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12-Nights Independent Thailand: Bangkok, The Beach & Beyond - Independent Tour from $3,529

Globus

OFFER ID 1507845

"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. In Chiang Rai, travel to the "Golden Triangle" where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, tour a local tea plantation, and explore Wat Rong Khun. 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. End your stay in Thailand with a three-night stay at a beachfront resort in Phuket. Explore the area at your leisure or simply relax at the beach!


12 nights from $3,529 per person

Itinerary
Click here for Full Itinerary Details
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Itinerary Details

Independent Thailand: Bangkok, The Beach & Beyond

Day 1 ARRIVE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

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



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)



Day 3 BANGKOK

• Today is free to explore this extraordinary city.

(B)

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.




Day 4 BANGKOK–CHIANG RAI

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

(B)



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)



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.

(B)

Today's I-Time Tips
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, or explore the fascinating night market.




Day 7 CHIANG RAI–CHIANG MAI

• Start your morning with a visit to the stunning Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. This unique masterpiece blends traditional Buddhist design with contemporary elements, a stark contrast to other temples in Thailand. Then, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.”

(B)





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.

(B,L)



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.

(B)

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.




Day 10 CHIANG MAI–PHUKET

• Today, fly to Phuket, Thailand’s most popular beach area. Transfer to your beachfront resort.

(B)



Day 11 PHUKET

• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

(B)

Today's I-Time Tips
Consider a trip to the Phi Phi Islands, a Thai cooking class, explore Phuket Town, or simply relax on the beach.




Day 12 PHUKET

• Enjoy another full day at your leisure.

(B)



Day 13 PHUKET

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)



Featured Destinations
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai and was the first capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of a Million Ricefields). The province contains Thailand's northernmost point at Mae Sai, is well known for its crisp mountain scenery, and hill tribes, and falls within the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge.

Phuket
Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," Phuket offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that rise above the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. With a culture all its own, it combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of indigenous ocean-going people. Phuket Town is the island’s capital located in the southeast. The architecture features the attractive Sino-Portuguese style which is reflected in the spacious residences built by wealthy Chinese tin barons as testimony to their success. Visitors come because of the glorious beaches, especially those on the west coast. Patong Beach is about a 45-minute drive from the port and offers a wide selection of watersports. Phuket still casts its spell on all who come to its shores.

Excursions

At your Leisure in Phuket (Car & Driver Only)

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At your Leisure in Phuket (Car & Driver Only)

Enjoy a private chauffeur-driven luxury sedan with driver for “At Your Leisure” touring. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see.

Inclusions: 
• Transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide 
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers

Stories of Phuket Old Town - 4 hours

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Stories of Phuket Old Town - 4 hours

Meet your professional local guide to begin your private experience of Phuket. Explore the old town, which prospered during the 16th to 18th centuries due to a booming tin-mining industry. The town features beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture and is a melting pot of Thai, Malay, Chinese and Portuguese influences. 

Visit Chin Pracha, one of the oldest houses on the island built in 1904. Iconic films such as “Indiana Jones,”  “Heaven & Earth” and many others, were filmed in this house.

Continue driving to a viewpoint at the top of Rang Hill, which offers scenic views over Phuket Town. Then head to Wat Chalong, one of the island’s most famous temples. Learn a bit about Buddhist beliefs and customs and hear the interesting story of the gilt statues of the monk-hero Luang Pho Chaem and his aid Luang Pho Chuang. After exploring the temple, return to the ship.

Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 4 hours   

Phuket Old Town and Scenery - 8 hours

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Phuket Old Town and Scenery - 8 hours

Meet your professional local guide to begin your private experience of Phuket. Explore the old town, which prospered during the 16th to 18th centuries due to a booming tin-mining industry. The town features beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture and is a melting pot of Thai, Malay, Chinese and Portuguese influences. 

Visit Chin Pracha, one of the oldest houses on the island built in 1904. Iconic films such as “Indiana Jones,”  “Heaven & Earth” and many others, were filmed in this house.

Continue to Saphan Hin, a recreational park that houses a tin mining monument dedicated to Australian Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the man who brought the first dredge to Phuket in 1909. Then visit the Chinese shrine in the park to discover a traditional place of worship.

