Only 720€ per week!
Train Track Northern Thailand (Road Trip)
Train Track Northern Thailand - Thailand
Explore Thailand from the central plains to the northern highlands on this week-long expedition filled with varied activities!
Throughout the week, you will get to experience traditional Thai farming, take part in Buddhist teachings at a monastery by authentic Thai Monks, teach at a local school, visit an Elephant Conservation Center, wander around the backpacker hub that is Chiang Mai and much more!
Program
Living
Thailand
Program Description
This program is designed to give you a full insight into the culture and local customs of the northern Thai people. Through traveling and helping in local projects, you will get to fully experience this gorgeous part of Thailand. During the expedition, you will learn about Thai Buddhism from monks at an authentic monastery, visit the “big giants” at an Elephant Conservation Center, explore Chiang Mai, teach at a local school and much more!
Mostly Thai style dishes will be served during the trip. This means that the meals will consist of mostly rice and noodles. There will usually be some vegetables and some meat in these dishes, but vegetarian options can be arranged as well. We do not offer Western style meals, but you can feel free to supplement the menu at your own cost to include any of your favorite dishes.
Aims & Objectives
We aim to show you the best northern Thailand has to offer. From the bustle and hustle of Chiang Mai to secluded rural areas and more!
Schedule
Monday
- Breakfast at the Singburi center
- Transfer to Lopburi bus station
- Lunch in Chum Saeng
- Introduction at the homestay
- Dinner
- Small Thai welcome BBQ in the evening
Overnight stay at the homestay (fan, cold water & no Wi-Fi)
Tuesday
- Breakfast at the homestay
- Thai traditional farming/agriculture activity
- Lunch at the homestay
- Train from Chum Saeng to Uttaradit (4 hour ride, no air-con)
- Check in at the hotel in Uttaradit
- Visit to Hero Monument
- Dinner at a local Thai restaurant
Overnight stay at the hotel in Uttaradit (hot water, aircon & Wi-Fi)
Wednesday
- Breakfast at the school
- Teaching at Tungkalo school
- Lunch at a local Thai restaurant
- An educational visit to Tungyang Temple to learn about Buddhism by the Monks and assist the Monks with cleaning of the temple premises
- A visit to the local shopping center
- Dinner at the shopping center
Overnight stay at the hotel in Uttaradit (hot water, aircon & Wi-Fi)
Thursday
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Train from Uttaradit to Lampang, with very nice mountain landscapes en route (3 hours, no air-con).
- Check in at the hotel in Lampang
- Have lunch at local Thai restaurant
- A visit to an old Burmese Temple, where you will learn about Buddhism by the Monks and assist the Monks with cleaning of the temple premises
- A visit to the local market
- Dinner at the local market
Overnight stay at the hotel in Lampang (hot water, aircon & Wi-Fi)
Friday
- Breakfast across the hotel in a local Thai restaurant
- A visit to the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang to about elephant care
- Lunch at a local market where you can buy souvenirs
- After lunch take the train to Chiang Mai
- Dinner at a local Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai
- Train from Lampang to Chiang Mai (2 hours and 15 minutes, with no air-con)
- Visit famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Overnight stay at the hotel in Chiang Mai (hot water, air-con & Wi-Fi)
Saturday
- Breakfast at a local restaurant in Chiang Mai
- An educational and cultural excursion to Doi Pui villages, Hill tribe people
- A visit to Doi Suthep Mountain and Wat Phrathat temple
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Chiang Mai
- During the afternoon: free time in Chiang Mai
- Early evening: pick up the bags at the hotel and go to the bus station
- Have dinner at Chiang Mai bus station
Overnight bus from Chiang Mai to Singburi to continue further programs or directly to Bangkok.
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: –
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: No
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
There are no further requirements for this program.
Additional Equipment
- The temperature can cool down a lot during the evening and night in this area of Thailand. Please bring some warm clothes with you
Location
A route from Singburi up to some of the best places in northern Thailand, which will pass several temples and beautiful landscapes. Some of the stops along the way include Chum Saeng, Uttaradit, Lampang and the backpacker famous Chiang Mai.
About the Accommodation
Along the route you will have overnight stays in hotels, buses and one night in a homestay. More information can be found inside the schedule.
