Northern Thailand Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,562 reviews)- Choose from 150+ Northern Thailand tours
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Thailand tour packages
- What people love about Northern Thailand Tours
- Travel Northern Thailand your way
- Top operators in Northern Thailand
- Best places to start your Northern Thailand tour
- Discover Northern Thailand tours for every budget
- Northern Thailand tours for every group
- Top Northern Thailand travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Thailand
- Contact our Northern Thailand travel experts
The best Northern Thailand tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Thailand travel expert at TourRadar
Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Spending time in the villages is extremely humbling and an unforgettable experience.”
Nathan, traveled in July 2022
Northern Thailand's mountain trails lead to remote hilltribe villages, where authentic life with Lahu and Karen communities awaits. A bamboo raft carries you through Tham Lod cave, while traditional homestays provide cultural immersion. All-inclusive adventure with expert local guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Chiang Mai Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $449
25% Off- US$337You save $112
Northern Thailand & Beaches
185 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They were able to give us all the necessary information and still keep it fun.”
Lena, traveled in November 2023
Northern Thailand's cultural treasures unfold from Ayutthaya's UNESCO ruins to Chiang Mai's elephant sanctuaries. Hill tribe encounters, traditional cooking classes, and ancient temples paint a vibrant picture. Floating bungalows and traditional homestays provide unique accommodations.
Duration 21 days Destinations Bangkok, Taling Chan, Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Pai, Khao Sok National Park, Ko Pha Ngan Age Range up to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator TruTravels From $2,395
20% Off- US$1,916You save $479
Northern Thailand: Hilltribes & Villages
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I really enjoyed it! Depends on the destination though, it's not the cheapest way to travel.”
Rike, traveled in September 2018
Northern Thailand's heart beckons with this cultural odyssey costing approx. $90 per day. Hill tribe villages near Chiang Mai offer traditional thatch bungalows, while Mae Tang River provides bamboo rafting adventures. Suited for travelers 18+, featuring street food crawls, overnight train rides from Bangkok, and Karen community homestays. Includes 5 breakfasts and expert CEO guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $779
30% Off- US$545You save $233
Experience Thailand 6 Days, Small Group Tour (English Only)
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were superb & in good locations. Our daily activities were varied, with a good mixture of travelling, history, scenery, culture, and of course lots of fun!”
Cheryl, traveled in January 2024
Northern Thailand reveals UNESCO sites Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Historical Parks, Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, and Golden Triangle excursions. Four-star comfort at Imperial Phitsanulok and Empress Chiang Mai complements visits to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Lampang, Phayao, Golden Triangle Park, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Destination Services Thailand From $1,047
15% Off- US$891You save $157
Experience Thailand 9 Days - Bangkok to the North, Small Group Tour (English Only)
29 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We got private transportation, hoteles were great! Loved it!”
Adriana, traveled in July 2024
Northern Thailand's cultural treasures unfold from Sukhothai's UNESCO ruins to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The Golden Triangle beckons, with stays at Imperial River House Chiang Rai, and traditional craft-making at Baan Tipmanee workshop.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Lampang, Golden Triangle Park, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Destination Services Thailand From $1,512
15% Off- US$1,285You save $226
What people love about Northern Thailand Tours
- Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek
The trip was amazing!! It was hard work but totally worth it, the views on the hike were stunning and it's an experience I will never forget! The home stays made you feel so welcome and our local guides made the evenings fun with games and activities! Our CEO Bank was amazing, he was more than willing to help organise day trips and meals and he always looked out for our tour family. Bank helped everyone feel welcome and made the group feel like a real family and I miss having them about to make me smile everyday, thank you Bank and G adventures!
- Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek
Really enjoyed this trip. Was worried that trekking in temperatures of 38 degrees would be really tough (especially as I'm from Ireland), but it was great, even a nice breeze. Accommodation (Hotel & village houses) were all great and the food was fantastic from start to end - loved this trip.
- Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek
Great trip! Cultural experience could not have been better. Authentic experience of the local live.
