Pack your backpack and let's travel through Central & Northern Thailand together! 🇹🇭 In 12 days we will visit completely different places that form a stark contrast to the overcrowded islands and tourist hustle and bustle in the south of Thailand. The highlight of this trip will be the 3-day retreat in a Buddhist silent monastery on the border with Myanmar. Our route to northern Thailand: Bangkok 🏙️ -> Old Sukhothai 🏯 -> Chiang Mai 🍜 -> Pai ⛰️ -> Buddhist monastery -> Pai ⛰️ -> Chiang Mai ✈️ ________________________________________ ℹ️ OVERVIEW: Day 1-2: Our journey begins in the vibrant megacity of Bangkok. If it's your first time in Bangkok, I'll show you some of the typical (but worth seeing) highlights of the Thai capital. But we also like to visit the less touristy corners of my adopted hometown. 🍻🏙️ 🏯 Day 2-3: From Bangkok, we take the train via Phitsanulok (a typical Thai provincial town) to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai. The former kingdom of Sukhothai forms the origin of the country and is considered the cradle of Thai culture. Here we will explore the ancient ruins, nestled between palm trees, lakes and canals, by bike. 🛤️🏯 Day 3-5: After exploring the historic temple ruins, our journey continues by bus in the evening to the capital of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. Here we spend the next few days exploring the really charming and pleasant city. The local cuisine here is really excellent (also veggie & vegan friendly) and the vibe is very different to Bangkok. 🍜 🍍 Day 5-7: From Chiang Mai, we continue to the far north, almost to the border with Myanmar. We will stay here for 3 days in a Buddhist silent monastery and learn a lot more about Buddhism, meditation and ourselves than a classic online course for mental health and meditation can even begin to promise. This is because the retreat in the silent monastery requires strict adherence to daily routines, rituals and rules. If you would prefer to forego this experience, there is also the option of disembarking in Pai en route and spending two more nights here. Day 7-10: After 3 days of inner peace, the picturesque mountain village of Pai now awaits us. The village, which is very popular with backpackers and hippies, has something for everyone. There is plenty of party & action here, but also relaxation in hot springs, beautiful rice terraces and bizarre natural wonders such as the "Pai Canyon". We will explore the very scenic and relaxed landscape on our own by scooter. 🛵 ⛰️ Day 10-12: For our last stop, we head back to Chiang Mai. Here we have more time to explore the surroundings of Chiang Mai. Alternatively, we can split the days up flexibly, for example to stay longer in Pai or to spend additional days at the monastery. Chiang Mai also offers the ideal starting point to fly back to Bangkok or to the south (Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi) or to Malaysia. Alternatively, you can take the (night) train back to Bangkok or travel on to Laos via Chiang Rai. If you are traveling further through Thailand or Southeast Asia, I have a few more hot tips for you. ✈️🏙️ ________________________________________ What can you expect on this trip? ➕ A real backpacking feeling 🎒 ➕ A cool travel group, with a maximum of 6 people 🤗 ➕ Meet other backpackers from all over the world in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pai 🍺🌏 ➕ Switch off your cell phone and immerse yourself in the world of a Buddhist monastery ➕ Perfect mix of party, culture and nature. 🥳🏛️🌿 ➕ Genuine Thai culture and hospitality 🙏 What is included in the tour price? ✅ All transfers (bus, train, cab, boat, minivan) ✅ Accommodation (11 nights in shared double rooms) ✅ Entrance fee Wat Arun - Bangkok ✅ Entrance fee Wat Saket - Bangkok ✅ Entrance fee Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO) - Sukhothai ✅ Bike rental - Sukhothai ✅ Entrance fee Wat Chedi Luang - Chiang Mai ✅ Donation Wat Phan Tao - Chiang Mai 1x lunch (authentic Khao Soi soup) - Chiang Mai ✅ 1-day scooter rental in Pai (1 scooter for 2 people, including fuel) ✅ 3 days stay in buddhism forest monastery incl. accommodation & food ✅ 24/7 Customer Service and Support. ✅ Travel Insurance for Trip Mates coming from Austria and Germany. What is not included in the trip price? ❌ (International) Flights to/from Bangkok/Chiang Mai ❌ Daily Meals, Snacks & Drinks (approx. 7€-15€ per day) ❌ If needed, single room upgrade (approx. 