Family Thailand: Best of the North

Our tour starts today in Chiang Mai. Known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is a hub of calm with plenty to explore, from its ancient old town to its local markets.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Chiang Mai at any time.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which is a 30-minute drive from our hotel.

If you arrive early in Chiang Mai, take the chance to start exploring the city right away. You could enjoy a stroll through Buak Hard Public Park, wander the streets of the Old City to discover its many historic temples, or treat yourself to a relaxing foot massage at one of the Women's Vocational Institutes, where skilled therapists offer traditional Thai massage while supporting local women's empowerment initiatives.

This morning, we head to Huay Tung Tao Lake, a peaceful spot just outside Chiang Mai. After a short briefing and safety check, we begin our ziplining adventure, gliding across different sections of the jungle and lake. Soaring above the treetops offers sweeping views of the water, forest, and nearby hills - a unique way to take in the region's natural beauty.

Afterwards, we'll stop for lunch in a traditional Thai-style lakeside hut, set in a relaxed spot beside the water, where a range of authentic Thai dishes is available - from flavourful curries and stir-fries to fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables, offering a true taste of local cuisine. If you wish, there's time for a refreshing swim in the lake before we return to Chiang Mai.

In the afternoon, there's time to relax by the hotel pool and unwind after an active morning. Later, we visit Doi Suthep, one of Thailand's most sacred temples. Arriving in the late afternoon, we'll explore the temple grounds and watch the sunset over Chiang Mai. As evening falls, we'll stay to listen to the monks' evening chanting - a calming ritual that offers a meaningful glimpse into Thai Buddhist culture and a memorable introduction to the country's spirituality.

This morning, we say goodbye to Chiang Mai and travel south toward Sukhothai, a drive of around five hours. En route, we'll stop at Ban Naton Chan village to meet the local community and get a glimpse of their everyday life. Explore the village's traditional crafts and handiwork, watch artisans at work, and discover skills passed down through generations. We'll also wander through fruit orchards, sample fresh produce, and stroll among the rice paddies, enjoying the calm and scenic rural landscape. Here, we'll have lunch, tasting their local noodle dishes.

We then continue our drive to Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Thailand, where we explore the historic temple ruins by bicycle. The route is mostly flat and follows quiet, traffic-free roads, making it easy and enjoyable for all levels. Along the way, you'll pass a series of beautifully restored temples, ponds, and open fields, allowing plenty of time to take in the ancient architecture and serene surroundings while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site at a relaxed pace.

Today, we set off for Mae Sot, a border town in northwestern Thailand near Myanmar. Known as a gateway between the two countries, Mae Sot is a bustling trading hub with a rich cultural mix of Thai, Karen, Burmese, and other ethnic communities. Venturing deeper into the countryside and off the beaten track, the drive takes us through scenic rural landscapes, past small villages, rice paddies, and rolling hills, offering a glimpse of life far removed from the usual tourist routes.

Upon arrival in Mae Sot, we'll check into our hotel and have some time to relax and take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.

Later, we'll head to the Borderline Collective for a hands-on cooking experience. The session begins with a guided visit to Mae Sot's main market, where we'll select fresh ingredients for the dishes we'll prepare. Back at the cooking space, we'll learn to cook a variety of regional specialties, including Shan, Karen, and Burmese dishes, while directly supporting the local refugee communities. The Collective offers employment and training opportunities, enabling refugees to develop skills, preserve their culinary traditions, and earn a living, thereby ensuring that your cooking experience has a meaningful impact on both the people and the community.

Wake up in Mae Sot, then after breakfast, set off in off-road vehicles on a beautiful two-hour drive into the cloud forest, heading towards a remote Karen village perched high in the mountains. When you arrive, the community will welcome you with warmth and hospitality. We'll meet our host family and take a gentle walk through the village, getting our first glimpse of daily life and Karen traditions.

This village is also home to the Mahout Foundation, a grassroots project that works to provide elephants with a safe, natural environment while supporting the Karen people who have cared for them for generations. By staying here, we're helping to sustain an ethical alternative to elephant tourism, protect the surrounding forest, and create long-term opportunities for the community.

In the evening, we'll gather with our hosts for a freshly prepared welcome dinner - a chance to share food, stories, and laughter while settling into village life and beginning your journey into Karen culture and the important conservation work of the Mahout Foundation.

