What’s the best way to see two of the most effervescent cities in the world? An Globus Independent vacation, of course! Start your adventure in Singapore, one of the world’s greatest melting pots. Your guide will show you all the highlights taking you to visit the Gardens by the Bay, a local hawker center, and Marina Bay, where you ascend to Sands Skypark to admire beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. The following day you’ll have some well-deserved free time to continue exploring Singapore on your own or book an optional excursion to Kampong Glam or a Malay village. Then fly to exciting Bangkok! Take a boat ride through the city’s canals, or klongs, to see family homes and temples and you’ll discover why this beautiful city is called the “Venice of the East.” Visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, then 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 free time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions, including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. 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.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN SINGAPORE
Welcome to Singapore! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2
SINGAPORE
Today, your private guided sightseeing introduces you to Singapore’s highlights. Begin with a visit to the Gardens by the Bay a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry. The gardens house flora from five continents and award-winning architectural design as well. Enjoy lunch at historic Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s most famous hawker centers, and take a scenic bumboat ride along the Singapore River for a different perspective of the city. Your tour ends at Marina Bay, where you will ascend to the Sands Skypark’s gravity-defying rooftop for stunning views over the city. (B,L)
Day 3
SINGAPORE
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B) INSIDER PICKS Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Visit the National Orchid Garden, take an optional excursion to historic Kampong Glam, or explore Malay culture at Changi Village.
Day 4
SINGAPORE–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, where its 260-foot-tall spire has become a symbol of 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. (B) INSIDER PICKS Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may consider a visit to the renowned Jim Thompson House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.
Day 7
BANGKOK–CHIANG MAI
Today, fly to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” (B)
Day 8
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 9
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) INSIDER PICKS 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 10
CHIANG MAI
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 Lunches
Hotels
Singapore
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Orchard Hotel Singapore
Superior First-Class
Singapore,
Singapore
442 Orchard Road
Free WiFi
Nestled on the buzzing Orchard Road, Orchard Hotel Singapore is only a few steps away from entertainment and world-famous shopping. From the moment you walk through the door, laying eyes on our iconic clock tower to your final moments prior to departure, you'll experience best-in-class Asian hospitality. Your stay will be made even more comfortable by the newly-renovated lush interiors of the guestrooms, lobby, and international dining options.
Bangkok
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Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok
Superior First-Class
Bangkok,
Thailand
54 Surawong Road
Free WiFi
Enter the cozy embrace of the Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, a landmark in the bustling Silom sector of the city. This iconic hotel welcomes guests with an abundance of elegance, flair, and friendly Thai hospitality. Rooms combine timeless Thai style and contemporary design with art and high quality modern features.
Chiang Mai
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Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort
Superior First-Class
Chiang Mai,
Thailand
33 Chang Klan Road
Free WiFi
This boutique resort has a great location close to the city center and captures the essence of the Lanna people with subtle architectural details and inspiring interior decor.