10-15€ per day) ❌ Entrance fees for additional attractions (depends on what you want to do) ❌ Tours for additional attractions (depends on what you want to do) ❌ Everything else which is not listed or marked with ❌ ________________________________________ ℹ️ TIME OF TRAVEL: Dry season ☀️ We are still traveling in Thailand at a pleasant time, especially in the center and north it is not yet so hot in January and February and monsoon rain showers are rather rare. However, by mid-February at the latest, farmers start to burn their dry fields and forest fires can also occur between February and April. Air quality can therefore be impaired during the so-called "burning season". However, due to this year's weather phenomenon "La Niña", Thailand is expecting a cooler and rainier winter than in previous years. This could delay the burning season by a few weeks so that we can enjoy the beauty of northern Thailand without major restrictions. ________________________________________
ABOUT YOUR TRIPLEADER: I have been exploring the world for 10 years now and have lost my heart to Thailand. In 2024, I moved to Bangkok with my girlfriend from Germany and organize various backpacking trips through Southeast Asia from here. ________________________________________ HOW DO I TRAVEL? I am a fan of the simple life, live a vegetarian lifestyle and prefer a cheap and sustainable backpacking travel style. That means: - Backpack 🎒 instead of suitcase 🧳🚫 - Simple, clean rooms in local guesthouses 🏡 or hostels 🏠 - Good and cheap street food 🍲 - Beer 🍺 and cocktails 🍹 preferably at happy hour instead of fancy drinks at the rooftop bar 🍸 - Travel like the locals, slower but 100% authentic 🚂 - Sightseeing on your own 🛵 instead of organized tourist groups 🚐 ________________________________________ MY EXPECTATIONS: My ideal tripmates share a passion for simple and authentic travel. It's best if you're prepared to leave your comfort zone and get involved in something unknown. But that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to an extensive massage or a great mango or avocado shake after a night of drinking. 😋 I try to keep the tour as flexible, spontaneous and affordable as possible so that everyone has the opportunity to join the trip through northern Thailand. IMPORTANT: We are doing a BACKPACKING trip. 😉 Suitcases are rather impractical on the trip 🧳🚫. If you're a fan of suitcases, the way I'm planning this trip and traveling to Thailand might not be the right trip for you. ________________________________________
ℹ️ ACCOMMODATION: On our trip, we will be staying in simple but clean and well-kept hostels 🏠 or family-run homestays 🏡, with which I have already had good experiences. Two people always stay in a double room (separate beds, of course), sometimes with their own bathroom, sometimes with shared bathrooms. In the hot areas (Bangkok and central Thailand), each room usually has air conditioning. In the mountains, a fan is usually sufficient. In the monastery we are allocated rooms, these are usually shared rooms for 3 or 4 people of the same sex. Otherwise, it is almost always possible to upgrade to a private room. The costs must be paid on site (max. 10-15€ per night). If you wish to do this, please let me know after booking so that I can take this into account when making reservations.
What's included?
All accomodations (shared rooms)
All transfers (Taxi, Boat, Metro, Bus)
3 days all incl. Buddhism Monastery Stay
AC Train & Bus tickets
Bike rental Sukhothai
Entrance Fees Sukhothai Historical Park
Entrance Fees Bangkok & Chiang Mai
Scooter Rental in Pai (1 for 2 people)
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations. Learn More
Hi! I’m Timo 👋 I’am travelling all around Southeast Asia. Let me show you the most beautiful places and my secret spots. 🫶🌏🌴
5 based on 2 reviews
Alen
5/5
Timo is a true travel expert for Southeast Asia! Anyone who doesn't want to travel alone to this region (and probably beyond) is in good hands with him! 😊 For example, he gave me one or two (secret) tips about Thailand before my departure (regarding luggage content, flight booking, how to get from the airport to the hotel, which SIM card to take, etc.) and answered all my questions thoroughly, so that nothing really stood in the way of a relaxed trip. In this respect, the trip itself was really cool, varied and exciting. We got authentic insights into the cultural and scenic peculiarities of (northern) Thailand and the everyday life of the people there. Timo's trip is not hectic and is also adapted to the needs/wishes of the TripMates, which is what makes it so special!
