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Rail journey · Trafalgar Tours · 7 nights

Snapshot of Thailand - Small Group

  • Experience a classic Thai rail adventure on the overnight train
  • Discover the intricate architecture of Chiang Mai's Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh
  • Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
From
$1,995 pp twin share
7 nights
Departs 14 March 2027 Returns 5 March 2028
Duration7 nights
OperatorTrafalgar Tours
StyleRail journey
HighlightDiscover the highlights of Thailand on this small group journey, from Bangkok's grand palaces to Chiang Mai's vibrant night markets
Visit Bangkok's iconic Wat Pho and Grand Palace. Overnight train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Explore Chiang Mai's temples, crafts and night market

In Bangkok, you move from the cool tiled spaces of Wat Pho to the gilded detail of the Grand Palace, before an overnight train carries you north to Chiang Mai. Temple bells, sizzling street food and the chatter of the Night Bazaar accompany you as you explore, with free time to follow your appetite through markets and neighbourhood streets. Optional Experiences give you more ways to spend your time, whether that means trying more Thai flavours, seeking out another temple or following Chiang Mai beyond the places already on your route.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
14 March 2027
Returns 5 March 2028
Returns
5 March 2028
Duration
7 nights
From pp twin share
$1,995 pp
  • 14 Mar 2027 - 21 Mar 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 04 Apr 2027 - 11 Apr 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 02 May 2027 - 09 May 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 30 May 2027 - 06 Jun 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 27 Jun 2027 - 04 Jul 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 25 Jul 2027 - 01 Aug 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 29 Aug 2027 - 05 Sep 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 12 Sep 2027 - 19 Sep 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 26 Sep 2027 - 03 Oct 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 17 Oct 2027 - 24 Oct 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 31 Oct 2027 - 07 Nov 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 05 Dec 2027 - 12 Dec 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 10 Dec 2027 - 17 Dec 2027
    from $1,995 pp twin share *
  • 20 Dec 2027 - 27 Dec 2027
    from $2,175 pp twin share *
  • 30 Jan 2028 - 06 Feb 2028
    from $2,095 pp twin share *
  • 27 Feb 2028 - 05 Mar 2028
    from $1,995 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Begin Your Thailand Adventure in Bangkok

    You’ll arrive in Bangkok among flashes of gold, spirit houses tucked beside modern buildings and flower garlands threaded with yellow marigolds. As you settle in, you might catch the scent of incense outside shrines, with gold leaf gleaming against towers of concrete and glass. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers, ready to begin eight days together through Thailand.

  2. 2

    Explore Bangkok’s Temples and Grand Palace

    At Wat Pho, tiled roofs and rows of painted columns lead towards the Reclining Buddha, which stretches almost the length of the hall, its gold surface catching the temple light. At the Grand Palace, mirrored mosaics, coloured glass and intricate rooflines fill the royal complex as you move between its courtyards and halls. The afternoon is yours, whether that means following the scent of garlic and chilli towards a plate of pad Thai or finding a rooftop table above the city. You can also choose an Optional Experience through Thonburi’s klongs, travelling by long-tail boat past wooden houses and waterside temples before arriving at Wat Arun, its porcelain-covered spire rising beside the Chao Phraya.

  3. 3

    Spend a Free Day in Bangkok

    With Bangkok yours for the day, you can move between Siam’s polished shopping halls and Talat Noi, where old shophouses sit beside murals painted in bold reds, yellows and greens. Follow the paths around Lumphini Park’s lake beneath palms and broad-canopied trees, or board a river ferry and watch Bangkok pass from the water. For more, choose an Optional Experience to Ayutthaya, walking among the prangs, temple ruins and remains of the former Siamese capital before cruising back to Bangkok. Or head into Chinatown by tuk-tuk as evening settles over Yaowarat, sampling street food from pavement stalls before raising a rooftop cocktail above Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

  4. 4

    Thailand by Rail: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

    You’ll spend your last Bangkok morning choosing how to see the city before heading north. Join an Optional Experience at Jim Thompson House, teak walls glow deep honey-brown, silk catches the light in jewel tones and tropical greenery grows around the old Thai houses beside the canal. Or choose an Optional Experience beyond Bangkok, where Maeklong Market sits along the railway tracks until awnings are pulled back for the passing train, before boats loaded with pineapples, coconuts and green bananas crowd the water at Damnoen Saduak. Later, choose another Optional Experience and unwind with a traditional Thai massage. Then Bangkok slips behind you aboard the overnight train to Chiang Mai, with dinner before departure or in the dining carriage as the rails carry you north.

  5. 5

    Chiang Mai’s Temples, Crafts and Night Market

    After the overnight train, you'll climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, following its naga-lined staircase towards the hilltop temple and wide views across Chiang Mai. At Wat Suan Dok, rows of white chedis stand against the mountain backdrop, then at Wat Phra Singh, you'll wander among carved woodwork and layered Lanna roofs. Later, you can choose an Optional Experience at a 160-year-old Lanna family home, cooking Northern Thai dishes from recipes handed down through generations and sharing what you’ve made around the table. This evening, join your Travel Director at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, moving between stalls of handmade crafts and sizzling grills.

  6. 6

    Explore Chiang Mai at Your Own Pace

    With a free day in Chiang Mai, you can follow the old city’s moat and weathered brick walls, slip into a shaded courtyard for coffee or sit down to khao soi, its coconut curry crowned with crisp noodles and sharpened with fresh lime. Or choose the Elephant Nature Park Optional Experience, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you'll watch rescued elephants play and forage while expert staff share their individual histories. Back in Chiang Mai, there’s still time for a cold drink in a leafy courtyard or a final wander through the old city as lanterns begin to glow.

  7. 7

    Northern Thailand: A Final Day in Chiang Mai

    A final full day in Thailand is open for exploring Chiang Mai or choosing an Optional Experience to Doi Inthanon National Park. On the mountain, forest paths wind between moss-covered trees and thick ferns, with the rush of waterfalls breaking through the green and mist sometimes hanging between the branches. Tonight, choose a Khantoke dinner, sharing Northern Thai dishes and sticky rice as traditional music and dance unfold around you.

  8. 8

    Say Farewell to Chiang Mai

    Your Thailand journey ends in Chiang Mai as you check out of your hotel and say goodbye to your Travel Director and fellow small group travellers. You leave with camera rolls full, bags a little heavier and eight days of temples, markets, mountain forests and shared meals behind you.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Visit Wat Pho with its impressive Reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace with its golden rooftops and rich royal history.
  • Travel overnight by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, experiencing a classic Thai rail adventure.
  • Visit the hilltop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admire the intricate architecture of Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh.
  • Deluxe coach and train travel.
  • 3-star stays.
  • Bangkok: Begin your city tour by visiting Bangkok's Grand Palace, home to the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Cross Vibe Sukhumvit
  • Overnight train Bangkok - Chiang Mai
  • The Empress
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 14 Mar 2027 and 05 Mar 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Ready to lock in?

Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this rail journey
Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $1,995 pp
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