Thailand: Adventures in the North

Chiang Mai - Pai

Photography, Yoga, Adventure, Fitness, Videography, Hiking, Exploration, Food, Health, Wildlife

Activity Level: 3

Whether it’s the tranquility of meditating in an open rice paddy, the peacefulness of the mountains, infinite delicious food, or the serenity of the locals, you will find that Northern Thailand has a vibe all its own. Delve into the Thai lifestyle and sensibilities and you might find yourself forever enchanted and always coming back for more.

7 days
8 - 26 spots
Double occupancy in 3 & 4-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 2 Dinners

Activities Included

Khantoke Dinner & Traditional Lanna Performances
Lanna Countryside and Ruins Tour by Tram & Ping River Boat Ride
Night Market Street Eats Tour
Ban Mae Klang Luang Mountain Village Visit and Coffee Making
Leisure Hike and Pha Dok Sieo Waterfall Visit
Mae Ya Waterfall Stop
Elephant Nature Park Observation
Whitewater Rafting on the Mae Taeng River
Pai Night Market Walking Tour
Tham Lod Cave Visit
Sai Ngam Hot Springs

Other Inclusions

Double occupancy in 3 & 4-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
Local Guide throughout trip
All city transfers

Optional Activities

Thai Massage

Exclusions

International flights
Food and alcohol (except as noted)
Visas and travel insurance
Tips for Guides
Airport Transfers

Itinerary

Day 1

info

Day 1

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M. to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Khantoke Dinner & Traditional Lanna Performances

From the hotel, take a 30-minute private transfer to the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center. Get a taste of what makes northern Thai food distinctive and famous even among Thailand's iconic cuisine. Tonight's outing is your chance to experience a unique and rather delicious Thai custom, the ‘Khantoke’ dinner. Served on large platters on low tables, enjoy a selection of iconic Northern-style dishes, including spicy chili dip with steamed vegetables, crispy pork skin, fried chicken wings, spicy sausage and the classic Burmese-inspired pork curry. During your meal, enjoy a line-up of live dance and music performances by members of surrounding ethnic hill tribes, including Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Mien and Lisu. To cap off a memorable night, you're invited to join in with the final act called ‘Ramwong’, where you can dance alongside the local performers.

meal

dinner

Enjoy your included welcome dinner as a part of the Khantoke Dinner & Traditional Lanna Performances. Your meal is typically a set menu Khantoke dinner of Northern-style Thai dishes served family style with water included. Additional drinks and food will be at your own expense. Restaurant is subject to change based on availability.

accommodation

Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, or similar

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 2

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Day 2

Embark on an early morning journey as you are picked up for a transfer to the Lanna countryside. Hop on a local tram (small open air trolley) and enjoy a tour through ancient ruins and villages, immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Following the tram tour, head to Wat Chai Mongkol to hop on a boat trip along the majestic Ping River. After the charming boat ride, relish a traditional lunch at a Thai farmhouse, featuring the iconic "khao soi" -- a spicy curry noodle soup celebrated as a specialty of northern Thailand. Return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest before the evening's excitement begins. In the early evening, take a short transfer to start your Night Market Street Eats Tour -- an opportunity to savor the diverse flavors of Northern Thai cuisine. Finish the night with a brief transfer back to the hotel. For the Night Market Street Eats Tour, you will want to pack extra cash with you to buy any additional food or beverages at your own expense, as most vendors are cash only.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full American, or buffet style. The hotel may offer Thai, American, or intercontinental breakfast options. The exact breakfast provided will depend on your finalized hotel.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Hotel to Lanna Countryside

Take a private transfer from the hotel to Lanna Countryside.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS 30 MIN

Lanna Countryside and Ruins Tour by Tram & Ping River Boat Ride

After hopping into a local tram (small open air trolley), you'll continue to the ancient town of Wiang Kum Kam in Chiang Mai on a private tour. You'll ride around the ancient town of Wiang Kum Kam and visit temples like Wat Pu Pia and Wat E-Gang, once part of King Mengrai's imperial capital in the 13th century. Later occupied by the Burmese and then flooded, this area was restored as a Historical Park by the Thai government during the 1980's. Today, it is surrounded by a gorgeous patchwork of villages, rice fields and rural settlements. After exploring this majestic ancient city, continue to Wat Chai Mongkol to begin your private boat trip 40 minutes down the grand Ping River. From here, take in the gorgeous scenery as you sail past old teak wood houses, riverside farms and lush jungles intertwined along the riverbank. Around noon, make a pit stop at a typical Thai farmhouse for a traditional lunch of “khao soi,” which is a spicy curry noodle soup considered a specialty of northern Thailand. Afterwards, you will transfer back to your hotel.

meal

lunch

Enjoy an included lunch at a Thai Farmhouse. You will be trying a traditional lunch of "khao soi," which is a spicy curry noodle soup. Water is included.

transfer

APPROX. 30 MIN

Thai Farmhouse to Hotel

After lunch, take a private transfer back to the hotel.

