10-Nights Active Thailand: Hike, Bike & Hilltribes from $3,703

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Transfer: Bangkok Airportto Bangkok - Sathorn

Hotel: COMO Metropolitan Bangkok (5 Star Rating)

A contemporary Bangkok stylish design hotel, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is an urban escape located in the central business district of Sathorn with a shuttle van service to the Saladaeng BTS Skytrain Station operating daily from 7.30am to 9.30pm. The hotel is situated between the river and Sukhumvit District, located 10-minutes away from Silom’s buzzing nightlife scene and easily reachable by BTS Station or MRT train networks. The hotel is also home to award-winning Thai restaurant, nahm — where guests have priority booking.

Day 2: Half Day Monk Chanting, Wat Pho & Grand Palace

You will be picked up at 08:00. Go behind the scenes for a closer look at Buddhist culture. Start the morning with a trip to Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok’s most enchanting temple. Arrive just as the resident monks gather for their morning chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand’s Buddhist heritage.

After the chants, take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-metres in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha’s intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image.

The tour then continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered Royal family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls and museums within the compound. Visit the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand, and hear about its mysterious origins.

Following the tour of these iconic Bangkok monuments, return to the hotel.

Day 3: Full Day Floating Markets and Backroads Biking Adventure

Escape from the buzz of Bangkok for an adventure by bike and boat. Travel south of the city to the Mae Klong Delta area.

At Damnoen Saduak start with a long-tail boat ride through a maze of canals cutting through local villages and plantations and you will be able to see how the locals live here. Visit a coconut plantation where they make palm & coconut sugar in a traditional Thai way.

After visit to Damnoen Saduak floating market, the bicycles are waiting for us to continue this adventure. Ride along quiet country back roads, plantation trails and unpaved flat roads.

Depending on the season, you'll see grapes, lychee, pomelo and coconuts growing in trees and plants, ready to be harvested. Besides the overwhelming nature along the Mae Klong River delta there are also a few beautiful temples.
Halfway through the tour stop at a local riverside restaurant to enjoy a delicious Thai lunch overlooking the Mae Klong River.

"Wat Bang Kung" dates out of the Ayutthaya period, is more than 500 years old, and is famous for the small chapel that is completely enclosed within the roots of a banyan tree, called Bot Prok Po. It's like the tree itself is the pillar of the temple and without it will fall. "Wat Bang Kae Noi", built in 1868, inside is covered with wood carving depicting the life of Buddha. Three life sized wax statues of famous Thai monks complete this remarkable temple.

After the biking portion, travel back to Bangkok by minivan.

Day 4: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Transfer: Bangkok - Sathorn to Bangkok Airport

Transfer: Chiang Rai Airportto Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Hotel: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa (5 Star Rating)

Nestled within the mist-shrouded hills of northern Thailand, Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa brings contemporary luxury to a land steeped in lore. Located in the countryside between Chiang Rai, Mae Sai and Doi Mae Salong, this all-suite resort presides over a spellbinding landscape of lush green valleys, mountain lakes and endless forest-covered hills. Facilities include a large outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, library room and spa.

Day 5: Day at leisure in Chiang Rai



Day 6: Half Day Mae Salong Hilltribes

Set off from Chiang Rai for a cultural adventure in the hills. Drive to Mae Chan district and into the highlands to visit villages inhabited by the Yao and Akha hilltribe groups. Walk around and learn about their traditional ways of living and hear about their unique customs.

Continue higher into the hills at Doi Mae Salong to the Santikhiri Kuo Min Tang village. Hear how this village was founded in the 1960s as a refugee camp for Chinese soldiers who had been expelled from Myanmar. See how, 50 years later, the residents retain the traditions of their ancestors, speaking their own language and practicing ancient beliefs. These days the Kuo Min Tang descendants are successful farmers, growing tea and other produce. They also make their own wine from the village's fruits. Visit a local store to sample some of these items or to buy some as a souvenir from this insightful excursion.

Return down from the mountains and return to your hotel, with a better understanding of Thailand's diverse ethnic groups.

Day 7: Scenic Transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

This morning, you'll be met by your private guide and driver for the overland road transfer to Chiang Mai.

