Wonders of Thailand Discovering Ancient Wonders and Natural Beauty from Bangkok to Phuket - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Savor the sweet, spicy, and salty flavors of Bangkok’s famous street food.
- Join a Lanna family, thought to be the first people of Thailand, for a home-hosted meal.
- Zip around the buzzing city streets of Bangkok on a tuk tuk.
- Trek by 4x4 vehicle to an elephant sanctuary where you will prepare tasty treats for the endangered residents.
- Explore the canals of Bangkok’s old town on a boat trip.
- See the gilded Reclining Buddha, the sacred jade Emerald Buddha, and the dazzling Grand Palace in Bangkok.
- Float along the waters of the Mekong River and see the Golden Triangle: where Laos, Burma, and Thailand meet.
- Admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Phuket’s Old Town.
What's this trip about?
Itinerary
Embrace the diversity of Southeast Asia as you explore Thailand on this classic journey featuring lavish temples, cultural discoveries, and its stunning natural beauty. From tropical vistas to gilded palaces and ancient ruins, Thailand offers up a piece of its soul to travelers – and your story starts here.
Begin your discovery of Thailand in Bangkok, its capital city. Here, vibrant street life is contrasted by a backdrop of ornate shrines and rich history.
Begin your journey exploring the winding canals in Bangkok’s old town on a private boat trip. On Rattanakosin Island, visit Wat Po, the famous Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon District and see the world-renowned Reclining Buddha. Enjoy some free time before sitting down with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at hotel.
Today, experience more of Bangkok’s highlights, including a visit to the Wat Phra Kaew; the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Visit the ornately decorated Grand Palace – the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. E...
Today, it’s your choice! Choose between a walk from the hotel to visit the Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, known for its Thai antiques -OR- take the coach to visit the Marble Temple where you will join Buddhist monks in their daily chanting. After, head to the airport for a short flight to Sukhothai. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Dive into history today as you discover the archaeological sites in Sukhothai. Visit its Historical Park, spanning the ruins of Sukhothai – which means “dawn of happiness” – as well as the famous site of Wat Si Chum, a landmark temple boasting a 49-foot Buddha and an open ceiling.
Set off today for Chiang Rai. During this longer ride, stop for lunch at a local restaurant and visit the White Temple, called Wat Rong Khun – an intricately designed Buddhist-styled temple. Arrive in Chiang Rai, once the capital of the Mengrai Dynasty.
Explore the beauty of Chiang Rai today. This laid-back town offers up a cultural experience as an ethnic melting pot in Thailand. Enjoy a tour of the Golden Triangle, where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet, separated by the Mekong River. Visit the Opium Museum today. As ...
Today, it’s off to Chiang Mai – once a religious center, where elaborate Buddhist temples create a beautiful backdrop reflecting its rich, cultural history. En route, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Doi Suthep – one of the twin peaks of a beautiful g...
See elephants in their natural setting today for a powerful Impact Moment during a visit to ChangChill, which literally means “relaxed elephants.” This sanctuary prides itself on its ethical treatment of these endangered species. Climb aboard your 4x4 vehicles and mea...
Enjoy a warm welcome today from an extended family belonging to the Lanna ethnic group. Visit their home where you can learn from one of the family members about their customs and religion, see their garden and hear all about the herbs grown here. Together with hosts you will learn how to prepare local dishes and then join them as you enjoy the fruits of your labor with a simple lunch.
Fly to Phuket this morning and head to your resort, set on a private tropical beach. Relax for the rest of the day as the salty sea breeze rolls in, rustling the palms and soothing the soul. Perhaps hit the waves, or unwind with a good book, reflecting on your cultural journey thus far. Stay as long as you’d like.
Travel to Phuket’s Old Town, adorned with brightly painted, historic Sino-Portuguese townhouses, stores, cafes and ice cream shops. Explore this charming old town all morning and enjoy free time for lunch on your own. After lunch, return to your beach-front resort to soak up those salt water vibes and laid-back tropical lifestyle for the day.
It’s a completely free day today, so take advantage of your idyllic tropical resort or perhaps head back to the old town and dive into some of Phuket’s most popular haunts. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, toasting an experience full of history, beauty, culture and incredible discoveries in Thailand.
Fly to Bangkok this afternoon and head to an airport hotel, preparing to return home with a lifetime of memories – the best kind of souvenir.
Say farewell to Thailand and return home today.
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Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
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