One Week in Northern Thailand 8 Days

Good morning! Get ready for an exciting adventure. This morning, you'll take a train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya now features stunning ruins that make up the Historical Park, an archaeological treasure trove of palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and statues. You'll explore the temple sites by local tuk tuk, visiting Wat Panan Choeng, which boasts a massive 19-meter Buddha statue, Wat Yai Chai Mong Kol with its impressive 62-meter Victory Pagoda, and the iconic Wat Maha That, known for the tree roots enveloping its Buddha head. Don’t miss the chance to try Ayutthaya's famous Boat Noodles—trust us, they’re a must-try! After a day of exploration, you’ll board an overnight train to Chiang Mai. Day-use rooms will be available in Ayutthaya for you to freshen up before your journey.

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning and head to your hostel. While check-in isn’t until 2 pm, you’re welcome to use the facilities in the meantime. Chiang Mai serves as a fantastic gateway to the Thai highlands, surrounded by misty mountains and vibrant hillside villages just waiting to be discovered. This will be your home base for the next few days, as you'll return here after your trek. Spend the afternoon unwinding and exploring the city, and in the evening, gather some friends to check out the popular bars in the lively Nimman district. After all, you’re on vacation!

This morning, around 8 am, depart from Chiang Mai in a songthaew for a journey of about 2 hours. Your first stop will be Wachirathan Waterfall, followed by a visit to the Hmong Hilltribe Market at Baan Khun Klang as you ascend the mountain. Lunch will be served at a local eatery. After your meal, embark on a trek at Doi Pha Tang, where you’ll hike for 2-3 hours along a mostly downhill path through lush forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Mai Phai waterfall, a perfect spot to take a breather. Continuing your hike, you’ll reach the Karen hilltribe village of Baan Tin Tok, your home for the night. This village is home to about 20 Christian families from the Karen community. Enjoy dinner prepared by your host and then take a stroll through the village, engaging with locals and perhaps exploring their art of naturally dyed textiles. You’ll stay in a cozy wooden house, nestled among an organic vegetable farm, with shared facilities. It’s truly a unique experience.

Waking up deep in the jungle comes with the delightful sounds of wildlife calling you into the new day. After a fulfilling breakfast (which you’ll definitely need!), it's time to set off on today’s hike. The trek is relatively easy, taking you through local farmland and agricultural areas for a couple of hours until you reach Mae Ya Waterfalls, the largest waterfall in Doi Inthanont National Park. Lunch is provided today too—great news! Afterward, you'll have the opportunity to visit Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong Voravihara, a highly revered temple housing a sacred Buddha relic. This temple, known as Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, was built in the mid-15th century at the site where the relic was discovered. The oldest part is the chedi, constructed around 1450, featuring a prominent golden structure with a square base and a towering spire. After your visit, you’ll head back to Chiang Mai (about a 2-hour drive), arriving around 4 pm to check into your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and explore the city.

Today, you have the freedom to explore the delightful city of Chiang Mai at your own pace. There are plenty of optional activities to consider, and the choice is yours! You might want to take a trip to the temple perched atop Doi Suthep, which provides breathtaking views of the city below. Alternatively, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage or participate in a local cooking class. The decision is entirely in your hands. In the evening, gather your friends and explore Chiang Mai’s renowned night markets, where you can discover a wide array of souvenirs and delicious snacks.

With another day to discover Chiang Mai, you have an abundance of choices. This morning, you have the exciting opportunity to learn Muay Thai, the legendary martial art of Thailand. Spend two hours training with experienced instructors, mastering the fundamentals of this fighting style and learning how to use your body as both a weapon and a shield. In the evening, you'll board an overnight train to Bangkok, a journey that takes about 13 hours. The soft sleeper class offers all the comforts you need, featuring shared compartments with air-conditioning and bunk beds complete with sheets and pillows. Your luggage will accompany you in the carriage, and there’s a food and drink service available throughout the trip.

Your train is expected to arrive in Bangkok early this morning. Afterward, you’ll head back to the hotel where your journey began, and you’ll have access to shared day rooms until noon. If you wish to extend your stay in Bangkok (which is completely understandable), we can help arrange additional accommodation based on availability. There’s a wealth of sights and activities to enjoy in Bangkok, so consider joining an Urban Adventures tour! One popular option is the Chinatown Food Discovery tour, which takes you through the best spots and markets, introducing you to unique foods you may not have encountered before.