Capital of 'The Land of Smiles'
Explore Bangkok by private long tailed boat, tuk tuk, on foot and by sky train.
From the jungles of Chiang Mai in the north to the tropical islands in the south, this holiday encompasses everything a first-time visitor to Thailand could wish for. Get under the skin of Bangkok with our fabulous guides, wake at dawn to witness the monks at alms in Chiang Mai and head north to explore remote hill tribes and learn about elephant conservation.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Elephants of Thailand
Learn about the lives and behaviour of these intelligent and social animals in an ethical and inspiring setting.
Hill Tribes and Temples
Experience a homestay, visit highland communities and explore mountain top temples in northern Thailand.
Idyllic Beaches
Relax on the beach or go sailing and diving off one of Thailand’s many islands.
Why Steppes?
Rated Excellent
on Trustpilot
One of the World's
Top Travel Specialists
Transparent and
Accountable
-
Day 1
Bangkok
-
Day 2 - 3
Bangkok
-
Day 4
Bangkok - River Kwai
-
Day 5
River Kwai - Bangkok - Chiang Mai
-
Day 6
Chiang Mai
-
Day 7
Chiang Mai
-
Day 8
Chiang Mai - Pai
-
Day 9
Pai
-
Day 10
Pai - Chiang Mai - Beach
-
Day 11 - 13
Beach
-
Day 14
Phuket - Bangkok
Day 1
Bangkok
Arrive into Bangkok and transfer to your accommodation.
Day 2 - 3
Bangkok
Explore Bangkok’s canals by private long tailed boat. Join one of our local guides to explore the city using all forms of local transport from tuk tuk to river taxi, on foot and sky train.
Day 4
Bangkok - River Kwai
Travel outside the city to the River Kwai, a journey of around three hours. On arrival check into your riverside accommodation and explore some of the regions WWII history.
Day 5
River Kwai - Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Return to Bangkok and board an overnight train to journey north to Chiang Mai (a short internal flight is possible if preferred).
Day 6
Chiang Mai
After an early morning arrival into Chiang Mai. You will be met at the station and transferred to your accommodation. Experience some of the rich culture and heritage of this region, visiting ancient temples and vibrant markets. Trek or mountain bike through the rural landscape meeting with local villagers.
Day 7
Chiang Mai
Spend today at ChangChill, an elephant sanctuary set up in 2017 with the support of World Animal Protection. Explore on foot with a guide and observe the elephants socialising, bathing and feeding. Learn about the lives and behaviour of these intelligent and incredibly social animals in an ethical and inspiring setting.
Day 8
Chiang Mai - Pai
Journey around four hours to the tiny town of Pai to explore the paddy fields, caves and mountain scenery. This can easily be done as a self-drive.
Day 9
Pai
Visit indigenous hill tribes and mountain top temples amidst the lush scenery of northern Thailand.
Day 10
Pai - Chiang Mai - Beach
Return to Chiang Mai for your flight to the island of Phuket, jumping off point for numerous islands and beach resorts.
Day 11 - 13
Beach
Spend three days relaxing, sailing or diving and snorkelling off the beach of your choice.
Day 14
Phuket - Bangkok
Return to Bangkok for onward travels.
More Details
The Buzz of Bangkok
Start your Thailand holiday amidst the canals and temples of Bangkok. This vibrant city is bursting with sites, from the soaring spires of the Grand Palace to the explosion of colour at the flower market and the constantly busy waterways, teeming with barges and boats going about their daily business. Join one of our local guides to explore the city using all forms of local transport from tuk tuk to river taxi, on foot and sky train.
An Elephant Education
Changchill Elephant Sanctuary offers the chance to observe Asian elephants ethically and naturally in a stunning mountaintop setting of lush woodlands and rivers. The elephants roam freely across two sites—one with six elephants and another with four females—without any touching or riding, fostering a genuine connection. Learn about the neighbouring Karen hill tribe, their terraced rice fields, and traditional medicines used to heal both elephants and people. A guided walk provides insights into elephant conservation, behaviour, and the mahouts’ pivotal role in Thailand’s history.
Trekking and Hill Tribes of the North
Hike through lush mountain jungles and visit remote hill tribe communities. Once famed for their opium trade the north is now renowned for skilled weaving, traditional farming and coffee plantations. End your day with a trip to a remote waterfall or gently drift through river scenery aboard a traditional bamboo raft, passing riverside villages and buffalos cooling in the shallows.
Thailand for Families
You couldn’t wish for a more welcoming country for family travel. For older children, join one of our engaging guides for a tuk tuk street food tour of Bangkok, attend a Thai boxing match, explore the art of traditional tattooing, or discover Chiang Mai by Segway or zip line. For younger children try umbrella painting in Chiang Mai as well as snorkelling and kayaking off the beaches of Phuket. This holiday is ideal from November to April, but for summer travel, consider swapping Phuket for Koh Samui to avoid the monsoon rains.
Eastern & Oriental Train - A Possible Extension
For those with more time on their hands a lovely way to begin or end this holiday would be a journey between the contrasting cities of Singapore and Bangkok aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express Train. Over four days this signature rail journey passes through Malaysia, weaving its way through gently unfolding rural landscapes, past temples, tea plantations, colonial cities, ancient villages and historic monuments.
Contact Us
Start planning your trip
Send us an enquiry
Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.
Review Contact Form
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,850 Per person
When to travel
Thailand in January
Throughout January, Thailand will experience average temperatures of 27°C with very little rainfall, ideal for a winter sun destination to Thailand’s beaches on the west coast. January can be less humid than February and March, yet still experiences daily sunshine.
Thailand in February
February will bring guaranteed sunshine to most of Thailand with January through to March being the best time to visit the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan with temperatures averaging 25°C.
Thailand in March
Temperatures in March begin to rise so the entire country will experience sunshine and warm weather. When visiting Thailand’s cities, such as Bangkok, sightseeing may be less comfortable with the higher humidity levels during the day yet pleasant temperatures in the evenings.
Thailand in April
Thailand will experience very hot temperatures throughout the country. Cooler temperatures will be experienced in northern regions with an average of 29°C and occasional rainfall in western regions.
Thailand in May
May will bring marginally cooler temperatures throughout Thailand than previous months with more chances of rainfall, particularly in western regions yet higher chances of daily sunshine in the east.
Thailand in June
Prior to the monsoon season, June can be a great time to travel to Thailand with fewer crowds yet will still experience daily sunshine. Average temperatures can range from 25°C to 32°C.
Thailand in July
From July to October, Thailand will experience the monsoon, bringing most of the country’s annual rainfall during this period.
Thailand in August
As the peak on the monsoon season, September will bring heavy rainfall throughout Thailand yet eastern regions experience monsoon rains later than the rest of Thailand.
Thailand in September
September will experience similar temperatures and humidity levels to August but depending on the region of Thailand, some areas will see less frequent rain showers even though it is likely to rain daily. Flooding may occur in some regions if the monsoon rains were particularly heavy in previous months.
Thailand in October
As the monsoon season begins to end, October will experience less frequent rainfall and lower levels of humidity making it an excellent month for sightseeing and visiting the countryside to view the lush, green vegetation.
Thailand in November
Thailand benefits from great weather year-round, with the best time to visit is from November to March. During these months, day temperatures are more bearable and there is less chance of rain.
Thailand in December
December is one of Thailand’s peak months with lower humidity levels and comfortable temperatures throughout the country, allowing for opportunities to explore the entire country.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?