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New Trip

Northern Thailand Hidden Kingdom

4.7(12,774 reviews)
Thailand
8 days
Operated by Us

16 others looking at this too. Next opening is Jan 2027, with limited spots.

$2,695

$495
deposit now
Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Destinations

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai

Vibe

Adventure, Nature, Foodie, Social

Intensity

Relaxed To Moderate

Seasonality

November–April, Dry Season

Unique to our Getaways

Travellers holding drinks at sunset

Sunset Drinks Included.

Sunset

Bond with your crew over included sunset drinks at handpicked local spots. It's the perfect way to connect with fellow travellers while soaking up incredible views and unforgettable moments.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Comfortable hotel room with twin-share accommodation

No Cramped
Dorm Rooms.

Bed

Enjoy guaranteed twin-share or upgraded accommodation throughout your trip. More comfort, better sleep, and none of the crowded backpacker dorms often found on traditional youth tours.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Group enjoying nightlife together

Big Nights.
Better Mornings.

Moon

Enjoy the nightlife without the early wake-ups. Our itineraries are designed with later starts after social evenings, giving you more time to rest, recharge, and enjoy every destination.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Group having their photo taken by a guide

Stay Present,
We'll Capture It.

Camera

Put the phone away and enjoy the moment. Your Global Guide captures photos and videos throughout the trip, with regular media drops shared to the group.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Bright night market street after dark

See More
After Dark.

Road sign

Experience destinations when they truly come alive. From night markets and rooftop bars to vibrant nightlife and evening adventures, you'll see a side of the destination most tourists miss.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Young travellers exploring together

Exclusively For
18-35ish.

Group

Travel with like-minded people in the same stage of life. Every Getaway is designed exclusively for 18 to 35-ish, creating a more social and connected group experience.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Trip overview

70% cities. 30% mountains and jungle. 100% done for you.

You'll feel the energy of Bangkok before you even touch down. Thailand's capital is legendary for a reason, and you're about to find out why.

Maybe it's your first time in Asia. Maybe you're not sure where to start. But with a local Global Guide leading the way and a group of new mates by your side, you'll be in excellent hands from day one.

You'll experience Bangkok by tuk tuk and canal boat before diving headfirst into one of the world's greatest street food scenes.

But Thailand isn't just cities.

You'll slow things down in Chiang Mai and the mountains of Pai, where jungle landscapes, hidden caves and authentic local experiences reveal an entirely different side of the country.

You'll visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, explore underground rivers and limestone caves, soak in natural hot springs and experience the warmth of Northern Thai hospitality firsthand.

And as the trip comes to an end, you'll celebrate with your group over an incredible meal hosted by locals who'll welcome you into their world.

You'll leave with new stories, lifelong memories and friendships that stretch across the globe.

Why you'll love this trip

🤝 Come alone, leave together

Built-in travel crew so you're never alone, even if you're travelling solo.

🌆 Experience the real side of Thailand

From Bangkok's buzzing streets to hidden villages and mountain towns, you'll discover a side of Thailand most travellers never get to see.

🐘 Ethical elephant encounters

Get up close to these incredible animals at a sanctuary committed to their wellbeing.

🍜 Eat your way across Thailand

Street food, night markets and authentic local experiences that'll completely change the way you think about Thai food.

😌 Plenty of freedom

You won't be on a strict schedule every second of the day. There'll be some time to relax, explore and enjoy the journey with your new travel crew.

📸 Stay in the moment

Your Global Guide captures the memories and shares daily photos, so you can spend less time behind your phone and more time living the experience.

What you'll do

Explore Bangkok by tuk tuk and canal boat

Explore Bangkok by tuk tuk and canal boat

Experience Thailand's legendary street food scene

Experience Thailand's legendary street food scene

Discover ancient Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai

Discover ancient Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

Explore Pai and the surrounding mountains

Explore Pai and the surrounding mountains

Venture into limestone caves and underground rivers

Venture into limestone caves and underground rivers

Share an authentic meal and cooking experience with local hosts

Share an authentic meal and cooking experience with local hosts

Enjoy sunset drinks in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pai

Enjoy sunset drinks in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pai

Trip itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival | Bangkok
Day 2 | Bangkok
Day 3 | Chiang Mai
Day 4 | Chiang Mai
Day 5 | Pai
Day 6 | Pai
Day 7 | Chiang Mai
Day 8 | Departure | Chiang Mai
Day 1 | Arrival | Bangkok
Arrive1 day

Settle into your hotel, meet your group & Global Guide and spend your first evening exploring one of the world's most exciting cities. Wander the buzzing streets of Chinatown, sample your first authentic Thai street food and soak up the electric atmosphere that makes Bangkok unforgettable.

Day 2 | Bangkok
Adventure1 day

Discover the city's historic canals, magnificent temples and bustling streets on a tour curated by your Global Guide. Visit iconic landmarks including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho before swapping sightseeing for rooftop views, sunset cocktails and eating your way through Bangkok's legendary street food scene by tuk tuk.

