Discover Thailand – Chiang Mai to River Kwai
10 days from Chiang Muan to Khlong Wat
From $ 2799
Duration10 days
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Enjoy ten days of relaxed adventure from the mountains of Chiang Mai to vibrant Bangkok. With forested temples, lush jungles and stunningly blue waters, Thailand is a getaway filled with natural beauty and endless adventure. Here, there is something for everyone: zip-line through jungle canopies, cycle past ancient ruins and dine on authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine. This trip takes us there in style. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the expert leadership of our outstanding local guides. From North to Central Thailand, our days perfectly blend exploration and activity. From hiking though the homelands of Hmong hill tribes to bathing rescued elephants and going on a street food tour of Chiang Mai’s famous night market, we become connected with the mountainous north. Cycling to Khmer temples and paddling the waterways of the River Kwai, we tap into the deep history of the central lowlands. Our adventure ends in Bangkok, where we walk through vibrant Chinatown and pedal the tranquil pathways of Bang Kra Jao, soaking in the beauty and bounty of this remarkable country. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Thailand Family Adventure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Chiang Muan
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Khlong Wat
    Ages: 18+
Discover Thailand – Chiang Mai to River Kwai - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai and hike to a hill tribe village.

Start place: Chiang Muan

We meet at Chiang Mai international airport this morning to begin our adventure. Our first stop is Wat Umong, a heavily forested temple draped with moss and plant life. Walk through its mysterious tunnels to reach the Viharn for a private blessing. Afterward we set off on a gentle hike surrounded by lush jungle and cascading, terraced rice fields. With our local Hmong guide, we arrive at Mae Khi village and enjoy a delicious BBQ welcome dinner and traditional entertainment.
Driving: 1.5 hours; Hiking: 2 – 3 hours.
Day 2: Feed and bathe rescue elephants. Learn the art of Thai cuisine.
Located in the scenic Mae Teang valley outside of Chiang Mai, the Elephant Rescue Park is a sanctuary and rescue center for Asian pachyderms. This morning, we get up close and personal with these majestic creatures by feeding, bathing and walking the grounds with them. Later this afternoon, we learn the spicy secrets of Thailand's internationally revered cuisine. The end of our cooking class is the best part, we get to devour our freshly prepared family feast. All meals included.
Driving: 3 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Morning alms with the monks and hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park.
After an early morning stop at Ton Payom Market, we to join the locals in the daily alms giving ceremony to the monks. As the orange-clad monks descend into the city at sunrise, we offer them food to aid them in their studies. Afterward, we’re off to Doi Inthanon National Park. The highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon’s submontane forest is known for its beautiful wild flowers, spectacular birding and majestic waterfalls. Starting at a coffee farm operated by the Karen Hill Tribe, we sip a sample before heading off on our hike. We enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim at a small waterfall. On the way back to Chiang Mai, we’ll stop at Watchirathan Waterfall, one of the most spectacular in northern Thailand, before returning to our hotel. For dinner, we dine a la carte in Chiang Mai’s famous night market. All meals included.
Driving: 2 hours; Hiking: 2-3 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Jungle zip-lining; marvel at the sacred gilded temple of Doi Suthep.
Gear up for an exciting zip-line adventure and soar through Chiang Mai’s forest canopy on suspended cable lines. From the high zip-line cables and sky bridges, we have a close up view of arboreal jungle life—we may even spot some ‘flying’ gibbons. After lunch, we’ll return to Chiang Mai to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on Doi Suthep Mountain. Built in 1384 AD, this is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand. Enjoy the serenity of ancient Wat Jed Yod with its seven stupas and Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family rest. From here, we soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Dinner is on your own tonight. Explore Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar again or relax poolside. Breakfast and lunch included.
Driving: 2.5 hours; Zip-lining: 2-3 hours.
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Cycle and walk the timeworn temples of Ayutthaya.
