Independent Thailand: Bangkok, the Beach & Beyond

Independent Thailand: Bangkok, the Beach & Beyond

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Independent Thailand: Bangkok, the Beach & Beyond

13 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Phuket, Thailand

Visiting: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IAT3-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Thailand with the "Independent Thailand: Bangkok, the Beach & Beyond" tour. Begin your adventure in the bustling city of Bangkok, exploring its iconic temples and vibrant canals. Continue to Chiang Rai, where you'll delve into the rich culture of the Golden Triangle and visit traditional hill tribes. In Chiang Mai, experience the heartwarming Elephant Nature Park and immerse yourself in the local heritage. Finally, unwind on the pristine beaches of Phuket, enjoying leisure days at a luxurious beachfront resort. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, and serene relaxation.

Highlights

  • Boat ride through Bangkok's famous canals

  • Visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn

  • Tour of the Grand Palace in Bangkok

  • Visit to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

  • Longtail boat ride on the Kok River in Chiang Rai

  • Visit to a tea plantation and hill tribes in Chiang Rai

  • Visit to Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai

  • Relaxation at Phuket's popular beach area

Places You'll See

Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

Riverie By Katathani

Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Bangkok,Thailand

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

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

Day 2: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Bangkok,Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Riverie by Katathani

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Riverie by Katathani

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Riverie by Katathani

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Chiang Rai,Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Chiang Mai,Phuket

Location: Phuket

Accommodation Name: Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Accommodation Name: Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Accommodation Name: Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Accommodation Name: Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Bangkok at Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, in Chiang Rai at Riverie by Katathani, in Chiang Mai at Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort, and in Phuket at Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily and 3 lunches are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Private guided tours in Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai.

  • Transportation

    Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai to Phuket, and transfers to and from airports.

  • Activities

    Activities include a boat ride through Bangkok's canals, visits to Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, a longtail boat ride on the Kok River, visits to hill tribes, and a visit to Elephant Nature Park.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Thailand are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for entry into Thailand are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily; 3 lunches

Accommodation

Bangkok: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, Chiang Rai: Riverie by Katathani, Chiang Mai: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort, Phuket: Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities are included in the Bangkok portion of the tour?

    In Bangkok, the tour includes a private guided tour with a boat ride through the klongs, a visit to Wat Arun (the Temple of the Dawn), the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Chiang Rai?

    In Chiang Rai, the tour includes a traditional longtail boat ride on the Kok River, a visit to a tea plantation at Doi Mae Salong, and visits to several hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha.

  • What activities are planned in Chiang Mai?

    In Chiang Mai, the tour includes a visit to the Elephant Nature Park where you can walk with the elephants, feed them, and learn about their rehabilitation. The park also focuses on tree planting and providing a safe home for other rescue animals.

  • What will I do in Phuket?

    In Phuket, you will have time to relax at your beachfront resort and enjoy leisure activities at your own pace.

  • Are there any special experiences with local culture during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to hill tribes in Chiang Rai where you can learn about their culture and traditions, as well as a visit to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai to understand the efforts in elephant conservation.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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