Best of Thailand Family Holiday - 15 Days

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive early, there is plenty to see and do in this exciting city. Bangkok is famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting, head out for an optional group dinner to get to know your leader and the other families on your trip.

After breakfast, set out to explore some of Bangkok's hidden treasures. Visit the flower Market, where you and the family will learn how to fold a lotus petal. Then, hop on the underground to get to the Chao Phraya River, where you’ll board an EV boat and explore the famous khlongs (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the busy streets of the capital. Stop at an artist's house to make a special keepsake before enjoying some lunch at a local riverside restaurant. Then sit back and travel by private transfer to Kanchanaburi, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights in a unique floating rafthouse resort.

It’s nature day today! Head out to the stunningly beautiful Erawan National Park this morning. The park boasts the incredible Erawan Falls, a famous seven-level waterfall with turquoise pools and colourful tropical fish flitting about. It's a great place to explore or simply swim and relax. If you do some exploring of the lush surrounds, keep your eyes peeled for the eagles, pheasants and leafbirds that might be soaring above or perched in the treetops. Then return to your rafthouse resort where you and the kids can enjoy swimming in the pool. Still in adventure mode – maybe take a raft ride down the river.

Transfer by minibus today to the nearby city of Ayutthaya. Once the capital of ancient Siam, Ayutthaya offers a great opportunity to stroll the World Heritage-listed ruins of this once magnificent city. Get a closer look on a guided tour of the picturesque ruins and temples spread across town. Snap a few photos at the ruins at Wat Phra Mahathat and the Buddha head, surrounded by Banyan tree roots – it's one of the most photographed sites in Ayutthaya. After, you’ll have access to a day room at a local hotel in Ayutthaya to relax, have a swim in the hotel pool and freshen up before the overnight train journey north.

And just like that, you’re in Chiang Mai, the most vibrant city of Northern Thailand. Wake up and get out to explore this friendly city full of amazing temples and with an interesting Old Town. Then, enjoy some lunch before your drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step Naga-guarded stairway. The rewards will justify the climb, as Doi Suthep – one of Thailand's most stunning temples – reveals itself. From up here, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the city and might even be able to listen to the evening chants of the resident Buddhist monks. Return to Chiang Mai, and with free time in the evening, perhaps wander through the colourful night bazaar or visit one of the restaurants along the riverfront. In any case, don't miss out on the signature northern dish kao soy – yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth with chicken or beef.

Today’s an especially fun one for you and the kids, as you’ll get to meet some free-roaming elephants! Drive out of Chiang Mai to Chang Chill, where you’ll learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of elephants in the region. With expert local guides at your side, observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialize with their friends. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit – but be careful not to get a spray! After lunch at the sanctuary, head back to Chiang Mai, arriving in the late afternoon. You’ll have some free time to maybe visit the night markets or take a wander around the city.

Set off early today through the Chiang Dao Valley to the rural village of Ban Hua Thung. When you arrive, your family will be welcomed by the community. Join local guides for a walk around the village, learning about their farming practices, traditional basket weaving and the community forest, managed by the local Hua Tung people – the trees are actually ‘ordained’ by Buddhist monks, a sacred practice symbolising how the people nurture the forest, and the forest nurtures the people in return. Learn about herbal medicines and wild foods that come from the forest, then sit down with your hosts for a homemade lunch prepared by the community and learn a little more about their lives. Later, return to Chiang Mai for the final evening of your Thailand adventure.

Join your group for a final breakfast this morning, as some of your fellow travellers may be saying goodbye today, then hop on a short flight south to Phuket. As Thailand’s largest and most popular island, it has excellent beaches and a huge array of restaurants serving local food. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 5 pm today to meet your new leader and group. After, why not head out for dinner to get to know everyone a bit better.

This morning, say farewell to Phuket and hop on a private transfer to Khao Sok National Park. Along the way, stop in at the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Phang Nga. Learn about how the Navy rescues eggs from surrounding beaches, see some of the turtles in action and hear about how the centre is helping to support turtles and their habitat. When you arrive at Khao Sok National Park, enjoy a free afternoon to get settled into your surroundings. The national park is home to some of the oldest jungles in the world, surrounded by amazing limestone rock faces and monkeys hiding in the trees. Maybe hit the resort pool with the kids, then later, you might like to take an evening safari with your group, where you’ll head deep into the jungle, looking (and listening) out for animals.

Start the day by jumping in a private vehicle and travelling through the jungle to island-dotted Cheow Lan Lake. Then, it’s into a traditional longtail boat for a calm sail to one of its islands. This scenery looks straight out of a postcard, with limestone karsts rising almost 1000 m (3281 ft) into the air and surrounding blue-green waters. Trek with the family to an island cave, which will delight the kids with its eerie stalactites, bats hanging above and subterranean streams below. Enjoy lunch in a local rafthouse before having free time to relax, swim or kayak around the lake to search for wildlife. The water is clear and full of aquatic life, and on land, you might spot hornbills, langurs, macaques or gibbons. After, return to your accommodation for the night and fall asleep to the relaxing sound of the jungle outside.

Take a private transfer to the Phrom Lok District this morning, where you’ll get to spend a night on a unique homestay experience. When you arrive, meet the locals and immerse yourself in everyday life as you take on their daily activities and gain insight into their culture. Enjoy a homecooked lunch together, then hop on two wheels for a cycling adventure around the community. Cycle to Phrom Lok Waterfall and maybe cool off with a swim (depending on the season), then discover the leafy Phrom Khiri District. Tonight, you’ll tuck into an authentic homecooked dinner of southern Thai food before trying your hand at the art of batik painting.

Start the day with breakfast at your homestay, then head out by bike again to visit a nearby mushroom farm and rubber plantation – you'll also get to see how everyday household items are made from native grasses. After, refuel with lunch back at the village, then say goodbye to your hosts and head to Ao Nang. This resort town is known for its gorgeous beaches, colourful sunsets and limestone islands that jut out from the still seas. After checking in to your accommodation, you may like to take a longtail boat a short distance to the stunning Railay Beach for an afternoon of swimming, relaxing and exploring with your family.

Today is a free day for you and the family to do as you like. Maybe find a shady spot beneath the palms, take an ocean dip on one of Krabi's beaches, climb the spectacular cliffs or go snorkelling. You might also like to get out by boat and explore the islands, like Phi Phi Island, Hong Island or the famous four-island tour – every one is more beautiful than the next and home to white-sand beaches perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

After breakfast, say goodbye to Krabi and hit the road headed back to Phuket, stopping for lunch along the way. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, join your leader for a walk around Phuket’s Old Town, learning about the city’s history as a tin-mining hub, wandering past the colourful shop fronts and following the scents of the many incredible restaurants in the area. For dinner tonight, you might like to try one of them for your final group dinner together.

There are no activities planned for the final day, and you are free to depart any time. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer (it’s recommended), just speak to your booking agent and be sure to ask your leader for their recommendations on the best family-friendly activities.