12-DAY Northern Thailand Highlands
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
Come see for yourself how diverse Northern Thailand really is and meet hill tribe communities including the Lanna, Shan, Karen, and Lahu – many still living a traditional village life.
Trishaw your way through the back streets of Chiang Mai to local markets and community temples. An audience with a monk is not easy to come by, so gather those questions you have about life as a devout Buddhist.
Animal welfare is an important evolution and you’ll learn from the mouths of Mahouts what that looks like in Thailand today. Goodbye to the riding camps and hello to elephant life in a sanctuary.
Once a corner of drug production and criminal intrigue, life had unimagined complexities for locals back then. In contrast to the past, you’ll enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the border with Myanmar on the Mekong River.
Oh my – Northern Thai food! Replace the Green curry and Pad Thai with some coconut curry noodle soup and sticky rice. A smorgasbord of scrumptiousness is coming your way, with or without the side-serve of chilli!
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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Price
- $1,350 deposit.
- 2-week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: max 4 spots
Trip length
12 days, 11 nights
Meeting point
Bodhi Serene, Chiang Mai
Ending point
The Legend, Chiang Rai
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfer
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation
- 11 nights boutique accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Off-the-map villages and the Thai Highlands’ beauty are waiting for you – so go and make some memories!
Day 1: Chiang Mai
Welcome to Chiang Mai, once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, and today still, there are reminders all over the city of its regal routes – including sections of the old city wall and entrance gates!
You’ll be met at the airport by a friendly face from our local team and whisked straight to your hotel. By tonight you’ll be revved up to meet your fellow Patchies and your guide-extraordinaire over a welcome dinner. This might be your first taste of Northern Thai deliciousness, but we promise it won’t be the last!
Accommodation: Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai, Deluxe room or similar
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Chiang Mai – City Life
Dive right into getting to know Chiang Mai this morning. You’ll start the day with a market visit where the spicy fragrances are likely to tickle your nose, and the stall holders’ colourful displays will definitely have you reaching for your camera.
Make sure your walking shoes are on and you’re raring to go because next on the agenda is a stop at Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in the city dating back to 1297. It seems almost unbelievable how well-maintained the elephant statues and golden spire are after all the years exposed to the weather. If your feet are feeling it by the end of the day, don’t worry – we’ve got the right remedy to soothe those walking pains. At the same time, you’ll be supporting a program that empowers female prisoners by supporting their rehabilitation.
Accommodation: Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai, Deluxe room or similar
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Spiritual Chiang Mai
The day begins on a peaceful note watching local monks complete their daily alms rounds. Then it’s back to your hotel for breakfast (that’s if you’ve not already had your fill with Thai breakfast snacks! )
By contrast, the riverfront market explodes with activity. You’ll also get the chance to explore more temples and even meet an English-speaking monk who can tell you first-hand about his customs and life as a monk.
Dinner tonight is a group effort thanks to the Raunkaew-Yanon family, who are part of the Lanna community. You’ll feel like an honorary family member while you learn about their traditional life, help gather fresh fruit from their orchard and become privy to their home-cooked recipes.
Accommodation: Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai, Deluxe room or similar
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Elephant Sanctuary
It’s Day 4 of the trip, and there are so many unforgettable moments in store for you over the next week. Today you’ll journey to the outskirts of Chiang Mai to an elephant rescue centre that shines a light on the challenges faced by wild elephants in Southeast Asia. You’ll see first-hand how the sanctuary’s residents go about their day. Every moment promises to be one that connects you with these giants as you contribute to their daily well-being and listen to dedicated ranger-guides to learn about the sanctuary’s positive impact.
The remainder of the day is for you to do as you please, but not before meeting with a Karen community who are well known for their weaving skills. Even if you’re not up for trying your own hand on a traditional loom, the work they produce is extraordinary so you might be interested in taking home a decorator piece or two!