Day 3 | Chiang Mai
Tour1 day

Fly north to Chiang Mai, Thailand's cultural capital, where ancient temples, mountain views and vibrant night markets await. Ride through the city like a local, explore the sacred Doi Suthep temple and finish the day browsing colourful market stalls packed with incredible local food and handmade treasures.

Day 4 | Chiang Mai
Free Day1 day

Today is yours to enjoy however you like. Relax by the pool, hunt down hidden cafés, explore the Old Town or join an optional adventure before meeting the group for sunset drinks overlooking the city from one of Chiang Mai's best rooftop bars.

Day 5 | Pai
Activity Day1 day

Leave the city behind and wind through Northern Thailand's spectacular mountain roads. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary to learn about elephant conservation before arriving in laidback Pai, where you'll catch sunset over the dramatic Pai Canyon and toast the day with incredible mountain views.

Day 6 | Pai
Activity Day1 day

Adventure calls as you explore spectacular limestone caves, drift along underground rivers and unwind in natural hot springs surrounded by lush forest. As night falls, wander Pai's famous walking street, where live music, local crafts and some of Northern Thailand's best street food create the perfect evening atmosphere.

Day 7 | Chiang Mai
Activity Day1 day

Travel back to Chiang Mai through the scenic mountains before being welcomed into a local family's home for one of the trip's most memorable experiences. Learn the secrets behind traditional Northern Thai cooking, share an incredible home-cooked meal and celebrate the adventure and friendships you've made along the way.

Day 8 | Departure | Chiang Mai
Depart1 day

And just like that, your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your new travel family and head home with unforgettable memories, incredible stories and a camera roll you'll be reliving long after you've left Thailand behind.

What's included

Tap to expand

Accommodation
Breakfast + Select Meals
Travel Medical Insurance
Airport Meet & Transfer
All Transport Included
Global Guide
Bangkok Activities
Chiang Mai Activities
Sunset Sessions
Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Cave Exploration
Local Host Dinner Experience
Photos Taken by Your Global Guide
Personal Travel Concierge
Social
Exclusive Future Getaway Discount
Ongoing Support & 24/7 Emergency Line

Where you'll stay

Twin Share Accommodation

Included

Forget cramped dorm rooms. Throughout your adventure you'll stay in comfortable twin-share accommodation at carefully selected 3 or 4-star hotels, giving you all the social side of travel without sacrificing a great night's sleep. Travelling with someone? You'll be paired together. Flying solo? We'll match you with another traveller of the same gender, so you can settle in comfortably while making a new friend from day one.

Private Room Upgrade

Love the social side of group travel but prefer your own space at the end of the day? Upgrade to a private room and enjoy the comfort of having your own place to recharge between adventures. Private room upgrades are available on this trip for an additional cost (from A$374/£200) and are subject to availability.

Who it's for

Perfect for:

✔ Solo travellers (like 90% of our travellers)

✔ Couples and friends

✔ Travellers aged 18-35

✔ Anyone who wants all the fun without all the planning

Not ideal for:

✖ Families with young children

✖ Luxury travellers looking for five-star experiences

✖ Under-18s

✖ Travellers seeking highly structured, fast-paced tours

See Who's going.

Book & get early access to your group, start planning meet-ups, and make new friends before your journey begins.

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mon-Fri.

Good to know

For most trips, a simple tourist visa is all you'll need to pack. Because the rules change depending on what passport you hold, you'll just need to double-check and grab the right one before you head off. Our team is always here to point you in the right direction if you get stuck, but getting that final stamp is down to you!

This could be you!
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Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, around 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 100,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and loved by a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Absolutely! For most of our trips, we can help arrange for you and your friends to be together - so you can live, work, play, and explore the world side by side. But that’s not all! You can also earn extra travel funds just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. It’s super simple, and you’ll find all the details about our referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you’ve joined. Flying solo? No worries. We’ve made it easier than ever to connect with other Global Travellers heading to the same region through Social. Just like any social platform, you’ll be able to chat, share, and meet others doing similar trips - so you’re never really travelling alone.

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. Full credit terms available on our website. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and Booking Conditions, our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

Why travellers choose Global Work & Travel

Plans change (and that’s ok)

Can’t travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it to someone, or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Travel backed by actual experts

With 17+ years in travel and over 120,000 travellers helped worldwide, you’re in experienced hands from day one.

Be more than a tourist

Go beyond the guidebooks to discover hidden gems and experience each destination like a local.

Book now, pay your way

Don’t wait to start your next adventure. Secure your spot today and spread the cost over time with flexible instalments that fit your budget.

We’re travelling with you

Whether you’re planning, packing or already overseas, we’re here to help every step of the way with always-on global support.

Flexible travel, built in

Life changes. Your trip can too. Change your destination or departure date on most trips up to 60 days before departure and keep your adventure moving.

Still have questions?

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Northern Thailand Hidden Kingdom