Independent Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand
Independent Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand
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:
Tour code:
IAT2-2025
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Siem Reap,Cambodia
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation Name: Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
CHIANG MAIYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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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.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and 4 lunches.
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Guided Tours
Private guided tours in Bangkok and Chiang Rai.
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Flights
Flights from Siem Reap to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO sites including Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.
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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
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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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
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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.
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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.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily and 4 lunches.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be private guided tours in Bangkok and Chiang Rai.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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