Independent Thailand: Bangkok, the Beach & Beyond

13 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Group Tour
“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 t...
18%
$4,238
From$3,469
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

What's this trip about?

    “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 also 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 tour 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!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City BANGKOK, THAILAND
End CityPHUKET

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Thailand

Attractions

  • Chiang Mai
  • Chiang Rai
  • Phuket

Activities

  • Culture

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

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

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Day 2: BANGKOK

• 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...

Day 3: BANGKOK

• Today is free to explore this extraordinary city.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may consider a visit to Jim Thompson’s House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.

BANGKOK-FLOATING-MARKET.jpg

Day 4: BANGKOK–CHIANG RAI

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

(Breakfast)

CHIANG-RAI-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Day 5: CHIANG RAI

• 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 to visit a tea plantation. • Continue through the countryside to visit several fascinating hill tribes inc...

Day 6: CHIANG RAI

• Drive north to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the history of opium in the area and proactively address the illegal drug issues through multimedia interactive displays and exhibits. • Stop at the Golden Triangle view point, where the borde...

Day 7: CHIANG RAI–CHIANG MAI

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

(Breakfast)

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Day 8: CHIANG MAI

• This morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990’s to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned elephants. You will hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abu...

Day 9: CHIANG MAI

• Today, your private guided sightseeing tour takes you to the walled part of the city for the revered Buddha at Wat Phra Singh. • You’ll also visit Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram c...

Day 10: CHIANG MAI–PHUKET

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

(Breakfast)

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Day 11: PHUKET

• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

(Breakfast)

Today's I-Time Tips Consider a trip to the Phi Phi Islands, a Thai cooking class, explore Phuket Town, or simply relax on the beach.

PHUKET-PHI-PHI-ISLANDS.jpg

Day 12: PHUKET

• Enjoy another full day at your leisure.

(Breakfast)

PHUKET-BEACH.jpg

Day 13: PHUKET

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

CHIANG-MAI-THAI-FOOD.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,469
Price per day$267
Last Updated: 4/15/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
13 May 2024
25 May 2024
$3,469
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14 May 2024
26 May 2024
$3,469
Sold Out
15 May 2024
27 May 2024
$3,469
Sold Out
16 May 2024
28 May 2024
$3,469
Sold Out
17 May 2024
29 May 2024
$3,469
Sold Out
18 May 2024
30 May 2024
$3,469
Sold Out
19 May 2024
31 May 2024
$3,469
Sold Out
20 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$3,469
Sold Out
21 May 2024
02 Jun 2024
$3,469
Sold Out
22 May 2024
03 Jun 2024
$3,469
Sold Out

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

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.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
8,554
Great
1,726
Average
341
Disappointing
87
Terrible
187
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Other Globus Reviews

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kit

Mar 2024

Written on

guide Sites are amazing, but tour ruins it

This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the exper...

m

mike

Feb 2024

Written on

Never Again

Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna...

I

In country help

Jan 2024

Written on

Tour company help is most needed in-country

This is an upcoming trip that I haven't taken yet - the Sicilian Escape. I booked my own international flights for round trip to the launch point in Palermo. My erro...

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Tour Operator

Globus

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

Eastin Grand Hotel SathornEastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok is centrally located in the popular Sathorn district. It is unique in being the only hotel in Bangkok with its own direct access to the BTS Sky Train system at Surasak Station literally bringing the city to your doorstep. The hotel has three dining options and bar plus many other amenities including gym and a rooftop pool. Superior Sky rooms are equipped with all the amenities for a comfortable stay and offer fantastic views of Bangkok. BangkokThailand33/1 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, SathornRiverie by KatathaniThe Dusit Island Resort is situated on its own island in the Mae Kok River, close to central Chiang Rai. Spectacular views of the river or the resort¿s tropical gardens are available from every guest room, which feature decor and furnishings that reflect the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of Northern Thailand. With world-class leisure facilities, the resort offers the ideal getaway for all types of travelers.Chiang RaiThailand1129 Kraisorasit Rd, Tambol ViengRatilanna Riverside Spa ResortThis boutique resort has a great location close to the city center and captures the essence of the Lanna people with subtle architectural details and inspiring interior decor.Chiang MaiThailand33 Chang Klan Road,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-IAT3

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