This tour takes you to Northern Thailand, where you experience Chiang Mai and the scenic Mae Hong Son loop. This is a tour for those who may have already seen Thailand’s classic highlights, and who now want to go exploring slightly off the beaten track.
The adventure starts in Chiang Mai, a charming city rich in culture and history and which is beautifully situated in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains. From here, you set out on the famous Mae Hong Son loop – a spectacular route of more 600 km that winds through 1,864 hairpin bends through fascinating landscapes.
You will visit charming towns such as Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and Pai. You cross dramatic mountain passes, where the landscapes take your breath away with the unique views, and you drive through lush forests and past green tea plantations and tranquil rivers.
You will see traditional villages, ancient temples and cascading waterfalls. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to meet some of Northern Thailand’s ethnic minorities, including the Karen and Kayan peoples, who will give you unique insights into their fascinating cultures and traditions. The journey also offers iconic viewpoints and spectacular sunsets, which provide the perfect finishing touch to your experiences.
The journey ends back in Chiang Mai, where you can digest everything you have seen and done along the way.
You can extend your tour of Northern Thailand with a relaxing beach holiday on some of Southern Thailand’s best beaches.
Today, you embark on your long-awaited Thailand adventure. You fly from your chosen airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way.
You land in Thailand’s second-largest city, Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is a city rich in culture, history and beautiful nature. The city lies in a valley surrounded by mountains, including Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand. Chiang Mai is also the former capital of the old Lanna kingdom, which existed from 1292 to 1775, and you will therefore find that there are many influences from this time around the city.
After landing, you go through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, your guide will be waiting with a TourCompass sign, and from here you will be driven to your hotel, which is centrally located in Chiang Mai.
You probably need to relax after the long flight, and therefore no activities are planned for the day. Put on your swimwear and take a dip in the hotel pool or head out to explore the city. You can stroll through the picturesque streets and explore the small local shops and cosy cafés.
In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset along the moat, and sit down at one of the city’s good eateries.
There are no excursions planned, so you can enjoy Chiang Mai on your own and at your own pace. There is lots to see and do, and the city is also the perfect starting point for excursions in and around Chiang Mai. You can read more about our exciting optional tours below.
In the evening, stroll around the old town and take in the sight of the illuminated temples and monuments. Or how about a visit to one of the city’s popular night markets, where you can shop for souvenirs and taste some of the many delicious street food dishes?
After breakfast and check-out, you will be picked up by your guide and driver. You will now leave Chiang Mai and head for Mae Sariang, a charming little town on the famous Mae Hong Son loop, which you will embark on today.
The Mae Hong Son loop stretches over 600 km through some of Thailand’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the route connects the towns of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son with small picturesque towns such as Mae Sariang and Pai. The Mae Hong Son loop is especially known for its impressive 1,864 hairpin bends that elegantly cut their way through the breathtaking terrain. The route takes you through dramatic mountain passes, lush forests and along green rice paddies and quiet rivers. If you are inclined to feel car sick, we recommend that you take pills for motion sickness, as the loop has numerous bends.
On the way to Mae Sariang, you will stop at the majestic waterfall of Mae Ya, one of the most beautiful in Northern Thailand. Mae Ya stretches over several levels, dropping 250 metres down the wide cliffs, creating several small pools. Mae Ya is beautiful all year round, but is especially impressive during the rainy season (about June to October) when the water levels rise, making the waterfall even more spectacular.
The tour then continues to Ob Luang National Park, which is known for its dramatic landscapes. Here, you will experience the narrow and deep gorge of Ob Luang, where the Mae Chaem River passes through steep cliffs. The canyon is also called ‘The Kissing Cliff’ as it resembles two faces kissing. Over time, the powerful water current has shaped this spectacular gorge, which is surrounded by lush forest and mountains. Ob Luang National Park also houses several archaeological finds and prehistoric cave paintings that are estimated to be over 3,000 years old.
Afterwards, a delicious lunch awaits at a local restaurant (not included).