Travel Northern Thailand your way
The real standout in Northern Thailand is our multi-day Tuk Tuk driving experience - you'll actually learn to drive your own Tuk Tuk across 850km of mountain roads. Our travelers consistently tell us it's their favorite part of the trip because you get to stop at tiny villages and coffee shops that tourists rarely find. We've also got tours that mix elephant conservation work with bamboo rafting and hiking. The Mae Ping gorge route stays cool thanks to mountain breezes flowing through the valleys. You're not just watching from the sidelines here - you'll be right in there helping cook BBQ dinners in hill tribe villages and learning directly from mahouts who've spent their lives working with elephants.
See all Active toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Northern Thailand. We have 8 adventures that vary from 6 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in January, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursOur most popular Thailand route runs 9 days and really gets to the heart of what makes the country special. You'll glide along the Chao Phraya River in traditional longtail boats and cool off with swims around Phi Phi Islands. Our travelers often tell us they love how the schedule flows - the transfers work smoothly and the English-speaking guides know their stuff inside out. Another solid choice combines temple visits in Bangkok with the floating markets before heading north to Chiang Mai for an authentic Khantoke dinner. We've found that mixing guided tours with free time works well; you'll get expert insight at key spots but also have space to wander and discover on your own.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 103 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Northern Thailand with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in Northern Thailand
Our travelers consistently praise the guides at both TruTravels and G Adventures for their personal touch and deep local knowledge. At TruTravels, Dan and Minnie get lots of mentions from guests who loved how they made each day fun while sharing interesting cultural insights. Over at G Adventures, Willie and Pentor come up again and again in reviews for creating really special group experiences and handling everything smoothly. Destination Services has solid feedback for their well-planned tours, with Sunny and Thunder getting specific praise for explaining things clearly and being genuinely helpful throughout. Though it's worth noting that some travelers mentioned the actual trips didn't quite match what was advertised in every detail. Bravo Indochina Tours does a great job with their itinerary planning, comfortable transport options and fantastic communication. Toni, in particular, gets high marks from our customers for being super responsive and going above and beyond to help with questions and special requests. Looking at the guides across all these companies, you can see how much of a difference they make - it's really the people who transform a good itinerary into something special. While each company has its own style, they've all got guides who know their stuff and clearly care about giving travelers a great experience.
- 5.0 (22,796 reviews)
"Fantastic experience with a fantastic guide!
- Tours
- 2 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Hiking & Trekking
- Response time
- 2h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $122
- 4.5 (11,926 reviews)
"I was very appreciative of my local tour guide who was very experienced, had wonderful local knowledge and was really flexible to meet my needs. Thank you!
- Tours
- 4 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 7h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $212
- 5.0 (27,534 reviews)
"Great tour with fabulous activities and tour guide. Most days were pretty full with only a couple of “free days”. I knocked a star off as some of the accommodations were quite poor, even at a 2-3 star level.
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 18 to 39 years old
- Adventure type
- Active
- Response time
- 14h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $165
Best places to start your Northern Thailand tour
Most people kick off their Northern Thailand trip from Bangkok - about 58 of our travelers start there, while 25 begin in Chiang Mai and another 12 from Chiang Rai. Looking at our booking patterns, you'll want to lock in your plans roughly 3.3 months ahead, especially if you're traveling during the popular cool season from November through February. The journeys between cities can take a while, but our customers often tell us these longer road and train rides give them great views of rural Thai life. November to February brings the nicest weather with cool temperatures and very little rain. Just keep in mind that March through May is burning season, when farmers clear their fields and the air gets quite hazy. Many of our guests like taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - it saves on hotel costs and gives you that real Thai travel experience. The Sunday Walking Street market in Chiang Mai is perfect for trying street food and meeting local artists who make and sell their crafts right there.
Discover Northern Thailand tours for every budget
Northern Thailand doesn't have to break the bank - there are some really solid 8-day tours that pack in the good stuff without the premium price tag. You'll ride along the historic Death Railway as it crosses wooden viaducts near Kanchanaburi and hop on bikes to explore Sukhothai's ancient ruins. Our customers love staying in the cozy riverside hotels in Chiang Rai and mixing with locals at bustling markets. For something different, there's a great tour focused on hill tribe life where you'll visit Karen villages, sleep under the stars near Thi Lor Su waterfall and walk jungle trails around Mae Sot. People who book these tours really like how they balance scheduled activities with free time to wander markets and temples at their own pace.