Then head to Wat Chalong, one of the island’s most famous temples. Learn a bit about Buddhist beliefs and customs and hear the interesting story of the gilt statues of the monk-hero Luang Pho Chaem and his aid Luang Pho Chuang. 

Finally, make a stop at Laem Phromthep, a stunning coastal viewpiont that offers breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. Transfer back to the ship.

Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 8 hours   

Life of Old Phuket - 4 hours

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Life of Old Phuket - 4 hours

Meet your professional local guide to begin your private experience of Phuket. Explore the old town, which prospered during the 16th to 18th centuries due to a booming tin-mining industry. The town features beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture and is a melting pot of Thai, Malay, Chinese and Portuguese influences. 

Walk along the old streets of town and feel the charm of lives lived a century ago around Thalang, Dibuk and Krabi roads. Visit Thai Hau Museum to learn more about the history of the island.

Continue to a Chinese shrine set in a peaceful spot along Phang Nga Road. Despite being in the center of town, the shrine remains unaffected by the hustle and bustle. Then drive to a viewpoint at the top of Rang Hill to admire scenic views over Phuket Town before returning to the ship. 

Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 4 hours   

Phuket Rubber Plantation, Gibbons and Old Town - 8 hours

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Phuket Rubber Plantation, Gibbons and Old Town - 8 hours

Meet your professional local guide to explore some of the beautiful natural scenery and cultural highlights of Phuket. Visit a rubber plantation to learn about the arduous work of collecting sap and transforming it into sheets of rubber. Then continue to Bang Pae waterfall to admire the tropical greenery and observe the wildlife at the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.
 
Explore the old town, which prospered during the 16th to 18th centuries due to a booming tin-mining industry. The town features beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture and is a melting pot of Thai, Malay, Chinese and Portuguese influences. 
 
You may stop for lunch on your own account at Blue Elephant restaurant, serving traditional Thai cuisine. After lunch, stop by to see the Big Buddha temple and enjoy the scenic views before returning to the ship.

Optional Costs:
• Lunch at Blue Elephant including two units of drinks (water, juice, soft drink)

Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 8 hours   

Phuket Port

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Phuket Port

THAILAND - PHUKET PORT 

Destination: Phuket 
Tour Duration: Within 4 hours or 
8 hours 

Tour Description:
Meet with guide at the ship docking and transfer to town. Car and guide is at disposal.
 

Inclusions:
• Private transfer
• Port pick-up and drop-off
• Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days 

Non-inclusions:
• Thailand Visa (
Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
• Meals
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column



 

Phuket - Town Sightseeing Half Day

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Phuket - Town Sightseeing Half Day

PHUKET TOWN SIGHTSEEING HALF DAY
 
Destination: Phuket
Tour Duration: 05 hours
Code: MDHKTSE003

Tour Description:

Disembark the ship and meet your guide. Depart on a drive along the Phuket coastline past Karon Beach and Kata Beach to a viewpoint where you can see Phuket’s three most beautiful beaches. Continue to Promthep Cape at the southernmost point of Phuket for its best viewpoint of the coastline. Drive by Rawai Beach and visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most revered temple, built at the beginning of the 19th century. Next, stop at a cashew nut factory to see how the nuts are grown and processed. Drive back to Old Phuket to see the charming Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Thalang and Debuk Roads, reflecting the architecture of people who came to Phuket centuries ago for its tin mining industry. Return to the port and your ship.
Notes:
  • Suggested departure time: 11:00.
  • Timing may be changed without prior notice, depending on local conditions such as weather, traffic and / or other conditions.
  • Lunch is not included, but there are places to stop for a quick bite, if desired (Local noodle shop or snacks at the Sino-Portuguese area).
 Inclusions:
  • Private transfer
  • Port pick-up and drop-off
  • Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
  • Cold towels and water on sightseeing days 
Exclusions:
  • Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
  • Other meals where not mention in the program
  • Drinks/ waters on meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Other services not listed

Bangkok
Bangkok is chief port capital of Thailand and one of the most important cities in Southeast Asia. It is the epitome of the country's kaleidoscopic blend of old and new. It is an expression of Thai respect for tradition coupled with their vibrant involvement with modern progress. Rama I built the walled Grand Palace, which contains Temple of the Emerald Buddha. During the 19th century, Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East because of its many canals, which served as streets and commercial thoroughfares. Houses perched along the banks of the remaining canals are still common sight. Some of Bangkok’s most distinctive features are the approximately 400 Buddhist temples, known as wats. Bangkok is Thailand's economic center. Other sights to see include Temples, monuments, museums, Vimarnmekh Mansion, and Jim Thompson’s House.

