Independent Highlights of Thailand ( IAT1)

10 Day Package from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

 2025 Tour Details »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 I-Time you crave on an Independent Globus vacation. 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.

To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here

GET A QUOTE

 Meals & Itinerary

 Meals

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.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch


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Day 3

BANGKOK

• Today is free to explore this extraordinary city.


Breakfast Breakfast


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.


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Day 4

BANGKOK–CHIANG RAI

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


Breakfast Breakfast


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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.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch


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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.


Breakfast Breakfast


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.


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Day 7

CHIANG RAI–CHIANG MAI

• Today, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.”


Breakfast Breakfast


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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.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch


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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.


Breakfast Breakfast


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.


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Day 10

CHIANG MAI

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.


Breakfast Breakfast


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 Tour Director

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is 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

BANGKOK

EASTIN GRAND HOTEL SATHORN

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

CHIANG RAI

RIVERIE BY KATATHANI

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

CHIANG MAI

RATILANNA RIVERSIDE SPA RESORT

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

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



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).
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