Experience Overview
The North of Thailand is a haven for travellers, and it's easy to see why. Venturing into this part of the world sees you explore bustling cities and picturesque highlands. Expect to see a side to Thailand that most people miss, like staying overnight in a floating jungle raft, learning to cook the local cuisine like a pro, basking in the gilded Grand Palace, and eating your way around the Pai night markets. And that's just a sprinkling of what we have in store for you.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 2 Lunch (L)
FAQs
- Bangkok: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Included Experience
- Bangkok: Nose around the gilded Royal Palace, then travel like a local: floating down the Rivers.
- Kanchanaburi: A sombre slice of history. See the Death Railway Museum, WWII Cemetery and the famous Bridge itself.
- Kanchanaburi: Candle-lit rooms.In the middle of the jungle. And lots of delicious local food to devour. It's really a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Oh, and you can even jump in the river directly from your room! IKR.
- Kanchanaburi: Cool off in emerald pools, shower under a waterfall and get your step count up. All in a day's work.
- Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: Golden temples, a giant reclining Buddha and so many incredible sights to see. Try not to fall off your bike in shock!
- Chiang Mai: Meet these gentle giants (plus rescued rabbits, cats and water buffalo) at this Elephant Nature Park – a kind-hearted elephant sanctuary.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17229
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator: Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 152.1392A
Starts: Bangkok, Thailand
Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,662 ($208 /day)
Itinerary
Touch down in Thailand's capital. After checking into our hotel there'll be time for DIY exploring, a massage or lying by the pool to catch the first of that sweet tropical sunshine. Later we'll rendezvous back at base so you can hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours to enjoy authentic Pad thai & the Khao San road nightlife.
Accommodation: Nouvo City Hotel (or similar)
The Royal Palace and its 61 acres of incredible buildings will be number one on today's to do list. We'll start the day early, with so much to see there's no time to waste. Just listing today's sites gives us the butterflies, and we'll take it all in with our Local Guide leading the charge. Armed with more Local knowledge than we know what to do with, get ready to explore. Bangkok, you've been a dream, but the show must go on! Fast becoming a must-visit in this part of the world, we make tracks to our next destination, the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi to really get local. Next up, we'll visit the WWII Cemetery and the Bridge on River Kwai. There's nothing like getting some local transport to keep things interesting, so we'll pop into a boat along the River Kwai where we'll reach our home for the night, the The Jungle Raft Hotel, Kanchanaburi. Rooms lit by candle light are what you'll be greeted with, followed by a delicious included dinner of local specialities at dusk. You can even jump in the river directly from your room. Amazing! Because of course here at Contiki we like to keep things a bit special. Tonight as we watch the sunset over the landscape we'll no doubt be toasting our first full day on the trip and contemplating just how good life is.
Accommodation: River Kwai Jungle Rafts (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls, one of the most famous National Parks of Thailand, made up from seven levels of incredible waterfalls. Take a quick dip in the emerald-hued ponds, dive into the clear waters & get an unreal FOMO Insta shot before we head off to our next stop Ayutthaya. We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We'll grab bikes & ride past ornate temples, towering spires and beautiful palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. Lay back and relax this evening, as we journey towards Chiang Mai.
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We'll pull into Thailand's northern capital of Chiang Mai bright and early, but we're going to keep this adventure going as we roll on into Pai this morning. Prepare to fall in love with this picturesque mountain town. The rest of the day is yours to explore this traveller's paradise your way. Head out on foot or by bike, and adventure down Pai's little streets that pack some punch. Be sure to head out to experience Pai by night - an experience to rival that of its big sister Khao San Road in Bangkok.
Accommodation: Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)
With another full day in this charming town, be sure to have a strong shot of Thai espresso from one of the local cafes to get up and get going again. Just try to save some juice in the tank for an optional afternoon Muay Thai skills class with an expert, before we head out for our final night in Pai.
