Northern Thailand, Hiking Tour

DAY 2

Explore Bangkok

Our day begins early at the Buddhist temple of Wat Saket, the “Golden Mountain.” We then visit the Ban Bat community, thought to be the last place in Thailand where craftsmen still produce beautiful metal alms bowls for monks by hand. We climb into Tuk Tuks and drive past the iconic Democracy Monument down the famous Ratchadamnoen Avenue to the Grand Palace. We tour Wat Phra Kaew, the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha.” On the way to lunch we pay a quick visit to the historic Tha Tian Market. After lunch, we relax on a longtail boat ride down the canals of Old Bangkok. Our day concludes with a tour of Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Hotel in Bangkok (2 nights)
Activity Walking

DAY 3

Flight to Chiang Mai and Explore

After breakfast, we take a quick early morning flight to the northern capital of Chiang Mai. After checking into our hotel, we explore Chiang Mai’s fortified old city surrounded by ancient stone walls and a moat. We visit the temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. In the evening, we’re free to explore the colorful Night Bazaar or Sunday Night Market along Walking Street on our own. We may also visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple perched high above Chiang Mai, at additional expense.

Hotel in Chiang Mai (1 night)
Activity Walking

DAY 4

Mae Ngat Dam

As part of a major initiative to stabilize rice farming in Chiang Mai Province, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej built a series of dams, including on the Mae Ngat River in the late 1980s. The Mae Ngat Dam created a beautiful mountain lake that lies within the western edge of Si Lanna National Park. We take a boat to our hotel, floating in the middle of the lake! We relax on the water at our mountain float house, swimming and kayaking until dinner. On the way to Mae Ngat in the morning, we also take a short stop at Wat Ban Den known as the Blue Temple.

Floating House Boat in Mae Ngat (1 night)
Activity Walking

DAY 5

Whitewater Rafting or ATV Ride

We pack our things, jump back on the boat, and then drive deep into the mountains of Northern Thailand to the Mae Teang River, a spectacular tributary of the Chiang Mai River. We listen to a safety briefing, then climb into our rafts to descend the Mae Teang. Depending on the season, we encounter Class III or IV rapids. We transfer to Chiang Dao, a quiet village a few hours farther north.

Hotel in Chiang Dao (1 night)
Activity Walking

DAY 6-7

Chiang Dao Mountain Village Hiking

After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to our trailhead and hike to a tribal village set among the rich flora and fauna of the Chiang Dao Massif. Our excursion leads past water buffaloes lounging in rivers, waterfalls and terraced rice fields, to a traditional village of houses built on stilts. We sleep here, immersed in the mountain culture of the region on the edge of the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to more than 300 bird species, including the rare Hume’s pheasant and the giant nutchatch. Then we descend back to the trailhead and our hotel in Chiang Mai.

Mountain Village Homestay (1 night)
Hotel in Chiang Mai (1 night)
Activity Easy Hiking

DAY 8

Elephant Sanctuary and Camp

For centuries, elephants, “chang,” were used for traditional logging in Northern Thailand. With the abolishment of the teak logging industry many of these elephants were left to fend for themselves. The peaceful Elephant Sanctuary protects retired elephants as they live out the rest of their lives. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional dinner of Northern Thai cuisine and soak up the views and atmosphere in this rural haven.

Elephant Camp (1 night)
Activity Walking

DAY 9

Elephant Sanctuary to Chiang Mai

We enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and then spend our morning learning about elephant veterinary care and sampling “Kafee Boran” and “kanom krok” a traditional coffee and breakfast snack enjoyed by the mahouts. We return to camp for a final lunch overlooking the mountains and Ping River before returning to Chiang Mai.

We gather for a farewell dinner of exquisite Northern Thai dishes. In the evening, we have another opportunity to explore Chiang Mai’s old city. Depending on your interests, you can visit Buddhist temples and vibrant markets, enjoy a Thai massage, or relax with a stroll through this fascinating city.

Hotel in Chiang Mai (1 night)
Activity Walking

DAY 10

Depart Chiang Mai (if not staying for the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festival)

Departure day. Transfer to the airport on your own or stay and explore more of Thailand.

You can opt to stay an extra night and join the Lanna Thai celebrations of Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festival of Light.

Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festival of Light

Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are usually celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November. The light festivals are thought to have originated as an expression of gratitude and homage to the spirits of the rivers and the water god who brings rain. Yi Peng was celebrated in the ancient Lanna Kingdom, which had its capital in Chiang Mai.

Unforgettable highlights of Loi Krathong and Yi Peng:

• Thousands of baskets with candles floating on the river at night
• Flocks of lanterns flying into the sky over Chiang Mai
• A Buddhist purification ceremony to cleanse your spirit
• Make a private wish among huge crowds of people making their own
• Candles flickering on the streets at night
• Traditional Thai dance shows

Given the variety of available activities, we time our adventure’s conclusion to coincide with the start of these festivities, and your choice of activities is entirely up to you. We are happy to provide recommendations for some of our favorites should you choose to stay.