Explore the Hill Tribes of Thailand on These Thailand Tours

Guided from start to finish, our engaging Thai trip leader guides you on incredible Thailand tours through the history, culture and tribal villages of this exotic land. Along the way, unique excursions by ox cart, motorboat and bamboo raft add fun and excitement. And every evening, you’ll delight in our hand-selected hotels and resorts. You’ll never forget Thailand tours like this one! Here’s a sample of what it could look like.

Thailand tour with AAA Vacations 

Day 1 – Welcome to Bangkok

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your city central accommodations at the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn. Tonight’s complimentary pre-tour stay is an exclusive AAA Vacations amenity.

Day 2 – Bangkok on Your Own

This entire day is yours to enjoy as you wish in this friendly and vibrant city.

Day 3 – Tour the Grand Palace

Your morning tour begins with the glittering halls and pavilions of the magnificent Grand Palace, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Coronation Hall. Then set out in a traditional motor launch to explore along the city’s canals passing serene family homes and bustling temples that reveal scenes of daily life in this exotic city. You’ll see the beautiful Royal Barges before disembarking to visit Wat Arun, the amazing Temple of Dawn. Cruising along Bangkok’s waterways is a delightful way to witness colorful scenes of daily life in the city, fondly known as the “Venice of the East.”

Day 4 – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

This morning, we’ll take you outside of the metropolitan area to Ratchburi Province. The floating market here at Damnoen Saduak is one of the country’s busiest and most colorful. Hundreds of vendors ply the canal in their traditional wooden boats selling everything from tropical fruits and produce to daily staples and even souvenirs. You’ll also visit Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s tallest Buddhist pagoda, before returning to your hotel in Bangkok.

Day 5 – Kanchanaburi and the Bridge Over River Kwai

Travel into the lush forests of Kanchanaburi Province, the site of the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai – immortalized in book and film. Begin your exploration at the JEATH Museum, highly regarded for its unique collection of photographs and memorabilia from World War II. You’ll also visit an allied cemetery before setting out on an unforgettable train ride that takes you from the River Kwai Bridge Station to Nam Tok, a thrilling route through gorgeous scenery punctuated by cliffs and forests. After lunch, check in to your spacious floating villa at the inviting Float House River Kwai Resort. Later this afternoon, rejoin your guide to venture by boat through spectacular river gorges into the jungle to visit a Mon tribal village. Enjoy dinner and a performance of Mon music and dance at our resort before retiring to your floating room.

Day 6 – Ayutthaya and Phitsanuloke

Journey through the fertile farmlands and jungle-clad mountains that lie along Thailand’s eastern border with Myanmar to visit the former capital of Ayutthaya. These vast ruins bear witness to the splendor of the ancient kingdom of Siam which flourished from 1350 until 1767. Visit Wat Yai, beloved for its golden statue of Buddha, and check in to the stylish Pattara Resort in Phitsanuloke with time to refresh before dinner. Later this evening, set out in a trishaw to visit the city’s bustling and exotic Night Market. Hop aboard a traditional trishaw and join city residents in a typical Thai night market.

Day 7 – Phitsanuloke to Chiang Mai

Check out after breakfast and travel to Sukhothai, the venerated first capital of the Kingdom. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, its fabulous ruins date back to the 13th century. After lunch, continue overland to Chiang Mai. Embraced for its beauty as the Rose of the North, it’s beloved by the Thai people for its long heritage of art, culture and deep spirituality. This evening’s Khantoke Dinner features the region’s Lanna-style cuisine and the music and dance of the northern hill tribes.

Day 8 – Out and Around Chiang Mai

This morning, we’ll take you into the countryside to spend time with local farmers; learn the many steps of rice cultivation as practiced for centuries and try your hand at planting this important staple. Then sit down to lunch surrounded by sweeping rural vistas and rice paddies. Continue into the forested mountains to visit a Meo hill tribe village before ascending to 3,500 feet to visit Doi Suthep Temple. Your tour of this venerated complex has been specially timed to coincide with the evening chants of Buddhist monks. Receive a private blessing from one of these resident monks and then take in the nighttime views of the city. Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai. Experience Thailand’s enduring ways when you spend time with farmers and receive a private blessing from a Buddhist monk at Doi Suthep Temple.

Day 9 – To Thaton on the Burmese Border

Join residents early this morning as they “gain merit” with food offerings to local monks, an ancient ritual that offers rich insight into an enduring facet of Buddhist culture. After breakfast, head into the jungle to see elephants at work in their native habitat. Then explore the forest from a variety of perspectives: By ox cart and down the Mae Taeng River on a bamboo raft expertly steered by a native Thai. Continue to the Maekok River Village Resort in Thaton. Participating with locals in their daily alms ritual is a genuine way to experience Thailand’s ancient Buddhist customs.

Day 10 – Onward to Chiang Rai

Embark on a one-hour boat ride along the Mae Kok River to Baan Mai. Continue overland through the countryside to visit a Karen village. The women of this tribe are famous for the brass rings which they wear around their elongated necks. Visiting with Lahu, Akha and Yao tribal villagers offers deeper insight into the traditional ways which endure in the mountains of northern Thailand. After lunch, travel to Chiang Rai to visit the unusual White Temple and then check in to the stylish Legend Chiang Rai River Resort & Spa.

Day 11 – Into the Golden Triangle

Visit Mae Sai, the northernmost town in Thailand where a bridge over the river connects the country with Burma (Myanmar). From here, venture deeper into the Golden Triangle, the region where the borders of Burma, Laos and Thailand come together. After lunch, explore Chiang Saen, a charming town along the Mekong River rich with historical artifacts including temple carvings and ancient Buddhist statues. Return to your hotel in Chiang Rai where you can dine at your leisure.

Day 12 – Fly Back to Bangkok

We include your flight to Bangkok where you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe city-central Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn. The rest of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Day 13 – Depart Thailand

You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Have you always dreamed of a trip to Thailand? Have another trip to Asia in mind? Tell us about it in the comments section. 

For information on  this exciting trip, click here. 

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