On our first day in Bangkok, we explore the magnificent temples of Wat Arun and Wat Samet. These historical sites are not only a must-see for every visitor, but also offer breathtaking photo opportunities. Don't forget to wear appropriate clothing (shoulders and knees must be covered). To relax in the afternoon, we visit the "green lungs" of Bangkok, Lumphini and Benjakitti Park. Here you can observe turtles and giant monitor lizards that have found a new home here. In the evening, a visit to one of the many night markets awaits, where you can experience a huge selection of street food.
2
Sukhothai Historical Park
Day 2-3
The next morning, we take the Thai train from Bangkok north to Phitsanulok. A train ride in Thailand is often more of an experience than a fast and comfortable transportation option. But it is 100% authentic and has its own charm! From Phitsanulok we will continue to Old Sukhothai, the heart of Thai history, where we will check into our accommodation in the late afternoon and have dinner at a very nice night market. A visit to the Historical Park in Sukhothai, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is then on the agenda the next morning. Here you can marvel at the truly impressive ruins of ancient temples and monuments that bear witness to the glorious past of the kingdom of Sukhothai. We hire a bike to make it easier to reach the various temple ruins. The area is really huge and the tranquil atmosphere makes this place perfect for unique photos and a relaxing break by the water under the trees. We will then take the bus to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon,
3
Chiang Mai Gate Market
Day 3-5
The bus ride from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai takes around 6 hours and we only arrive in Chiang Mai in the evening. The next day we explore the old town of Chiang Mai and visit one or two of the city's most famous temples. If you've had enough of temples, you can discover street art and cool 2nd hand boutiques all over the city. For lunch, we treat ourselves to the culinary highlight of the city: khao soi, a spicy noodle soup that is only available in northern Thailand.
4
Pai Walking Street
Day 5
The next morning we travel from Chiang Mai via Pai to the silent monastery Wat Pa Tam Wua. The journey by minivan is a bit of an adventure - the winding roads (there are exactly 762 bends to Pai) are not for the faint-hearted and the drivers get the most out of their Toyotas on the way!
5
Wat Pa Tam Wua
Day 5-7
The Buddhist silent monastery Wat Pa Tam Wua is located about 5 hours from Chiang Mai and 1.5 hours from Pai, on the border with Myanmar. The monastery is in a quiet and idyllic location away from all the hustle and bustle between the mountains and borders on the untouched rainforest. This Buddhist monastery has made it its mission to give all visitors a genuine and in-depth insight into the daily life of a monk. Regardless of religion, gender (women are expressly welcome here), level of knowledge of Buddhism or previous experience in daily meditation. We will spend 2 nights (3 days) here and fully adapt to the life of the monks. For a donation (✅ already included), we will be provided with a bed, a pillow, a blanket and traditional robes, as well as being allowed to participate in the daily breakfast and lunch ritual. There is no real dinner, but the consumption of fruit or cookies is tolerated. All meals in the monastery are vegetarian. Conversely, however, this also means that you MUST participate in all rituals and meditations (see the daily overview). We will familiarize ourselves with the customs and rules in advance in order to treat the monks with respect and to remind ourselves that this time can be very intense and long-lasting. If there are tripmates who do not feel comfortable with this, we can also split the group and some of us can simply spend the 2 nights in Pai. There is no obligation to go to the monastery. You can inform me of your decision 2 days before departure to the monastery. Conversely, it is also possible to stay one more night at the monastery. The daily schedule: 05:00 Morning meditation in your kuti 06:30 Rice offering to the monks 07:00 Breakfast 08:00 Morning Dharma talk, and meditation class 10:30 Food offering to the monks 11:00 Lunch 12:50 Afternoon Dharma talk and meditation class 16:00 Cleaning the area and helping in the monastery 17:00 Free time 18:00 Evening Chanting, meditation and Dharma talk 20:00 Meditation on your own, or have tea, coffee, hot chocolate & relax 22:00 Rest time
6
Pai Walking Street
Day 7-10