Accommodation: Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai, Deluxe room or similar
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5: Pai
There is a change of scenery today as you say goodbye to Chiang Mai and head to Pai. But first, stop to admire Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark – Wat Prathat Doi Suthep at the top of the 500-plus-metre high Doi Suthep. If you’re feeling up to the workout you can climb the 300-step staircase yourself or take the cable car up instead. Either way, the views are worth it!
Outside Pai is the small village of Ban Santichon. Though still in Thailand, this village has a different atmosphere – its population is mainly descendants of the Chinese Kuomintang. Soak up the charm of the village’s Yunnanese roots before moving on to settle in Pai.
Relax tonight in your comfortable hotel, or channel your past backpacker life and pop out on the town to one of the traveller-friendly bars for a mixed drink or two and a cheap plate of Pad Thai.
Accommodation: The Quarter, Deluxe room or similar
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6: Mae Hong Son
Your stay in Pai was short and sweet. Today, it’s off to Mae Hong Son. Just like your journey on the previous day, we’ll have a lot of surprises planned for you along the way.
First up? The cave of Tham Lod, formed by the flow of the creek Nam Lod, over a million-year timespan. This isn’t your typical cave hangout – your adventure through the cave is on a bamboo raft! Just imagine the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’, and the stories you’ll be telling friends and family when you’re back home! Next up, JaBo Village – a Lahu village. These hill-tribe peoples are settled in mountainous pockets from Myanmar to Vietnam and are widely known as skilled flautists. These hills are alive with the sound of music – literally!
Settle into Mae Hong Son for the night, before heading out for a local dinner with your merry band of Patchies. It’s only been six days – can you believe how much fun you’re all having already?
Accommodation: Fern Resort, Deluxe room
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 7: Shan Culture and Mae Chaem
The morning begins with a two-hour drive, but it’s worth it to reach Muang Pon Village. Immerse yourself in the local life of a traditional Shan (or Tai Yai) village and enjoy some lunch. Don’t worry – you won’t be groaning for long as you try your nimble best to reach the floor and gather around the khantoke (essentially a large tray raised just a little off the ground). Your focus will be on the fragrant wafts of loveliness emanating from the collection of dishes that fill the traditional table.
The drive to Mae Chaem continues after lunch. Make sure to use this time to appreciate the scenery – think mountainous landscapes, dense jungles and bright green rice fields stretching out before your eyes.
Accommodation: Baan Kub Doi, Standard room or similar
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 8: Doi Inthanon National Park
What a day ahead! Waterfalls and ancient ruins await. Say goodbye to Mae Chaem and head over to Doi Inthanon National Park. The protected area is home to over 300 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for non-winged wildlife too, on the way to the summit of Doi Inthanon. It’s the highest mountain in Thailand, but don’t worry, the walk to the top is short.
In the afternoon, stop at a pottery-making village before returning to the now-familiar sights and sounds of Chiang Mai.
Accommodation: Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai, Deluxe room or similar
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9: The Golden Triangle
Your stay in Chiang Mai is brief this time. In the morning, it’s off to the Chiang Dao caves. The famous cave system is said to include more than 100 caves, but you’ll just be exploring a handful of them closest to the entrance. Take your time studying the details of the Buddha images and shrines placed here.
Today’s adventure continues in Thaton. Relax on a private long-tail boat and enjoy the scenery as you glide to the Burmese border.
After a yummy lunch, explore Doi Mae Salong. The mountain region was once best known for its opium cultivation. Nowadays, it supplies products like carrots, cabbages, mountain rice and tea instead.
Most of the day is action-packed, but the evening is up to you after your hotel check-in at Chiang Saen. You’ll have time to explore in the morning, so we won’t blame you if you decide to turn in early for the night!
Accommodation: Gin Greenery Resort, Superior Double room
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 10: Ruins, Poppies and Tea
Now is your chance to get to know Chiang Saen. Once a strategic stronghold on the Mekong River for the Lanna Kingdom, present-day Laos is on the opposite shore. As you wander inside the old city’s walls you’ll discover ancient temple complexes, some decayed by centuries of time. There’s even an intact moat!
