Globus
OFFER ID 1488298
"Thailand" translates to "land of the free" and this Independence by Globus tour of Thailand means you’re free to explore its breathtaking beauty as you please. Start your adventure in Thailand with a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals, or klongs to see family homes and temples and you’ll discover why this beautiful city is called the "Venice of the East." Visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, then 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. 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!
6 nights from $1,699 per person
Independent Bangkok & Phuket
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
• Welcome to Thailand! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
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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, where its 260-foot-tall spire has become a symbol of 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)
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Day 3 BANGKOK
• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may consider a visit to the renowned Jim Thompson House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.
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Day 4 BANGKOK–PHUKET
• Today, fly to Phuket, Thailand’s most popular beach area. Transfer to your beachfront resort.
(B)
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Day 5 PHUKET
• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Consider a trip to the Phi Phi Islands, explore Phuket Town, or simply relax on the beach.
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Day 6 PHUKET
• Enjoy another full day at your leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
The beaches of Phuket are among the most stunning in the world, with glistening white sand and turquoise water that invite you to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy the day with the free time to swim and stretch out on the sand to soak in the spectacular natural beauty of Thailand.
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Day 7 PHUKET
• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
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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
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
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
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
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 Faith and Soul; Discover Hidden Legend
Phuket Town Sightseeing Half Day
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.