2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

Independent Highlights of Thailand (IAT1)

10 Day Package from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

2027 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details »

“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 free 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 free 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.

Special features included in this tour:

• Boat ride through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok
• Guided visits to Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Temple of the Reclining Buddha
• Longtail boat ride on the Kok River and visit to hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai
• Tea plantation tour in Doi Mae Salong
• Mekong River boat ride with visits to the Hall of Opium and Golden Triangle viewpoint
• Guided visit to Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
• Guided sightseeing in Chiang Mai with guided tour of the Elephant Nature Park and visits to Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.268.3636
Independent Highlights of Thailand map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Breakfast daily; 3 lunches

 Itinerary

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 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.



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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

Day 3 BANGKOK



• Today is free to explore this extraordinary city.



INSIDER PICKS
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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 4 BANGKOK–CHIANG RAI



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



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Breakfast 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.



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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

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.



INSIDER PICKS
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, or explore the fascinating night market.

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Breakfast 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.”





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Breakfast 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.



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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

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.



INSIDER PICKS
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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 CHIANG MAI



Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.



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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

KONG BUATOEI

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“I'm Kong. Since 1988, I have worked as a guide and in 2006 I was voted Best Tour Guide (English speaking) at the Thailand Tourism Awards. I love to teach others about Thai culture and how to speak some key words and phrases in Thai. I am approachable and energetic and interactions with my guests are one of the favorite parts of what I do. I look forward to sharing my knowledge of Bangkok with you.”

Tour Director - KONG BUATOEI

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.