Food Arrangements
Mostly Thai style dishes will be served during the trip. This means that the meals will consist of mostly rice and noodles. There will usually be some vegetables and some meat in these dishes, but vegetarian options can be arranged as well. We do not offer Western style meals, but you can feel free to supplement the menu at your own cost to include any of your favorite dishes.
Facilities
Along the route – but not at all times – there are ATMs and small local stores. Please make sure you have enough money with you before starting the trip.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
You’ll be on a busy schedule.
Transportation
From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):
- Akha Village Chiang Rai
- All around Thailand
- Hua Hin
- Kaeng Krachan
- Kanchanaburi
- Mae Sot
- Singburi
- Suphan Buri
- Trunk to the South
- Udon Thani
- Umphang
- Wang Nam Khiao
Quick Facts
Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Population: 67 million
Capital: Bangkok
Language: Thai
Currency: Baht (THB)
Time zone: ICT (UTC +7)
Country Information
From trekking in the beautiful mountains of the north to enjoying the glorious beaches in the south and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the metropolis that is Bangkok, Thailand is certainly not a country that lacks variety.
Whilst it really is at the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, its cultural identity remains very unique. As the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid European powers, the Thai are proud to refer to themselves as ‘The Land of the Free’ and many tourists might also know it as ‘The Land of Smiles’ due to its friendly people.
Climate
The majority of the country is home to a tropical savanna climate which consists of wet and dry seasons of a roughly equal length. The climate can be divided into three distinct seasons:
- Dry season: November – end of February. During this period, precipitation is at its lowest but so are the temperatures. This said, ‘low temperatures’ are of course relative and the difference is not in fact very different at all in the South. It is only if you will be visiting the northern mountains that you might need to bring some warmer clothes as temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This period is, not surprisingly, the most popular time to visit Thailand and tourism peaks around Christmas and New Year as well as Chinese New year. Flights and accommodation at this time can be more expensive.
- Hot: March to June. During this time Thailand reaches its hottest temperatures (as high as 50°C).
- Rainy: July – October. This is when the tropical monsoons begin to arrive, peaking in September. Although this is indeed rainy season, it doesn’t mean that it rains non-stop. Storms can clear up very quickly, but when it does rain, heavy flooding is not rare.
Culture
A significant feature of Thai culture is its primary religion: Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is supported by the government and practiced by an estimated 95% of its population. Thailand not only boasts tens of thousands of beautiful temples, but you will notice that a lot of Thai people have miniature Spirit Houses on their front yards because they believe that the household spirits live in them and they make offerings to them to keep the spirits happy.
Another feature of Thai culture is the wai greeting, which is essentially a slight bow with palms pressed together in a prayer-like manner to show respect. This can be compared to the Indian namasté. Things to know about this:
- The higher the hands in relation to the face and the deeper the bow, the more respect is shown.
- It is made before formally entering/leaving a house
- It can also be made as a sign of gratitude or apology
- You do not make the greeting to those who are younger than you unless you are returning the wai.
- The gesture is normally accompanied with the phrase “sawadee (krap/ka)” (“krap” if you are male and “ka” if you are female)
- A corporate wai (made by cashiers etc) can be returned with a smile or a nod
The major festival in Thailand is Thai New Year, known as Songkran. It is celebrated on the 13th-14th April of every year. It is a festival that concludes the dry season and involves a lot of water throwing!
Gastronomy
Thai cuisine is very nutritious and alongside its plentiful use of rice, it generally contains fresh vegetables and white meats like chicken and fish. Thai people love spicy food but do not fear if you do not, just say ‘mai pet’ when you order. However, the flavors are not only about the spice, as many people believe. Thai food can be slightly salty, sour and/or sweet, so there really is something to suit everyone’s palate.
Transportation
Transport in Thailand is very varied and there isn’t one ‘main way’ to travel. Buses dominate long distance journeys. Travel in thailand is cheap and even domestic flights are a worthwhile consideration for long distance journeys, especially with the expansion of low-cost airlines.
Taxis, tuk-tuks and vans are also common modes of transport, but tourists must be wary about being overcharged. If in doubt, always ask that the taximeter be switched on to avoid overcharging.
