Jungles & Temples of Thailand
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
Exploring Northern Thailand on foot will get you to some spots you’d have missed without your hiking poles. Gear up and stroll through Bangkok’s night markets and trek through the jungle trails of Chiang Mai Province.
You’ll get multiple chances to catch glimpses of Asian Elephants. Get an eyeful of them bathing and playing in the salt licks or get up close and personal at the Chiang Mai Elephant Care Camp.
See where the locals pray when you visit some of Northern Thailand’s most revered spiritual sites, like Wat Tham Sila Thong Temple in Khao Yai or Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai Province.
Every trip has its highs and lows – literally! You’ll kayak Mae Taeng River valleys, climb Doi Inthanon towering peaks and snake your way through Thai jungles and forests.
In the rustic peace of Pa Khao Lam village, you’ll sit down with local women of the village to swap stories and learn more about local life.
Uncover more info by clicking the tabs below!
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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$983 AUD
Private Supplement: +$297
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Details
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Partial private supplement available: $1,189 AUD, max 4 spots
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
11 days, 10 nights
Meeting point
Theatre Residence, Bangkok
Departure point
U Chiang Mai Hotel, Chiang Mai
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
- You’re open-minded and open-hearted.
- You try to embrace the little things.
- You love adventure and the surprises that come with it.
- You are gracious to others and a team player.
Fitness
Level 3 – Moderate Plus
A fair amount of endurance and a slightly more than moderate level of fitness is needed for our Level 3 rated pilgrimages. Expect to walk for between 4 and 7 hours a day, that’s somewhere between 10 and 15 kilometres. Also keep in mind that we’ll need to cover that distance at a fairly moderate pace through undulating terrain. Some days are solely devoted to trekking through isolated wilderness with jaw-dropping scenery, while others are dedicated to relaxation and cultural experiences.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation.
- 11 nights accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Personal trekking equipment
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty
- Personal expenditure
Accommodation Preview
Theatre Residence, Bangkok
U Chiang Mai Hotel, Chiang Mai
Overview
Trip Summary By Days
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Arrival in Bangkok, street food tour of Chinatown and group welcome dinner | |||||
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Drive to Khao Yai, visit Wat Tham Sila Thong Temple and watch bats emerge from Khao Luk Chong cave | |||||
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Hike in Khao Yai National Park, visit Haew Suwat Waterfall and enjoy evening elephant spotting | 3.8 | 3 | |||
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Fly to Chiang Mai, explore Old City temples, Akha Ama Café, Wat Chedi Luang and Thapae Gate | |||||
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Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, descend Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat and hike Chiang Mai University trail | 2.3 | 2 | |||
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Travel to Mae Taeng, visit Mok Fa Waterfall, trek Huai Nam Dang NP, village lunch and overnight in Karen village | 9 | 5 | |||
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Hike Mae Taeng hills with ridge-top lunch, descend to Pa Khao Lam village for cultural exchange and homestay. | 5 | 3 | |||
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Morning in Pa Khao Lam, kayak the Mae Taeng River to Sop Kai Village, village dinner and overnight stay | 12 | 4 | |||
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Visit elephant care camp, picnic at a secluded waterfall, return to Chiang Mai | 4 | 2 | |||
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Day trip to Doi Inthanon with Ang Ka Trail, twin stupas, waterfalls, hilltribe coffee and farewell dinner | 2.6 | 2 | |||
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Final Thai breakfast, farewells and transfer to airport for departure | |||||
| Totals: | 38.7 | 21 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Trip Map
Get to Know Your Jungles & Temples of Thailand Itinerary
What You'll See & Do
Day 1 – Welcome to Thailand
Welcome to Bangkok, or as the locals know it, Krung Thep! A friendly face will welcome you at the airport, ready to whisk you away to your hotel. The hustle and bustle of the street markets, extravagant shopping malls and views of the Chao Phraya River will greet you as you make your way to meet your fellow Camino Women.
In the evening, experience Bangkok’s nightlife when you explore Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road. The city boasts street food that’s to die for, so be sure to take advantage of your guided food crawl. But it’s not all about the bites of mango sticky rice or fragrant dim sum – you’ll close out your first night by mixing, mingling and maybe making lifelong friends as you gather with your fellow adventurers for a group welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Theatre Residence or similar (or similar), Bangkok
Included: Sampling snack, Dinner
Day 2 – Khao Yai
Today you leave Bangkok’s city vibes behind and set out for Khao Yai, a small village just three hours from Bangkok. Khao Yai’s dreamy flower fields and rustic architecture create the feeling of a European village right here in Thailand.