You will then be driven to your hotel in Mae Sariang. After check-in, you can relax by the pool or explore the small charming town, which boasts good restaurants, cosy bars and small family-run shops.
Today’s distance: approx. 225 km.
If you wake early, it’s magical to stroll through Mae Sariang while the town begins to stir and the sun slowly rises. You will see the locals who are on their way to work on their scooters, or who are about to open their small shops while saying good morning to their neighbours.
After breakfast and checking out from the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to Mae Sariang. Your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel, and drive you towards Mae Hong Son with interesting stops along the way.
You drive along winding roads to the small village of Ban Huay Hom, which is surrounded by mountains and lush nature. The village is known for its authentic charm, and is home to the Karen people, who live in traditional wooden houses.
Ban Huay Hom is part of the Mae La Noi Royal Project, which was established by Thailand’s former king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and Queen Sirikit. The aim of the project is to reduce opium cultivation, which is both harmful to the environment and illegal, and which in the past has been an important source of income for the locals. The project also focuses on improving the livelihoods of local people by promoting sustainable agriculture and introducing alternative crops such as coffee, fruit and vegetables. In addition, sheep farming has been introduced in the area so that the villagers can produce wool and meat.
On arrival at Ban Huay Hom, you will visit a local family who run a charming café, farm and work with traditional weaving. Your visit starts in the family’s café, where you can taste their self-produced coffee and buy various coffee products. There is plenty of time to ask questions and learn more about the Karen people, their language, culture and traditions, as well as the importance of the Mae La Noi Royal Project for the family. Next, you will visit the family’s weaving workshop, where carpets, tablecloths, traditional costumes etc. are woven. You will be given a weaving demonstration, and if you like, you can try your hand at the traditional weaving technique yourself. Finally, you will tour the family’s large plot, where you will see their sheep, rice fields and coffee plantations. Please note that should the family be prevented from participating due to illness or the like, you will instead be welcomed by another family in the village offering a similar experience.
After the visit, you will be driven to a local restaurant, where the lunch of the day will be served (not included).
The tour then continues to the Pai River, where you will take a local motorboat to Huay Pu Keng village, which can only be reached by water. The boat trip up the scenic river is incredibly beautiful, and along the way you will see different bird species and perhaps even lizards.
Huay Pu Keng is home to the Kayan people – an ethnic minority group that originated in Myanmar. The Kayan people speak their own language, and have their own unique culture and traditions. The women wear brass rings around their necks, which has earned them the nickname ‘long necks’. In addition to the characteristic neck rings, Kayan women wear traditional woven suits that they make themselves. The Kayan people also practise a mix of animistic religions and Buddhism, but there are also Christians among them. They also make a living from agriculture, including the growing of rice and vegetables, as well as from handicrafts such as weaving and traditional jewellery.
As Huay Pu Keng is not very accessible, few travellers find their way to the village, making it one of the most authentic ‘long-neck villages’ in the province. On arrival, you will be welcomed, and take a walk through the village, where you can greet the villagers and learn more about their daily life, culture and traditions.
After the visit, you will sail back along the Pai River, where your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Mae Hong Son. After check-in, you will have time to relax and digest the day’s many experiences before the evening’s visit to Mae Hong Son Walking Street.
Every evening, Walking Street transforms into a lively night market, where you can explore all the food stalls and be tempted by the local cuisine. The evening’s meal is enjoyed on a blanket at a low table, just like the locals. Here, you can also admire the Wat Chong Kham Temple, which is reflected in the lake of the same name behind it.
After a lovely evening, you return to your hotel.
Today’s distance: approx. 250 km.
If you’re a morning person, you can choose to experience the sunrise from the temple Wat Phra That Doi Kongmu. The tour starts from the hotel at about 5.00 or 5.30, so you reach the top in time to watch the sun rise. Known for its impressive stupa and viewpoint, the temple is located on a hilltop with a magnificent panoramic view of Mae Hong Son’s misty valleys and surrounding mountains. As the sun slowly rises over the mountains, experience the serene quiet and golden light that fills the landscape, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
After sunrise, continue to the town’s local morning market, where you can soak up the lively atmosphere and watch the locals shop for their groceries. Then it’s back to the hotel, where a good breakfast will be served.
