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.
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. From shopping, grabbing a massage to indulging in delicious local eats, this afternoon is gearing up to be brilliant. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Satisfied with our exploration of the north, we’re now heading down south to see what this part of the country holds for us – which, if we’re lucky, will be even more beautiful destinations and mouthwatering local food. From Chiang Mai we’ll board a flight to Bangkok, back where it all began! Landing in familiar territory, we’ll Check in to our central accommodation here in Bangkok. This evening you’re free to relax with a massage or indulge in some local street eats.
Looking for ways to fill your free time today? How about some shopping, or a relaxing Thai massage? And if you’re still hungry for some more culinary exploration, you can choose to visit the hidden local eateries in Bangkok - just one of the city’s best kept secrets. The word’s ‘one night in Bangkok’ ring true, and what a night it was. We make tracks south today to Surat Thani via our comfy overnight train - where you’ll wake up in our next destination and ready to explore it all.
Good morning train goers! While you were catching up on your beauty sleep, we were transporting you to Surat Thani, less than 2 hours from the paradise that is Khao Sok. Grab some breakfast before we hit the road – you’re going to need the fuel for the fun and frolics that lay ahead. Lush accommodation set amidst the jungle of Khao Sok - don’t mind if we do! After you’ve settled into this dreamy new life, the day is yours to explore the lush Khao Sok National Park. Swim, take a canoe tour or just max relax under a canopy of swaying trees. It’s a tough life.
Hopefully the birds wake you nice and early this morning - we’ve got a solid day of exploring coming up. First on the agenda is a long tail boat ride across Cheow Larn Lake where we’ll lose ourselves in the beauty of the limestone cliffs and surrounding wilderness. After lunch we’ll stay on the watercraft theme, hopping on a bamboo raft that will take us to the incredible views of Pakarang Caves. Later you can choose to go kayaking, hiking or swimming then we’ll seal off the day with a squad dinner.
Today we transit from one paradise found to another. Waving goodbye to our jungle setting, we head off in search of the ocean-side village of Krabi. By early afternoon we’ll be slipping into the island lifestyle of Krabi. For some of us, cocktails and coconuts poolside will be high priority; for others, a poke around the markets and a swim in the ocean overlooking Thailand’s iconic vista of islands will be the call of the day. No matter how you choose to kick it, the good times are guaranteed.
Smiles will be broad over breakfast this morning as we settle in for another day in Krabi. A half day cruise of the islands and Rai Lei beach is up for grabs, if you can drag yourself away from pool hangs at our hotel. Either way, a bit of swimsuit action and water submersion is pretty much a given.
Heading south along the Thai peninsula, we’ll arrive in Satun, where a ferry ride will land us in an untapped archipelago & a new country - Malaysia. For two days we will be free to lose sense of time amidst the slanted palm trees, teal waters & mountainous backdrop of Langkawi Island.
Ocean… palm trees… mountain backdrops… is this the prettiest travel destination ever? This morning, you’ll have the chance to kick back and enjoy the sun in your own way. Tonight, there’s an optional sunset dinner cruise too (think of it as the cherry on top of a wonderful day).
Offering the perfect contrast to island tranquility, Penang will change the pace with its bright lights & sensory delights. We’ll devour a fusion of Indian, Chinese & Malaysian street food & absorb the history of the UNESCO marked city.
Today we have a whole day in Penang, with the chance to explore this enchanting village by bike. A haven for the senses, this town is a plethora of delicious street eats, blending Malaysian and Indian influences. Need a recommendation on where to head? Don’t stress, just ask your Trip Manager (and make sure you’re hungry).
So long, Penang! We’re heading to Kuala Lumpur today, with a stop-off at Ipoh along the way. Welcome to Ipoh. Awash with boutique cafes, street art and a rich heritage trail, you’ll have a splendid time breathing in the fresh highland air before we take to the city vibes of Kuala Lumpur. We arrive to a complete change of scene as we head to the Malaysian capital city for some big city vibes, epic sights and a visit to the world famous Batu Caves.
Today we’ll have a full day in Kuala Lumpur where you’ll experience the biggest and best aspects of the city. You and your fellow travellers are free to explore the streets of KL however you like.
After a short flight out of Malaysia we’ll land in the immaculate Asian metropolis that is Singapore. Our last night together will be open to opportunities; waterside cocktails at Marina Bay Sands being one of the most tempting.
Asia is under our belts and the squad is next level tight. We’ll say our sad goodbyes before going our separate ways - big plans to reunite somewhere special.
