Thailand Malaysia and Singapore Escapade

Day 1: Bangkok

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.

Nouvo City Hotel

Day 2: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

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.

River Kwai Jungle Rafts (or similar)

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai

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.

Overnight Train

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Chiang Mai to Pai

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.

Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)

Day 5: 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.

Baan Krating Pai Resort (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 6: Pai to Chiang Mai

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.

The Empress Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: 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.

The Empress Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 8: Chiang Mai to Bangkok

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.

Nouvo City Hotel

Breakfast

Day 9: Bangkok to Overnight Train to Surat Thani

If you're looking for ways to fill your free time today, gear up for some shopping, grab a massage, or indulge in some local street eats this afternoon. 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.

Overnight Train

Breakfast

Day 10: Overnight Train to Khao Sok via Surat Thani

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.

Art's River View Resort (or similar)

Lunch

Day 11: Khao Sok

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, sleeping away the night’s hours on our floating raft accommodation.

Sai Chon Raft House (or similar)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Khao Sok to Krabi

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.

Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 13: Krabi

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.

Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 14: Krabi to Langkawi

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.

Dayang Bay Resort Langkawi (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 15: Langkawi

We've found the Earth's prettiest spot. Perfect turquoise ocean, slanted palm trees swaying in the breeze, mountain backdrops - Langkawi may fast become your favourite travel destination. The day is yours to soak up the sunshine and saltwater as you see fit, with an optional sunset dinner cruise topping off the day like an umbrella on a strawberry cocktail.

Dayang Bay Resort Langkawi (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 16: Langkawi to Penang

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.

Hotel Neo (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 17: Penang to Cameron Highlands

Moving on from Penang we'll arrive amidst the wild guava & chirping birds of Malaysia's Cameron Highlands. Here we'll indulge in a traditional 'Steamboat' dinner using the unique steam cooking method famous in the area.

Nova Highland Resort (or similar)

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18: Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur

This morning we'll be frolicking about with a tea plantation tour & sightseeing of the local area, before breathing in our final gulps of fresh highland air, it's then onto the city vibes of Kuala Lumpur, where we'll spend the next 2 nights exploring the city.

Hilton Garden Inn (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 19: Kuala Lumpur

Today is a full free day in KL. Here you can decide to check out the Batu Caves, a series of colourful gilded cave temples just out from the city.

Hilton Garden Inn (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 20: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

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.

Hotel Boss, Singapore (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 21: End Singapore

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.

Breakfast