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Essential Thailand
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Length
12 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Bangkok (Thailand)
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Ends in
Chiang Mai (Thailand)
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Available Tour Start Dates
MAY 15, 2026 to MAR 12, 2027
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$1,628.64
Overview
Diving into Thailand's rich history and fascinating culture, experience the contrasts between the bright lights, glittering skyscrapers and vibrant street markets of Bangkok and the lush green landscapes and peaceful rural life of northern Thailand.
Visited During Tour
Bangkok (Thailand) | Chiang Mai (Thailand) | Kanchanaburi (Thailand) | Mueang Chiang Rai (Thailand) | Sukhothai (Thailand)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Essential Thailand tour dates available from Costsaver. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Costsaver Tour Code 519-1386
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Day
1Arrive Bangkok
‘Sawadee ka' and welcome to Thailand! Your trip will kick off in buzzy Bangkok, an urban wonder boasting all the soaring skyscrapers and glistening malls of any capital city, but with a distinctly Thai touch. Here you can see it all; orange robe-clad monks strolling the streets with smartphones in hand, while glowing temples and neon-lit bars co-exist peacefully side by side. At your hotel, you'll meet up with your Travel Director to get a glimpse of what's to come on your Thailand value tour, then dinner tonight will have you sampling some of Thailand's tasty cuisine while you get to know your fellow travelers.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Galleria 10 -
Day
2Bangkok Sightseeing
Get ready for a full day of sightseeing in Bangkok. We'll show off Bangkok's best cultural and spiritual delights, starting at Wat Pho, Bangkok's most ancient temple. Set eyes on the hugely impressive Reclining Buddha, the largest in Thailand, before moving on to the Grand Palace, a former royal residence. The intricate architecture of this massive complex never ceases to amaze and be sure to see the jewel in its crown, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. We'll make a pit stop for lunch at a local restaurant then you may choose to board a private boat and take to the maze of canals (klongs) that snake through the city. Kick back and enjoy the ride as you pass by traditional stilted family homes and soak up the quiet river lifestyle of those who work and live on the water. Still keen for more?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Galleria 10 -
Day
3Bangkok Free Day
Today is all yours to explore Bangkok your way and the adventures are limitless. Want to check out the markets? You can find flower species of every shape, color and origin at the lively Pak Klong Talad (Bangkok flower market), while the charming streets of Chinatown are the perfect place to munch on street food and shop for jade. If you love architecture, you'll likely choose to join our trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital city of Thailand. We'll make a stop along the way at the stunning Bang Pa Summer Palace, then continue on to Ayutthaya, an archaeological hotbed of temples, monasteries and statues that offer a glimpse into the glory days of this ancient land. We'll head back to Bangkok on a cruise and enjoy a buffet lunch as you watch the local life go by along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This afternoon, you can join our optional visit to Jim Thompson's House, an exquisite example of traditional Thai residential architecture, where you'll find an incredible collection of Asian art.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Galleria 10 -
Day
4Bangkok - Kanchanaburi
It’s goodbye Bangkok and hello Kanchanaburi town today, where we’ll jump straight into the action with a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, and the War Cemetery where over 6000 prisoners of war were laid to rest. Next up, we'll pause for lunch then see the infamously named Death Railway, before boarding a local train for a ride with a difference. Gorgeous views over the river and a journey across wooden viaducts will keep your camera busy, as will the next and final stop for today – the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Our hotel is just a short distance from here, where we’ll dine as a group this evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Felix River Kwai Resort -
Day
5Kanchanaburi Free Day
With a completely free day today on your Thailand tour package, Kanchanaburi town is yours to explore your way. Those keen to take it easy can rest up at the hotel and take advantage of the spa facilities, or perhaps you’ll take the opportunity to explore the town and its surroundings. This adventure will begin with a visit to Hellfire Pass, a 500 meter long and 26 meter deep section of rock that was dug by Prisoners of War with nothing more than picks, rocks and their bare hands, to allow for the construction of Death Railway. Fueling up on a yummy lunch then transfer you back to the hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Felix River Kwai Resort -
Day
6Kanchanaburi - Sukhothai
We’ll be up bright and early this morning to travel north to Sukhothai. The Thailand essentials just keep on coming and along the way we have a treat in store, with a visit to Bhutsaya Khiri Suvarnabhumi, or Rock Buddha. This impressive carving of a seated buddha, masterfully etched out of the hillside, was only finished in 2019 and is a true sight to behold. Stopping for a local lunch en route, we’ll arrive into Sukhothai later this afternoon, then dinner tonight will be a group affair.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Le Charme Sukhothai Historical Park Resort -
