Independent Highlights of Thailand
Independent Highlights of Thailand
Independent Highlights of Thailand
10 Days
Visiting: Arrive In Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Asia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IAT1-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
“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 Independence by 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Bangkok,Thailand
Location: Arrive In Bangkok, Thailand
Welcome to Thailand! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
ARRIVE IN BANGKOK, THAILANDWelcome to Thailand! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.BANGKOK-GRAND-PALACE-DETAIL.jpg
Day 2: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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)BANGKOK-TEMPLE-OF-THE-RECLINING-BUDDAH.jpg
Day 3: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
BANGKOK• Today is free to explore this extraordinary city.(B)Today's I-Time TipsEnjoy 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.BANGKOK-FLOATING-MARKET.jpg
Day 4: Bangkok,Chiang Rai
Location: Bangkok, Chiang Rai
Meals Included: Breakfast
BANGKOK–CHIANG RAI• Today, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to Thailand’s Golden Triangle and hill tribe culture. (B)CHIANG-RAI-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Day 5: Chiang Rai
Location: Chiang Rai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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)CHIANG-RAI-TEA-PLANTAION.jpg
Day 6: Chiang Rai
Location: Chiang Rai
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 view point, 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 TipsEnjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple or explore the fascinating night market.CHIANG-RAI-BIG-BUDDAH.jpg
Day 7: Chiang Rai,Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
CHIANG RAI–CHIANG MAI• Today, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” (B)CHIANG-MAI-UMBRELLAS.jpg
Day 8: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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)CHIANG-MAI-ELEPHANTS.jpg
Day 9: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 TipsEnjoy 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.CHAING-MAI-WAT-DOI-SUTHEP.jpg
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
CHIANG MAIYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)CHIANG-MAI-THAI-FOOD.jpg
Meals
Breakfast daily; 3 lunches
Accommodation
Bangkok:Eastin Grand Hotel SathornChiang Rai:Riverie by KatathaniChiang Mai:Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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 Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Mar 26, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026Book with Confidence
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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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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.