Tantalizing Thailand with Phuket

Tantalizing Thailand with Phuket

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14 Days From

$3468

$3022

Tantalizing Thailand with Phuket

14 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Phuket, Thailand

Visiting: Bangkok, Thailand, Sukhothai, Sukothai, Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion, Phuket

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

2795-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

0-0

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Budget

Activities:

Shopping, Sightseeing

From: $3468 $3022 Operator discount: -$446 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 13-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This budget-friendly tour through Thailand highlights the country’s rich history, delicious cuisine, fascinating cultures, religious monuments, and much more!

In Bangkok—Thailand’s current capital—visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha; the Temple of the Reclining Buddha built in 1832; and the Grand Palace, the royal residence established in 1782 where you’ll see the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture. You’ll also cruise the city’s canals (klongs) by long tail boat. In Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century capital, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of palaces, temples, and homes. But that’s not all…in Chiang Mai explore a night market by tuk-tuk and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants.

Travel to the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet and visit a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit several interesting hill tribes in the mountains near Chiang Rai.

The perfect conclusion to your Thailand experience is the paradise of Phuket. Relax with 3 days of aquamarine water, pristine beaches, and pampering services available if you choose. Your trip to Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!

Highlights

  • Visit the Historic Town of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Explore the temples and monasteries in Sukhothai Historic Park, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha.

  • Take in Bangkok's principal landmarks such as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and the Grand Palace.

  • Join a tuk-tuk ride and orientation walk through Chiang Mai's lively night market.

  • Visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.

  • Experience the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned elephants, and watch them bathe and play in the river.

  • Explore Chiang Dao Cave, the most famous cave system in Thailand, filled with stalagmites and stalactites.

  • Visit the Golden Triangle view point where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, and take a boat ride on the Mekong River.

Places You'll See

Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom

Sriwilai Sukhothai

Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai

Maekok River Village Resort

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa

Chanalai Garden Resort

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Bangkok,Thailand

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to Thailand’s capital city. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.BANGKOK, THAILAND Welcome to Thailand’s capital city. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting full day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city’s principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand’s most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant, cruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tail boat. The city’s network of canals (“klongs”) evokes Bangkok as the “Venice of the East.” Stop at the Temple of Dawn on return journey.BANGKOK Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting full day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city’s principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand’s most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant, cruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tail boat. The city’s network of canals (“klongs”) evokes Bangkok as the “Venice of the East.” Stop at the Temple of Dawn on return journey. (B,L)

Day 3: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure. Spend free time to awaken your senses with local cuisine made with fresh Thai herbs, and sweet to spicy sauces at Bangkok’s outdoor food markets and quaint local cafes. Or, try your bargaining skills along the khlongs on an optional shopping excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.BANGKOK Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure. Spend free time to awaken your senses with local cuisine made with fresh Thai herbs, and sweet to spicy sauces at Bangkok’s outdoor food markets and quaint local cafes. Or, try your bargaining skills along the khlongs on an optional shopping excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market. (B)

Day 4: Bangkok,Sukhothai

Location: Bangkok, Sukhothai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a bit of time at leisure this morning then fly to Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century former capital. Enjoy dinner at your resort.BANGKOK–SUKHOTHAI Enjoy a bit of time at leisure this morning then fly to Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century former capital. Enjoy dinner at your resort. (B,D)

Day 5: Sukhothai

Location: Sukhothai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. The afternoon is yours to relax or further explore the park. Lunch and dinner are served at your resort.SUKHOTHAI Today, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. The afternoon is yours to relax or further explore the park. Lunch and dinner are served at your resort. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Sukothai,Chiang Mai

Location: Sukothai, Chiang Mai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, drive to Chiang Mai. This evening, join your Tour Director for a tuk-tuk ride and orientation walk through the lively night market.SUKOTHAI–CHIANG MAI Today, drive to Chiang Mai. This evening, join your Tour Director for a tuk-tuk ride and orientation walk through the lively night market. (B)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and 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. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers.CHIANG MAI This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and 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. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers. (B)

