Thailand budget holiday
| country: | Thailand |
| location: | Thai hill tribes, Northern Thailand |
| trip type: | Moderate walking holidays |
| departures: | Departs most days of the month throughout the year |
| price: | From £220 (8 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 5 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Short on time but want to taste some unforgettable Thai treats? Jump on this express tour of northern Thailand for an out-of-this-world experience in a country that boasts centuries of rich history and colourful culture. Throw yourself into the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok and check out timeless Chiang Mai, the take-off point for a three-day trek into the rural hilltribe areas of the far north. With a little shopping and elephant riding thrown in, this will truly be a week to remember.
day-by-day itinerary
| Days 1-2: | Bangkok. Get acquainted with Thailand's steamy capital on an introductory walking tour. Amble through the Grand Palace, admire the enormous gilded Buddha at Wat Pho and graze your way through the day at the many street food stalls. A ride in a tuk-tuk is a quintessentially Thai experience so make sure to flag one down to get around town. |
| Day 3: | Chiang Mai. Thailand's beloved northern capital is filled with enough peaceful temples, exotic markets and adventure sport activities to keep even the most jaded traveller happy. Perhaps book into a cooking class to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine or temple-hop within the city's moat boundaries, and don't miss the sunset from Doi Suthep. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a must, but be sure to bargain hard. The town also has a thriving bar scene, so perhaps end a great day with a tasty Thai beer. |
| Days 4-6: | Hilltribe Trek. Trekking Thailand's rugged hills is the absolute highlight of any northern adventure. The hilltribes that live here each have their own unique language, traditions and dress. The hike between iridescent rice paddies and along small tracks takes us to a remote village homestay for a taste of the hospitality these tribes are famous for. Sleep in huts, mingle with the tribespeople and get a sense of life in this remote corner of the world. |
| Day 7: | Chiang Mai. There's time for a final spot of shopping or a relaxing Thai massage before boarding the train back to Bangkok. |
| Day 8: | Bangkok. The adventure comes full circle in the capital. Why not stay a bit longer? Night and floating markets, Chinatown, temples and street stalls - Bangkok has it all. |
travellers' tales
It was an excellent holiday one of our best holidays. The local guide was lovely, he tried to teach us an elephant song! (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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The trip offers insights into a varied landscape of unique cultures and stunning natural environments, staying for the most part amongst small Northern Thai and Karen tribal communities. This local interaction provides long term, regularemployment within our host communities. We stay in local houses, employ local cooks, and our trekking guides are all local Thais and tribesmen. These expertwoodsmen and trekkers bring a wealth of wisdom andexperience to the trip, working hand in hand with the Group Leader as valued equal partners. The relationship of mutual respect which has been fostered over time between the villagers, our Group Leaders and our local guides has created an ideal forum in which to learn from and exchange life experiences with the local people. Travellers are led by example into the community and then encouraged to actively build their own rapport with the local villagers. Time is spent as a group participating with local people in cultural and artistic activities. Our travellers also have the opportunity to help the villagers materially, in a non-patronising way, by purchasing authentic hand-made clothes and handicrafts from them. Our fixed price 'morning market' was designed and established through open discussion with the villagers. It ensures that they receive a fair reward from their labours, whilst simultaneously promoting the value and sustainabliity of their traditional crafts.
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Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |