Duration: 10 Days
“Thailand” translates to “land of the free” and we think it’s about time that you free yourself from the typical toexplore this fascinating destination with the I-Time you crave on an Independence by 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 alos 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 visit 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.
- Guides: Local Host in each city
Welcome to Thailand! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
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)
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)
Today, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to Thailand's Golden Triangle and hill tribe culture. (B)
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 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. (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.
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)
Today, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the "Rose of the North." (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 return to Chiang Mai. (B,L)
Today, your private guided sightseeing tour takes you to Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image.
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)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
