Wonders of Thailand Discovering Ancient Wonders and Natural Beauty from Bangkok to Phuket - 2024

16 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Delve into a land where bustling modern cities, ornate ancient temples, and stunning jungle beaches coexist.
19%
$3,812
From$3,099
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Savor the sweet, spicy, and salty flavors of Bangkok’s famous street food.
    • Join a Lanna family, thought to be the first people of Thailand, for a home-hosted meal.
    • Zip around the buzzing city streets of Bangkok on a tuk tuk.
    • Trek by 4x4 vehicle to an elephant sanctuary where you will prepare tasty treats for the endangered residents.
    • Explore the canals of Bangkok’s old town on a boat trip.
    • See the gilded Reclining Buddha, the sacred jade Emerald Buddha, and the dazzling Grand Palace in Bangkok.
    • Float along the waters of the Mekong River and see the Golden Triangle: where Laos, Burma, and Thailand meet.
    • Admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Phuket’s Old Town.

What's this trip about?

    Delve into a land where bustling modern cities, ornate ancient temples, and stunning jungle beaches coexist.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range36 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBangkok
End CityBangkok

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Thailand

Attractions

  • Chiang Mai
  • Chiang Rai
  • Phuket
  • Sukhothai

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Embrace the diversity of Southeast Asia as you explore Thailand on this classic journey featuring lavish temples, cultural discoveries, and its stunning natural beauty. From tropical vistas to gilded palaces and ancient ruins, Thailand offers up a piece of its soul to travelers – and your story starts here.

Day 2 Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins

Begin your discovery of Thailand in Bangkok, its capital city. Here, vibrant street life is contrasted by a backdrop of ornate shrines and rich history.

Day 3 Bangkok

Begin your journey exploring the winding canals in Bangkok’s old town on a private boat trip. On Rattanakosin Island, visit Wat Po, the famous Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon District and see the world-renowned Reclining Buddha. Enjoy some free time before sitting down with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at hotel.

Day 4 Bangkok

Today, experience more of Bangkok’s highlights, including a visit to the Wat Phra Kaew; the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Visit the ornately decorated Grand Palace – the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. E...

Day 5 Bangkok - Sukhothai

Today, it’s your choice! Choose between a walk from the hotel to visit the Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, known for its Thai antiques -OR- take the coach to visit the Marble Temple where you will join Buddhist monks in their daily chanting. After, head to the airport for a short flight to Sukhothai. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 6 Sukhothai

Dive into history today as you discover the archaeological sites in Sukhothai. Visit its Historical Park, spanning the ruins of Sukhothai – which means “dawn of happiness” – as well as the famous site of Wat Si Chum, a landmark temple boasting a 49-foot Buddha and an open ceiling.

Day 7 Sukhothai - Chiang Rai

Set off today for Chiang Rai. During this longer ride, stop for lunch at a local restaurant and visit the White Temple, called Wat Rong Khun – an intricately designed Buddhist-styled temple. Arrive in Chiang Rai, once the capital of the Mengrai Dynasty.

Day 8 Chiang Rai

Explore the beauty of Chiang Rai today. This laid-back town offers up a cultural experience as an ethnic melting pot in Thailand. Enjoy a tour of the Golden Triangle, where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet, separated by the Mekong River. Visit the Opium Museum today. As ...

Day 9 Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

Today, it’s off to Chiang Mai – once a religious center, where elaborate Buddhist temples create a beautiful backdrop reflecting its rich, cultural history. En route, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Doi Suthep – one of the twin peaks of a beautiful g...

Day 10 Chiang Mai

See elephants in their natural setting today during a visit to ChangChill, which literally means “relaxed elephants.” This sanctuary prides itself on its ethical treatment of these endangered species. Climb aboard your 4x4 vehicles and meander through country roads to...

Day 11 Chiang Mai

Enjoy a warm welcome today from an extended family belonging to the Lanna ethnic group. Visit their home where you can learn from one of the family members about their customs and religion, see their garden and hear all about the herbs grown here. Together with hosts you will learn how to prepare local dishes and then join them as you enjoy the fruits of your labor with a simple lunch.

Day 12 Chiang Mai - Phuket

Fly to Phuket this morning and head to your resort, set on a private tropical beach. Relax for the rest of the day as the salty sea breeze rolls in, rustling the palms and soothing the soul. Perhaps hit the waves, or unwind with a good book, reflecting on your cultural journey thus far. Stay as long as you’d like.

Day 13 Phuket

Travel to Phuket’s Old Town, adorned with brightly painted, historic Sino-Portuguese townhouses, stores, cafes and ice cream shops. Explore this charming old town all morning and enjoy free time for lunch on your own. After lunch, return to your beach-front resort to soak up those salt water vibes and laid-back tropical lifestyle for the day.

Day 14 Phuket

It’s a completely free day today, so take advantage of your idyllic tropical resort or perhaps head back to the old town and dive into some of Phuket’s most popular haunts. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, toasting an experience full of history, beauty, culture and incredible discoveries in Thailand.

Day 15 Phuket - Bangkok

Fly to Bangkok this afternoon and head to an airport hotel, preparing to return home with a lifetime of memories – the best kind of souvenir.

Day 16 Bangkok - Tour Ends

Say farewell to Thailand and return home today.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,099
Price per day$194
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Triple Share (Price per person)
Double Share (Price per person)
Single Standard
Availability
27 Jun 2024
12 Jul 2024
$0
$2,999
$3,799
Sold Out
26 Sep 2024
11 Oct 2024
$0
$2,999
$3,799
10 Oct 2024
25 Oct 2024
$0
$2,999
$3,799
24 Oct 2024
08 Nov 2024
$0
$3,199
$3,999
Available
31 Oct 2024
15 Nov 2024
$0
$3,199
$3,999
Available
07 Nov 2024
22 Nov 2024
$0
$3,199
$3,999
Available
05 Dec 2024
20 Dec 2024
$0
$3,299
$4,099
Available
26 Dec 2024
10 Jan 2025
$0
$3,299
$4,099
Sold Out
09 Jan 2025
24 Jan 2025
$0
$3,299
$4,099
Available
23 Jan 2025
07 Feb 2025
$0
$3,299
$4,099
Available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Collette Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Other Collette Reviews

L

Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

It was a wonderful trip and experience!

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

D

David

Sep 2020

Provided byCollette

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

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Tour Operator

Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.

  • Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
  • More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
  • Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
  • Enhanced Tour Manager Training ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Air Travel

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Hotels

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
24
Age Requirements
36 years and up
Optional Activities

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D - $D

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- $

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8 - $8

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Additional Information
Trip ID
collette-15547

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