Thailand (North & Central): See & Experience it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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Thailand (North & Central): See & Experience it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

$496 a month for 6 months, 0% interest (ask for details)

Highlights
What's Included
International Airfare *For VIP members only (ask us for details)
Lodging
Male or Female Tour Guides
Tours in English
All Ground & Water Transportation
All Activities in Itinerary Below
All Entry Fees
Your Own On-Call Concierge
Breakfasts
Lunches x 3
Our Tour Package Itinerary
Day 1: A Vibrant Night Bazaar
Our tour starts in Chiang Mai, specifically at 5:00pm. Our tour guide takes us to the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. There we are provided with a guided tour. This market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. It consists of countless stalls packed along the sidewalks and spilling out into the street. The night ends with a visit to a nightclub complex called Zoe in Yellow.
Day 2: Flying Like a Bird & Food Vendors Taking Over the Streets
Today we go on a daytrip from Chiang Mai to an adventure park. There we go ziplining. We then return to Chiang Mai and head to Wua Lai Walking Street. This is an outdoor bazaar with vendors selling traditional street snacks, handmade crafts & souvenirs.
Note that Wua Lai Walking Street is open only on Saturdays. If you are in town on a Sunday, we take you to Sunday Walking Street. This street becomes a gallery for local arts & crafts.
Day 3: The Hangout Hotspot of Thailand
We relocate by land from Chiang Mai to the mountain village of Pai. Food stalls and handicraft shops line Pai Walking Street. There is a very atmospheric vibe on the streets, with tourists wanting to be nowhere else. Today we visit a hot spring called Sai Ngam. There we go bathing in the naturally warm water. We then walk on the Bamboo Bridge and end the day at the Pai Canyon. From this canyon we watch the sunset.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventure, Viewpoints & Caves
Before returning by land to Chiang Mai, we visit Yun Lai Viewpoint and then Nam Lod Cave. Yun Lai is a hilltop village complex which sells tea service and offers panoramic valley views. Nam Lod Cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. It is also home to large numbers of bats and swifts. At this cave, we go on a quick bamboo rafting ride.
Day 5: An Animal Kingdom, Climbing a ‘Sticky’ Cascade, Cruising the River & Temples
We go on a daytrip today. The first attraction to see this morning is in town, a nearby temple called Wat Chedi Luang. Next, we are taken to the Maetaeng Elephant Camp. There we watch an elephant performance. Next, we ride on an ox cart. In the same area, we then go bamboo rafting. Afterwards, we can eat. Lunch is included on today’s tour at the elephant camp.
After our meal, we are taken to Namtok Bua Thong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park. There we climb up gluey-like rocks resting beneath a small waterfall, hence the nickname ‘Sticky Waterfall’. A calcium-rich spring leaves mineral deposits on the rocks, preventing slippery things like algae from growing. Next, we are taken to Tiger Kingdom. Lastly, we are taken to a temple called Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Day 6: The Traditions, Culture & People of the North
We go on another daytrip today. Firstly, we are taken to the White Temple (a.k.a. Wat Rong Khun), located in the city of Chiang Rai. This is arguably the prettiest temple in all of Thailand and is undoubtedly one of the country’s most striking architectural landmarks. Adjacent to this temple is a cave museum, which we check out. Next, we have lunch, which is included on today’s tour.
After our meal, we are taken to the Blue Temple (a.k.a. Wat Rong Suea Ten) followed by to an outdoor museum called Baan Dam. There we see traditional homes and kitchenware and other centuries-old objects. Next, we are taken to a village where mostly Burmese reside. There we see people with long necks and large ears. As a custom initiated by the parents, rings are placed on these Burmese people at a very young age. These rings usually are never removed. Lastly, we are taken to a dock. There we go on a boat ride and see the countries of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar all at the same time.
Day 7: Waterfalls, Birds & Nature at its Purest
We are going on another daytrip today. We are taken to Doi Inthanon National Park. There we are provided with a full-day guided tour. Doi Inthanon ranks second among Thailand’s national parks in number of bird species. What’s more, within the park’s borders are several waterfalls. Lunch is included on today’s tour. We should be back in Chiang Mai in the early-evening.