Accommodation: Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we're Chiang Mai bound, but we're treating ourselves on the way with a visit to the Elephant Nature Park. This park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre that not only provides a sanctuary for the elephants, but gives us the once in a lifetime chance to get up close to these gentle giants. Tonight, there's a chance for you to spend the evening zipping around on a Vespa as we explore the small streets and alleyways of Chiang Mai. We’ll see some iconic street art and monuments in between food stops at family restaurants and street vendors. Taste the amazing flavours of Tom Kha Gai and BBQ skewers before topping it all off with some live music in the market district. Just ask your Trip Manager for the best tips on where to head and what to do.
Accommodation: The Empress Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is yours to make the most of the laid-back city of Chiang Mai. Maybe head out into the city's heart on foot and explore the old town, or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Later this evening, you have the chance to dabble in the art of authentic Thai cooking so you can wow everyone back home with a mean Pad Thai.
Accommodation: The Empress Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we say fond farewells before going our separate ways. Dry those tears, because no doubt we'll make big plans to reunite somewhere special soon. Want to see more of Thailand? Check out Total Thailand for the full trip.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Telhyn Knowles - Traveled, June 2024
*Personal information removed by Feefo was the best guide! I honestly had a wonderful time and really was blessed to have such an amazing group and experience The booking was fine no issues
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
*Personal information removed by Feefo* was a great tour guide, very easygoing and helpful. We had an amazing time, with lots of great experiences as a part of the tour and the extra add ons.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
A great mix of natural beauty, and great insights into local cuisine and culture
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Vesper tour, was amazing view of Chiang Mai and the people were lovely. "Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were incredibly funny and got along well with the entire group. Would recommend the tour and those people to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
I really loved this trip! The accommodations were really great- much better than where you'd be staying with similar group travel companies. I especially loved the water raft accommodation- this was stunning and something I would never have found on my own. I do wish we had stayed here longer- we arrived around 4pm and left by 7am the next day so there wasn't time to enjoy the accommodation. My tour guide, "personal details removed by Feefo, was incredible! She was extremely professional, gave great recommendations for free time and restaurants, and handled a rather uncomfortable unforeseen circumstance that happened on our trip with grace. The one complaint I do have is that this was a modular trip, meaning there were multiple parts and basically I ended up leaving about halfway through- which was not clear at all when I booked. Full and intentional transparency on that would've been nice to know before booking the trip. Because we went over the holidays, some things ended up having to be changed, including that we weren't able to do the overnight train. That was a bit of "personal details removed by Feefo as I was really looking forward to it- Maybe Contiki could've tried to book further in advance. I also would not recommend booking flights with Contiki- they make it really hard to change anything. Highlights of the trip included seeing the elephants, the Vespa tour, the cooking class, seeing the grand palace, and going to the ladyboy show. The would 100% recommend this company and am looking forward to taking another trip with them soon I wish it had been more clear when booking that the trip was going to continue on after I was set to leave. I would have extended I, while it was still possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
I really enjoyed my trip, it was a while since I had been on a Contiki. I liked being among like minded people who love to travel and have a sense of adventure. I really enjoyed the Vespa tour, waterfalls and cycling. It was a lot of fun travelling in a group and I can't wait to book another Contiki. It was a perfect way to end a year and start a new one. Thanks Rhi, for being a great Contiki manager. I asked a lot of questions and everyone on the online chats or calls were super helpful. They didn't give up, when I needed help and continued to follow up, until my Contiki was booked. They also give great advice on trips and help you find what you are looking for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
it was sick and well planned and I appreciate it the extra add-ons that were available for this trip and I would recommend contiki to just about anybody It was simple and straight to the point
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Stephen Peters - Traveled, August 2024
It was a fantastic first solo trip! a true adventure. I'm glad I went and will remember it for my life Quick and easy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
What worked well was the activities were for everyone, and enjoyable also the group got along really well
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2024
The jungle raft hotel was a great experience that I wouldn't have found on my own. I also really liked the cooking class, I think the whole group opted into that one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2024
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