The luxury side of Northern Thailand is all about exclusive access and top-tier stays. Golf enthusiasts can book 8-day packages that combine rounds at premium courses like Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club with cultural activities between games. You'll rest up at Le Meridien Resort while discovering the Golden Triangle and Doi Tung Royal Villa. The Heritage tour option brings its own perks - private longtail boats gliding through Damnoensaduak's floating markets and special access to hill tribe villages. The hotels are carefully chosen boutique properties that blend traditional Lanna style with modern luxuries. Our guests particularly value their expert private guides who fine-tune each day based on personal interests.
Northern Thailand budget tours- Northern Thailand luxury tours
Northern Thailand tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
132 tours in Northern ThailandExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Thailand. We have 132 adventures that vary from 3 days to 23 days. With the greatest number of departures in April, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
81 tours in Northern ThailandVisit Northern Thailand with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
55 tours in Northern ThailandGoing private in Northern Thailand opens up all sorts of possibilities. Many travelers opt for 10-day journeys starting in Bangkok before heading north to spend time with elephants at ethical sanctuaries near Chiang Mai. Having your own guide and driver means you can linger at places you love or move on when ready. There's also a popular 11-day option that includes cooking with local families, visits to both the striking White Temple and Black House in Chiang Rai and wraps up with beach time in Phuket. Our travelers tell us they really value setting their own pace, especially at temples and markets. Photographers and food lovers particularly like this setup - there's no rush to get the perfect shot or learn about local ingredients.
Top Northern Thailand travel itineraries to fit your plans
Week-long Northern Thailand trips let you properly explore the region's culture and landscape. The routes work well - you'll move from Bangkok's temples through Chiang Mai's traditional areas and onto Chiang Rai's artistic sites. There's time for Damnoen Saduak floating markets, rides on the historic Death Railway and walks through national parks. Many tours include nights in hill tribe villages where you'll share family meals. Our customers particularly love getting up into the jungle canopy for zipline runs and taking it easy on bamboo rafting trips. The Golden Triangle section shows you where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, with good stops at the White Temple and Black House along the way.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Rai
See all tours
Ten-day Northern Thailand tours hit that sweet spot between cultural immersion and downtime. Starting in Bangkok, you'll work north through Ayutthaya's ancient ruins before ending up at Phuket's beaches. The schedule includes elephant sanctuary visits, family cooking sessions and Mekong River cruises. You'll get out to the Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and swimming in really clear waters. Our travelers like how these trips mix guided days with free time - perfect for exploring night markets, trying street food and also finding hidden temples at their own speed.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Mae Wang National Park, Chiang Rai
Two-week Northern Thailand journeys give you time to really get into the local rhythm. These longer routes include proper experiences like overnight stays with hill tribes, jungle walks and village cooking classes. You'll explore all seven tiers of Erawan Falls, cycle through Sukhothai's historic park and float downriver on bamboo rafts. The pace works well - maybe ziplining one day, then learning to make khao soi in someone's kitchen the next. Our customers especially like finding those less-visited spots like Pai's hot springs and also the vast cave network at Lod Cave.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Demographics
Solo travelers tend to form quick friendships on our Northern Thailand tours. The 14-day northern routes get great feedback, with guests telling us how quickly everyone bonds during overnight train rides and cooking sessions together. First-time visitors often pick our 8-day Chiang Mai focused tours, which offer a good mix of guided activities and independent exploration time. The hill tribe treks bring solo travelers together naturally - you'll share basic lodging and meals while visiting remote villages. Our guests particularly enjoy the night markets and street food tours in Chiang Mai, where local guides introduce the group to authentic spots you might not discover on your own.
Our couples tours in Northern Thailand run 9-11 days, mixing cultural experiences with moments made for two. Many love the private longtail boat rides through Bangkok's canals and intimate dinners in Chiang Mai's historic quarter. The Khao Sok floating bungalows are a couple's favorite - you get misty morning views and quiet evenings stargazing from your private deck. We include special touches like couples' Thai massage lessons and private cooking classes in local homes. Active pairs often choose the tuk-tuk rides through mountain roads, while others prefer taking it slow with Mekong River cruises up to the Golden Triangle.
