The heat and hustle of Thailand's capital will hit you the moment you land in this high energy city. 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 back at base 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.

Bangkok
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.
Kanchanaburi
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.

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.
Phra Nakhon Si 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.

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.
Pai
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.


Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)
Breakfast included

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.
Chiang Mai
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.

This morning we say fond farewells before going our separate ways. Dry those tears, because now you will fly to Koh Samui to complete your Thai Island Hopping adventure.

If anything gets a pack of travellers feeling hyped it's the prospect of 9 days exploring the fabled Thai islands. If you can drag yourselves away from the luxe hotel we've all checked-in to, our first night in Koh Samui as a squad will see us taking in the buzzy nightlife of Chaweng Beach.

Really, can snorkelling, swimming, soaking up the rays and sipping on fresh coconuts ever get boring? Hmm...no. But if you've got a taste for adventure, this glorious island offers plenty to keep hungry explorers enthralled. Visit the mighty Wat Phra Yai temple with its 15-metre golden Buddha statue, see the super on-trend mummified monk at Wat Khunaram, or marvel at the natural beauty of the Grandmother & Grandfather rocks on our highlights of Samui island trip.

Three days in Samui means plenty of time to get a taste of the place - and we don't just say that figuratively. Mangosteen & rambutan fresh off the tree, coconut & lime Panang curries & mango sticky rice are just some of the flavours on offer to pleasure your palate, in amongst ocean swims and island explorations of course.

Today we swap one ocean paradise for another, departing Koh Samui and cruising the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Tao.


Koh Tao

Ah, life on the Kohs - that's Thai for islands, if you hadn't already noticed. Today we have an orientation walk and an all included beach-side dinner to settle us into the vibes of Tao, starting life on this island right.

Getting under water should be high priority today. Abounding in coral beauty and (wait for it) sea turtles, Koh Tao's diving reputation is well documented. Grab a snorkel and ask your Trip Manager for the islands hidden spots. Above land, the islands hilly landscapes offer many pretty hiking trails and bubbling waterfalls, depending on the season. Above or below water level, the island is yours & will fill you with happy feels.

Will we be sad to leave Koh Tao today? Maybe slightly. But with another swaying palm trees destination calling our names, we're hardly sobbing into our backpacks. This afternoon we make our way to Koh Pha Ngan.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is fringed by flawless beaches that offer endless days of island enjoyment. Grab a snorkel and hit the seas for an island adventure, or head to Haad Yao, one of our absolute favourites, for some sea and sun.

Enjoying a traditional Thai massage whilst listening to the sound of the waves, the sea breeze tickling your body - now that should be up there as a top 10 life goal. Once ticked, more Koh Pha Ngan beach hangs and some time exploring the island, fresh coconut in hand, can complete your day. Happy sigh