Accommodation here is simple but welcoming, typically in traditional wooden houses where we'll sleep on thin mattresses with blankets and mosquito nets, enough for a comfortable stay. Facilities are basic with shared bathrooms, but the real highlight is the opportunity to stay alongside your host family and experience daily life in the village first-hand.

This morning, we'll wake up to enjoy breakfast with our host family before setting out into the forest for a day with the elephants. We'll learn about their lives and the role of their mahouts, and watch the elephants as they move and feed naturally in their forest home. We'll hike in a small group (usually 4-8 people), guided by experienced mahouts who track the elephants and share insights into their behaviour, history, and the surrounding forest. If the group is larger than eight, we'll split into smaller groups to ensure a more personal experience and minimal impact on the environment. The walk is moderate, covering anywhere from 5 to 15 kilometres depending on where the elephants are that day. Be prepared for uneven terrain, with some steep mountain paths and dense forest trails along the way

In the afternoon, we'll walk back through the forest, taking in the mountain views before returning to the village. Here, you can join the women to see how traditional Karen fabrics are woven, try your hand at bamboo basket weaving, or sit down with a cup of mountain tea to talk with villagers about their daily lives and traditions.

As evening falls, we'll head up to the temple to watch the sun set over the mountains and across into Myanmar before joining the villagers for dinner.

We'll enjoy our final breakfast with our host family this morning before saying goodbye and departing the village for the journey back to Mae Sot.

From here, we begin a long but fascinating drive to our overnight stop in Nakhon Sawan, en route to Bangkok. The drive takes around five hours - a total journey of seven hours including stops from Mae Sot - passing through rural landscapes, small villages, and stretches of countryside far from the usual tourist routes. Along the way, we'll break up the journey with visits to local markets, where you can sample and purchase regional snacks and fresh fruits.

One of the highlights of the day will be a stop in the lesser-visited city of Tak, a place rich in history and cultural diversity. Here, we'll visit the King Taksin Memorial, dedicated to one of Thailand's most revered kings who played a key role in uniting the country after the fall of Ayutthaya. The site is an important landmark for Thai people and offers a deeper insight into the nation's history. We'll also wander through Tak's Chinese quarter, a lively neighborhood lined with traditional shop houses, shrines, and small eateries where old customs and architecture have been preserved. The area gives a real sense of local life and heritage, with opportunities to sample Chinese-Thai delicacies or browse small family-run shops.

After exploring Tak and enjoying lunch, we'll continue the drive through quiet countryside until we reach Nakhon Sawan, our stop for the night.

We continue our journey to Bangkok with a three-hour drive and check into our hotel, set in a lively neighbourhood that's perfect for exploring the capital.

The afternoon is yours to unwind - whether that's relaxing by the hotel's pool or heading out to discover the city. A great way to ease into Bangkok's rhythm is with a cruise along the Chao Phraya River, passing glittering temples on the banks, before venturing into the narrow klongs where you can glimpse the city's more traditional way of life.

In the evening, we come together for a street food adventure through the bustling night markets and hidden alleyways of Bangkok. From sizzling skewers of grilled meats and fragrant bowls of boat noodles, to papaya salad, and sweet mango sticky rice, the city's food scene is a feast for the senses. Along the way, you'll discover why Bangkok is often ranked one of the world's best food capitals - where every corner offers something bold, authentic, and unforgettable. As with all street food, the menu can vary depending on the day, which makes each experience unique and authentic.

Today is free to explore Bangkok at your own pace.

The city is a shopper's paradise, from the bustling Pratunam Market to the high-end malls like Siam Paragon, as well as vibrant street markets and boutique shops offering local handicrafts and international brands.

For culture and history enthusiasts, the Grand Palace is easily reached by taxi or tuk tuk and provides a stunning insight into Thailand's royal heritage, with its ornate temples, the Emerald Buddha, and intricate Thai architecture. You might also visit Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha, or explore Chinatown's bustling streets, full of street food, gold shops, and traditional markets.

In the evening, we gather for our final meal together - a perfect chance to share memories, reflect on the journey, and celebrate the adventures of the trip.

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Bangkok.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Bangkok at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is a 45-minute drive from our hotel.

If you have time you might like to wander through Chinatown to see another side of this fascinating city. Bangkok is teeming with sites waiting to be explored and it's well worth extending your trip to have more time here. We highly recommend an extended stay in the city, or alternatively, you might like to unwind on the beautiful beaches of Thailand with our beach extension to Koh Samet.