Compare Explore Northern Thailand by Intrepid Travel vs Thailand & the Islands (May–Sept) by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)

Day 1 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. With no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into world famous street food.

Day 2 Sukhothai

This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by train (approx 6 hours) and private mini van (approx 1 hour) to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.

Day 3 Sukhothai

Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way, and if you have enough free time, visit a local ceramics factory.

Day 4 Village Homestay

Travel by private minivan from Sukothai (approx 4 hours) to the warm and welcoming home of Intrepid's long-time friends in a small Thai village where you’ll spend the night. Accommodation at the homestay is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantok dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.

Day 5 Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

In the morning, jump on some bikes and cruise around the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. Say goodbye to your new friends and travel on to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and enjoy a free evening tonight.

Day 6 Chiang Mai

This morning, follow your leader to the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai for a visit. You'll be able to learn about these fresh ingredients and where the beautiful flavors of Thai cooking comes from. Then the rest of the day is free.Perhaps explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks. Or maybe wander markets, meet monks, cruise the river, and slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River Experience. Don't miss out on trying lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training center where you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Or maybe join a Thai cooking class to discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine. Your tour leader will be able to help you make the best of your day with plenty suggestions.

Day 7 Chiang Mai

Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.

Day 8 Chiang Mai

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you are staying on in Chiang Mai why not join an Urban Adventure and allow yourself to be spirited away on an early morning Chiang Mai tour that puts you at the epicentre of Buddhist rituals. Learn to meditate, offer alms to monks, and make an offering at a temple. If you’re feeling active then you might want to saddle up for a half day cycling trip. Enjoy a pleasant ride along the green banks of the Ping River and stop at a former leper colony turned rehabilitation centre. Continue along various fruit orchards, cycling down small country roads and meandering around the villages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here you’ll discover the real rural Thailand and encounter the Thai way of life. Explore the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of Lanna, before you cycle back to Chiang Mai.

Day 1: Fly to Bangkok

Board your flight; you’re bound for Thailand! It’s a long haul, but will be well worth it once you touch down in Bangkok. For now, sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.

Day 2: Arrive in Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! After landing in the late evening, your Tour Director will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. Head to your hotel and call it a night. It all begins tomorrow.

Day 3: Visit the Grand Palace + Welcome Mixer

Immerse yourself in the capital of Thailand. Bangkok’s mixture of modern day norms are juxtaposed with traditions of the old world. As night falls, the energy of the busy city streets turns into world-renowned nightlife.

Today's Highlights:

Drive Ratchadamnoen Avenue, modeled after the Champs Elysees in Paris

Board a longtail boat and find out why Bangkok is known as the “Venice of the East”

Enter the Grand Palace and behold the intricate gold buildings, temples and statues adorned in vibrant tile work

Visit Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple, which houses the Emerald Buddha

In the evening, it’s time for your Welcome Mixer. Get to know your fellow travelers over light appetizers and drinks. Afterwards, the night is yours to take the party elsewhere.

Day 4: Explore the Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets + Thai Dinner and Classical Dance Show

Travel about an hour outside of Bangkok by speedboat to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh fruits to souvenirs.

Today's Highlights:

Visit a coconut farm, where you’ll taste pure coconut sugar learn about their impact on the Thai economy

Arrive in the markets and test your negotiation skills with the vendors. Pro tip: your initial offer should be half of the list price for any item

Taste a sweet Thai iced coffee or purchase fresh tropical fruits from vendors aboard boats

Purchase souvenirs like hand-painted lacquerware and elephant pants

Upon your return to Bangkok, enjoy an authentic Thai dinner accompanied by a traditional dance performance. Afterwards, have a free night on the town to put your own dance moves to the test.

Day 5: Travel to Phitsanulok via Ayutthaya

Travel north to Phitsanulok, a small city with a booming night market. En route, stop at Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today's Highlights:

Explore Ayutthaya with your Tour Director and learn the history of the ancient city

Take time to roam and snap photos of the serene ruins

Visit Wat Pa Lelai, a sacred temple dating back 800 years, home to a 75-foot tall golden statue of Buddha

Arrive in Phitsanulok and have a free evening, or participate in the rickshaw ride and night market excursion

Excursion:

Rickshaw Ride and Night Market Extra Cost

Experience the night markets of Phitsanulok from the back seat of a rickshaw. This is a classic Thailand experience that you won’t want to miss.

