“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 a Globus Independent tour. 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. In Chiang Rai, travel to the “Golden Triangle” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, tour a local tea plantation, and explore Wat Rong Khun. 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!
Your Globus Independent tour gives you the freedom to explore with the I-time you crave–with all the perks you'd expect from Globus. We take care of the details with included accommodations, daily breakfasts, select guided sightseeing and transfers between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai via private vehicle, a Local Host in each city to assist you when needed, and hospitality desk in Phuket. Private transfers to/from airport for all intra-vacation flights also included (intra-vacation flights and taxes not included). We’ll also handle flight arrangements and airport transfers at the beginning and end of your tour, if you wish.
Welcome to Thailand! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in
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 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.
(B,L) BreakfastLunch
Day 3 BANGKOK
• Today is free to explore this extraordinary city.
(B)
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 Breakfast
Day 4 BANGKOK–CHIANG RAI
• Today, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to Thailand’s Golden Triangle and hill tribe culture.
(B) Breakfast
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 including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins.
(B,L) BreakfastLunch
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 viewpoint, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Here you’ll take a boat ride on the Mekong River.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, or explore the fascinating night market Breakfast
Day 7 CHIANG RAI–CHIANG MAI
• Start your morning with a visit to the stunning Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. This unique masterpiece blends traditional Buddhist design with contemporary elements, a stark contrast to other temples in Thailand.
• Then, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.”
(B) Breakfast
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 abuse for the first time in their lives.
• Watch these majestic animals thrive in the natural surroundings within the rehabilitation center. In addition to elephants, tree planting and providing a safe home for other rescue animals are continuous projects at the park.
• After lunch at the sanctuary, return to Chiang Mai.
(B,L) BreakfastLunch
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 car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take in a Khantoke dance show with dinner, participate in a cooking class, or simply explore the night market and absorb the lively atmosphere Breakfast
Day 10 CHIANG MAI–PHUKET
• Today, fly to Phuket, Thailand’s most popular beach area. Transfer to your beachfront resort.
(B) Breakfast
Day 11 PHUKET
• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
(B)
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 Breakfast
Day 12 PHUKET
• Enjoy another full day at your leisure.
(B) Breakfast
Day 13 PHUKET
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
Accommodations
Bangkok
Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Phuket
NH Bangkok Asoke Superior First-Class
16 Ratchadapisek Road Bangkok Thailand
Experience the vibrant energy of Bangkok with a seamless stay just steps from bustling Sukhumvit. Relax by the rooftop pool, shop at nearby malls and markets, or head out and explore everything the city has to offer with the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro less than a 10-minute walk away.
Riverie by Katathani Superior First-Class
1129 Kraisorasit Rd, Tambol Vieng Chiang Rai Thailand
The 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.
Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort Superior First-Class
33 Chang Klan Road Chiang Mai Thailand
This 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.
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Superior First-Class
390 Moo1 Srisoontorn Road Phuket Thailand
Set on the white sands of Bang Tao beach, The Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is surrounded by lush gardens, 2 inland lagoons and overlooks the glittering Andaman Ocean. The resort offers an outdoor pool, open air bar and 4 international restaurants.