Day 8: The Country’s Antiquities Dotted in & Around a Scenic Park
We relocate by land from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai, home to one of Thailand’s greatest archaeological parks. There we are provided with a guided tour, best explored on a bicycle. The park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand with the help of UNESCO, which has declared it a World Heritage Site. Each year, the park welcomes thousands of visitors who marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruined temples (a.k.a. wats).
Inside this park, there are 193 ruins, the remains of the royal palace and 26 temples. We visit Wat Chetuphon, Wat Chedi Si Hong, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Si Chum, Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Traphang Ngoen, Wat Sra Sri, King Ramkhamhaeng Monument and Wat Mahathat. We watch the sunset at Wat Mahathat.
Day 9: Bangkok's Grand Palace & Grander Markets & Lebua Hotel’s World Renowned Sky Bar
We relocate from Sukhothai to Bangkok via a quick and direct flight. The capital of Thailand is popular specifically for its nightlife scene, food market scene and the Grand Palace area. Today in Bangkok we are first provided with a guided tour of the Grand Palace. Next, we are taken to a large, open-air mall called Asiatique The Riverfront. There we have some time to shop around.
Afterwards, we head to the Chinatown Market (a.k.a. Yaowarat). There we are provided with a guided tour. In the later evening, we are taken to Patpong. It features a busy night market as well as is home to one of the city’s biggest red-light districts. There we are provided with a guided tour. Next, we are taken to Lebua hotel’s Sky Bar, which is located on the nearby Silom Road. This is one of the highest rooftop bars in the world. Also worth mentioning, Sky Bar had a starring role in an internationally acclaimed movie called Hangover 2. The night ends on Khao San Road. This is arguably Bangkok’s best spot for nightlife. Parallel to Khao San Road is Soi Rambuttri, another vibrant street we check out in the nighttime before heading back to our hotel.
Day 10: 2 Floating Markets Explored by Boat, a Train Market & Much More
We are going on a daytrip today. Firstly, we are taken to Damnoen Saduak specifically to see its floating market. There we are provided with a guided boat tour followed by a walking tour. Next, we are taken to the Maeklong Railway Market. Whenever a train approaches, the awnings and shopfronts are moved back from the rails. They are put back in place once the train has passed. After that, we are taken to the nearby Amphawa Floating Market. There we are provided with a guided boat tour.
In the early afternoon, we are taken to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. There we are provided with a guided tour. We hope you will be hungry, as there are a lot of food vendors at this market. Walking distance from the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the Jatujak Green (a.k.a. JJ Green) Market. There we are provided with another guided tour.
Note that today’s excursion may need to be switched with another day because these markets are open usually on the weekends only.
Day 11: An Ancient City & Roads Filled with Restaurants, Cafes, Pubs & Bars
We go on another daytrip today. Firstly, we are taken to Ayutthaya Historical/Archaeological Park. There we are provided with a guided tour, visiting specifically the temples of Ratchaburana, Maha That and Chaiwatthanaram. These are arguably the three best of the many temples dotted throughout the area.
The city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1351. It was captured by the Burmese in 1569. Though not pillaged, Ayutthaya lost many valuable and artistic objects. Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand until its destruction by the Burmese Army in 1767. In 1969, the Fine Arts Department began renovations of the ruins. These renovations became more of a priority after Ayutthaya was declared a historical park in 1976. A part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
After Ayutthaya, we are taken back to Bangkok, specifically to a thoroughfare called Sukhumvit Road. It features clubs, bars and famous red-light districts on virtually every side street. We are provided with a guided walking tour of this area, including to a famous red-light district called Soi Cowboy.
