Independent Sensational Southeast Asia with Phuket Beach Stay

Independent Sensational Southeast Asia with Phuket Beach Stay

438 Views
16 Days From

$4548

$4417

Independent Sensational Southeast Asia with Phuket Beach Stay

16 Days

Visiting: Arrive In Hanoi, Vietnam, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay Cruise (Embarkation), Ha Long Bay Cruise (Disembarkation), Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Bangkok, Thailand, Phuket, Asia

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IAH2-2024

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

From: $4548 $4417 Operator discount: -$132

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Sample the best of Southeast Asia on this fascinating journey with Independence by Globus. You’ll begin in Hanoi, Vietnam, with guided sightseeing and a cyclo ride through the ancient Old Quarter where merchants trade as they have for centuries. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s humble cottage, as well as the mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the 900-year-old Temple of Literature. Embark on a cruise on stunning Ha Long Bay, with its 3,000 limestone islands carved by time into spectacular landscapes rising from the Gulf of Tonkin. Savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine on this overnight cruise and visit spectacular caves, tunnels, and pristine beaches. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the city’s many famed landmarks, including the War Remnants Museum and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Take an excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels—an extraordinary network of passageways used by the Viet Cong during the war. In Siem Reap, visit the largest temple complex in the world—including incomparable Angkor Wat. See the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with more than 200 faces carved in 54 towers. Interact with children at a local school, and venture on to Ta Prohm—virtually untouched and wrapped in ancient tree roots around its ruins. Start your exploration of Bangkok with a boat ride through the city’s famous canals, or klongs, to see family homes and temples—you’ll quickly see why they call this city “Venice of the East.” Next, visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, 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 I-time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya!

End your independent journey with a three-night stay at a beachfront resort in Phuket. Explore the area at your leisure or simply relax at the beach!

Places You'll See

Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi

Paradise Elegance

Caravelle Saigon

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Hanoi,Vietnam

Location: Arrive In Hanoi, Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
ARRIVE IN HANOI, VIETNAM

Welcome to Vietnam! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

HANOI-MARKET.jpg

Day 2: Hanoi

Location: Hanoi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


HANOI

• This morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the city. First, take a cyclo ride though the ancient streets of the fascinating Old Quarter. Here, merchants trade as they have for centuries.
• Then, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace.
• Also, visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university.
• Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities.

(B,L)

HANOI-CYCLO.jpg

Day 3: Hanoi,Ha Long Bay Cruise (Embarkation)

Location: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay Cruise (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


HANOI–HA LONG BAY CRUISE (EMBARKATION)

• A private transfer takes you from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water.
• Upon arrival, board an overnight cruise that takes you to explore the tunnels, caves, pristine beaches, and floating villages that are sprinkled across the bay.
• Visit a working pearl farm to see the process of pearl cultivation in the area and visit a nearby island for swimming or a walk to the top of the island for panoramic views of the bay.

(B,L,D)

You may consider a massage or spa treatment onboard your boat.

HA-LONG-BAY.jpg

Day 4: Ha Long Bay Cruise (Disembarkation),Hanoi,Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Ha Long Bay Cruise (Disembarkation), Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast


HA LONG BAY CRUISE (DISEMBARKATION)–HANOI–HO CHI MINH CITY

• Early birds can participate in a tai chi demonstration on the Sun Deck at the break of dawn.
• Further, explore the massive caves found in the bay to see the dramatic formations inside the caverns before disembarking later in the morning.
• A private transfer brings you to Hanoi for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many.

(B)

HA-LONG-BAY-CAVES.jpg

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


HO CHI MINH CITY

• Start your private guided sightseeing with a walking tour of the city’s famous and historic landmarks as you stroll through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Next, visit the moving War Remnants Museum, followed by bustling Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city.

(B,L)

HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-CITY-HALL.jpg

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast


HO CHI MINH CITY

• Today, enjoy a half-day private guided excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout during the war.

(B)

Sample a sweet Vietnamese iced coffee or stop at for a drink at one of the city’s iconic rooftop bars.

HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-CHI-CHI-TUNNELS-ENTRANCE.jpg

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City,Siem Reap,Cambodia

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Meals Included: Breakfast


HO CHI MINH CITY–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

• Today, fly to Siem Reap, your base for exploring the temples of Angkor. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples are unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins.

(B)

SIEM-REAP-ANGKOR-WAT-REFLECTION.jpg

Day 8: Siem Reap

Location: Siem Reap

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


SIEM REAP

• Your private guided sightseeing starts at the best preserved of all the temples—Angkor Wat, honoring the Hindu god, Vishnu.
• Next stop is Angkor Thom to see Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers.

(B,L)

You may consider an Apsara dinner show featuring traditional Khmer music and dance or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus.

SIEM-REAP-BAYON-TEMPLE-MONKS.jpg

Day 9: Siem Reap

Location: Siem Reap

Meals Included: Breakfast


SIEM REAP

• Continue exploring the Angkor temple complex on a private guided tour.
• Start at Banteay Srei, a unique, small temple outside the main complex built from red sandstone and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On your return journey stop at a local school to interact with the children.
• Then, on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched, unlike many other temples. Here, the jungle surrounds you and tree roots grow over and through the ruins. The afternoon is at your leisure.

(B)

Explore the temple complex further or take a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village.

SIEM-REAP-BANTEAY-SREI.jpg

Day 10: Siem Reap,Bangkok,Thailand

Location: Siem Reap, Bangkok, Thailand

Meals Included: Breakfast


SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILAND

• Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city.

(B)

BANGKOK-GRAND-PALACE-DETAIL.jpg

Day 11: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


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, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with 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)

BANGKOK-TEMPLE-OF-THE-RECLINING-BUDDAH.jpg

Day 12: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast


BANGKOK

• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

(B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may consider a visit to Jim Thompson’s House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market.

BANGKOK-FLOATING-MARKET.jpg

Day 13: Bangkok,Phuket

Location: Bangkok, Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast


BANGKOK–PHUKET

• Today, fly to Phuket, Thailand’s most popular beach area. Transfer to your beachfront resort.

(B)

PHUKET-LONG-BOATS.jpg

Day 14: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast


PHUKET

• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

(B)

Consider a trip to the Phi Phi Islands, explore Phuket Town, or simply relax on the beach.

PHUKET-PHI-PHI-ISLANDS.jpg

Day 15: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast


PHUKET

• Enjoy another full day at your leisure.

(B)

The beaches of Phuket are among the most stunning in the world, with glistening white sand and turquoise water that invite you to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy the day with the free time to swim and stretch out on the sand to soak in the spectacular natural beauty of Thailand.

PHUKET-BEACH.jpg

Day 16: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast


PHUKET

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

PHUKET-BUDDAH.jpg

UNESCO Sites

Angkor Thom|Angkor Wat|Banteay Srei|Bayon Temple|Ha Long Bay|Ta Prohm

Meals

Breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 1 dinner

Accommodation

Hanoi:Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi
Ha Long Bay:Paradise Elegance
Ho Chi Minh City:Caravelle Saigon
Siem Reap:Borei Angkor Resort & Spa
Bangkok:Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
Phuket:Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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 Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 16, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Sunday - Monday

Nov 17, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Monday - Tuesday

Nov 18, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Tuesday - Wednesday

Nov 19, 2024 - Dec 04, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Wednesday - Thursday

Nov 20, 2024 - Dec 05, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Thursday - Friday

Nov 21, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Friday - Saturday

Nov 22, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Sunday - Monday

Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Monday - Tuesday

Nov 25, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Tuesday - Wednesday

Nov 26, 2024 - Dec 11, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Wednesday - Thursday

Nov 27, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Thursday - Friday

Nov 28, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Friday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Sunday - Monday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Monday - Tuesday

Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Tuesday - Wednesday

Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Wednesday - Thursday

Dec 04, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Thursday - Friday

Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Friday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Sunday - Monday

Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024
$4548 $4417

Operator discount: -$132

Prices last published on 16-Sep-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus 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 globus 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.

Enquire for huge savings

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