Independent Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand

Independent Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand

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Independent Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand

13 Days Starting in Siem Reap, Cambodia and ending in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Visiting: Siem Reap, Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IAT2-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

This Independent Globus tour through Cambodia and Thailand introduces you to the best of each country. Start in Siem Reap with visits to the magnificently preserved temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple—with some 200 faces carved into 54 towers. You’ll also visit the exquisite 10th-century Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm, where ancient jungle tree roots wind through the temple ruins. “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 a Globus Independent tour. 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.

Highlights

  • Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia

  • Boat ride through the klongs in Bangkok

  • Visit Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn in Bangkok

  • Explore the Grand Palace in Bangkok

  • Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

  • Traditional longtail boat ride on the Kok River in Chiang Rai

  • Visit Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai

  • Journey to Doi Mae Salong and visit a tea plantation in Chiang Rai

Places You'll See

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

Riverie By Katathani

Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Siem Reap,Cambodia

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Location: Siem Reap

Accommodation Name: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

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

Day 2: Siem Reap

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Location: Siem Reap

Accommodation Name: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

SIEM REAP• Today, explore the temples of Angkor. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples are unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins. • Your private guided sightseeing starts at the best preserved of all the temples—Angkor Wat, honoring the Hindu god, Vishnu. • Next stop is Angkor Thom to see Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers. (B,L)Today's I-Time TipsYou may consider an Apsara dinner show featuring traditional Khmer music and dance or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus.

Day 3: Siem Reap

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Location: Siem Reap

Accommodation Name: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

SIEM REAP• Continue exploring the Angkor temple complex on a private guided tour. • Start at Banteay Srei, "Citadel of the Woman,” a unique, small temple outside the main complex built from red sandstone and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On your return journey, stop at a local school to interact with the children.• Then on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched, unlike many other temples. Here, the jungle surrounds you, and tree roots grow over and through the ruins. The afternoon is at your leisure.(B)Today's I-Time TipsExplore the temple complex further or take a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village.

Day 4: Siem Reap,Bangkok,Thailand

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Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

Meals Included: Breakfast

SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILAND• Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city. (B)

Day 5: Bangkok

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Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

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)

Day 6: Bangkok

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Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

Meals Included: Breakfast

BANGKOK• Today is free to explore this extraordinary cityToday'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.(B)

Day 7: Bangkok,Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Riverie by Katathani

Meals Included: Breakfast

BANGKOK–CHIANG RAI• Today, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to Thailand’s Golden Triangle and hill tribe culture. (B)

Day 8: Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Riverie by Katathani

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)

Day 9: Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Riverie by Katathani

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 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 TipsEnjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple or explore the fascinating night market.

Day 10: Chiang Rai,Chiang Mai

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Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

CHIANG RAI–CHIANG MAI• Today, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” (B)

Day 11: Chiang Mai

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Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

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)

Day 12: Chiang Mai

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Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

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.

Day 13: Chiang Mai

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Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

CHIANG MAIYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Borei Angkor Resort & Spa in Siem Reap, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn in Bangkok, Riverie by Katathani in Chiang Rai, and Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort in Chiang Mai.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily and 4 lunches.

  • Guided Tours

    Private guided tours in Bangkok and Chiang Rai.

  • Flights

    Flights from Siem Reap to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO sites including Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.

  • Elephant Nature Park Visit

    Visit to Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, including activities such as walking with staff and elephants, feeding them, and observing them in their natural surroundings.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for Cambodia and Thailand are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily; 4 lunches

UNESCO Sites

Angkor Thom|Angkor Wat|Banteay Srei|Bayon Temple|Ta Prohm

Accommodation

Stay in luxurious accommodations including Borei Angkor Resort & Spa in Siem Reap, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn in Bangkok, Riverie by Katathani in Chiang Rai, and Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort in Chiang Mai.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in luxurious accommodations including Borei Angkor Resort & Spa in Siem Reap, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn in Bangkok, Riverie by Katathani in Chiang Rai, and Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort in Chiang Mai.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    No, international flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included in the tour package.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily and 4 lunches.

  • Will there be any guided tours during the trip?

    Yes, there will be private guided tours in Bangkok and Chiang Rai.

  • What activities are included at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai?

    At the Elephant Nature Park, you will walk with staff and the elephants (no riding), feed them, and observe them in their natural surroundings. You will also hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd free from abuse.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to UNESCO sites such as Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.

  • What kind of transportation is provided between the different locations?

    The tour includes flights from Siem Reap to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Additionally, you will drive from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.

  • Are visa fees for Cambodia and Thailand included in the tour package?

    No, visa fees for Cambodia and Thailand are not included in the tour package.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the tour package and can be arranged separately.

  • What personal expenses should I budget for?

    You should budget for personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages, as these are not included in the tour package.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus 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.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus 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.