Thailand10 days
Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Kanchanaburi — 10 Days
Northern temples, hilltribe culture, Death Railway history, and a cooking class in Chiang Mai across 10 days by train, minivan, and bicycle.
This 10-day route moves through Thailand's three most distinct regions: Bangkok's river life and palace architecture, Chiang Mai's temple complexes and northern hilltribe territories, and Kanchanaburi's war history along the River Kwai. You'll spend nights in a Hmong village lodge in the mountains north of Chiang Mai, cycle through the 13th-century ruins of Sukhothai's historical park, study Thai cooking techniques in a Chiang Mai kitchen, visit an elephant hospital in Lampang, and travel the Death Railway tracks over the Bridge on the River Kwai. An overnight sleeper train connects Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and a private minivan handles the longer southern legs. Guides are local English speakers, and meals—including a khantohk dinner with tribal performances and a home-cooked picnic in Sukhothai's gardens—are built into each day's rhythm.
Highlights
- Khao Phraya River cruise and Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- Doi Suthep temple complex: 45-minute mountain drive from Chiang Mai, accessed by 300-step naga-guarded stairway with city views
- Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai: learn ingredient preparation, storage, and substitutions; prepare and eat a full lunch
- Overnight stay in a Hmong Lodge in the mountains north of Chiang Mai, with traditional barbecue dinner and cultural performance
- Friends of the Asian Elephant Centre in Lampang: hands-on time with rescued and rehabilitated elephants
- Sukhothai Historical Park: bicycle tour of 21 historic sites, Buddha images, lakes, and lotus ponds from the 13th-century Golden Age
- Hellfire Pass Memorial: World War II site honouring Allied POWs and Asian conscripts; observation deck overlooking Myanmar 25 miles away
- Death Railway journey: ride original wooden viaduct over the Bridge on the River Kwai between Nam Tok and Kanchanaburi stations
Day by day
1Arrival in BangkokChao Phraya River · your hotel
Welcome to Bangkok. Thailand's capital centres on the Chao Phraya River, where longtail boats navigate the khlongs—canal networks that run parallel to main streets. A welcome meeting is scheduled at your hotel at 6 p.m., where your guide will brief you on the itinerary and logistics for the week ahead.
2Chao Phraya River, Grand Palace & Overnight Train to Chiang MaiChao Phraya · Grand Palace · Temple of the Emerald Buddha · overnight sleeper train
Start with a one-hour river cruise down the Chao Phraya, observing the khlongs and waterside life. You will visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha—a royal complex with ornate structures built in Thai architectural traditions. The afternoon is free. In the evening, board the overnight sleeper train north to Chiang Mai. You will arrive in the north the following morning.
3Doi Suthep Temple & Tribal Performances in Chiang MaiDoi Suthep · Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the regional centre of northern Thailand, known for its temples and historic old city. This morning, a 45-minute drive ascends the mountain to Doi Suthep, a major temple complex. A 300-step stairway with naga (serpent) railings leads to the temple structures, offering views of the city and access to the courtyard where Buddhist monks chant. The afternoon offers flexibility. Your leader can help arrange optional activities: a bicycle tour through the city and countryside, a traditional Thai massage, or rest at the hotel. This evening, a khantohk dinner is served—a traditional meal where multiple small dishes are presented on low tables. Performances by Akha, Yao, Lahu, Hmong, Lisu, and Karen dancers accompany the meal. Overnight in Chiang Mai. Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
4Thai Cooking Class in Chiang MaiChiang Mai
Spend the day in a hands-on Thai cooking course. You will learn the main ingredients used in Thai cuisine, their storage, and available substitutions. You will prepare several dishes and eat lunch of your own cooking. A tasting of seasonal Thai fruit is typically included. A comprehensive recipe book and ingredient guide are provided. The rest of the day is free.
5Minivan to Hmong Lodge in the Northern MountainsHmong Hilltribe Lodge
A 1.5-hour minivan journey carries you north into hilly countryside to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, set in a mountain valley surrounded by jungle. The Hmong are an ethnic minority group now the second-largest hilltribe population in Thailand. Lodge rooms are rustic and designed to fit into the local landscape. Cool mountain weather year-round requires a warm layer. After a barbecue dinner in the open-air dining area, the Hmong people offer a cultural performance including a wedding ceremony enactment, a shamanic ritual, and the makong (cotton ball) throwing game. Overnight at Hmong Lodge.
6Friends of the Asian Elephant Centre & Journey to SukhothaiFriends of the Asian Elephant Centre · hilltribe lodge to Lampang · Lampang to Sukhothai
Depart the hilltribe lodge and drive two hours to Lampang, known locally as 'Horse Carriage City.' The Friends of the Asian Elephant Centre, the first hospital dedicated to treating sick and abused elephants, is located here. You will spend time observing elephant residents and learning about rehabilitation work. Continue south to Sukhothai by minivan, approximately 3.5 hours.
7Sukhothai Historical Park by BicycleSukhothai Historical Park · Sukhothai to Kanchanaburi
Sukhothai was founded in the 13th century as one of Siam's first capitals. The World Heritage-listed historical park contains the remains of 21 historic sites. The park sits on a fertile plain with lakes and gardens. Upon arrival, you will hire bicycles and spend several hours riding through the ruins, observing Buddha images and religious architecture of the Sukhothai era. A home-cooked picnic lunch is arranged along the route. An optional visit to a local ceramics factory can be arranged. Late afternoon, board a private minivan south toward Kanchanaburi, approximately 6 hours. Kanchanaburi sits where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge.
8Death Railway, Hellfire Pass & Bridge on the River KwaiBridge on the River Kwai · Hellfire Pass Memorial · Nam Tok station
This morning you visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour Allied prisoners of war and Asian conscripts who died constructing the Thai-Burma Death Railway during World War II. The pass is cut 18 metres deep through rock; it earned its name from fires used to light night work shifts. Boarding at Nam Tok station, you will ride historic tracks along the Khwae Noi River and cross the original wooden viaduct known as the Bridge on the River Kwai, constructed by Allied prisoners. The evening is free to visit the town or rest by the river. Meals: Breakfast
9Kanchanaburi to BangkokKanchanaburi to Bangkok · Bangkok
A three-hour private minivan journey returns you to Bangkok. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Bangkok. Meals: Breakfast
10Bangkok Departure
Breakfast is included. You depart at your own pace.
Where you go
- 1Chiang Mai
- 2Sukhothai Historical Park
- 3Bridge on the River Kwai
- 4Bangkok
Included
- Hotel with daily breakfast, lunches & dinners as indicated, English speaking local guides, entrance fees to sites listed on the itinerary, private A/C transportation with expert drivers, airport transfers.
Not included
- Meals and drinks unless specified
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activity costs
- Peak season surcharges may apply.
- International & Internal flights are not included, please enquire.