Young adults keep rating our active northern routes as top picks, especially ones that combine real adventure with cultural insights. The 14-day Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Pai tours get excellent reviews - you'll try jungle zip-lining, learn some Muay Thai moves and hike to hidden waterfalls. Many book tours with overnight trains and hill tribe homestays, which offer great ways to meet other travelers without spending too much. Free time in Pai is always popular; you can join others for treks, hot spring soaks and canyon sunset views. Several routes include hands-on elephant experiences where you'll help prepare meals and walk with these gentle giants in their natural home.
Our senior travelers prefer northern routes that move at a comfortable pace while keeping experiences authentic. The 6-9 day cultural tours work particularly well, with quality hotels and air-conditioned transfers between sites. These trips cover Rama V's Summer Palace, Sukhothai's ancient temples and the distinctive White Temple in Chiang Rai. Many seniors choose tours featuring botanical gardens and craft village visits, where you can watch local artisans at work and learn about traditions without rushing. The Mekong River trips around the Golden Triangle are ideal - you'll drift along while guides share fascinating regional history and stories.
Northern Thailand works brilliantly for families, with tours that mix culture and activities the kids will love. Our customers keep booking the Khao Sok floating bungalows, where children spend hours spotting wildlife right from their rooms. The Bangkok to Chiang Mai route is another favorite, blending elephant sanctuary visits with easy walks that work for all fitness levels. Kids get really into the cooking classes - they love making their own pad thai and discovering exotic fruits at local markets. The hill tribe village stays often turn into highlights; we see children connecting with local kids through play, no shared language needed. These family trips typically run 9-11 days, giving everyone time to settle in properly at each stop.
- Solo Travelers135 tours
- Couples74 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)10 tours
- Seniors (50+)77 tours
Best time to visit Northern Thailand
- Spring 2025
Spring sees fewer crowds from March to May but offers its own special experiences. Our 9-day cultural route works well - you'll catch floating markets in the cool morning hours and spend hot afternoons in air-conditioned temples and museums. Many pick tours with plenty of water activities, staying in floating bungalows at Khao Sok and also snorkeling around Phi Phi Islands. The 6-day northern highlights tour fits nicely in spring, mixing temple visits with dawn market walks and evening cooking classes. Our travelers particularly enjoy hill tribe treks this season when mountain temperatures stay mild and the trails between villages are in good condition.
- 132 tours
- popular 133 tours
- 130 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer tours from June through August focus on staying cool and dry. Our most practical choice is a 9-day journey using air-conditioned transport between sites with lots of water activities mixed in. You'll visit temples early, take cooking classes later and explore night markets when evening brings cooler air. The Golden Triangle region works well too, since higher elevations mean milder temperatures. Many pick our 6-day cultural route featuring botanical gardens, temple visits and also traditional craft workshops - all timed around typical afternoon rains.
- popular 127 tours
- 125 tours
- 127 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall brings pleasant temperatures and green scenery after the rains. Our most popular September-October tour runs 6 days from Bangkok's canals up to Chiang Mai's temples, stopping at Sukhothai's historical park on the way. The 9-day northern route really comes alive in autumn - you'll see harvest time in rural villages, join morning alms-giving and explore the Golden Triangle when visibility peaks. Hill tribe treks are ideal these months with trails lush but not muddy. Many guests choose tours including Mae Rim's Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and Thailand's longest canopy walkway when conditions are just right.
- 128 tours
- popular 132 tours
- 105 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
During winter from November through February, you'll get perfect touring weather in Northern Thailand with cool air and clear skies. Our most requested trip is an 11-day journey where you drive your own tuk-tuk between mountain communities, explore quiet temples and stay at comfortable riverside hotels each night. Many travelers combine Bangkok temple visits with time at an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, plus hands-on cooking lessons for authentic northern dishes. The 9-day route through the Golden Triangle by boat is consistently popular - you'll see the White Temple in Chiang Rai and spend time with hill tribe communities. Families often book our shorter 6-day cultural tours, while hikers head to Doi Inthanon National Park for bamboo rafting and waterfall trails.
- 86 tours
- popular 124 tours
- 106 tours
Contact our Northern Thailand travel experts
Isabeau
Expert in Northern Thailand at TourRadar
Isabeau is one of our seasoned Northern Thailand Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Thailand tours answered!
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