You’ll get the chance to wrap your head around the idea of finally being deep in rural Thailand once you arrive at the resort. Then, it’s time to set off for the Wat Tham Sila Thong Temple. This Buddhist temple offers more than just a peaceful spot to reflect. It’s also prime viewing of the millions of bats enjoying their upside-down slumber inside the Khao Luk Chong bat cave. Our guides know all the best spots to see the moment they take flight, emerging from the cave in a sea of flapping wings.
Accommodation: Khao Yai Nature Life Resort (or similar), Khao Yai
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 – Khao Yai
Today is all about seeking connection with nature as you hit the trails of Khao Yai National Park. Take in the region’s diverse wildlife, sprawling forests and waterfalls on your guided walk through Thailand’s first National Park. You’ll notice all the chit-chat with your gals slowly quieting down, as your eardrums enjoy the soothing flow of the waterfalls and the howling of gibbons.
After a restorative lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll head to the Haew Suwat Waterfall, a spot that may look familiar to you if you’re a Leonardo DiCaprio fan – the famous waterfall was a filming location for the movie The Beach!
Spend the evening at the park’s salt licks for wild elephant spotting, where you’ll get the chance to see these majestic animals grazing or snoozing.
Accommodation: Khao Yai Nature Life Resort (or similar), Khao Yai
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 – Goodbye, Khao Yai and Hello, Chiang Mai
It’s back to Bangkok briefly to catch your flight to Chiang Mai. In your hotel, you’ll have just enough time to wind down and gear up before heading out on your first adventure.
Slip on your comfiest shoes and get ready to snap photos of Chiang Mai’s Old City, where you’ll begin at Wat Phra Sing, one of the city’s most revered Buddhist temples.
Then, enjoy the rich aromas of locally roasted coffee at Akha Ama Café, just a short stroll from the temple, before you explore some of the city’s must-see cultural stops, like Wat Chedi Luang – a chedi that dates back to 1441 – and Thapae Gate, which has guarded the Old City for more than 700 years.
Accommodation: U Chiang Mai Hotel (or similar), Chiang Mai
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 – Chiang Mai
The mountains of Chiang Mai Province are a cannot-be-missed-item in our book, and that’s where you’ll start your day today. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s 300 temples, greets you with its golden stupa and sprawling grounds, offering impressive views of downtown Chiang Mai as a reward for conquering its many staircases.
What goes up must come down. You’ll descend via the Monk’s Trail, a forest path leading downhill to the hidden jungle temple of Wat Pha Lat. Situated a little more off the beaten path than the oft crowded Doi Suthep, the jungle temple provides a moment of peace among its waterfalls and stone carvings.
Your final hike of the day is to the Chiang Mai University trailhead before enjoying a local lunch and returning to the hotel to kick your feet up. Can you believe you’re almost halfway through your adventure?
Accommodation: U Chiang Mai Hotel (or similar), Chiang Mai
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6 – Mae Taeng
Today, you’ll venture deeper into Chiang Mai province to Mae Taeng, a district to the north that’s frequently overlooked by travellers. But not by Camino Women!
Your Mae Taeng adventure begins with a visit to Mok Fa Waterfall. By now, you’ve seen your fair share of Thailand’s waterfalls, but you can’t complain when the views are this good! Standing at the base of its craggy rocks and flowing falls, you can take in all of Mok Fa’s untouched natural beauty.
Next, you’ll trek through the forest trails of Huai Nam Dang National Park for beautiful views of Mae Tang’s ‘sea mountains’ before you and your Camino crew stop for a traditional Northern Thai lunch in the village.
Finally, you’ll close out a busy day by spending your evening in Mae Ma Nai Village for an intimate portrait of village life. The small Karen community sits quietly next to a creek in a remote forest, taking ‘off-grid’ literally. That’s right – there’s no electricity and limited phone signal in the village, so you’ll get the chance to relax and unplug in a way most of us rarely do in our hectic modern lives. There’s a simple bathroom on site, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can bathe in the nearby stream.
Accommodation: Village Hut in Mae Taeng
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 – Mae Taeng
Your trek through Mae Taeng continues bright and early after a fortifying breakfast in the village. Today, you’ll be hiking through the hills until you reach the high ridge – where your hard work will be rewarded with a hilltop lunch. Then, you’ll descend to Pa Khao Lam village, with no shortage of heart-stopping views along the way down.
The village is your final destination for the day, where you’ll get the opportunity to relax and sit in conversation with local women. Let your curiosity flow over you as the women of Pa Khao Lam give you a peek into what it’s like living in Northern Chiang Mai province. At the end of the day, travel is all about connecting across cultures, isn’t it?
