Solo vs. Group Travel: My Contiki Thailand Adventure

Disclaimer: This trip was hosted by Contiki and the Thai Tourism Board, meaning the tour was paid for. However, all opinions and experiences shared are entirely my own!

The Solo Travel Appeal

I’d consider myself borderline a solo travel snob.

The freedom, the self-discovery, the excitement of navigating the unknown, or even just the simple joy of eating wherever and whenever I want - these are all things I thrive on. Solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone, forces you to meet new people, and lets you move at your own pace.

It’s also usually the more budget-friendly option since you can stay in hostels, find hidden local gems, and pick and choose your experiences.

But if I’m being truly honest, there are moments when I wish I had people to share those experiences with. Some days, it’s nice to have built-in company rather than constantly making the effort to meet new people.

Enter Contiki: a structured tour with a group of like-minded travellers, offering a different but equally fulfilling way to see the world.

My Contiki Experience

I embarked on a seven-day adventure with 20 strangers, and it turned out to be exactly what my soul needed.

We kicked off the trip in Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital, where ancient temples meet bustling markets, street food stalls, and electrifying nightlife.

We dived headfirst into the chaotic energy of Khao San Road, indulging in bucket drinks, and temple-hopping before heading out to Kanchanaburi.

Known for its historical significance, Kanchanaburi is home to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and stunning natural landscapes, including waterfalls and lush national parks.

Admittedly, it wasn’t my first time in Thailand or even in these destinations, but having a group to share these moments with made them even more special.

One of the unexpected highlights? The floating rafts. There's no way I would have stumbled upon this hidden gem on my own.

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As much as I love planning my own adventures, there was something incredibly freeing about switching off my brain, following the group, and simply soaking in the experience.

This was especially true during the morning waterfall hike and the afternoon temple run in Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital, which is filled with stunning ruins, towering Buddha statues, and a deep sense of history that transports you back in time.

Now, don’t get me wrong - the itinerary was packed, and every day was filled to the brim with unforgettable experiences.

You’ll end each day feeling exhilarated, a little tired, but absolutely fulfilled. And honestly, if not now, when? Because let’s face it, life is meant to be lived, and who knows - maybe the love of your life is currently napping on the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

The Northern Thailand Highlights

Did you even go to Thailand if you didn't see a baby elephant whip up a storm making pad thai, ride the overnight train at least once, and join Thai retirees in an impromptu karaoke session?

Okay, maybe that last one was just me, but what about watching a Muay Thai fight or indulging in copious amounts of Khao Soi, the rich and fragrant curry noodle dish from northern Thailand?

In the second half of our trip, we spent two days in Pai, a laid-back mountain town famous for its stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and artsy café scene.

Then, we moved on to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand, known for its historic Old Town, vibrant night markets, and stunning temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

We explored Chiang Mai’s Old Town, temple-hopped, and took part in a Thai cooking class, where we shopped for fresh ingredients at the local market and learned how to whip up an absolute feast. There’s nothing quite like Thai food, and cooking it yourself takes the experience to a whole new level.

Of course, no trip to northern Thailand is complete without visiting an elephant sanctuary, where we had the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants in an ethical and responsible way.

Seeing them up close, feeding them, and learning about conservation efforts was an absolute highlight of the trip.

Solo vs. Group Travel: Which One is for You?

At the end of the day, both solo and group travel have their perks - it all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

If you love meeting new people but still want independence, solo travel with hostel stays can be a great way to go. You’ll save money, have flexibility, and get to choose your own adventure.

On the other hand, group tours like Contiki offer a more structured but social experience, with seamless logistics and some seriously nice accommodation spots that would cost more if you were traveling alone.

Instead of dorm rooms, we stayed in comfortable hotels and unique stays like the floating rafts. If you’re someone who wants to see a lot in a short amount of time without the stress of planning, a group tour is 100% worth it.

So if this all whets your appetite for a little adventure abroad, take it as your sign - block out some calendar dates and join in on the next tour available.

👉 Check out the Contiki Northern Thai Highlights Tour and start planning your own adventure!

Happy travels!

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