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Northern Thailand: Back Roads Bangkok to Chiang Mai

7 days, Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Map of the route for Northern Thailand: Back Roads Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Itinerary Notes

Effective May 1, 2025, all travelers entering Thailand through air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand E-Arrival form. You must register at least 3 days before arrival. Please see Trip Details for more information.

Itinerary

Day 1Bangkok

Arrive at any time.

There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting and your First Night Out with the group.

The welcome moment begins at 18:00. Please ensure you arrive at the joining hotel by then to ensure you do not miss it.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

New Siam 2 (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Bangkok/Kanchanaburi

Enjoy a free morning in Thailand's bustling capital. Transfer to Kanchanaburi and visit the Thai-Burma Railway Museum and War Cemetery, before stopping by the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.

In Bangkok, opt to take a klong boat tour through the city's canals and floating market, or visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Tonight, stroll through Kanchanaburi's riverside and enjoy the local nightlife.

Thai/Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery Visit
Kanchanaburi

Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.

Bridge on the River Kwai Visit
Kanchanaburi

Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. We're sure you've seen or at least heard of the famous movie "Bridge on the River Kwai." Well, now you can tour the real thing. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, offering fabulous views of the river below.

Private Vehicle
Bangkok – Kanchanaburi2h-3h130km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Bangkok Wat Po and Klong Tour
Bangkok

Hop on a boat to tour the back canals of Bangkok, or klongs as they're otherwise known. Observe local life along the way, arriving at Wat Po, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Explore this sprawling temple and see the 46 meter long golden Buddha, one of Bangkok's most iconic sites.

Accommodation

Phae Siam Khuean Sri (or similar)
Houseboat

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 3Kanchanaburi

Dip into the turquoise waters of the seven-tiered Erawan Falls with an included visit to Erawan National Park. Visit Tham Krasae Bridge, a historic wooden railway carved into the mountains. Travel back to Kanchanaburi.

Private Vehicle
Kanchanaburi – Nam Tok Erawan1h-2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Erawan Waterfalls
Nam Tok Erawan

Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.

Private Vehicle
Nam Tok Erawan – Kanchanaburi1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Tham Krasae Bridge Visit
Kanchanaburi

Take in spectacular views of the river from viewpoints along the historic Tham Krasae Bridge, part of the infamous Death Railway built during the Second World War.

Accommodation

Pongphen Guesthouse & Bungalows (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Kanchanaburi/Sukhothai

Begin the day with an early drive toward Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Siam. Visit the World Heritage listed Sukhothai Historical Park and bike through its impressive 13th century ruins.

Considered the birthplace of Thai art, architecture and language, Sukhothai is steeped in history and culture.

Private Vehicle
Kanchanaburi – Sukhothai6h-7h445km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Bike Ride in Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai

Explore the ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom's 13th-century capital, one of Thailand's best-preserved World Heritage Sites. With 26 temples and countless remains within its walls, hop on a bike to get the most of your visit to this impressive ancient city.

Accommodation

Pai Sukhothai Resort (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Sukhothai/Chiang Mai

Travel to Chiang Mai and enjoy a free afternoon. Opt to visit Doi Suthep, one of the city's most famous and intricately designed Buddhist temples. Tonight, uncover the best spots to eat with your CEO on a street food crawl.

Chiang Mai Street Food Crawl
Chiang Mai

Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO around Chiang Mai. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Private Vehicle
Sukhothai – Chiang Mai4h30m-5h300km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Chiang Mai

Take a full free day to relax or explore the countryside of northern Thailand. Then tonight is your Big Night Out!

Opt to prebook a local cooking class or rent a bike and cycle through Chiang Mai.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration

Tonight's the night to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you've just shared with new friends. Head out into the city and reminisce the night away!

Your Discover Moment
Chiang Mai Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Chiang Mai, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a visit to the Mae Sa Waterfall, or learning about Thai cuisine with a cooking class. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Half-Day Chiang Mai Cycling Tour
Chiang Mai
1300THB per person

This half-day ride takes you on a memorable tour of the countryside's most interesting sights. Go beyond the city to see Buddhist temples, local markets and organic farms. Just off the beaten track, you'll get a sense of how the locals live and see Chiang Mai from a totally different view.

Northern Thai Cooking Class
Chiang Mai

Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.

Accommodation

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Chiang Mai

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Northern Thailand: Back Roads Bangkok to Chiang Mai

| 7 days - Bangkok to Chiang Mai - from $489 USD