We have an early morning transfer to the Chiang Mai Airport for our flight to Bangkok. From Bangkok, we drive to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Siamese Kingdom. Before dusk, we’ll venture out on bikes to explore the sun-kissed temples and ruins of royal mansions. Vestiges of one of the most splendid cities of the East. We dine this evening on a private cruise, along the tranquil waters which surround the city. Take in the incredible views and delectable Thai cuisine. All meals included.
Driving: 1.5 hours; Cycling: up to 3 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Visit the famous bridge on the River Kwai and Hellfire Pass Museum.
This morning we have a leisurely breakfast before our journey to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai. We’ll take a short walk across the famous River Kwai Bridge built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II. Next, we visit Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, a poignant memorial to those who died building the WWII Burma-Thailand Railway. The Memorial Walking Trail follows the original railbed and overlooks the hills of Myanmar. An audio guide, narrated by former POWs, helps guests understand the conditions endured by those working on the line during the war. Our boutique lodge for the evening is perched on a picturesque bend of the river. All the tents are air conditioned and have their own bathrooms. All meals included.
Driving: 4 hours; Walking: 1.5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Kayak the River Kwai; cycle rainforest trails; swim at Erawan Waterfall.
Wake to the peaceful sounds of nature and enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning. We have several fun adventures planned today, starting with a gentle paddle down the River Kwai. As we glide down the waterway, we pass small villages and lush riverside vegetation. After a quick refreshment, we change gears and bike along easy trails through the spectacular Kanchanaburi rainforest, visiting temples and watching local villagers go about their day. After a tasty lunch, we depart for Erawan Waterfall, a beautiful 7-tiered waterfall. The falls’ natural pools are a great place to enjoy a swim. We return to our riverside lodge camp in Kanchanaburi for a delicious Thai dinner at an open-air restaurant with great views of the river. All meals included.
Kayaking: 2 hours; Cycling: 1.5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Take the backroads to Bangkok and visit exotic fruit and orchid farms.
Get a taste of Thailand’s country life with a trip through the rich farmlands along Klong Mahasawat, a famous canal in Nakhon Pathom. This charming agriculture village sits on the outskirts of Bangkok and is reached by boat. After cruising the tranquil waterways, we stop at a wild orchid farm and meet the caretaker. Next, we climb aboard a mini-tractor and cross through nearby rice fields where, depending on the time of year, farmers may be at work planting or harvesting the paddies. Our adventure continues on to an exotic tropical fruit farm where we taste some delectable delicacies. We soak up the serenity of rural Thailand before entering bustling Bangkok where we spend the next two nights. Breakfast and lunch included.
Driving: 1.5 hours.
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Bike the serene pathways of Bang Kra Jao. Visit iconic Wat Pho.
Today we explore some of the iconic and often overlooked sides of Bangkok. We begin with a beautiful bike ride through Bang Kra Joa, Bangkok's hidden greenbelt. Here we bike along quiet pathways and crossover winding canals while surrounded by lush trees and tropical plants. We pass by traditional Thai houses and golden temples and interact with friendly locals. We'll leave our bikes behind and explore some of Bangkok's iconic sites like Wat Pho, with it's reclining Buddha, and the Jim Thompson House. At the Jim Thompson House, we'll walk the tranquil gardens and learn the history of this famous and mysterious American silk merchant. Our day will include different forms of local transportation like the famous three-wheeled TukTuks, a shuttle boat on the Chay Phraya River, and the modern Skytrain. Tonight, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our remarkable adventure. All meals included.
Cycling: up to 3 hours; Walking: 2 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Depart for home or extend your travels to Angkor Wat.
This morning we bid farewell to our guides and fellow travelers. One group transfer is provided to Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok International) Airport for guests flying home today. Or you can continue your adventures with us to the illustrious temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia on our optional trip extension.

End place: Khlong Wat

Inclusions

Included

  • All accommodations as noted in itinerary
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • private bi-lingual guides
  • private ground transport within Thailand
  • 27-speed touring bikes and bike helmets
  • canoes and life vests
  • entrance fees to various parks and temples
  • zip-lining
  • one group airport transfer on Day 10 only

  • Accommodation

    Hotel/Resort/Lodges, 9 nights

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