Northern Thai Highlights
8 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visiting: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Erawan Falls, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Pai, Elephant Nature Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THNO25
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Thailand with the "Northern Thai Highlights" tour. Begin your adventure in the bustling city of Bangkok, exploring the majestic Royal Palace and cruising the rivers like a local. Discover the serene beauty of Kanchanaburi, where you can swim in emerald pools and stay in candle-lit jungle rafts. Experience the historical wonders of Ayutthaya, cycling past golden temples and a giant reclining Buddha. In Chiang Mai, visit the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Pai, a picturesque mountain town. With seamless transportation, including an overnight train, and a variety of accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy local experiences and expert guidance as you immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of Thailand.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: Nouvo City Hotel (or similar)
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.
Day 2: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Location: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi
Accommodation Name: River Kwai Jungle Rafts (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 3: Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai
Location: Erawan Falls, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 4: Chiang Mai to Pai
Location: Chiang Mai, Pai
Accommodation Name: Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)
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.
Day 5: Pai
Location: Pai
Accommodation Name: Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Pai to Chiang Mai
Location: Pai, Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai
Accommodation Name: The Empress Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 7: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation Name: The Empress Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: End Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Meals Included: 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.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in a variety of accommodations throughout the tour, including hotels and an overnight train.
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Local Experiences
Enjoy unique local experiences such as a visit to the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for elephants.
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Transportation
All transportation during the tour is provided, including boat rides and an overnight train journey.
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Expert Guides
Benefit from the knowledge and insights of local guides during your tour.
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Included Experience
Experience highlights such as the Royal Palace in Bangkok, candle-lit rooms in Kanchanaburi, and the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included. You must arrange your own.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
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Optional Activities
Costs for optional activities are not included and must be paid separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and additional snacks or drinks are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers are not included and are at your discretion.
Dining Summary
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 2 Lunch (L)
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.
Mode of Transport
All transportation during the tour is provided, including boat rides and an overnight train journey, ensuring a seamless travel experience across Thailand's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations throughout the tour, including hotels, an overnight train, and the unique River Kwai Jungle Rafts with candle-lit rooms and direct river access.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in a variety of accommodations including hotels, an overnight train, and the unique River Kwai Jungle Rafts with candle-lit rooms and direct river access.
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Is transportation included throughout the tour?
Yes, all transportation during the tour is provided, including boat rides and an overnight train journey, ensuring a seamless travel experience across Thailand's stunning landscapes.
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What kind of local experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique local experiences such as a visit to the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants, and exploring the vibrant nightlife in Pai.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Several meals throughout the tour are included, as detailed in the itinerary. This includes 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner, and 2 lunches.
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What activities are available in Pai?
In Pai, you can explore the picturesque mountain town on foot or by bike, experience the vibrant nightlife, and participate in an optional Muay Thai skills class with an expert.
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What can I expect at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai?
At the Elephant Nature Park, you will have the opportunity to get up close to rescued elephants in a sanctuary that also provides a home for other animals like rabbits, cats, and water buffalo.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
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