Tantalizing Thailand with Kanchanaburi & Phuket

Tantalizing Thailand with Kanchanaburi & Phuket

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17 Days From

$4412

$3958

Tantalizing Thailand with Kanchanaburi & Phuket

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

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

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

2799-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $4412 $3958 Operator discount: -$454

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

This budget-friendly tour through Thailand highlights the country’s rich history, fascinating cultures, religious monuments, and much more. Take a long tail boat ride through vibrant Damnoen Floating market. Ride a train over the famous River Kwai Bridge, part of the infamous Death Railway built by prisoners during World War II. Visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, a walking trail and interpretive center detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian workers who helped build the railway.

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

  • Exploring the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

  • Train ride across the famous bridge over the River Kwai

  • Visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial and the Thailand-Burma Railway Center

  • Sightseeing in Bangkok including the Temple of the Golden Buddha and the Grand Palace

  • Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai Historic Park

  • Visit to the Elephant Nature Park and Chiang Dao Cave

  • Cultural excursion to Doi Mae Salong and visits to hill tribes

  • Boat ride on the Mekong River at the Golden Triangle view point

Places You'll See

Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom

Felix River Kwai Hotel

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

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,Damnoen Saduak,Kanchanaburi

Location: Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak, Kanchanaburi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This vibrant market provides an interesting glimpse into local life. Take a longtail boat ride through the canals filled with small flat boats expertly paddled by merchants. Continue to Kanchanaburi and spend some time at leisure.BANGKOK–DAMNOEN SADUAK–KANCHANABURI Today, head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This vibrant market provides an interesting glimpse into local life. Take a longtail boat ride through the canals filled with small flat boats expertly paddled by merchants. Continue to Kanchanaburi and spend some time at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Kanchanaburi

Location: Kanchanaburi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge over the River Kwai to Wang Po Station. Also visit the Allied Forces Cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Center. 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 workers who helped build the railway and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass.KANCHANABURI Today’s highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge over the River Kwai to Wang Po Station. Also visit the Allied Forces Cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Center. 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 workers who helped build the railway and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass. (B,L)

Day 4: Kanchanaburi,Bangkok

Location: Kanchanaburi, Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, return to Bangkok. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.KANCHANABURI–BANGKOK Today, return to Bangkok. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 5: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

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 6: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

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 7: Bangkok,Sukhothai

Location: Bangkok, Sukhothai

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 8: Sukhothai

Location: Sukhothai

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 9: Sukothai,Chiang Mai

Location: Sukothai, Chiang Mai

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 10: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

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 11: Chiang Mai,Elephant Sanctuary,Ban Thaton

Location: Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton

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 12: Ban Thaton,Doi Mai Salong,Chiang Rai

Location: Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai

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 13: Chiang Rai,Golden Triangle Excursion

Location: Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion

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 14: Chiang Rai,Phuket

Location: Chiang Rai, Phuket

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 15: Phuket

Location: 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.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 16: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 17: 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

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Felix River Kwai Hotel, 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

    16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between destinations and to various attractions is included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours to various attractions including the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Hellfire Pass Memorial, Sukhothai Historic Park, Elephant Nature Park, and the Golden Triangle.

  • UNESCO Sites

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

  • Small Group Discoveries

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

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as a visit to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya or a cruise on the Chao Praya River are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International flights to and from Thailand are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for entering Thailand are not included.

Meals

15 Breakfasts, 6 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:Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Kanchanaburi:Felix River Kwai Hotel
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 kind of activities can I expect at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?

    At the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you can take a longtail boat ride through the canals filled with small flat boats expertly paddled by merchants, providing an interesting glimpse into local life.

  • What is the significance of the Hellfire Pass Memorial?

    The Hellfire Pass Memorial is part of the Death Railway that cuts through the mountains. It houses a museum detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian workers who helped build the railway and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass.

  • What can I see at the Sukhothai Historic Park?

    At the Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha.

  • What experiences are included in the visit to the Elephant Nature Park?

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

  • What can I expect during the Golden Triangle excursion?

    During the Golden Triangle excursion, you will visit the Hall of Opium, stop at the Golden Triangle view point where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, and 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.

  • What are some activities to do in Phuket during the leisure days?

    In Phuket, you can visit fabulous beaches, explore Phuket Town for shopping and local specialties, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or simply relax by the pool.

  • 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

Trustpilot
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

Trustpilot
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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1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Saturday

Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$4412 $3958

Operator discount: -$454

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$5117 $4663

Operator discount: -$454

Thursday - Saturday

Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$5102 $4518

Operator discount: -$583

Thursday - Saturday

Jan 29, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$4998 $4414

Operator discount: -$583

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$4998 $4414

Operator discount: -$583

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 26, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$4972 $4389

Operator discount: -$583

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$4907 $4324

Operator discount: -$583

Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

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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