Finding Thailand's True North

Experience the wonders of Thailand through the characters, cuisine and craft that define each region, gaining a unique perspective of The Land of Smiles’ many faces on this culturally immersive journey from the North’s cities and countryside to the bustling hub of Bangkok.

When to go
Nov - Apr
 
From Price
£30,000 PP*
(excl international flights)
Ideal Length
12 Nights
 



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Experience Highlights

  • Visit artisans' studios and chefs' tables to learn everything from trademark indigo-dyeing, pottery, woodcarving, gardening, coffee and chocolate making to Thai culinary traditions.
  • Local families from Thailand’s many tribes welcome you to experience their way of life in intimate and thoughtful encounters, from elephant care to open fire cooking.
  • Escape the city crowds alongside expert guides, granting you private access everywhere – from the unmissable top cultural sites to secret local hideouts.
  • Hike, cycle, helicopter, raft, road trip and tuk tuk to explore northern Thailand’s valleys, rivers and villages, concluding with the art, dining and historic highlights of Bangkok.

Thailand’s cultural treasures have long been coveted, drawing travellers from around the world to its bustling cities and golden temples. For those seeking to discover its true gems, venture off the beaten track and go hyperlocal with Pelorus, where exclusive access and immersive experiences reveal the hidden side of each unique region, showcasing the true heart of their people, food and art.

CHIANG MAI: TEMPLES AND TRADITIONS

Your journey across northern Thailand begins on a hilltop, at one of Chiang Mai’s most significant temples, Doi Suthep. Next, discover the majestic Wat Prah Singh complex alongside a specialist private historian, then head to Warorot Market, one of the most vibrant markets in Chiang Mai. Tour the Old Town by tuk tuk, connecting with the city’s soul. This evening, be introduced to Northern Thai cuisine as you dine along the Mae Ping River beneath a soaring Thai pagoda.

Begin your day as by being welcomed into the traditional home and beautiful gardens of a Lanna family, whose traditions have been passed down for five generations. The Lanna Kingdom is still very much alive in the daily practices of your hosts and today you will be invited to authentically learn more about their way of life, contributing towards its preservation within modern society.

TRIBES AND TEXTILES IN CHIANG DAO

Travel north to the Mae Taeng River valley, surrounded by limestone mountains. Set off on a morning rafting adventure or take to the trails with a private guide, an expert on this region’s flora and fauna. Harvest fresh shoots of wild ginger and bamboo, before experiencing the unique culinary practices of this region. Like much of Thailand’s rural north, the peaks around Chiang Dao are made up of a network of tribal villages; the Lahu, Lisu, Karen and Akha, all of which have their own cooking, clothing and dwelling styles.

Delve into The City of Stars’ growing creative scene, visiting Chiangdao Blue, a charming indigo-dyeing studio run by a talented Japanese-Thai artist. Take part in a pottery class at a ceramicist’s atelier, before venturing further into the mountains for an intricate wood-carving workshop. Meet local café owners who grow their own coffee beans and roast them over an open fire, gaining an insider’s perspective into the characters who make this area special.

CHIANG RAI’S CULINARY CHARM

Hop aboard your helicopter and fly up to Thailand’s second highest mountain, situated on the Myanmar border. Hike through forests dotted with coffee and tea plantations, arriving to a Lahu hill tribe village. Watch as they cook lunch over an open fire, creating all utensils on the spot from bamboo and banana plants. Take to the skies once again for a scenic flight over some of Thailand’ most striking landscapes, before arriving at your gorgeous teakwood villa in Chiang Rai.

Visit the iconic White Temple, famous for its artistic fusion of Buddhist architecture and contemporary themes. Visit a Karen hill tribe settlement where they live in harmony with rescued elephants. Feed and interact with these gentle giants, learning about the Karen customs of elephant caring. Stroll through Pa Sak Tong, a lush estate south of Chiang Rai, learn about the fresh produce grown here. Dine at northern Thailand’s most sought-after chef’s table. Savour an eight-course feast, which combines ancient recipes and tribal techniques to deliver a truly outstanding menu.

HIDDEN CORNERS OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Jump on mountain bikes and cycle an undulating route from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Saen through farmland and forest, stopping to feast on a picnic lunch set up beside Wat Maha That. Journey into the jungle with elephants and their mahouts on their daily walk, watching as they splash in the river or play in the mud, feed and socialise with one another.

Seek out Tham Luang Cave, deep in the Northern mountains, made famous by the rescue of the school football team in 2018. Drive up one of Thailand's most scenic roads to Doi Chang Moob, curving along a mountain ridge that marks the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Next, visit Mae Fa Luang Garden, a Thai Royal Family development project that has changed the lives of locals, replacing the largest opium farm and drug trafficking area in the region with sustainable food crops and tourism.

NAN’S NORTHERN NATURE

Filled with endless mountain views, Nan Province still feels undiscovered. Road trip along Route 3, named for its winding path, which uniquely forms the shape of the number 3. Gaze out over towering peaks, rolling green hills, and panoramic vistas – a photographer’s dream. Soak in the natural beauty of the national park, home to ancient salt wells and sleepy villages. Tonight, stay at a small family-run property on a local organic farm, immersing yourself in local life and dining on home-made northern Thai cuisine.

Rise early to participate in the sacred tradition of giving alms to the monks. Get up at sunrise, dressing in traditional Lanna clothes to offer food to the Buddhist monks, a practice deeply rooted in Thai culture. Discover some of northern Thailand’s most intricate architecture, including the country’s smallest temple. Get hands-on at a cacao farm, learning how to harvest cacao pods and make your own chocolate. Wander through Bhumin Night Walking Street, one of the biggest night markets in Nan, soaking in the lively atmosphere and sampling delicious local street food such as Sai ua and Gaeng ho.  

BANGKOK: HERITAGE AND HUSTLE

Discover Bangkok’s original neighbourhoods, where Chinese, Portuguese, Muslim and European influences blend with Thai communities along the famous Chao Phraya River. Trace the steps of early Oriental merchants, from the canals of Thonburi to the murals of Wat Suwan. Visit Baan Bu, a hand-hammered bronze bowl factory, before dining at a garden aimed at rewilding Bangkok, cultivating native trees, plants, herbs – drawing on the gardening culture of past generations. Walk the streets at dusk to explore the lively markets or race tuk tuks through the historic districts for stunning views of Wat Arun and the illuminated Grand Palace, before ending up in the narrow alleys of Na Na, home of Bangkok’s thriving nightlife.

Where to Stay

137 Pillars House

Four Seasons Tented Camp, Thailand

Capella Bangkok

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