6. Sukhothai Day 5
  7. Chiang Mai Days 6–8

Why choose this tour

History, temples and village life from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. A small group of no more than twelve.

Best suited to

  • Active travellers
  • History lovers
  • Travellers on a budget
  • Solo travellers and couples
The bridge on the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Day-by-day itinerary

8 days from Bangkok, Thailand to Chiang Mai, Thailand

  1. Day 1 · Bangkok Bangkok

    A 6pm welcome meeting.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Kanchanaburi War Cemetery Kanchanaburi

    To the River Kwai.

    Hotel
    Guest house
  3. Day 3 · Hellfire Pass, Bridge on the River Kwai, Erawan Falls Kanchanaburi

    The Death Railway and a waterfall swim.

    Hotel
    Guest house
  4. Day 4 · Wat Tha Sung, Phitsanulok Phitsanulok

    North to the Nan River.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary, Sukhothai Historical Park Sukhothai

    Elephants and ancient ruins.

    Hotel
    Resort
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  6. Day 6 · Pong Huai Lan, Chiang Mai Chiang Mai

    A Lanna village.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  7. Day 7 · Chiang Mai Chiang Mai

    A market visit and free time.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  8. Day 8 · Chiang Mai Chiang Mai

    Depart at any time.

    Meals
    Breakfast
The tiered waterfalls of Erawan National Park, Thailand

Where you stay

  • Bangkok (1 night) Hotel
  • Kanchanaburi (2 nights) Guest house
  • Phitsanulok (1 night) Hotel
  • Sukhothai (1 night) Resort
  • Chiang Mai (2 nights) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 7 nights in hotels, a resort and guest houses
  • Meals 5 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • Local transport, train and bicycles
  • Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and Hellfire Pass
  • Erawan Falls and the elephant sanctuary
  • Sukhothai bike tour and Huai Lan village visit
  • Local leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals not included 2 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • Optional activities, travel insurance and personal spending
Two Asian elephants in a sanctuary in northern Thailand

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want luxury hotels
  • You want most meals included
  • You want a beach holiday
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 4–8 · Lunch: none included · Dinner: Days 5–6
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Thailand
A standing Buddha at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Phitsanulok

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £896 per person, twin share, tour only. 82 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Can I swim at Erawan Falls?

Yes. Bring swimwear, a small towel and shoes with good grip.

Is the elephant sanctuary ethical?

Yes, it rescues wild elephants and restores their habitat. There's no riding.

Do I need a visa?

UK visitors can usually enter Thailand without a visa for short stays. Check the latest advice before travel.

Can I have my own room?

Yes, a single supplement is available, subject to availability.

Are airport transfers included?

No, but a departure transfer can be booked for an extra cost.

How many people travel together?

No more than twelve travellers.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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