Tantalizing Thailand with Phuket
Tantalizing Thailand with Phuket
Tantalizing Thailand with Phuket
14 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Phuket, Thailand
Visiting: Bangkok, Thailand, Sukhothai, Sukothai, Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion, Phuket
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2795-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This budget-friendly tour through Thailand highlights the country’s rich history, delicious cuisine, 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 established in 1782 where you’ll see the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture. You’ll also cruise the city’s canals (klongs) by long tail boat. 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. The perfect conclusion to your Thailand experience is the paradise of Phuket. Relax with 3 days of aquamarine water, pristine beaches, and pampering services available if you choose. Your trip to Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok,Thailand
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Thailand’s capital city. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.BANGKOK, THAILAND Welcome to Thailand’s capital city. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting full 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. After lunch at a local restaurant, cruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tail boat. The city’s network of canals (“klongs”) evokes Bangkok as the “Venice of the East.” Stop at the Temple of Dawn on return journey.BANGKOK Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting full 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. After lunch at a local restaurant, cruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tail boat. The city’s network of canals (“klongs”) evokes Bangkok as the “Venice of the East.” Stop at the Temple of Dawn on return journey. (B,L)
Day 3: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure. Spend free time to awaken your senses with local cuisine made with fresh Thai herbs, and sweet to spicy sauces at Bangkok’s outdoor food markets and quaint local cafes. Or, try your bargaining skills along the khlongs on an optional shopping excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.BANGKOK Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure. Spend free time to awaken your senses with local cuisine made with fresh Thai herbs, and sweet to spicy sauces at Bangkok’s outdoor food markets and quaint local cafes. Or, try your bargaining skills along the khlongs on an optional shopping excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market. (B)
Day 4: Bangkok,Sukhothai
Location: Bangkok, Sukhothai
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a bit of time at leisure this morning then fly to Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century former capital. Enjoy dinner at your resort.BANGKOK–SUKHOTHAI 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,D)
Day 5: Sukhothai
Location: Sukhothai
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 yours to relax or further explore the park. Lunch and dinner are served at your resort.SUKHOTHAI 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 yours to relax or further explore the park. Lunch and dinner are served at your resort. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Sukothai,Chiang Mai
Location: Sukothai, Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, drive to Chiang Mai. This evening, join your Tour Director for a tuk-tuk ride and orientation walk through the lively night market.SUKOTHAI–CHIANG MAI 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)
Day 7: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh 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. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers.CHIANG MAI This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh 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. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers. (B)
Day 8: Chiang Mai,Elephant Sanctuary,Ban Thaton
Location: Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, continue to Chiang Dao Cave, the most famous cave system in Thailand. Explore this beautiful cave system filled with stalagmites and stalactites that continues for miles below the surface. Lastly, make your way to your resort in the hills of Ban Thaton.CHIANG MAI–ELEPHANT SANCTUARY–BAN THATON 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, continue to Chiang Dao Cave, the most famous cave system in Thailand. Explore this beautiful cave system filled with stalagmites and stalactites that continues for miles below the surface. Lastly, make your way to your resort in the hills of Ban Thaton. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Ban Thaton,Doi Mai Salong,Chiang Rai
Location: Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong where you’ll visit a green-tea plantation. Next, visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. This fascinating cultural excursion enables you to interact with the locals and experience their daily lives and be taught their rich heritage and history. Continue to Chiang Rai.BAN THATON–DOI MAI SALONG–CHIANG RAI Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong where you’ll visit a green-tea plantation. Next, visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. This fascinating cultural excursion enables you to interact with the locals and experience their daily lives and be taught their rich heritage and history. Continue to Chiang Rai. (B,L)
Day 10: Chiang Rai,Golden Triangle Excursion
Location: Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the 5,000-year history of opium and help combat illegal drugs. 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 to enjoy spectacular views of the Laos countryside and river life along both sides of the riverbanks. After lunch, return to Chiang Rai and enjoy some time at leisure.CHIANG RAI–GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXCURSION Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the 5,000-year history of opium and help combat illegal drugs. 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 to enjoy spectacular views of the Laos countryside and river life along both sides of the riverbanks. After lunch, return to Chiang Rai and enjoy some time at leisure. (B,L)
Day 11: Chiang Rai,Phuket
Location: Chiang Rai, Phuket
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your flight to Phuket (via Bangkok). On arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel.CHIANG RAI–PHUKET Today, transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your flight to Phuket (via Bangkok). On arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 12: Phuket
Location: Phuket
Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy your day doing as little or as much as you wish. Visit fabulous beaches, explore Phuket Town for shopping and local specialties, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or simply relax by the pool.PHUKET Enjoy your day doing as little or as much as you wish. Visit fabulous beaches, explore Phuket Town for shopping and local specialties, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or simply relax by the pool.
Day 13: Phuket
Location: Phuket
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another full day at leisure.PHUKET Another full day at leisure. (B)
Day 14: Phuket
Location: Phuket
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.PHUKET Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Transport
Travel includes flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai and Chiang Rai to Phuket, along with local transfers and a tuk-tuk ride in Chiang Mai.
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Accommodation
Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom, Sriwilai Sukhothai, Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai, Maekok River Village Resort, The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa, and Chanalai Garden Resort.
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Meals
13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners.
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Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit the Historic Town of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals
12 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Town of Sukhothai
Accommodation
Bangkok:Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok SilomSukhothai:Sriwilai SukhothaiChiang Mai:Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang MaiBan Thaton:Maekok River Village ResortChiang Rai:The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & SpaPhuket:Chanalai Garden Resort
Check out our Q&As
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What types of transportation are included in the tour?
The tour includes flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai and Chiang Rai to Phuket, along with local transfers and a tuk-tuk ride in Chiang Mai.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom, Sriwilai Sukhothai, Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai, Maekok River Village Resort, The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa, and Chanalai Garden Resort.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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What activities are planned in Bangkok?
In Bangkok, you will visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You also have a day to explore Bangkok at leisure or join optional excursions.
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Will there be any opportunities to interact with local communities?
Yes, you will visit several hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their heritage and daily lives.
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What can I expect at the Elephant Nature Park?
At the Elephant Nature Park, you will hear the personal stories of the elephants, walk with staff and the elephants (no riding), and watch them bathe and play in the river.
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What is included in the Golden Triangle excursion?
The Golden Triangle excursion includes a visit to the Hall of Opium, a stop at the Golden Triangle viewpoint, and a boat ride on the Mekong River to view the Laos countryside.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Is there a small group option available for this tour?
Yes, Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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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.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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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.
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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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