You'll begin with a visit to Wat Rong Khun. Translated as 'The White Temple', this modern monument was designed by a famous local artist and features unusual Buddhist paintings and sculptures. After exploring the site, continue the drive south. You'll enjoy scenic landscapes along the way of surrounding mountains and lush paddy fields. Enjoy a coffee break along the way to stretch your legs.

Hotel: Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai (5 Star Rating)

Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai offers a serene wellness escape with spacious rooms that blend modern comfort and traditional Thai touches. The hotel's farm-to-table concept restaurant serves fresh, organic dishes inspired by Northern Thai cuisine, making every meal a local experience. With a peaceful spa, lush greenery, and a warm, inviting vibe, it's a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

Day 8: Full Day Hilltribe Trek and Bamboo Rafting

The day starts early in the morning when you get picked up from the hotel for a transfer north of Chiang Mai. First stop on the day will be a visit to the local Mae Malai market. A market on the outskirts of Chiang Mai well known as various Hill tribes in the area flock here to buy and sell their food products.

Your guide will take you around the market and show you a variety of different vegetables and fruits you might have never seen or heard of before. After an insightful market visit travel further to the remote village of Baan Thong Youa by 4x4. This will be the starting point of our trek for the morning. Hike through the lush nature while getting an insight in some local knowledge about the jungle from your guide. Passing through different cultural Hill tribes living in the area as we venture further into the jungle. Soak up the fresh air and stunning views along the way. The Hill tribes who used to be famous for their opium trade have now changed their ways to crafts, farming and coffee plantations. Get an insightful story telling about the past and the present as you interact with the locals we meet. Local lunch will be eaten somewhere along the way in natural settings.

After about a 2.5-hour trek, we reach a village called Baang Phong Ngan, a village inhabited by the Lahu Hill tribe. Here we can communicate with some villagers who are going about their daily tasks. This village is also the start where we change legs for bamboo. We hop onto a floating raft and float down the magical beautiful river. Watch your paddle man working to keep you safe through the corners and sometimes, if lucky, we catch some bathing buffalo's on the way. The level of the water determines the rafting time, but it usually takes around 1.5 hours. After arriving at our boat landing point, the support vehicle will be waiting to bring you back to Chiang Mai city.

Day 9: Chiang Mai Evening Street Food Adventure

This evening, enjoy a lively night in Chiang Mai, wandering through the South Gate of the old city to the traditional street food market.

During the walk, you will be tempted by the delicious aromas emanating from the various food stalls and simple carts. Your guide will be on hand to introduce the many local dishes on offer. And of course, you will be able to try all the dishes you fancy. Some of the local specialities include deep fried pancakes, deep fried taro, kanom jeen (rice noodles with curry soup), kanom krok (Thai coconut pudding), noodle soup, pad Thai, and the summer favourite of sweet mango with sticky rice. You might also have an opportunity to sample the local rice whisky.

After the evening's gastronomic adventure, you'll be returned to your hotel with your stomach filled with delight.

Day 10: Half Day Cycle Chiang Mai Wiang Khum Kham to Ban Tawai

Take a memorable bike ride through Chiang Mai's outskirts. Escape from the busy streets of downtown and drive out to the countryside where you will begin cycling. First explore the ancient city of Wiang Khum Kham, a 13th-century town that was buried under mud until being excavated in the 1980s. Pedal around the atmospheric ruins learning about their origins and the local legends that surround the site.

Continue along quiet roads, passing traditional teak houses and meeting friendly locals on the way. Stop in a grassy parkland to refresh with a snack of fresh tropical fruits and a cool drink. Then continue cycling to Ban Tawai. Commonly referred to as 'The Village of Handicrafts', this small community is filled with workshops making traditional Thai crafts. Witness the production of items such as silverware, wood carvings, and more.

Then ride along the banks of the Ping River to see fishermen at work on the river and enjoy the lush green surroundings. After approximately 25 kilometres of scenic riding, the adventure comes to an end with a transfer back to your hotel.

Day 11: Depart from Chiang Mai

Transfer: Chiang Mai - Old City to Chiang Mai Airport