8-Day Northern Thailand Hilltribes & Villages Tour from Bangkok: Chiang Mai, Ban Mae Jok and Pa Khao Lam | Small Group Tour
Product Code: 691173
OVERVIEW

Highlights

    • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners included
    • Experience the bustle of Bangkok
    • Explore the vibrancy of Chiang Mai
    • Trek through northern hilltribes and meet the locals
    • Float downstream on a bamboo raft
Tour Code
691173
Duration
8 day
Departure City
Bangkok
End City
Bangkok
Language
English
IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Cultural & Historical

Learn about history and local culture with in-depth tours and activities

Group Size: Small group tour

Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary
Day 01
Bangkok

Bangkok

Hotel: Sawasdee House Khaosan or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Arrive at any time and welcome to Bangkok - Thailand's bustling capital!

This evening, the famous Khao San Road is on the itinerary for your first night out. Explore this buzzing traveller hub with your CEO and check out the lively bars and dance parties that line the street. Grab a Thai beer or tea and connect with your fellow travellers. Don't forget to sample local delicacies, and try a deep fried scorpion if you dare!

【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group】

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

【Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends】

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.


Tips:
* When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration. Your flight must arrive by or before: Arrive at any time.

* Please be advised that a 2-week period of traditional slash and burn farming occurs in this region between March and April (start date varies). During this time your trek may follow an alternate route to avoid uncomfortably smoky areas.

Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 02
Chiang Mai

Bangkok - Chiang Mai

Hotel: Basic Overnight Train or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

This tour is off to a colourful start with a day to freely explore Bangkok. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Tonight, you'll take the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

【Basic Overnight Train (beds)】

Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

【Your Discover Moment】

There's plenty to see and do in Bangkok, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Grand Palace, hopping on a cycle tour of the city, and visiting the National Museum. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!



 

Tips:
* Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.

Visiting Attractions

  • Wat Pho Wat Pho
  • Bangkok's Grand Palace Bangkok's Grand Palace

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 03
Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Hotel: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Make sure you've got room for more than three meals today, because you're heading to the best street food spots in Chiang Mai. Besides eating, there's lots to do here — like a visit to Doi Suthep temple, taking it easy with a soak in the Sankampang Hot Springs, or checking out a Thai boxing match.

【Street Food Crawl】

Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

【Your Discover Moment】

There's plenty to see and do in Chiang Mai, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like ziplining, checking out the Mae Sa Waterfall, and learning about Thai cuisine with a cooking class. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!


Visiting Attractions

  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 04

Chiang Mai - Ban Mae Jok

Hotel: Basic Hilltribe Huts or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.

【Hilltribe Trek Day 1 】

Hit the road in an open pickup truck for Mae Malai where there is time to visit a local market to purchase food and snacks. Start the trek through forests and rugged terrain to Baan Mae Jok, a Karen village.


Tips:
* The exact itinerary of the walking on this trip may change from time to time, taking into account the weather and local conditions. Also, please note there may be times when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate -- your CEO and guides will be able to advise you. Be prepared for the accommodation to be basic; remember, it's all about an authentic and unique experience!

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 05

Ban Mae Jok - Pa Khao Lam

Hotel: Basic Hilltribe Huts or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night.

Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.

【Hilltribe Trek Day 2】

After breakfast, trek 3.5-4 hrs to reach the lunch stop. Take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Enjoy lunch before carrying on another hour or so to the Karen village of Ban Pa Khao Lam.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 06
Chiang Mai

Pa Khao Lam - Chiang Mai

Hotel: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Excluded

After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town and grab a drink on our tab to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!

【Bamboo Rafting to Lahu Village】

Board the traditional bamboo raft for a leisurely ride down the Mae Tang River. Reach the Lahu hill tribe village near Ban Pong Ngan. Enjoy a visit with the locals here and learn about the life and unique culture of the Lahu tribe.

【Lahu Village Visit】

Take a bamboo raft down the Mae Tan River for one hour journey to a Lahu village to witness a lifestyle that dates hundreds of years.

【Bamboo Rafting to Shan Village】

Board a traditional bamboo raft and enjoy a ride through some small rapids on the Mae Tang River.

【Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration】

Tonight's the night to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you've just shared with new friends. Head into the Anusarn Night Market, grab a drink on us, and reminisce the night away!


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Excluded
Day 07
Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai - Bangkok

Hotel: Basic Overnight Train or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.

【Free Time】

Enjoy a final day to check out Chiang Mai.

【Basic Overnight Train (beds)】

Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.


Tips:
* Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 08
Bangkok

Bangkok

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos with your newfound friends and exchange social medias before you head on your way. This adventure ends in Bangkok, on arrival at the train station (approximately 8am).


Tips:
* When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration. ​​Your flight must depart no earlier than: 13:00 on Day 8.

Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Please note that order of day-to-day itinerary is adjustable depending on tour start day.

Own Expenses
Day Activity Price Additional Information
D2 Wat Po Visit $3.50/Person
D2 Klong Riverboat Tour $30.00/Person
D2 Thai Massage $15.00-30.00/Person
D2 Grand Palace Visit $15.00/Person
D2 Royal Barge Museum $3.50/Person
D3 Doi Suthep Temple $2.00/Person
D3 Khantoke Dinner and Show $30.00/Person
D3 Chiang Mai Cycling Tour $30.00/Person
D7 Chiang Mai Cycling Tour $30.00/Person
  • All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
  • Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.
WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
    • Your Discover Moment: Bangkok
    • Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai
    • Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration, Chiang Mai
    • Hilltribe trek
    • Bamboo rafting
    • Street food crawl
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    • Local bus, songthaew, train, walking, river raft
    • Group Leader: 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking staff
    • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners (Allow USD65-85 for meals not included)

Package Excludes

    • Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
    • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
    • Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
    • It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per guest per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per guest, per week can be used.
Cancellation Policy

Cancellation made within:

  • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
  • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
Please Note:
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.
Special Notes
    • Dossier Disclaimer
      * The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
      * VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
    • Itinerary Disclaimer
      * While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
      * Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
    • Important Notes
      * Please note that this tour combines with other tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with us, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another tour, after your trip concludes.
    • Group Leader Description
      * All group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
    • Meals
      * Eating is a big part of traveling. Traveling with us you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles or rice soup or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
    • What to Take
      * We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. Be sure to check weather conditions online before you depart. We recommend you bring sun protection cream from home to ensure it meets your needs.
      * During the trek, you will only need to carry a daypack with your essentials. Your luggage will be stored at the start hotel in Chiang Mai and your valuables in a group safety deposit box.
      * Your CEO will provide instructions on what you need to bring in your daypack on the trek. Usually, this includes a couple of changes of clothes, wet shoes (for river crossings), personal toiletries, flashlight/headlamp, tissues, any personal medications, and electronics you wish to bring along. A small drybag for electronics and a reusable water bottle may also be useful. During the trek, guides will have first aid kits.
    • Laundry
      * Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
    • Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
  • The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

* Price for Double applies when two people stay in one standard room respectively.
* Age requirement: 18-39.
  • * The final tour rates already include possible booking fee, handling fee, and exchange rate loss.
  • Reservation Info

      1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
      2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
      3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
      4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

    Terms and Conditions

      - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
      - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
      - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
      - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
      - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.
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      Conditional Cancellation
      This tour qualifies for: Free Cancellation 25 or more Days Prior to Departure
      • 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
      • 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
      • 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
      All cancellations must be made directly with Tours4Fun, not with tour providers. The day mentioned above is based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation Request Form and travel service start date (departure date).
      • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
      • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
      • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
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