Upgraded - Discover Northern Thailand

This 12-day escorted tour with Explore Worldwide traces a route from Chiang Mai in the north to Bangkok in the south. Along the way, it visits mountain temples, a hilltop village with tea plantations, and former capitals, blending historical sites with rural communities. Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep Temple commands panoramic views, and the Elephant Nature Park nearby upholds animal welfare with elephants free to wander.

The group journeys onwards to quieter corners of Thailand such as Lampang and the village of Naton Chan, where traditional crafts continue, before cycling around Sukhothai’s ancient temple ruins. Highlights include a boat ride past riverside life in Uthai Thani and a poignant visit to Kanchanaburi’s war sites and railway museum, followed by two nights in a floating lodge on the River Kwai.

The tour finishes in Bangkok with sights including the Grand Palace, Wat Po, and a food tour through Chinatown. There is a late morning leisure day at the end before departure. An early start and several drives are part of the rhythm, but the comfortable accommodation and carefully chosen experiences make for a thoughtfully paced cultural holiday.