As the evening winds down, enjoy a home-cooked meal and settle in for another night under the Mae Taeng stars.
Accommodation: Village Hut in Mae Taeng
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 – Mae Taeng
Living the slow, easy-going village life in Mae Taeng is the name of the game these three days, and today is no exception. A peaceful morning in Pa Khao Lam offers the chance to enjoy the quiet cadence of villagers starting their day all around you.
After a local breakfast, you’ll hop into your kayaks and see the sights of the Mae Taeng River. First time kayaking? Don’t worry – you’ll get the full safety low-down before anyone even hands you a paddle.
Your river voyage will bring you to Sop Kai Village in the late afternoon. Settle in and enjoy a warm dinner to close out your final evening in Mae Taeng.
Accommodation: Village Hut in Mae Taeng
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 – Mae Taeng – Chiang Mai
In the light of day, Ban Sopkai Homestay provides the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast on your terrace as you soak up views of the surrounding forest. This morning’s activity could be your favourite yet – a trip to a nearby elephant care camp. You’ll learn all about these gentle giants as the park guides get you up to speed on the basics of elephant behaviour and care.
Around midday, you’ll say goodbye to your big-eared friends and set out on a short hike to a nearby secluded waterfall in the valley. Here you’ll have a private spot to swim, relax and re-energise with a picnic lunch. Then, you’ll return to Chiang Mai, bringing with you all your memories of your forest and river adventures.
Accommodation: U Chiang Mai Hotel (or similar), Chiang Mai
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10 – Doi Inthanon
So far, you’ve seen Northern Thailand from its valleys, its hills and its winding forest trails. How about from 2,500 metres above sea level? We’ve saved one of Chiang Mai Province’s most heart-stopping views for last. You’ll be spending the day at Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain.
The day begins with a scenic drive up the Ang Ka Nature Trail. From the summit, a gentle walk takes you through an evergreen cloud forest, its moss-draped trees turning the boardwalk into something otherworldly.
Spend the rest of the day exploring – from the iconic twin stupas at the summit to the tumbling waterfalls that greet you along the Pha Dok Siew Trail. You can even grab an afternoon pick-me-up from a local hilltribe coffee roaster!
In the evening, enjoy a fitting end to your Thailand adventure with a farewell dinner. Unwind and swap favourite stories from the trip with your new hiker friends as you enjoy the bold flavours of local dishes.
Accommodation: U Chiang Mai Hotel (or similar), Chiang Mai
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 – Farewell Friends!
Sadly, your trek through Northern Thailand comes to an end today. Though not before you snap your last photos, enjoy one last Thai breakfast, swap numbers – and hiking plans – with the Camino friends you’ve made on this adventure. When you’re ready to say goodbye, head to the airport to catch your flight home. Until next time!
Included: Breakfast
FAQs
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.65 USD
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot.. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Australians and New Zealanders do not need to apply for visas when travelling to Thailand for stays of up to 30 days.
Level 3 – Moderate Plus
A fair amount of endurance and a slightly more than moderate level of fitness is needed for our Level 3 rated pilgrimages. Expect to walk for between 4 and 7 hours a day, that’s somewhere between 10 and 15 kilometres. Also keep in mind that we’ll need to cover that distance at a fairly moderate pace through undulating terrain. Some days are solely devoted to trekking through isolated wilderness with jaw-dropping scenery, while others are dedicated to relaxation and cultural experiences.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
We’ll be updating this section with the tipping amount and how it’s distributed, soon.
November is one of the best times to visit Northern Thailand, marking the start of the cool, dry season. Expect clear skies, low humidity, and comfortably warm daytime temperatures averaging around 20–28°C, with cooler evenings that can dip below 15°C in the mountains. The countryside is fresh and green after the rains, waterfalls are still flowing and rice fields turn golden as the harvest begins. Conditions are ideal for hiking through lush hills, exploring ancient temples and enjoying colourful night markets without the heavy heat.
Whenever we can, we choose boutique stays that capture the spirit of Thailand, offering the comfort of 4 star hotels with plenty of character built in. Sometimes it is a riverside setting in Bangkok or a tranquil garden retreat near Khao Yai that makes a place memorable. Other times it is the charm of a boutique hotel in Chiang Mai or the authenticity of a simple village hut in Mae Taeng. Rooms may differ a little in size and style, but that is part of what gives these places their character.
We will share detailed luggage information for this trip soon.
This trip begins in Bangkok and ends in Chiang Mai. We recommend that you fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, where your arrival transfer will be waiting for you.
The most convenient departure airport is Chiang Mai International Airport. Both transfers, on arrival and on departure, are included in your trip price.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