After checking out Sukhumvit Road, we take the Bangkok Mass Transit System (a.k.a. BTS Skytrain) to reach another buzzing area called Thong Lor (a.k.a. Soi Sukhumvit 55). After exploring it, we use the Bangkok Mass Transit System to reach Ekkamai (a.k.a. Soi Sukhumvit 63). Ekkamai is a road filled with restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars. Lastly, we head to Ratchadaphisek Road. The whole road is lined with nightclubs and is centered around Royal City Avenue (a.k.a. RCA). It is one of Bangkok’s largest entertainment and clubbing areas.
Day 12: Our Tour Ends This Morning
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach either airport in Bangkok.
Are Our Tours Right for You?
If you are seeking an adventurous yet luxury tour in which you see and do it all stress-free, in which all the planning is done for you by experts, in which 5-star hotels, ground transportation, tour guides and entry fees are all included in the package, then you have come to the right place. Welcome to CharlieTheTraveler, an international tour operation company providing tailormade or packaged tours. Read some of our over 800 5-star reviews found across the Internet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Customize This Tour?
We are open to customizing this tour to your liking, even though the itinerary we recommend is rock solid. As our tour is currently advertised, you absolutely will not find another one out there as packed with activities and attractions. What’s more, you will not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year, and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance.
Is Travel Insurance Required & Included?
All participants are required to book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays and 24/7 assistance.
How Much Does This Tour Cost & Is Financing Offered?
A 4-installment payment plan is available, often with 0 percent interest to those with at least decent credit. Ask us for details. Our luxury-oriented and itinerary-packed “Northern & Central Thailand in 12 Days” tour is available for $2,204 USD per person. This price includes all transportation, except flights. It also includes English-speaking tour guides, food, all activities and all entry fees. If you would like lodging included for all nights on this tour, then the combined (transportation, tour guides, food, activities, entry fees and lodging) total would be $2,974 USD per person. This price is based on 2 per room and is offered to those booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Note that there is a $30 USD fee if paying by bank transfer or a 4.6 percent surcharge for payments made by credit card. We accept both forms of payment. We do not accept checks. Moving forward, to better understand your specific circumstances and wishes, and for us to accurately quote you, please tell us:
1. How many persons in your party-including yourself-would be joining this tour? Solo travelers are welcomed, in case you were wondering.
2. What is your age and the age of your travel companion(s), if applicable? Travel insurance is required for this tour and we cannot quote you without knowing your age.
3. Do you prefer this tour to be private/exclusive to you or would you like to share it with other travelers?
4. Would you be sharing the room with others in your group (e.g. a spouse, relative or friend) or do you want the room exclusive to you?
5. Where would you be flying from (and back to)?
6. On what date would you like to leave home?
7. Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax? If you have 1 extra day, then we recommend Chiang Mai. If you have 2, then we recommend 1 in Chiang Mai and 1 in Bangkok.
8. Do you have a preference between male and female tour guides?
9. Would you like to take a cooking class in Chiang Mai?
What’s Excluded in the Price?
Any airfare, alcohol, travel insurance, any government-imposed visa fees and anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Although airfare is not included in the price, we will find you the exact flights you need. Just ask.
Are Domestic Flights Needed for This Tour?
Below are the domestic flights needed for this tour:
Day 1: Bangkok to Chiang Mai (only if you cannot arrive in Chiang Mai directly from abroad)
Day 9: Phitsanulok or preferably Sukhothai to Bangkok
After booking our tour package, we would send you screenshots of what you need to purchase (airlines, flight number and date) and you would then book directly with the carrier. Never book airfare through a third party and always ensure your airfare type allows for changes or cancellation without penality. Does CharlieTheTraveler book airfare on customers' behalf? Although we recommend you do so directly to save money, yes we do offer this service, after the initial booking is made.
At What Specific Hotels Would We Be Staying?
Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.
Nights 1-2: Chiang Mai, Preferred Accommodation: Marriott Hotel
Night 3: Pai, Preferred Accommodation: The Quarter
Nights 4-7: Chiang Mai, Preferred Accommodation: Marriott Hotel
Night 8: Sukhothai Historical Park Area, Preferred Accommodation: Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa or Sukhothai Treasure Resort and Spa or Legendha Sukhothai
Nights 9-11: Bangkok, Preferred Accommodation: The Landmark Bangkok
Is This a Private or Group Tour?
