A world beyond.
Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

 

Adventure is knocking.
Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

 

Cruising Elevated.
Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions.

Back

Independent Highlights Of Thailand

BangkokChiang Mai
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Personalise Your Trip
  • Tour Director
Download Itinerary
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
View Map
Map
FROM
USD
3,287.00 pp*
BookDates & Prices
“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 Independent Globus holiday. 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.

Traveller Notes
- Transportation: Private vehicle for all sightseeing and transfer between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai; private transfers to/from airport for all intra-holiday flights; intra-tour flights and taxes not included.
- Guides: Local Host in each city

Map

Leisurely On the go

Country
Meals
9breakfasts;
3lunches;
0dinners;
Transport
Travel by air and private car; all intercity transfers
Accommodation
Superior to Superior First-Class with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges
Tour Code
IAT1
Tour Style
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 12 June 2025 departure
CAT
Highlights
Day 1

ARRIVE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

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

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 3

BANGKOK

Today is free to explore this extraordinary city. Enjoy a full day at your leisure. 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. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 4

BANGKOK-CHIANG RAI

Today, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to Thailand's Golden Triangle and hill tribe culture. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 6

CHIANG RAI

Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town 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 borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Here you'll take a boat ride on the Mekong River. Today's I-Time Tips Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple or explore the fascinating night market. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 7

CHIANG RAI-CHIANG MAI

Today, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the "Rose of the North." (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 8

CHIANG MAI. ELEPHANT SANCTUARY EXCURSION

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. Walk with staff and the elephants (no riding), feed them, and watch them thrive in the natural surroundings within the rehabilitation centre. 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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
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. 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. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 10

CHIANG MAI

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (3)

Tour directors

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. We’d like you to meet a Tour Director who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your tour.

Buatoei, Kong

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.

“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 Independent Globus holiday. 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.

Traveller Notes
- Transportation: Private vehicle for all sightseeing and transfer between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai; private transfers to/from airport for all intra-holiday flights; intra-tour flights and taxes not included.
- Guides: Local Host in each city

Map

Leisurely On the go

Country
Meals
9breakfasts;
3lunches;
0dinners;
Transport
Travel by air and private car; all intercity transfers
Accommodation
Superior to Superior First-Class with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges
Tour Code
IAT1
Tour Style
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 12 June 2025 departure
CAT

Next Section

Highlights