Tantalizing Thailand
Tantalizing Thailand
$2834
Tantalizing Thailand
12 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting: Bangkok, Thailand, Sukhothai, Sukothai, Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2790-2025
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. 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
Welcome to Thailand’s capital city. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
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.
Day 3: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
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.
Day 4: Bangkok,Sukhothai
Location: Bangkok, Sukhothai
Meals Included: 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.
Day 5: Sukhothai
Location: Sukhothai
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.
Day 6: Sukothai,Chiang Mai
Location: Sukothai, Chiang Mai
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.
Day 7: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
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.
Day 8: Chiang Mai,Elephant Sanctuary,Ban Thaton
Location: Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton
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.
Day 9: Ban Thaton,Doi Mai Salong,Chiang Rai
Location: Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai
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.
Day 10: Chiang Rai,Golden Triangle Excursion
Location: Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion
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.
Day 11: Chiang Rai,Bangkok
Location: Chiang Rai, Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Bangkok and transfer to your hotel near the international airport. Prepare for departure tomorrow or journey into the city for independent exploration.
Day 12: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including 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 Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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Meals
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
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Sightseeing
Visits to major landmarks such as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Sukhothai Historic Park, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Doi Suthep, Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Dao Cave, Doi Mae Salong, and the Golden Triangle.
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Transportation
Includes flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai and from Chiang Rai to Bangkok, as well as other local transportation.
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Guided Tours
Expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are included to ensure a comprehensive experience.
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Small Group Discoveries
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as a visit to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya or a cruise on the Chao Praya River are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Thailand are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals
11 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 & SpaBangkok:Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at a variety of accommodations including 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 Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. These hotels offer amenities such as gyms, pools, saunas, restaurants, and bars.
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What activities are included 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 will also have a day to explore Bangkok at your leisure, with optional excursions to Ayutthaya or a cruise on the Chao Praya River.
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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 rescued and orphaned elephants, walk with the staff and elephants (no riding), and watch them bathe and play in the river. You will also have the chance to feed them.
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What is the significance of Sukhothai Historic Park?
Sukhothai Historic Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. It offers a glimpse into Thailand's 13th-century former capital.
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What unique experiences are offered in Chiang Mai?
In Chiang Mai, you will visit Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple in the mountains. You can take a tram car or walk up the Naga staircase with over 300 steps. You will also have free time to explore the city.
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What will I experience at the Golden Triangle?
At the Golden Triangle, you will visit the Hall of Opium, take a boat ride on the Mekong River to view the Laos countryside, and enjoy spectacular views where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What is the Small-Group Discovery feature?
The Small-Group Discovery feature is available on select Asia tour dates and is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. It includes all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, with extra space between travelers and a focus on health and safety.
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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
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.