Discover the shining gems of North and South Thailand

One of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Thailand is just totally stunning. Though generally the islands seem to get all the love, Thailand’s mainland is just as intriguing. From the rich culture of the North, to the beaches and national parks in the South, it’s rare to find a country as totally wondrous as this. 

Working with Thailand Tourism, we sent Verna and Dan, two content creators, on different Thailand trips. Northern Thai Highlights for one, and Southern Thai Highlights for the other. They got to experience different parts of the country, as well as the stress-free magic of Contiki. We caught up with them recently to get their verdict. 

Was this your first Contiki? What was the best thing about the experience?

“This was my first Contiki, and I just really loved the fact that I didn’t have to do any of the work myself when it comes to planning or organising,” says Verna. “I travel a lot, and I do most of the planning myself, but it was so nice to be able to switch my brain off. It’s not even just that everything is planned, but it’s also knowing that our Trip Manager was so familiar with Thailand and she didn’t take us to tourist traps, she knew the real authentic places to visit and the best times to avoid crowds, etc. It’s really organised so that whether you’re a traveller who knows what they’re doing, or one who has no clue, you have a good time either way.” 

Dan echoes many of the same thoughts: “It was my first Contiki and first group trip experience and I wasn’t sure what to expect because I’d never done anything like it before. Any sort of travel I’ve done has always been alone and about me figuring it out myself, so what I loved about Contiki was the fact that everything was planned. I’d never been to Thailand before just because it felt so daunting to me – figuring out how to get there, where to stay, how to get around, how much to pay, etc. – it was a part of the world that felt so unknown to me, but with Contiki I just had to turn up and it was all done for me. It’s a really stress-free way to travel.” 

What was the group dynamic like for you?

For Dan, the group aspect of Contiki seemed a little daunting at first, “I would say I’m usually someone who needs a little time to warm up to people, but even just after the third day I’d go up and talk to everyone and I’d sit with different people at breakfast – it was just so chill.”  

“I was the only person from the UK on the trip which was surprising to me, and it was just so interesting to find out where everyone else is from, why they’re travelling to Thailand, why now, etc. Everyone’s travelling for different reasons and excited about different things, and it was so cool to get to know everyone. You just get to soak up everyone else’s stories and you bond over your shared experiences on the trip.” 

Verna, who usually travels alone, was quick to embrace the group. “The group dynamic was really great and I think it’s a part of what made this trip so memorable for me. Being 31, I worried I would be one of the oldest people on the trip and most other travellers would be quite young, but actually the group was so diverse – people of all ages and backgrounds.” 

“We all got to know each other and everyone was so open and curious. Obviously small groups form throughout, but it was never cliquey and everyone was always so welcoming and friendly. Even on nights out, everyone was looking out for each other. I think going on group tours it can be a little daunting, worrying about the people you’ll be travelling with, but on my trip there was truly a space for everyone and it was really reassuring.” 

What would you say was the standout experience of the trip?

For Verna, it’s hard to choose. “There were definitely a few, but the floating rafts in Kanchanaburi were a highlight. I’ve been to Thailand before, but this experience was one of those things that I hadn’t even heard of before and it was incredible. Visiting Chiang Mai was also amazing – it was towards the end of the trip when the group was just so close and comfortable, and we were able to do so many group activities together.” 

“For me Khao Sok National Park was so incredible,” says Dan without hesitation. “We took the sleeper train there from Bangkok – which was also a really pleasant experience – and then we arrived at the park and it was stunning. We took long-tail boats over the water to these floating bungalows, which we stayed in overnight. It was just insanely beautiful, like you’re just in the middle of the jungle with all this wildlife everywhere. There’s caves and elephants, and you can jump into the water straight from your bedroom in the bungalows. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.” 

Additionally for Verna, one constant really made the trip: “I also think a standout of the Contiki experience as a whole is having the Trip Manager. She was just amazing and she had such a good balance between being a guide and a friend. She knew Thailand so well and gave great recommendations, and she was always there to be helpful when needed. Having a Trip Manager is such a benefit.” 

Which stop on the trip completely exceeded your expectations?