Day
7Sukhothai Sightseeing and Free Time
Being famed as the birthplace of Thai civilization is a pretty big reputation to uphold, but Sukhothai does it with ease. Still historically significant to this day, we’ll start our adventures today with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park, where we’ll get to explore the centuries old temples and palace ruins. History itch scratched, this afternoon will then be yours to explore as you wish. Hungry to learn more about Thai cuisine? Our optional cooking class is there for all the budding chefs amongst you. You’ll start this foodie adventure by learning about the unique herbs and spices of Thailand courtesy of your host, then put the farm to table craze into action by using these ingredients to make a signature Thai dish, such as “Pad Pak Bung Fai Daeng”. And the best part? You get to eat your tasty creation for dinner.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Le Charme Sukhothai Historical Park Resort -
Day
8Sukhothai - Chiang Rai
Start your day with a scenic stop at Khaw Phayao Lake, a peaceful spot locals love for sunrise views. Then, get ready to be wowed at the shimmering Wat Rong Khun – Chiang Rai’s famous White Temple. After that, dive into a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, exploring the eco-friendly art of indigo dyeing. Learn how villagers use natural plants and handwoven cotton to create beautiful, sustainable textiles – and even craft your own piece to take home. After a day full of color and culture, it’s a short drive into Chiang Rai where we’ll check in, freshen up and enjoy a relaxed dinner together.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Wiang Inn -
Day
9Chiang Rai Free Time
Today is free for you to explore Chiang Rai as you choose. You may wish to journey to the heart of the Golden Triangle. This optional adventure includes hopping aboard a boat that will take you cruising along the mighty Mekong River to the exact spot where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), and Laos meet. You’ll have time to step ashore in Laos and head into the Don Sao Island markets, where you can browse the handicrafts and local snacks on offer. It’s the only part of Laos that can be visited without a visa, so make the most of it! Next, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the self-proclaimed ‘edutainment’ Hall of Opium, a fascinating museum that reveals an incredible 5,000 years of history. The state-of-the-art exhibitions, harrowing accounts, and even a tiny opium plantation all tell a vivid story of the conflicts, rituals, and abuse that have stemmed from opium, a trade that once ruled the Golden Triangle in the past century.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Wiang Inn -
Day
10Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
Who’s ready to dip their toes in some bubbling hot springs? We hope all of you, as our first stop today en route to Chiang Mai, are the lovely Mae Kachan Hot Springs. Feeling refreshed, we’ll grab lunch in a local restaurant before traveling on to the laidback city of Chiang Mai. Sprawling in size but with a historic center that has managed to retain the charm and pace of a low-key country town, Chiang Mai is also THE place for temple exploring. So, guess what we’ll be doing this afternoon? You got it! We’ll be exploring both Wat Phra Singh temple, which was built in 1345, and Wat Chedi Luang temple, a charming wooden creation famous for its huge Lanna style chedi. This evening, prepare to discover the charm of Chiang Mai by night as we head out to visit the city’s iconic night markets.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: The Empress -
Day
11Chiang Mai Free Day
Your day your way is what today is all about, and with it being your last day, be sure to make the most of it.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: The Empress -
Day
12Depart Chiang Mai
Your incredible journey through Thailand's cities, rivers, mountains, temples and markets has come to an end. You've encountered diverse cultures, tasted all kinds of Thai foods and experienced the warmth of Thai hospitality and we're sure you'll be leaving with the iconic Thai smile on your face!
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Costsaver is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Essential Thailand tour:
Travelers Notes
* ARRIVAL: Guests are to arrive into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). * DEPARTURE: Guests are to depart from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).* THAILAND: USA passport holders traveling to Thailand do not require a visa for tourism stays up to 30 days. However, you must submit an online arrival card three days prior to your arrival. * IMPORTANT: Please see important details sent with your invoice and documents.* LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Each guest is permitted one bag with maximum dimensions of 58 linear inches (147 cm), the total of length, width, and height - and a weight not exceeding 44 lbs (20 kg). Guests may also bring one personal item, such as a purse, backpack, or similarly sized item that fits comfortably under the seat in front of them or the overhead compartment weighing no more than 15 lbs (7kg).* IMPORTANT: Minivans or minibuses may also be used depending on the group size. Motorcoaches without toilet facilities are used; the Tour Director will ensure to arrange regular stops on longer journeys to ensure guests' comfort throughout the tour.* GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated by Diethelm Travel (Thailand) Ltd.*NOTE: This Trip falls under LEVEL 2. Please review the Deposit, Payment and Cancellations Fees Policies.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Costsaver. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Costsaver (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.