After breakfast, it’s time for the day’s excursion. The first stop is Wat Jong Kham – a historic Buddhist temple in Mae Hong Son. The temple is especially famous for its Burmese architecture and its beautiful lakeside location. It was built in the late 1800s by the Shan people, who have deep cultural and religious roots in Myanmar. Wat Jong Kham is closely linked to the nearby Wat Jong Klang Temple, and together they form an important religious and cultural centre in Mae Hong Son.
The tour continues to the iconic Sutongpe Bridge. The impressive bamboo bridge stretches across lush rice paddies and connects a village to the Buddhist temple of Wat Phu Sama. Sutongpe Bridge is one of Thailand’s longest bamboo bridges, about 500 metres in length. It was built by local villagers and monks as a symbol of cooperation and faith. The bridge still plays a role in their everyday lives, as monks cross it daily on their alms rounds.
Next, the tour continues to Pu Klon, which is known for its natural hot and mud springs. The mud from Pu Klon is said to have healing properties, and is often used in spa treatments to improve skin health and relieve muscle tension. On arrival, you will be treated to a mud facial, which is guaranteed to leave you feeling re-energised and relaxed.
After this relaxing experience, it’s time for lunch, which is served at a local restaurant (not included).
Finally, you will visit the charming mountain village of Ban Rak Thai. The village was founded by Chinese immigrants, mainly Kuo Ming Tang soldiers from Yunnan province, who fled here after the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The name Ban Rak Thai means ‘The village that loves Thailand’, and the village is a fascinating blend of Chinese and Thai culture. It is located around a beautiful lake, and surrounded by tea plantations and mountains. The village is known for its traditional Chinese architecture, authentic Yunnan cuisine and the local tea production, which plays a central role in the village’s economy and culture.
You will then be driven back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Today’s distance: approx. 45 km.
After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, you set out on a picture-perfect drive through the mountains to Pai.
Along the way, you will stop off in the mountain village of Ban Cha Bo, which is home to the Lahu people. The village is known for its authentic culture and stunning scenery. Lunch (not included) is eaten at a local restaurant, where you will dine on a balcony that extends out over the mountainsides while you admire the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The tour continues to the historic Ta-Pai Bridge near Pai. The bridge was built in 1942 by Japanese troops during World War II as part of their supply route. After the war, the original bridge was destroyed, but it was later rebuilt, and now stands here as an important landmark and symbol of the region’s history.
Afterwards, a short drive to the town of Pai awaits. After arriving at the hotel, you have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Today’s distance: approx. 115 km.
After breakfast, another eventful day awaits.
The first stop is Yun Lai Hill, which is a popular viewpoint known for its spectacular panoramic views of the mountains, valleys and surrounding landscape. Here, admire the lush tea plantations, rice paddies and picturesque villages that stretch as far as the eye can see.
From Yun Lai Hill, you continue to Wat Phra Mae Yen, also known as the Big Buddha, an iconic landmark in Pai. The impressive Buddha statue towers majestically over the Pai Valley and is visible from afar. To reach the statue you will have to climb a stairway with 350 steps, but you will be rewarded with wonderful views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Lunch is eaten at a local restaurant (not included), after which you will be driven back to your hotel where you can relax by the pool.
In the late afternoon, you will be picked up from the hotel and driven to Pai Canyon, one of the area’s most popular natural attractions, where you can experience an absolutely stunning sunset. The dramatic Pai Canyon has been formed by erosion from the wind and rain, creating narrow trails, steep canyons and deep ravines. The first thing that greets you is the terracotta-coloured earth and the steep sandstone cliffs. Here, you may find yourself being blown away by the impressive panoramic views as you hike along the paths which require extra attention as some of them are narrow with steep drops on both sides. When the sun begins to set, the golden light bathes the landscape in warm, brilliant colours, making it an ideal place to take unforgettable photos.