“Well, the reason I chose to do the Southern Thai trip was because I really wanted to see Thailand’s beaches, so for me the whole trip from Bangkok was sort of leading up to this,” explains Dan. “But I didn’t really know what to expect, even after seeing pictures and talking to friends who had been.” 

“When we got to the beaches and Krabi it was brilliant. The accommodation there was beautiful with infinity pools and a big banquet breakfast, but the beaches were stellar. We did boat trips around the islands and we got to jump off the boat and swim and snorkel. That was a real highlight for me, and at that point the group is so close we just had the best time and partied together.” 

Verna, who has travelled to Thailand before, got to do something she’d never done before. “So many things, honestly, but I think for me it was the Grand Palace in Bangkok. I’ve been to Bangkok a lot of times before and I’ve just never visited the Grand Palace because every time I’ve tried to, it’s always just been so busy. But our Trip Manager knew the right time to go and we literally had the Palace to ourselves. I’m so glad I was finally able to go because it’s just so beautiful.” 

Would you recommend Contiki to a friend? And if so, why?

For both Verna and Dan it’s a big yes! 

“Absolutely, and I’ve actually already mentioned it to people,” says Verna. “As much as I love and advocate for solo travelling, humans are community based and it’s nice to have that companionship at the end of the day. If you want to feel part of a team or a family, then group travel is such a great opportunity for that, and the sharing aspect of Contiki – sharing experiences and food and taking pictures of each other – was super memorable.” 

Dan agrees. 

“Yes! I’d always heard good things about Contiki from friends who have been before, I’d just never done one because I never thought it was something I’d personally enjoy for various reasons. But having actually been on one I’m totally sold. The experiences are incredible, and you get to meet so many new people from different walks of life. You’re all there for the same reasons: exploring and having fun, and it’s great to share that with like-minded people. Plus, like I said, it’s stress free, which for me is such a huge selling point.” 

Verna, was there any element of Thai cuisine that you just totally fell in love with?

“I mean so much of Thai food is just delicious, but I guess a favourite was the night markets and all the street food we could get there. It was great that Jasmine [the Trip Manager] was there with us as well because she was such an expert and it was so refreshing to have someone recommend Thai food that wasn’t just classic pad thai.” 

“We did a cooking class in Chiang Mai and the dishes we made there were amazing. We’d cook them and eat them right after, and then make more. We made Tom Yum soup and Khao Soi and a few other dishes and it was all delicious.” 

And outside of the food, Northern Thailand is known for its rich culutre and history. Was there a particular tradition or experience that really resonated for you?

“We did a Muay Thai class in Chiang Mai which was just such a unique experience and I think everyone should do it at least once. It’s not necessarily for everyone, it’s quite physical, but it’s such a unique part of Thai culture and it was really cool to learn about. That and the cooking class, and of course there are so many temples around that you could visit in your free time if you wanted.” 

Dan, you got to explore Thailand’s famous beach life. Was there any specific island or coastal spot you loved?

“Krabi beach was obviously gorgeous and it was a five minute walk from our hotel making it the perfect spot to spend the days. We also got to see Railay beach, a short boat ride away, which was beautiful. They’re all absolutely beautiful.” 

“My favourite island I think was when we took the boat to Koh Tapu, which has this huge famous rock. It was just gorgeous. You’re just on this secluded island with white sand and little fish everywhere in the water. People are just hanging out, it’s all so chilled – we were all fully loving the beach life.” 

Sustainability is a core Contiki value. How did this shape your experience? Did any experiences standout?

“The eco-stay in Kanchanaburi was really cool,” says Verna. “We only had electricity for a few hours in the day and the rest of the time it was shut off which was just really different. But it allowed us all to just really enjoy our time and each other. We got to see all the stars at night and we went about our evenings by candlelight.” 

Dan was impressed by Thailand’s gentle giants: the elephants. “Yeah, something I really appreciate with Contiki is the effort they put into vetting all activities to make sure that they’re ethical and sustainable, especially when it comes to wildlife experiences. The elephant sanctuary we visited with Contiki put the elephants’ comfort above all else. The sanctuary was in Krabi and we were invited to observe the elephants from afar and learn about them, rather than go up and invade their space.”