Day 1 is private. Day 2 is shared. Days 3-5 are private. Days 6-7 are shared. Days 8-11 are private. Note that we can make the trip almost completely private, per your request, at an additional cost. Alternatively, are you a solo traveler? Solo travelers need not worry. Our tour guides experience the trip WITH you and you can choose male or female.
*Also, note that you are not with the same travelers and tour guides on the shared day tours. Instead, you usually meet and engage with new people.
Am I Sharing the Room with Someone?
Your room is exclusive to you and whomever is in your party. Strangers (meaning customers who book on the same start date but do not know each other) do not share rooms on this tour. On a side note, please let us know if you and the other person(s) in your booking want separate rooms.
What is the Age Range & Nationality of the People Who Book This Tour?
Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Are Kids Allowed on This Tour & Are They Charged the Same as Adults?
We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.
How Strong Do I Need to Be For This Trip?
We do not expect you to be an Olympic champion. We know some of the tour members are more fit than others…and we are well prepared for this. However, we do hope you take into consideration this is a very active tour, just like every other tour we offer.
Are Disabled People Allowed on This Tour?
Please let us know about any disability you have. Some disabilities would not affect you taking this tour. Others would prevent you from joining altogether. Although we want all of our customers to have fun, your safety is our first priority.
Do I Get Any Free Time to Myself?
Of course. Once each day’s tour is over, you have the rest of the evening to yourself. Because our tours tend to be very active, our customers typically want to simply relax once the sun sets.
What Happens If I Arrive Late?
Notify us as soon as possible and we will do our very best to arrange a meeting point. Please note that we do not refund for any days or activities that you miss.
Can I Opt-Out of Certain Activities?
Generally speaking, you can opt out as long as we are given adequate notice. Please note that opting out of certain activities does not reduce the price of this tour.
What Happens If I Get Injured on This Trip & Cannot Continue?
We would do our best to keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible, as well as make special arrangements to address your situation. Partial refunds are not offered if you cannot continue with the tour. However, most travel insurances reimburse you for such situations. This is one of many reasons why we require our customers to purchase travel insurance before taking this tour.
What Happens If I Cancel This Trip?
To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.
What Happens If You, CharlieTheTraveler, Cancel This Trip?
In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation. Note: We are not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund, nor is this transaction covered by the Restitution Fund.
How Do You Help Prepare Us For This Trip?
You should receive an email from us within 24 hours of purchasing this tour as well as a week before departure. The first email gives details about what to bring, how to prepare yourself, etc. The second email is more like a timetable combined with important contact information.
Is There Anything Out of the Ordinary I Should Bring on This Trip?
Bring a strap for your sunglasses, to wrap around your head while zip-lining (250 pounds or 113 kilos max weight permitted). Also, bring a lockable waterproof backpack (for while bamboo rafting and while swimming in hot springs), a waterproof case for your identification card and credit cards (when swimming) and water shoes. Lastly, you may need to bring adapters for your electronic devices.
Are the Tour Guides Licensed & Will They Be With Me the Entire Time?
Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance.
In Which Language(s) is This Tour Offered?
All of our tours are offered in English. If you prefer another language, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do We Need to Get Our Own Transportation to and From the Airport?
Absolutely not. We make the arrangements for you.
Is Someone Available for Us 24-7 While on This Tour?
Yes! You have your own concierge for this tour who is at your disposal. You could reach this person when you need anything.
Where Can I Read About All of Your Terms & Conditions?
Please visit CharlieTheTraveler.com/Tours-Terms-and-Conditions
Why Our Tours Beat the Competition

- We routinely pick up the phone and otherwise respond to messages quickly and thoroughly.
- We do not cancel because of group size turnout, unlike with most competitors.
- Virtually no company offers multiday tours as comprehensive as ours. This is a verifiable fact.
- We do not charge solo travelers single supplements for the tours.
- For most of our tours, you can start on any date.
- We have hundreds of 5-star reviews online.