After lunch, learn about the region’s history at the Hall of Opium. Get all the details on the Opium trade, poppy growing, and its impact on the Golden Triangle. This certainly was not in your history books at school.
Later in the day, there’s a different type of cultivation on hand at the Choui Fong Tea Plantation. Sip a refreshing cup of tea while surrounded by the calm beauty of the tea gardens.
It will be hard to tear yourself away, but Chiang Rai awaits. Can you believe you’re arriving at the last destination on this journey already? Settle into your hotel. You’ll appreciate the serene, out-of-town location on the Kok River.
Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai, Superior Studio room or similar
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 11: Chiang Rai – The First Capital of the Lanna Kingdom
You’ve got one more full day left, so get out there and make the most of the lovely city of Chiang Rai! Wat Phra Kaew is also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It’s one of the most sacred Buddhist places in the country, so make sure you dress for the occasion – in other words, cover for your shoulders and knees.
By tonight, you’ll be reminiscing over your favourite trip moments at your slap-up farewell dinner. Exchange numbers and photos with the Patchie Girls, and don’t forget to hug your guide goodbye – by now, you’re all great friends!
Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai, Superior Studio room or similar
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12: Departure
Just think of all you’ve seen and done — from wandering through local markets to enjoying traditional meals, exploring regal and religious ruins, and meeting different communities that all call this region of the world their home. Unforgettable experiences shared with an unforgettable group. It’s time to meet your private transfer to catch your flight home. It may be goodbye for now – but not forever!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
Traditional Thai cuisine loosely falls into four categories: tom (boiled dishes), yam (spicy salads), tam (pounded foods), and kaeng (curries). Deep-frying, stir-frying and steaming are methods introduced from Chinese cuisine.
A typical Thai meal includes five main flavours: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. Indeed, most Thai dishes are not considered satisfying unless they combine all five. While the seasoning can be spicy for a foreign palate, Thai food ensures that a balance of all flavours is present.
When eating out, or making a meal at home, a group of Thai diners would eat a variety of meat and/or fish dishes, plus vegetables, a noodle dish, and possibly soup. Everything is shared, except the soup each person might order, or each person gets a personal bowl to get a serving of the soup. Dessert may consist simply of fresh fruit, such as pineapple or any of the thousands of tropical fruits that are common in the country (guava, durian, mangosteen, papayas, bananas, tamarind, or mangoes, among many others). Or it could be something more elaborate, like colourful rice cakes, rice dumplings coated in coconut, grass jelly, or a bean dessert.
Thais eat slowly and enjoy the food, as a meal is also an opportunity for sharing with loved ones.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.69 USD.
A deposit of $1,350 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. However, to enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 2-3 hours. Daily activities might include walking on uneven and hilly ground, getting on and off various forms of transportation and occasionally climbing some stairs. You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
There is no Visa currently required for Australian and New Zealand passport holders to visit Thailand.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Northern Thailand adventure, we ask your contribution be:
- 3,000 Thai Baht (equivalent to $123 AUD) to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide who will use it to cover small tips along the way for included meals and hotel cleaners and bells, as well as your drivers
(exchange rate: $1 AUD : 24.4 Baht)
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guide. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
- 2400 Thai Baht per person at the end of their service.
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai both have regional airports that accept domestic and a few international flights. There are several one-stop and two-stop flight options from major cities in Australia and New Zealand.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
Some days do involve long stretches of driving and you need to be the kind of person who enjoys road trips. Any such necessary long drives are offset by photo stops, picnic lunches, roadside pit stops, tea/coffee breaks, and of course seeing points of interest and leg-stretching walks.
Our vehicles are comfortable, well-maintained, and not prone to breaking down.
January in Thailand is simply delightful! With average temperatures ranging from a comfy 20°C to a warm 30°C it’s the perfect time to explore. The weather is usually cool and dry, making it great for all kinds of outdoor fun. Whether you’re exploring the cities, or wandering through lush landscapes, January’s weather has got you covered. Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing Thai adventure!