The tour then returns to your hotel, and the evening is at your leisure. You can take a trip into Pai, where you can experience the town’s charming and relaxed atmosphere, find a good restaurant or let yourself be tempted by the local street food stalls. After dinner, find a local bar and relax to the sounds of live music, providing the perfect end to a wonderful day.
Today’s distance: approx. 24 km.
There are no scheduled excursions today, so you can take the day at your own pace.
For example, you can take a trip into Pai, and soak up the charming and relaxed atmosphere, do some shopping, sit down at a cosy café or explore the local temples. Or perhaps you want to spend the day relaxing at the hotel’s lovely pool area instead?
After breakfast and check-out, you will be picked up by your guide and driver, who will drive you back to where your tour started, Chiang Mai. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful drive through the incredible landscapes, and take time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced and enjoyed over the past few days. There will be a lunch stop along the way (not included).
When you arrive at your hotel in Chiang Mai, the rest of the day is at your leisure, so you can experience the city one last time before leaving Northern Thailand tomorrow.
Today’s distance: approx. 130 km.
Today, your adventure in Northern Thailand comes to an end. You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport, from where you fly to Europe with connecting flight(s) along the way.
You will land at your chosen airport after an eventful and memorable tour.
From £299 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £299
Single room supplement from £129
Extend your tour to include an exciting city break to Bangkok and fall head over heels for the hectic and fascinating capital, which is home to around 12 million inhabitants.
There are no planned excursions today, so you can explore the city at your own pace.
When it comes to getting about in Bangkok, you needn’t worry about the notorious traffic, as there is a wide range of transport options other than buses and taxis. The river taxis are popular and account for a significant portion of the city’s public transport, as they dock at many of the city’s sights. You can also take The Sky Train, which winds its way between the many high-rise buildings and is a good, fast and cheap way of travelling.
Bangkok is divided into east and west by the 372-km-long Chao Phraya River, which flows south of Bangkok all the way up to Nakhon Sawan.
The eastern part of the city is considered to be central Bangkok, where the popular areas of Silom and Sukhumvit have a high concentration of shopping centres, local markets, good eateries and cool sky bars. It is also on the eastern side that you will find the historic part of Bangkok, which is home to the spectacular royal palace, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew.
Fortunately, Bangkok also has many green oases when you need to retreat from the tropical heat and noisy traffic. These include Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Park or the green island, Bang Krachao, which is often referred to as “Bangkok’s jungle” – it’s as if time stands still here.
On the western side, on the other hand, you experience a completely different world without skyscrapers and honking tuk tuks. You will encounter a more authentic Bangkok and a maze of canals here, where houses stand on stilts and postmen make their deliveries by boat. This is such a stark contrast to eastern Bangkok that you feel like you are in a different place entirely – however, the city’s great contrasts are precisely what make Bangkok such a fantastic and fascinating city to visit!
In the evening, China Town, the Asiatique outdoor shopping and entertainment area, and the many sky bars are especially popular. Known from the film “The Hangover Part II”, Lebua Sky Bar is an ideal place to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner while watching the sun set over the capital.
Whatever you decide to do, we guarantee that you won’t get bored!
From £579 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £409
Single room supplement from £199
If you’re after a quiet holiday paradise where you won’t be disturbed, choose Khao Lak – a place that’s synonymous with tranquillity and adventure. Khao Lak lies just under 100 kilometres north of Phuket, yet the atmosphere and pace of life here are worlds apart. It’s calmer here, and you still have everything you need – from beautiful scenery to great restaurants.
Khao Lak consists of several interconnected beach areas that together make up this lovely, relaxing holiday paradise with turquoise sea on one side and lush, unspoiled rainforest on the other.
The days in Khao Lak are at your leisure, and it is entirely up to you how you want to spend them. Put on your swimsuit and find your favourite spot on the honey-coloured sand.
In addition to lazing on the beautiful beaches, we also highly recommend a snorkelling trip to either the Surin Islands or the Similan Islands, which have some of the best spots in Thailand for snorkelling and diving. Both places are designated as national parks, and boast impressive marine life with brightly coloured fish, whale sharks, sea turtles and rays as well as untouched nature, chalk-white beaches and crystal-clear water. Read more about the excursions below.