activity

APPROX. 4 HOURS

Night Market Street Eats Tour

You'll be picked up at the hotel in the early evening for a 30-minute private transfer to the market. You will stop at local markets, Wat Chedi Luang, and a local bar. Tonight you'll be trying a variety of Northern Thai street food such as: sai oua (Northern Thai sausage), moo ping (marinated pork skewers with sticky rice), and Gaeng Hang Lay (a Burmese-inspired pork curry). The types of street food you will be trying are subject to change. After the tour, take a 30-minute private transfer back to your hotel.

meal

snack

Enjoy an included snack this evening by trying a variety of street foods during the Night Market Street Eats Tour. Water is included. Be sure to pack extra cash with you to buy any additional food or beverages at your own expense, as most vendors are cash only.

accommodation

Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, or similar

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 3

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Day 3

After breakfast, you'll be picked up to transfer to Doi Inthanon National Park. You'll arrive at Ban Mae Klang Luang Village where you will become acquainted with the locals and learn about the Karen culture. You will then participate in a hands on coffee making process and enjoy some fresh coffee. Afterwards, you'll embark on a leisurely hike, stopping at Pha Dok Sieo Waterfall, where you can cool off in the pool below (weather dependent/dry season only). After your hike, you will transfer to a restaurant where you'll enjoy lunch. On your way back to Chiang Mai, you'll make a stop at Mae Ya Waterfall to snap some photos! You'll arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. Today you'll want to wear comfortable clothes, your swimsuit underneath (if you plan on swimming at the waterfall during dry season), comfortable walking shoes, and bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and bug spray.

meal

breakfast

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Hotel to Doi Inthanon National Park

Depart the hotel and take a private transfer to Doi Inthanon National Park. There will be restroom breaks along the way or upon request.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Ban Mae Klang Luang Mountain Village Visit and Coffee Making

Upon arriving to the mountain village, you'll experience another side of Northern Thai Culture. The locals here are almost entirely from the Karen ethnic minority, and lead rural lifestyles that have remained largely unchanged for decades. After getting to know your village hosts, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on lesson in the village's specialty: coffee making! Follow the lead of your local host and guide through each step of the production process - from roasting, to winnowing and grinding - before sitting down for a tasting. After enjoying a few cups of the local brew, head off next on a gentle, two-hour trek along nature trails flanked by stretches of emerald paddy fields and verdant rice terraces.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Leisure Hike and Pha Dok Sieo Waterfall Visit

A short 10-minute drive will take you to where you will begin your hike. Embark on a leisurely 2 mile hike through the forest and make a stop at Pha Dok Seaw Waterfall - a perfect place for a refreshing swim during the dry season. The trail is a mix of flat paths through the forest with some downhill sections. After the hike, you will be picked up and transferred 15 minutes to a local restaurant for lunch. *Please note that is it only safe to swim at Pha Dok Seio during the dry season - condition/weather dependent.*

meal

lunch

Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Your meal will be a set menu served family style with water included.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Transfer to Chiang Mai via Mae Ya Waterfall

After lunch, take a return transfer back to Chiang Mai. About an hour in, you'll make a stop at the Mae Ya Waterfall. Then, continue another hour and a half back to your hotel.

activity

APPROX. 30 MIN

Mae Ya Waterfall Stop

On your way back to Chiang Mai you'll stop to admire the Mae Ya Waterfall. Considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Inthanon National Park, you'll want to make sure to snap some photos during your final stop of the afternoon before heading back to Chiang Mai.

accommodation

Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, or similar

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 4

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Day 4

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Then, take a transfer to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating mistreated elephants. You'll then enjoy a vegetarian buffet lunch at the park. After this, you'll whitewater raft down the Mae Taeng River. After the thrill of rafting, you'll dry off and transfer to Pai. In the evening, you'll visit the Pai Night Market for a walking tour on Pai Walking Street, experiencing market stalls, shops, and various culinary options. Keep in mind that personal expenses for food, drinks, and shopping should be in cash, as most vendors accept cash only. You'll then transfer back to the hotel after a day of exploration and cultural experiences.

meal

breakfast

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Hotel to Elephant Nature Park

Take a private transfer from the hotel to the Elephant Nature Park.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Elephant Nature Park Observation

The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants that have faced mistreatment in logging, tourism, and other exploitative industries. The sanctuary provides a safe and humane haven for these majestic creatures. Visitors to the park can partake in observation programs, where they have the opportunity to witness elephants in their natural environment, learn about their individual stories, and contribute to their well-being. Notably, the Elephant Nature Park upholds a strict "no riding" policy, prioritizing responsible and compassionate interactions with the elephants while advocating for broader conservation initiatives and raising awareness about the challenges faced by these incredible animals.

meal

lunch

Lunch at the Elephant Nature Park is included. Typically, lunch will be a vegetarian buffet with water included.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Whitewater Rafting on the Mae Taeng River

