Duration: 12 Days
This budget-minded tour through Thailand highlights the country’s rich history, fascinating cultures, religious monuments, and much more. In Bangkok—Thailand’s current capital—visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha; the Temple of the Reclining Buddha built in 1832; and the Grand Palace, the royal residence begun in 1782 where you’ll see the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture. In Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century capital, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of palaces, temples, and homes.
But that’s not all…in Chiang Mai explore a night market by tuk-tuk and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. Travel to the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet and visit a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit several interesting hill tribes in the mountains near Chiang Rai. Your budget-travel to Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!
Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Welcome to Thailand's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city's principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand's most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. (B,L)
Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure. You may opt to join an optional excursion to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya or cruise on the Chao Praya River. (B)
Enjoy a bit of time at leisure this morning then fly to Sukhothai, Thailand's 13th-century former capital. Enjoy dinner at your resort. (B)
Today, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha.The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or further explore the park. Lunch and dinner are served at your resort. (B,L,D)
Today, drive to Chiang Mai. This evening, join your Tour Director for a tuk-tuk ride and orientation walk through the lively night market. (B)
This morning, visit Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, and 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. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. (B)
This morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990's to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphanted 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) and watch them bathe and play in the river. You'll also have the chance to feed them. After lunch at the sanctuary continue to your resort in the hills of Ban Thaton. (B,L,D)
Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong where you'll visit a tea plantation. Next, visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. Continue to Chiang Rai. (B,L)
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 help combat illegal drugs. 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. After lunch, return to Chiang Rai and enjoy some time at leisure. (B,L)
Fly to Bangkok and transfer to your hotel near the international airport. Prepare for departure tomorrow or journey into the city for independent exploration. (B)
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