Day 8: Chiang Mai,Elephant Sanctuary,Ban Thaton

Location: Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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, continue to Chiang Dao Cave, the most famous cave system in Thailand. Explore this beautiful cave system filled with stalagmites and stalactites that continues for miles below the surface. Lastly, make your way to your resort in the hills of Ban Thaton.CHIANG MAI–ELEPHANT SANCTUARY–BAN THATON 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, continue to Chiang Dao Cave, the most famous cave system in Thailand. Explore this beautiful cave system filled with stalagmites and stalactites that continues for miles below the surface. Lastly, make your way to your resort in the hills of Ban Thaton. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Ban Thaton,Doi Mai Salong,Chiang Rai

Location: Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong where you’ll visit a green-tea plantation. Next, visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. This fascinating cultural excursion enables you to interact with the locals and experience their daily lives and be taught their rich heritage and history. Continue to Chiang Rai.BAN THATON–DOI MAI SALONG–CHIANG RAI Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong where you’ll visit a green-tea plantation. Next, visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. This fascinating cultural excursion enables you to interact with the locals and experience their daily lives and be taught their rich heritage and history. Continue to Chiang Rai. (B,L)

Day 10: Chiang Rai,Golden Triangle Excursion

Location: Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the 5,000-year history of opium and help combat illegal drugs. 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 to enjoy spectacular views of the Laos countryside and river life along both sides of the riverbanks. After lunch, return to Chiang Rai and enjoy some time at leisure.CHIANG RAI–GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXCURSION Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the 5,000-year history of opium and help combat illegal drugs. 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 to enjoy spectacular views of the Laos countryside and river life along both sides of the riverbanks. After lunch, return to Chiang Rai and enjoy some time at leisure. (B,L)

Day 11: Chiang Rai,Phuket

Location: Chiang Rai, Phuket

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your flight to Phuket (via Bangkok). On arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel.CHIANG RAI–PHUKET Today, transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your flight to Phuket (via Bangkok). On arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 12: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Accommodation: Hotel

Enjoy your day doing as little or as much as you wish. Visit fabulous beaches, explore Phuket Town for shopping and local specialties, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or simply relax by the pool.PHUKET Enjoy your day doing as little or as much as you wish. Visit fabulous beaches, explore Phuket Town for shopping and local specialties, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or simply relax by the pool.

Day 13: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Another full day at leisure.PHUKET Another full day at leisure. (B)

Day 14: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.PHUKET Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Transport

    Travel includes flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai and Chiang Rai to Phuket, along with local transfers and a tuk-tuk ride in Chiang Mai.

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom, Sriwilai Sukhothai, Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai, Maekok River Village Resort, The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa, and Chanalai Garden Resort.

  • Meals

    13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners.

  • Small Group

    Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit the Historic Town of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals

12 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Small Group

Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Historic Town of Sukhothai

Accommodation

Bangkok:Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom
Sukhothai:Sriwilai Sukhothai
Chiang Mai:Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai
Ban Thaton:Maekok River Village Resort
Chiang Rai:The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
Phuket:Chanalai Garden Resort

Check out our Q&As

  • What types of transportation are included in the tour?

    The tour includes flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai and Chiang Rai to Phuket, along with local transfers and a tuk-tuk ride in Chiang Mai.

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

    You will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom, Sriwilai Sukhothai, Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai, Maekok River Village Resort, The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa, and Chanalai Garden Resort.

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

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • What activities are planned in Bangkok?

    In Bangkok, you will visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You also have a day to explore Bangkok at leisure or join optional excursions.

  • Will there be any opportunities to interact with local communities?

    Yes, you will visit several hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their heritage and daily lives.

  • What can I expect at the Elephant Nature Park?

    At the Elephant Nature Park, you will hear the personal stories of the elephants, walk with staff and the elephants (no riding), and watch them bathe and play in the river.

  • What is included in the Golden Triangle excursion?

    The Golden Triangle excursion includes a visit to the Hall of Opium, a stop at the Golden Triangle viewpoint, and a boat ride on the Mekong River to view the Laos countryside.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.

  • Is there a small group option available for this tour?

    Yes, Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • 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 happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Sunday - Saturday

Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
$3926 $3481

Operator discount: -$446

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$4023 $3577

Operator discount: -$446

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$3468 $3022

Operator discount: -$446

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$4082 $3509

Operator discount: -$573

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$3992 $3419

Operator discount: -$573

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$3992 $3419

Operator discount: -$573

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$3967 $3394

Operator discount: -$573

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
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Operator discount: -$573

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos 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 cosmos 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.

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