Independent Thailand: Bangkok, the Beach & Beyond

Independent Thailand: Bangkok, the Beach & Beyond

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Independent Thailand: Bangkok, the Beach & Beyond

13 Days

Visiting: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Asia

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IAT3-2023

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

“Thailand” translates to “land of the free” and we think it’s about time that you free yourself from the typical to explore this fascinating destination with the I-Time you crave on an Independence by Globus vacation. Start your exploration with a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals, or klongs, to see family homes and temples—you’ll quickly see why they call this city “Venice of the East.” Next, visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, stop at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, featuring one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. You’ll alos have I-time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Travel to Chiang Rai and visit the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, and visit a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit several interesting hill tribes and learn about their culture. In Chiang Mai, explore the most popular temples and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. End your stay in Thailand with a three-night stay at a beachfront resort in Phuket. Explore the area at your leisure or simply relax at the beach!

Places You'll See

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

Avista Grande Phuket Karon - Mgallery

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Bangkok,Thailand

Location: Bangkok, Bangkok



Welcome to Thailand! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch



• Today’s private guided tour starts with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals.
• Next, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok.
• Continue to the Grand Palace, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
• Lastly, visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha.

Day 3: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Bangkok,Chiang Rai

Location: Bangkok, Chiang Rai

Meals Included: Breakfast



• Today, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to Thailand’s Golden Triangle and hill tribe culture.

Day 5: Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch



• Today’s private guided tour starts with a traditional longtail boat ride on the Kok River.
• Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong where you’ll visit a tea plantation.
• Next, visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins.

Day 6: Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Chiang Rai,Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast



• Today, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.”

Day 8: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch



• This morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990’s to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphanted elephants. You will hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives.
• Walk with staff and the elephants (no riding) and watch them bathe and play in the river. You’ll also have the chance to feed them.
• After lunch at the sanctuary return to Chiang Mai.

Day 9: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Chiang Mai,Phuket

Location: Chiang Mai, Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast



• Today, fly to Phuket, Thailand’s most popular beach area. Transfer to your beachfront resort.

Day 11: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast



• Enjoy another full day at your leisure.

Day 13: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast



Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Meals

Breakfast daily; 3 lunches

Accommodation

Bangkok:Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
Chiang Rai:Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort
Chiang Mai:Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort
Phuket:Avista Grande Phuket Karon - Mgallery

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this Operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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