In the evening, head into Khao Lak and explore the wide variety of restaurants and shops.
From £499 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £349
Single room supplement from £139
Extend your tour with a wonderful beach holiday on Koh Samui, which is Thailand’s second largest island and known for its good sandy beaches, cosy atmosphere, historic temples and lush nature with breathtaking waterfalls.
As standard, you will stay on the north coast of Koh Samui at the quiet and idyllic beach town of Mae Nam, which offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere with a fine honey-coloured beach. The beach is not very wide, but the waters are calm and pleasantly warm. Mae Nam is next door to Bophut, which is known for its beautiful bay with golden sandy beaches and calm waters. This is also where you will find Fisherman’s Village – a charming area with a wealth of small shops with local arts and crafts, bars and, not least, delicious restaurants.
If you are more into city life, you should go to Chaweng, located about 15 km from Mae Nam. Here the selection is larger, and the pace is faster. The main street offers a wealth of restaurants, cafés, shops and bars. But also, on the beach at Chaweng Beach, there is a lively atmosphere in the evening, when restaurants set the tables for dinner under the open sky.
The days are at your leisure, so it is entirely up to you what you want to do. Perhaps you just want to laze around at the hotel’s beach with a good book or explore the attractions of the island? If you are looking for adventure, we highly recommend a boat trip to the postcard-like Ang Thong Marine National Park. Or how about an enchanting visit to the world-famous islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, known for their incredible visibility and colourful underwater wildlife?
From £329 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £229
Single room supplement from £99
Phuket is Thailand’s no. 1 beach holiday destination and also the country’s largest island. Phuket is especially known for its vibrant atmosphere and its 30 splendid beaches.
You will be staying at Kata Beach, which is located on the southwest coast of Phuket, and which is one of the most well-known beaches on the entire island. Kata Beach actually consists of two beaches: Kata Yai, the ‘big’ beach, and Kata Noi, the ‘small’ beach. Both beaches have fine, golden sand, shady trees and palms. The waters are clear and calm and relatively shallow, which is ideal for both children and adults. Kata Beach is a lot quieter than lively Patong, but it still has plenty of good restaurants, cosy bars and shops.
On Phuket, it is tempting to spend your days lazing on the golden beaches and swimming in the warm sea. However, if you nevertheless feel like an adventure, Phuket has a lot to offer with its outstanding nature and cultural experiences. Our optional excursions are listed below.
From £429 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £309
Single room supplement from £159
Krabi offers a wealth of activities and beautiful beaches, all of which have views of the many limestone cliffs and small islands that characterise the province.
As standard, you stay at the Tub Kaek beach, which is known for its stunning sunsets over the Andaman Sea as well as its untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal base for peace and relaxation. The range of restaurants is small but good.
You can also choose to stay in Ao Nang, which is about 20 minutes away. Ao Nang is for travellers who prefer more life and a wider range of restaurants and activities. The long main street stretches for several kilometres with a wealth of international restaurants and eateries with a focus on local Thai cuisine. You will find both the quiet Nopphara Thara beach, which is perfect for sunset strolls, and the Ao Nang beach, where you can swim during the day.
Other beaches worth visiting during your stay in Krabi are Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach and Tonsai Beach, which attract visitors from all over the world with its white sand, crystal-clear waters and impressive rock formations. Off Krabi are also some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, including the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Island and many more.
In addition to beach experiences, you have the opportunity to explore Krabi’s fantastic nature at the kayaking paradise of Ao Thalane. Or how about a trip through lush jungle and small streams to the nearby mountain Khao Ngon Nak, where you are rewarded with unforgettable views of the area?
Here in the Krabi province, you also have the opportunity to experience Thai culture characterised by two religions. Here, Buddhists and Muslims live peacefully side by side, and the multicultural society is especially expressed in the local cuisine and in the range of cultural experiences.
See our range of extra excursions below.
Children under 12 years from £1519
Single room supplement from £329
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
