Overview
But that’s not all…take a train ride over the famous River Kwai Bridge, part of the infamous Death Railway built by prisoners during World War II. Visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, which houses a museum detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian laborers who helped build the railway. Explore a night market by rickshaw. Travel to the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet and visit a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit an elephant hospital, and learn about their conservation efforts for this wonderful animal.
The perfect conclusion to your Thailand experience will be in the paradise of Phuket. Relax with 3 days of aquamarine water, pristine beaches, and pampering services available if you choose. Your budget-travel to Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!
Itinerary
Welcome to Thailand's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting 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. (B)
Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure, perhaps enjoying the great-value shopping, lively markets, and delicious Thai cuisine. You may opt to join an optional excursion to the legendary Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where traders sell all manner of items from their boats, including exotic fruits, vegetables, silks, and toys. (B)
Today, head to Ayutthaya, ancient capital of Siam. Here, you will visit Bang Pa-In Palace, which was built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Kings of Ayutthaya. Then, travel to Kanchanaburi on the banks of the Kwai River, famed for the River Kwai Bridge, built during WWII. (B)
Today's highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge to Wang Po Station. Also visit the Allied Forces Cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. This afternoon, visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, part of the Death Railway that cuts through the mountains. Today, it houses a museum detailing life of the Allied prisoners and Asian laborers who helped build the railway, and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass. (B/L)
Today's full-day drive takes you to Phitsanulok, one of Thailand's oldest cities, founded over 600 years ago. This evening, enjoy a rickshaw ride to experience Phitsanulok's vibrant night market. (B/L)
Journey to Sukhothai, Thailand's 13th-century former capital, and admire the atmospheric, moated Old Town. Here, you will visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore ruined temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. Then, travel to Lampang. (B)
This morning, spend time at a local elephant hospital, which works to conserve and protect the welfare of the magnificent Asian elephant. Then, visit Phayao Lake and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Built in 1476, this ancient Buddhist temple is often thought to be the oldest-standing wooden structure in the country. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue through rural countryside to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. (B/L)
Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong and visit a tea plantation. Continue to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town, and on to the renowned Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. You may consider an optional boat tour on the Mekong River. (B/L)
Travel through lush jungle to Chiang Mai, a fragrant mountain retreat known as the "Rose of the North" for its refreshing climate. Upon arrival, visit San Kampaeng to see local craftsmen make Thailand's traditional lacquerware and teakwood furniture. (B/L)
This morning, visit Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, 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. (B)
Today, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Phuket. On arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Enjoy your day doing as little or as much as you wish. Visit fabulous beaches, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or simply relax by the pool.
Another full day at leisure. (B)
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 13 Breakfasts
- 5 Lunches
- Bangkok Novotel Bangkok Silom Road (First-Class)
- Kanchanaburi Felix River Kwai Hotel (First-Class)
- Phitsanulok Grand Riverside Hotel (Moderate First-Class)
- Lampang Lampang River Lodge (Moderate First-Class)
- Chiang Rai Laluna Hotel & Resort (First-Class)
- Chiang Mai Empress Hotel (Moderate First-Class)
- Phuket Centara Karon Resort Phuket (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Enjoy inside visits to Asia's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Thailand Experience with Phuket' Reviews
And a sincere thank you to Perez for his knowledgeable commentary, his ability to manage the day to day problems that always occur on a tour and his concern about Rosemary’s ability to cope with each day’s activities. The bus driver and bus boy were always very helpful assisting Rosemary, and other guests, to get on and off the bus.
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour in spite of the sometimes very early starts which were required to beat the sometimes chaotic traffic. The morning spent at the Kanta Elephant sanctuary was undoubtedly a highlight of the trip and the trip to the Saduak floating market was a lot of fun. We saw lots of Buddhist Temples and Buddha Images and were surprised by the variety of architectural styles from traditional stone to gold to the spectacular White temple (Wat Rong Khun) near Chiang Mai.
The driving style of the Thai people was quite an eye opener for those of us more used to the comparative discipline displayed by drivers in Australia and the UK. It got particularly exciting when we were on one of the many styles of Tuk Tuks in Thailand or in the front seat of the coach. The taxi from our hotel in Phuket to the airport was particularly scary.
I would also like to thank the other 30 guests on the coach for their companionship. They were from Australia, UK, USA and Canada. The majority were over sixty years old and we all bonded well together.
It was a bit of shame that for all the Buddhist temples we visited we really did not learn much about the Buddhist religion. Perez did give us some history and background information about Buddha but maybe in the future Cosmos could include a short session, inside a temple, with some Buddhist monks so that we could get a better insight into the teachings of Buddha. The last three nights in Phuket were a welcome opportunity to experience a totally different Thai lifestyle and was a relaxing place to finish our tour.
Brochure
Cosmos Worldwide (2023-24)
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Cosmos. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
