North Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Visa Requirement: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 60 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Travel Authorization: Starting May 1st, 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) electronically at least 3 days before arrival. The form can be completed here.

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Thailand.

Proof of Onward Travel: You may be asked to show proof of onward travel (e.g., a return ticket) to confirm your plans to leave Thailand within the visa exemption period.

Travelers are responsible for staying up to date with entry requirements and should check for the most current requirements by referencing the U.S. Department of State or Government of Canada website.

Thailand experiences three main seasons: the cool season from November to February, the hot season from March to June, and the rainy season from July to October. The cool season is the most popular time to visit, but the other seasons bring their own unique perks. In the hot season (March to June), you can enjoy fewer crowds at popular tourist spots and plenty of sunshine, perfect for beach lovers. The rainy season (July to October) brings lush green landscapes, cooler temperatures, and fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful and authentic experience.

Thai culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, and you'll find temples and religious customs are an integral part of daily life. Dressing modestly, having shoulders and knees covered is appreciated and required when entering temples or other religious sites. The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Travelers are often charmed by Thailand’s warm hospitality, vibrant festivals, and rich traditions that make it such a unique and welcoming destination.

Groups average around 30 travelers but can range from 20 up to 44. Generally, the average age is 27.  The group size allows for plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore together, making it a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and form lasting connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, you'll find a supportive and energetic group atmosphere. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.

When you book flights with us and you’ll get:

• The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
• One checked bag per traveler included.
• Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
• Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
• Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
• Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.

If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.

Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.

When you book flights on your own, you’re responsible for:

• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
• Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.

We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.

When traveling to Thailand it's important to prepare for a long travel day. Flying from the US, it is not uncommon to spend 20+ hours in transit.

Generally, expect to depart on day one in the early morning/afternoon, arriving to Thailand after 10 PM the next day. Direct flights to Thailand are incredibly limited and usually seasonal, as such you should expect 1-3 layovers. Worried about jetlag, delayed flights, or just want more time to explore, we strongly encourage extending your stay to arrive early or stay late. This way you can settle in without the stress of missing anything.

Thailand offers excellent value and is considered very affordable compared to many Western destinations. We recommend budgeting $20-$60 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end.

The local currency will be the Thai Bhat. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.

Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They're part logistics master making sure you get to see all that we have planned, part rockstar sharing with your local hotspots, and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!

In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You'll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You'll walk away with an insider's perspective and some great pictures.

Roommates are assigned randomly based on gender unless a specific roommate is requested in advance. You can do this at the time of booking or in your online account up to 60 days before departure.

Thailand is considered safe for travelers, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.

Here are a few additional points:

• Health and Safety: Stick to bottled water, including when brushing your teeth, and choose well-cooked food from trusted vendors. Aka look for vendors that have lines and the food looks fresh, avoid eating fresh fruit and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled. Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
• International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
• Transportation Safety: Be cautious when using tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis. Make sure to agree on a price before getting in.
• Nightlife: Thailand has a lively nightlife! As with anywhere in the world, watch your drink, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

You can learn more about our safety commitment here.

Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive. 

We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.

When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.

Learn more about EF's Impact approach here.