Globus Independent Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand(IAT2)
13 Day Package from Siem Reap to Chiang Mai
This journey 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 an Independence by Globus vacation. 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 alos 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 visit 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.
Itinerary (2024)| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA | | | Welcome to Cambodia! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in. | | Day 2 | 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)You may consider a Apsara dinner show featuring traditioanal Khmer music and dance or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus. | | Day 3 | SIEM REAP | | | • Continue exploring the Angkor temple complex on a private guided tour. • Start at Banteay Srei, 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)Explore the temple complex further or take a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village. | | Day 4 | SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILAND | | | • Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city. (B) | | Day 5 | 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 | | | • Enjoy a full day at your leisure.Enjoy 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 | | | • Today, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to Thailand’s Golden Triangle and hill tribe culture. (B) | | Day 8 | 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 where you’ll visit a tea plantation. • Next, 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 | | | • Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the history of opium in the area and help combat illegal drugs. • Stop at the Golden Triangle view point, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Here you’ll take a boat ride on the Mekong River. (B)Enjoy 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 | | | • Today, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” (B) | | Day 11 | 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 orphanted 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. • Walk with staff and the elephants (no riding) and watch them bathe and play in the river. You’ll also have the chance to feed them. • After lunch at the sanctuary return to Chiang Mai. (B,L) | | Day 12 | CHIANG MAI | | | • Today, your private guided sightseeing tour takes you to Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image.• 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)Enjoy 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 | | | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Included Globus Meals Breakfast daily; 4 lunches
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