Excursions

Bangkok City tour

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Bangkok City tour

BANGKOK CITY TOUR
 
Destination: Bangkok      
Tour Duration: 8 hours 
Code: MDBKKSE001


Tour Description:
From its beginnings as a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, Bangkok has expanded to become one of Asia’s most exciting capital cities with over 14 million people. From the port, drive 2.5hr to Bangkok for lunch. Then visit Grand Palace, one of the most impressive palaces in Southeast Asia, the vast 94ha (233ac) grounds encompass more than 100 buildings including the Royal Residence and Throne Halls, government offices and the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, home to the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade or jasper, rather than emerald). Continue to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, and home to the famous 45m (148ft) reclining Buddha as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage. Return to the port and your ship in late afternoon.
 
08.30 hrs Docking time.
09.30 hrs Departure to Bangkok from Laem Chabang Sea Port (2.5 hours drive).
12.00 hrs Arrive Bangkok for Lunch at local restaurant.
13.00 hrs Visit Grand Palace.
14.00 hrs Visit Wat Pho.
15.00 hrs Return to Laem Chabang Sea Port (2.5 hours drive).
17.30 hrs Arrive Laem Chabang Sea Port.
 
Notes:
  • Pick up time: 09:30
Inclusions:
  • Private transfer
  • Port pick-up and drop-off
  • Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
  • Cold towels and water on sightseeing days 
Exclusions:
  • Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
  • Other meals where not mention in the program
  • Drinks/ waters on meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Other services not listed

Bangkok City By Helicopter

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Bangkok City By Helicopter

BANGKOK CITY BY HELICOPTER 
 
Destination: Bangkok 
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Code: MDBKKSE008

Tour Description:

Enjoy an amazing bird’s eye view of sprawling Bangkok on a thrilling 30 minute helicopter ride. From the port, depart on a 2hr drive to AA Bangkok Base where you begin your helicopter flight over Rajamangala National Stadium, the home stadium for the Thailand national football team, and the Erawan Museum shaped in the form of a three-headed elephant. From there, fly over the nearby provinces of Phra Samut Chedi, Paknum Samutprakarn and the Ancient City Museum, a massive 81ha (200ac) outdoor museum shaped like the country of Thailand. Continue over the mudflats and mangroves of Bang Poo and past the Bhumibol Bridge and Rama IX Bridge over the Chao Phraya River. On the way back, fly over Bangkok’s Silom area before landing at the AA Bangkok Base. Return to the port and your ship.

Notes:
  • Suggested departure time: 10:00 (not including 2hr drive from/to Laem Chabang Port each way).
  • Vehicle: Car / 9-seater minivan.
  • Landing at the following helipads in the city centre are available on request (surcharge applies): UBC II Tower, Charn Issara II Tower, Bangkok City Tower, Peninsula Bangkok, Amari Atrium, etc. Air space above the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) are designated no-fly zones.
Inclusions:
  • Private transfer
  • Port pick-up and drop-off
  • Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
  • Cold towels and water on sightseeing days 
Exclusions:
  • Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
  • Other meals where not mention in the program
  • Drinks/ waters on meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Other services not listed 

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature. The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
10/09/2025 - 10/21/2025
from $3,529 per person
10/16/2025 - 10/28/2025
from $3,529 per person
10/23/2025 - 11/04/2025
from $3,749 per person
11/06/2025 - 11/18/2025
from $3,819 per person
11/13/2025 - 11/25/2025
from $3,819 per person
11/20/2025 - 12/02/2025
from $3,819 per person
11/27/2025 - 12/09/2025
from $3,819 per person
12/04/2025 - 12/16/2025
from $3,819 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $3,529 per person
Length
12 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1507845

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