9 DAYS NORTHERN THAI HIGHLIGHTS
| 9 DAYS
Request Information9 DAYS NORTHERN THAI HIGHLIGHTS (PREVIOUSLY CALLED THAI TRIPPER NORTH)
THE ONE THAT TAKES YOU FROM BUSTLING BANGKOK TO THE ROLLING HILLS OF NORTH THAILAND
The North of Thailand is a haven for travelers, and it’s easy to see why. Venturing into this part of the world sees you explore bustling cities, picturesque highlands, all in an epic 9 days. With us, you can expect to see Thailand that loads of people miss. Stay overnight in a floating jungle raft, learn to cook like a pro, bask in the Grand Palace, take bike tours and eat your way around the Pai night markets. And that’s just a sprinkling of what we have in store for you.
DAY 1 - Bangkok
Bangkok
The heat and hustle of Thailand’s capital will hit you the moment you land, with 9 glorious days of adventure stretched out ahead of us. After checking into our hotel you’re free to do some DIY exploring, treat your muscles to a soothing massage or just lie by the pool soaking up the first rays of that sweet Thai sunshine. Later we’ll rendezvous as a group so you can hear what’s in store for the trip, then the night is yours to take to the streets for some authentic pad Thai and nightlife on Khao San road.
Stay
Nouvo City Hotel (or similar)
DAY 2 - Bangkok
Bangkok
With so much to see there’s no time to waste, so we’ll jump right into it this morning. After a quick breakfast, we set out on a locally guided visit to Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, before catching a local ferry to make our journey to visit the Grand Palace. Finally we’ll finish up our morning with a tour of the Klongs (canals), watching locals go about their day living life along the river. This afternoon you’re free to head to a local rooftop bar to toast the beginning of your trip with your new Contiki fam. Have one for us!
Stay
Nouvo City Hotel (or similar)
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Guided tour of Wat Arun & the Royal Grand Palace
DAY 3 - Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Bangkok
Bangkok you’ve been a dream, but we’re ready to rock and roll on. This morning we’re swapping the big city for the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi.
Kanchanaburi
Here it’s about living local. We’ll start with visiting iconic historic sites including the WWII Cemetery, for a glimpse at darker past times, and the famed Bridge on the River Kwai. Since we all know there’s nothing quite like local transport to make you feel really alive, this afternoon we’ll pop into a boat along the River Kwai where we’ll reach our home for the night: The Floating Jungle Raft Hotel. This place is every bit the dream Thailand location you’ve imagined, so you may have to pinch yourself as you’re greeted with rooms lit by candlelight, followed by a delicious local dinner at dusk. If you’re game, which of course you are, you can even jump into the river directly from your room. #Travelgoals, check!
Stay
Jungle Raft Hotel Special Stay (or similar)
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See the Bridge on the River Kwai
Floating Raft Special Stay
DAY 4 - Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai via Ayutthaya - Overnight Train
Kanchanaburi
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.
Ayutthaya
We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. Here we’ll grab bikes & cycle past ornate temples, towering spires, and quaint villages. Tonight, we forgo a hotel to board our overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai.
Overnight Train to Chiang Mai
Stay
Overnight Train
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Visit Erawan National Park
Bike Ride in Ayutthaya
DAY 5 - Chiang Mai to Pai
Overnight Train to 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.
Chiang Mai – Pai
Prepare to fall in love with this picturesque mountain town. The rest of the day is yours to explore this traveler’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.
Stay
Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)
DAY 6 - Pai
Pai
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.
Stay
Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Muay Thai boxing experience
USD 33.00
DAY 7 - Pai to Chiang Mai
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. You’ll have a chance to feed the elephants and watch them splash around on the river bank.
Chiang Mai
Tonight, there’s a chance for you to explore the buzzy night markets that make Chiang Mai so legendary. Just ask your Trip Manager for the best tips on where to head and what to do.
Stay
Empress Hotel (or similar)
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Elephant Nature Park
DAY 8 - Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
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.
Stay
Empress Hotel (or similar)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Thai Cooking Class
US$26.00
DAY 9 - End Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
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 YOU GET
8 nights accommodation
6 nights in Hotel, 1 night in Special Stay – Floating Raft Hotel, 1 night in Overnight Train
Most nights see you snuggled up in comfy twin-share rooms in a hotel with facilities you’ve been dreaming of. We’ve also lined up a floating jungle raft stay and an overnight sleeper train. Not your average sleeps here!
10 included Meals
7 Breakfast, 1 Dinner, 2 Lunch
Wake up to breakfast, because we know it’s the best way to start your day. We have also included some of your lunches and dinners to get you in on unique local tastes. Because we know you love exploring, we leave the rest of your meals free for you to get local, and let your nose take you to the nearest spot for some spicy street eats or fresh tropical fruit.
Team
Expert Trip Manager and Local Guides
A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life, along with Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.
Transport
All transport included during the trip
Getting around Asia is half the fun, and all transport is included for the duration of your trip. Private, air conditioned mini coaches allow you soak up all that scenery in style, but it’s our unique, local forms of transport that make the journey all part of the adventure.
Your group
Travel with other 18-35 year olds from around the world
Our trips are exclusively 18-35. This means you’ll be travelling with people just like you, from all over the world. Small group sizes ensure you’ll never miss out on the action, and laughter and friendships are always guaranteed.
Experiences
5 included, 2 optional that you can add
We’ll get all your transport, accommodation and most meals sorted, plus a smorgasbord of activities. We’ll let you take in the sights at the Grand Palace and the elephant sanctuary, and take you to nirvana in a Jungle Raft Hotel. Trust us, we know Thailand.
AMD
India
DXB
United Arab Emirates
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