One Week in Northern Thailand

Head into the hills and get sky-high on this northern Thailand adventure. Pass through the bustling hub of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, and take the time to check out the temples in Ayutthaya. Trek the hillside outside of Chiang Mai, before exploring the city and its colourful nightlife. This eight-day exploration of temples, jungles, markets and mountains is sure get your heart pumping and your tastebuds singing. This trip includes a two-day hillside trek, which is challenging and involves a lot of walking. Take note of the time of year you are trekking to know what to expect weather-wise. The wet season runs from May - October and often results in muddy or slippery paths. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have a good level of fitness.Accommodation can be basic but it's always comfortable, especially in the hillside village. We use hostels on this trip in Chiang Mai, so think dorm beds and shared bathrooms. It’s modern, comfortable and has some great communal spaces to hang out with your new mates.Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people. We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.This trip involves some long journeys on the road, lots of public transport (songthaews, public buses) and two overnight trains, which can be tiresome. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true local experience and the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at your destinations. Occasionally passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and/or you'll be sharing with locals or travellers from other groups. For your own security, take a lock for your luggage.As this is a Basix trip, the majority of activities are optional and you'll have lots of free time. This means you're able to do your own thing at your own pace.