A 10-minute drive will take you to the Mae Taeng River for your thrilling whitewater rafting excursion. Lead by professional guides, you'll get set up with your gear before your safety briefing to make sure you are familiar with the equipment and techniques for raft and river safety. The Mae Taeng River stretches a lengthy 10 kilometres and passes through 14 gorges with Class II-IV rapids*. It is known by many as Asia's best place to go white water rafting. Enjoy your trip down the river tacking the challenging and fun rapids. Finally, you will pull into the camp downstream where the rafting trip comes to an end -- here, you'll rest up and change into dry clothes. Helmets and life jackets are included. *Rapid class can change based on water conditions. This activity is dependent on water and safety conditions.*

transfer

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Transfer to Pai

Take a private transfer to Pai. Restroom breaks will be made as needed.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Pai Night Market Walking Tour

Take a 15-minute transfer from the hotel to Pai Night Market. Pai Walking Street is a large outdoor market, boasting an array of market stalls and shops lining both sides of the street. There are both restaurants as well as delightful options of street food as you stroll along this lively avenue. In addition to the culinary delights, the street is adorned with art, showcasing everything from jewelry to paintings. The Pai Night Market, situated on Pai Walking Street, spans between 500 and 1,000 meters, depending on the season. A leisurely walk, with stops, will take a maximum of half an hour. Note that this is just a walking tour and that food, drinks, and shopping are at their own expense. Be sure to have cash on you as most vendors are cash only. Then take a 15-minute transfer back to the hotel after a long day.

accommodation

Peacock de Pai, or similar

Overnight in Pai.

Day 5

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Day 5

You're in for an adventure today! You'll take a transfer to Tham Lod Cave, a natural cave with impressive stalactite and ancient rock formations that have evolved over centuries. You'll then get on a bamboo raft and navigate the subterranean river within the cave. Then, along the way to the Sai Ngam Hot Springs, you'll stop for lunch to have noodles with a view overlooking the lush mountains. After lunch, you’ll transfer to Sai Ngam Hot Springs where you'll get to soak and rejuvenate in the natural thermal waters. Then, transfer back to the hotel to relax for the rest of the evening. For today's activities you'll want to bring a swimsuit, an extra change of clothes, a light towel, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and wear comfortable shoes or sandals with straps.

meal

breakfast

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR 20 MIN

Transfer to Tham Lod Cave

Take a private transfer to Tham Lod Cave.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Tham Lod Cave Visit

Upon arrival, you'll walk around the cave before splitting into 3 person bamboo rafts to continue further into the cave. Tham Lod Cave is a highlight of the region and one of the largest in Northern Thailand. As you float through the complex cave system, you'll marvel at its sheer size as well as the many limestone formations hanging from above. Please note that the bamboo rafts have a weight limit of 260 lbs. Those that weight above 260 lbs may be allocated their own raft for safety reasons. *This activity may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia.*

meal

lunch

Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Your meal will be a set menu served family style with water included.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Transfer to Sai Ngam Hot Spring

Take a private transfer to Sai Ngam Hot Springs.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Sai Ngam Hot Springs

Indulge in the relaxation of the Sai Ngam Hot Springs, also known as Secret Hot Springs. Shaded by tropical forest, the peaceful sounds of the waterfalls and the soothing thermal waters of the natural spring waters will be a refreshing and relaxing end to the day. Take a 30-minute private transfer back to the hotel to spend the evening at leisure.

accommodation

Peacock de Pai, or similar

Overnight in Pai.

Day 6

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Day 6

Enjoy your morning at leisure in Pai before you travel back to Chiang Mai this afternoon. Looking for some relaxation? Sign up for the optional Thai massage! In the late afternoon, you will transfer to a local restaurant for a final farewell dinner with the group.

meal

breakfast

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Thai Massage (Optional)

Take a 5-minute transfer to a spa near the hotel, where you will enjoy a 60-minute Thai massage. This massage involves a combination of acupressure and stretches. This therapeutic practice is renowned for promoting relaxation, soothing your muscles, and enhancing overall well-being. Please note that only 8 people can get a massage at one time. If the group is larger than 8 people and needs to be divided, you will be given an appointment time and can relax at the hotel until pickup.

transfer

APPROX. 2 HOURS 45 MIN

Pai to Chiang Mai

Take a private transfer from Pai back to Chiang Mai. Restroom breaks will be made as needed.

meal

dinner

Cheers to an amazing adventure! Take a 20-minute private transfer to a local restaurant for your included farewell dinner. Your meal will be a set menu of Thai cuisine, served family style. Additional food and drinks will be at your own expense. Restaurants are subject to change based on availability.

accommodation

Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, or similar

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 7

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Day 7

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

meal

breakfast

Itinerary Details

Itineraries may change throughout the year due to several factors including logistical issues, Traveler feedback, or operational changes. The provided itinerary, including estimated times, serve as guidelines only. As your date of travel approaches, our Operators will amend the itinerary to include more details, adjust activities and provide updated information.

TrovaTrip and our Operators reserve the right to alter itineraries as we deem necessary before and during your experience in-destination.

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$1120+ USD

per traveler