Journeys: Best of Northern Thailand

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Step onto a boat heading down the Chao Phraya River toward Tha Tien Pier to begin your morning. Walk to the grand grounds of Wat Pho to see the massive Reclining Buddha, then take time to wander the bustling food stalls nearby. In the afternoon, board a traditional longtail boat to navigate the historic waterways, slipping from the main river into the quiet, wooden-built canals of the Thonburi district. Here, daily life unfolds right along the water's edge: laundry dries in the sun, kids splash from docks, and vendors paddle past, showing you a grounded, local side of the city before you head back for a free evening.

Leave the capital behind and head toward Kanchanaburi, where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers meet. Stop near the historic Death Railway for an optional lunch at Tham Krasae, then board a local train for a moving journey through World War II history. Continue to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum to deepen your understanding through local artifacts and exhibits, before checking into your hotel along the river for an evening at your leisure.

Venture into the lush canopy of Erawan National Park to find the famous seven-tiered waterfall. Spend your morning swimming in the turquoise pools, taking photos from the upper limestone ledges, or hiking the quiet jungle trails. After a morning at the falls, travel across the green plains to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. As dusk falls over the old city, climb aboard a beautifully converted 1930s rice barge for a dinner cruise. Drift past ruins and riverside villages while sharing a traditional meal, watching the stars come out over the water before checking into your hotel.

After breakfast, wander the towering stone prangs and weathered brick Buddhas of Ayutthaya Historical Park on a guided morning walk. From here, drive back to the Bangkok airport, for an afternoon flight to Chiang Mai. Arrive to a warm northern welcome, then travel to a nearby village. Step into the home of a local family for a Khantoke dinner, passing platters of sticky rice, rich hang-le curry, and crispy pork with chilli paste. After dinner, walk through the garden, sip tea, and learn more about rural Thai life before checking into your hotel.

Dive into the smells and colours of the neighbourhood market this morning, picking out fresh ginger, lemongrass, and chillies alongside local shoppers. Take your ingredients to a cooking class to learn the balance of Thai flavours, then sit down to devour the dishes you made for lunch. In the afternoon, meet with monks at Wat Suan Dok temple, before riding a cable car up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Listen to the monks' evening chanting, then join a talk at the International Meditation Center with a teaching monk about Buddhist life, the remainder of your evening at leisure.

Spend a free day exploring Chiang Mai on your own terms. Your National Geographic Expedition Leader can help you choose the right path, leaving you free to follow the community, culture, or quiet corners that call to you most. You might choose a scenic, flat cycling tour along the banks of the Mae Ping River, pedalling past fruit orchards in small riverside communities. As evening approaches, join an optional street food walk through the buzzing night market, browsing handmade crafts from local artists and sampling spicy northern snacks from sizzling woks.

• Chiang Mai Cycling Tour: This Chiang Mai half-day ride takes you on a memorable tour of the countryside's most interesting sights. You'll go beyond the city to see local Buddhist temples, markets, organic farms, rice paddy fields and more. Get a sense of how the locals live, stop when you want for photos, and check out the nature along the city's main river, the Ping.
• Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market: Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts.

Depart at any time.