The atmosphere in Pai is super relaxed and the landscape is simply beautiful. You'll meet great people in the evening on the small party mile and can decide which activities you want to do the next day. (No more temples 😉) We can rent a scooter on the first day (1 scooter per 2 people) and explore the surroundings of Pai together on our own. The second day is at your own disposal. The following Pai highlights are already included in the tour price ✅: - White Buddha (huge Buddha statue on a hill, great view) - Pai Canyon (natural phenomenon that is difficult to describe) - Yun Lai Viewpoint (beautiful view of the valley from a Chinese temple) - Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge (very beautiful bamboo bridge through rice terraces to a small temple) - Hot spring, geyser that spews out boiling hot water - Relaxed scooter ride through a very scenic and relaxed environment But there are other highlights around Pai that you can visit on your own the next day. (❌ not included in the tour price): - Pham bok waterfalls - Susa waterfall - Lod cave - Hot springs for bathing - Nam bor pee sink hole - Doi jik jong National Park - Rafting tours - Reforestation project with elephant visit The next morning we travel from Chiang Mai to Pai. The journey by minivan is a bit of an adventure - the winding roads (there are exactly 762 bends!) are not for the faint-hearted and the drivers get the most out of their Toyotas on the way! The atmosphere in Pai is super relaxed and the scenery is simply beautiful. You'll meet great people in the evening on the small party mile and can decide which activities you want to do the next day. (No more temples 😉) We can rent a scooter on the first day (1 scooter per 2 people) and explore the surroundings of Pai together on our own. The second day is at your own disposal. The following Pai highlights are already included in the tour price ✅: - White Buddha (huge Buddha statue on a hill, great view) - Pai Canyon (natural phenomenon that is difficult to describe) - Yun Lai Viewpoint (beautiful view of the valley from a Chinese temple) - Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge (very beautiful bamboo bridge through rice terraces to a small temple) - Hot spring, geyser that spews out boiling hot water - Relaxed scooter ride through a very scenic and relaxed environment But there are other highlights around Pai that you can visit on your own the next day. (❌ not included in the tour price): - Pham bok waterfalls - Susa waterfall - Lod cave - Hot springs for bathing - Nam bor pee sink hole - Doi jik jong National Park - Rafting tours - Reforestation project with elephant visit
7
Chiang Mai
Day 10-12
From Pai, we then head back to Chiang Mai. We will spend a few more relaxing days here, which can also be used as buffer days for a longer stay in Pai or at the monastery. There are many activities in and around Chiang Mai that can be reached by tour or scooter (❌ not included in the price). Some of them are: - Camp of former working elephants 🐘 (only bathing and feeding, no riding!) - Botanical garden in the mountains with treetop path 🌿 - Various view points and waterfalls - Thai cooking course in Chiang Mai - Pure action: rafting, quad biking, zipline etc. Some of these can be combined very well as a day trip with your own scooter. Experienced motorcyclists or scooter riders also have the option of riding the 150 km from Pai to Chiang Mai by scooter and dropping off the scooter in Chiang Mai. The route leads through a winding (>700 bends) route through the rainforest and is truly breathtakingly beautiful and a dream for every motorcyclist. After a final lunch together, we part ways in the afternoon and you can either fly back to Bangkok with me (flight not included ❌) or take another flight, e.g. Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur. Chiang Mai is also a good starting point for an onward journey to Laos or offers the unique experience of traveling back to Bangkok in a sleeper train.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hostel & Bed & Breakfast & Hotel
12 days trip
Bangkok, Sukhothai Historical Park & 5 more
Transportation
Train, Car
Questions and Answers
Hi Timo, thanks for your reply. I will be in Thailand from 26.01. to 12.02. I wanted to explore the ... Read More
HI Arthur, I have sent you a personal message. Check your mailbox. I think we can get it all under one roof :) LG
Hi Timo, I'm interested in your trip to the north. I land in Bangkok on January 26th and have alread... Read More
Hi Arthur, thanks for your interest in my trip. :) Yes, theoretically it wouldn't be a problem if you join us on 26.1. I just have to be back in Bangkok by 6.2 at the latest, so I can't postpone the t... Read More
Hi Timo. Your trip looks great! I was wondering are the locations you visit in Northern Thailand imp... Read More
Hello Eren, thanks for your question. The burning season depends on the weather and usually starts at the end of January until April (peaks from February - end of March). This year we have the La Niña... Read More
What's excluded?
International Flights (to/from Bangkok)
Personal expenses (Meals/Drinks/Party)
Optional tours and entrance fees
Transportation from Chiang Mai
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