Day 6: Tour Sukhothai Historical Park + Travel to Chiang Mai

Board your private coach to Sukhothai Historical Park, the ancient capital of Thailand. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans over three miles and features four beautiful lakes and endless ruins.

Today's Highlights:

Explore the ruins of Sukhothai by foot, or rent a bike to get around

Cool down by the lake with a Thai iced tea

Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the expansive night markets with your Tour Director

Try local cuisine, like fried insects or exotic fruits, from street vendors

Day 7: Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary + Chiang Mai Hill Tribes

Spend your morning among gentle giants at the Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary. Hang out in their natural habit before continuing on to visit the Chiang Mai Hill Tribes.

Today's Highlights:

Learn about the mission of Ran Tong to rescue and care for Asian elephants

Ride an elephant bareback through lush, green landscapes with their personal mahout leading the way

Make snacks for your elephant and feed them through their vacuum-like trunk

Continue on to the Akha Hill Tribe Villages of Palong and Lahu

Meet the Hill Tribe people and learn about their rich traditions and simplistic way of life

Join the Home-Hosted Dinner excursion or embark on an adventure of your own.

Excursion:

Home-Hosted Dinner Extra Cost

Enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal in a local family’s home during a rare glimpse into Thai culture. Get to know them personally while experiencing how their daily life feels, smells and most importantly, tastes!

Day 8: Monk Chat + Doi Suthep Temple

Immerse yourself in Buddhist culture with a visit to Wat Suan Dok temple and monastery. Reflect in peaceful meditation in the temple, then have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak with a Buddhist monk.

Today's Highlights:

Ask the monk anything at an open forum, and gain better insight into the Buddhist way

Board a mini bus en route to Doi Suthep Temple, high in the mountains of Chiang Mai

See jungle views as you drive along narrow, twisting roads

Arrive at the summit and take in the vistas of Chiang Mai and the emerald green forests below

Climb a set of stairs to reach Doi Suthep, where intricate and breathtaking scenery awaits

Day 9: Travel to Koh Samet

Lounge in the sun on a white sand beach and snorkel in crystal-clear water on Koh Samet, a tiny island that emits the feeling of seclusion and tranquility.

Today's Highlights:

Board your early afternoon flight bound for Rayong

Hop aboard your speedboat to Koh Samet

Take in the views of blue water contrasted against lush, green hills emerging from the ocean

Arrive in Koh Samet, deboard in the warm water and walk directly to your accommodation

The evening is yours to explore, relax or party island-style

Day 10: Experience Koh Samet

Though small, Koh Samet is booming with wildlife and opportunities for water sports. Enjoy a half-day excursion around the island by land and sea.

Today's Highlights:

Tour the island’s hidden coves and beaches with your group

Visit Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park composed of mountain ranges, granite rock formations and pristine sand

Be on the lookout for gibbons, butterflies and hornbills that are native to the island

Savor an oceanside barbeque lunch featuring traditional Thai cuisine and fresh fruit

Snorkel among tropical fish native to Koh Samet

After your day on the water, head back to shore for a free island evening in paradise.

Day 11-12: Free Days in Koh Samet

There is plenty to do on the island of Koh Samet, and the day is yours. Your Tour Director can suggest activities or you can explore on your own.

Free time suggestions:

Treat yourself to a Thai massage. Spas abound throughout Thailand, but where better to unwind with a spa day than an island getaway?

Lounge on the beach, or simply be present in this beautiful destination fit for a postcard

At night, find a beach bar and watch Islanders test fate as they juggle flaming batons

Day 13: Fly to Bangkok

It’s time to head back to Bangkok for one last day in the Thai capital before your farewell dinner tonight.

Free time suggestions:

Board your two-hour flight back to Bangkok

Revisit your favorite sites or to check off your final to-do’s from your Bangkok bucket list

In the evening, join your group for one last meal together at your farewell dinner

Day 14: Fly Home

It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.