Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train

  • Explore the glistening temples of Bangkok

    Explore the glistening temples of Bangkok

  • Breeze through the streets by tuk tuk

    Breeze through the streets by tuk tuk

  • We've included a full day trekking tour

    We've included a full day trekking tour

  • Wat Benjamabophit is home to the magnificent reclining Buddha

    Wat Benjamabophit is home to the magnificent reclining Buddha

  • Visit the traditional floating markets of Bangkok
  • Explore Chiang Mai and find a more serene corner of Thailand

    Explore Chiang Mai and find a more serene corner of Thailand

  • Spend time learning about the various hilltribe cultures

    Spend time learning about the various hilltribe cultures

  • Chiang Mai is surrounded by rolling hills

    Explore the Northern Hills of Chiang Mai

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 8

From: Bangkok

To: Bangkok

From

£600

Exc. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing)

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or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: Thailand

This week long trip takes you from the city of Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train. Spend 3 nights in the Thai capital of Bangkok; visit the Grand Palace, breeze through the streets by tuk tuk or take a stroll down Koh San Road for bars, street food delights and buzzing nightlife. Next, you’ll board the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for a complete contrast; get off the beaten track and trek to visit the hill tribes people – a unique experience that offers a precious glimpse into their traditional way of life.

Take a fascinating journey through Thai culture, juxtaposing the bustling city of Bangkok with Chiang Mai’s native hill tribes and their traditional ways – the perfect combination of city buzz and tranquillity.

This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

Highlights

  • Spend 3 days discovering the bustling city of Bangkok
  • Explore the floating markets or head to the opulent Grand Palace
  • Board the overnight train to the northern city of Chiang Mai
  • Trek to the hill tribes and learn about the way of life of the local people

 

Itinerary in brief:

  • 3 nights Bangkok
  • 2 nights onboard overnight train
  • 3 nights Chiang Mai

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok

On arrival into Bangkok Airport you will be greeted by a private guide and transferred to your hotel for a 2 night stay.

The rest of the day is free to explore.

Days 2&3: Bangkok

With 2 full days to explore the city of Bangkok, why not head to the Grand Palace for a tour of this opulent building? Or perhaps visit one of the many floating markets located around the area, a great chance to see the locals going about their daily life.

We can also book you a half-day ‘Three Temples Tour’ if you wish. This tour visits 3 of Bangkok’s most significant and visually stunning temples; Wat Trimitr, which houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, Wat Pho; Bangkok’s oldest temple & Wat Benjamabophit; home to the magnificent reclining Buddha. Speak to you consultant to arrange this, or any other day trip.

Day 4: Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train

You will be met at your hotel late afternoon today and taken by air-conditioned vehicle to Bangkok’s train station, where your guide will wait with you until you board the train.

Once you board the train, your guide will get you settled and explain how it all works before leaving you in peace to enjoy your overnight journey north to Chiang Mai.

Days 5-7: Chiang Mai

You will arrive into Chiang Mai in the morning, where you’ll be greeted by a private guide and taken to your hotel.

The next 3 days are yours to explore Chiang Mai.

On day 6 we’ve included a full day Chiang Mai trekking tour to the region of Chiang Dao, an area with 5 different ethnic hill tribes. The day begins with a drive to a colourful local market to hand pick a local picnic lunch to have later. Your expert guide will lead you on one hour trek to the first village, followed by a 2-3 hour trek to the next, with time to enjoy your picnic lunch while learning about the culture of the local people. You’ll continue on to see the Lisu, Akha & Palong tribes before making the 1.5 hour trek back to Chiang Mai.

Day 8: Chiang Mai to Bangkok by train

You have a whole day free today until your guide comes to collect you from your hotel, for your transfer back to the station and your overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Day 9: Arrive Bangkok

Arrive back into Bangkok this morning to continue with your trip.

 

    Monsoon season in Bangkok goes from May to July and lasts into November. This is then followed by a dry period from November to May which provides lower temperatures until mid-Feb followed by much higher temperatures until May. August and September are the rainiest months with chances of flooding.

    The weather in Chiang Mai is most enjoyable from November to mid-February as this is when temperatures are at their most mild and the weather at its driest. During the cooler season (Dec-Mar) the temperatures can become cold at night. March until May is the hot season in Chiang Mai and can be quite extreme.

    This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

    What's included
    • Return airport transfers
    • Accommodation throughout
    • English speaking guide except on train
    • Return train tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
    • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Sightseeing tickets and zone entrance fees where mentioned in the itinerary
    Not included
    • Flights
    • Any meals not mentioned
    • Personal expenses
    • Tips & gratuities

    6 nights in 3* standard accommodation.

    Hotels in this category include:

    • Furama Xclusive Sathorn
    • Banthai Village

    Plus:

    • Two nights on board train – 1st class sleeping air berth