Best of Thailand Family Holiday





Take an all-encompassing Thailand adventure with the family
Bring the family along on a 15-day adventure that covers the very best of Thailand. Start in Bangkok, experiencing its quieter side on a visit to Wat Pho, one of the six most important temples in the country, and a ride along the city’s famous khlongs (canals). Learn about Kanchanaburi’s history, swim in waterfall pools at Erawan National Park and meet rescued elephants at a sanctuary near Chiang Mai. You’ll be able to meet locals and get a glimpse at their lifestyles during visits to rural villages, spot wildlife in Khao Sok National Park and head out on a longtail boat on Cheow Lan Lake. Kick back and relax with free time in Krabi, then wrap up your family adventure on the pristine beaches of Phuket.
5.0
1 reviewsStart: Bangkok, Thailand
End: Phuket, Thailand
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 2 to 16
- Minimum age
- 5 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
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- Family
- Physical rating
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Why you'll love this trip
- Get the kids immersed in Thai culture during visit to the to the rural village of Ban Hua Tun and a homestay in the southern in the Phrom Lok District, where they’ll learn batik painting.
- The whole family will love exploring Chiang Mai and meeting rescued elephants at the nearby Chang Chill elephant experience.
- Step into history at Kanchanaburi, home to the infamous 'Bridge on the River Kwai', before taking a swim in the turquoise water of Erawan waterfall.
- Cruise along Cheow Lan Lake onboard a longtail boat and enjoy a day on one of the lake’s many islands, with the chance to kayak in search of macaques or gibbons.
- Enjoy a full free day in Krabi to either relax on idyllic beaches, rock climb up spectacular cliffs or snorkel to your heart’s content.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
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 tuck 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.
- Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok (or similar) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
- Bangkok - Thai kickboxing exhibition - THB2200
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
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 artists 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.
- Boutique Raft Resort (or similar) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
- Bangkok - Flower Market
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
This morning travel to the stunningly beautiful Erawan National Park. Located in western Thailand in the Tenasserim Hills of Kanchanaburi Province, this national park boasts the incredible Erawan Falls, a famous seven-level waterfall with turquoise pools and exotic tropical fish. 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 eagles, pheasants or leafbirds among many others who might be soaring above or perched in the treetops. Then return to your rafthouse resort where you and your family can enjoy swimming in the pool or you may like to experience a raft ride down the river.
- Boutique Raft Resort (or similar) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
If you are travelling in September, you will visit Sai Yok Noi Waterfall instead of Erawan National Park. Erawan will be closed for restoration during this time.
Transfer by minibus 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, and you’ll get the chance to do exactly that on a guided tour of the picturesque ruins and temples spread across the town. The ruins at Wat Phra Mahathat provide many photo opportunities and the Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site 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.
- Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
During the overnight train you will be travelling in soft sleeper class, as per Intrepid style. Multishare compartments, air-conditioning, bunk beds, sheets and a pillow are provided. A curtain is installed at every berth which can offer privacy and more importantly, block the light that can interfere with sleep because the central lights are kept on through the night. Plug socket and reading light are available for every berth so passengers can charge their phone and laptop or read throughout their train ride. We recommend you bring a sleep mask and ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. There's also a food and drink service on board. Note that your baggage will travel in the carriage with you.
Wake up in Chiang Mai, the most vibrant city of Northern Thailand. As well as amazing temples and an interesting old town, the city is known for its friendly, smiling locals. You'll have a chance to explore the town and enjoy some lunch before driving 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. You'll be treated to panoramic views of the city from up here, and you 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 quality 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.
- De Charme Hotel (or similar) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB1100
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB300
- Chiang Mai - Jungle Zip Line - THB2200
- Chiang Mai - Thai cooking course - THB1000
Today, you’ll and the family have a special time visiting the Chang Chill elephant experience. Drive out of Chiang Mai to Chang Chill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialize with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit – but be careful not to get a spray! After lunch, head back to Chiang Mai and arrive in the late afternoon. You’ll have some free time to maybe visit the night markets or take a wander around the city.
We will have lunch at the Sanctuary before heading back to Chiang Mai arriving in the late afternoon. You will have some free time to maybe visit the night markets or take a wander around the city.
- De Charme Hotel (or similar) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
The walk to the elephant sanctuary is around 1km over undulating ground and though rice paddies. Be prepared for epic scenery, as well as a bit of mud – especially if it has been raining. Good walking shoes are recommended (open or closed toe).
Set off early through the Chiang Dao Valley to the rural village of Ban Hua Tung. Arrive at the warm and welcoming village where the community will invite you and your family for a truly unique experience. Once you’ve had some time to settle in, join local guides for a walk around the village, giving you the chance to learn about their agricultural practices and traditional basket weaving. Visit the forest which the local Hua Tung people manage together as part of a new community initiative. The biodiversity of the forest is protected by a sacred 'forest ordination' by Buddhist monks whereby trees are ordained as monks – the people nurture the forest, and the forest nurtures the people in return. There's a yearly bamboo harvest which raises money for the village. The locals take great pride in showing you the development of their village and the many different herbal medicines and wild foods in the forest. Join your hosts for a homemade lunch prepared by the community and learn a little more about their lives. Then return to Chiang Mai for the final evening of your Thailand adventure.
- De Charme Hotel (or similar) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Baan Hua Thung Community Visit
Your travel time will be approximately 4 hours.
Join your group for a final breakfast this morning, as some of your fellow travellers may bid you farewell, and then hop on a short flight south to Phuket. As Thailand’s largest and most popular island, it has excellent beaches, a huge array of restaurants serving local flavours, comfortable hotels and shopping options. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 5 pm today to meet your new leader and group. After, why not head out for a dinner to get to know everyone a bit better?
- Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa (or similar) (1 night)
- Breakfast
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
This morning, say farewell to Phuket and hop on a private transfer to Khao Sok National Park. Along the way, you’ll stop in at the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Phang Nga. Learn about how the Navy rescues eggs from surrounding beaches and their environmental efforts to ensure the conservation of turtles and to preserve the environment with local communities, schools, universities, government organisations and other NGOs. Arrive at Khao Sok National Park and enjoy a free afternoon to get settled into your surroundings. The national park is one of the most unique locations in Thailand with some of the oldest jungles in the world. Surrounded by amazing limestone rock faces and monkeys hiding in the trees, kids will love swimming in the resort pool. In the evening, you might like to take an evening safari with your group, where you’ll head deep into the jungle, looking (and listening) out for more animals.
- The Cliff & River Jungle Resort (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
- Khao Sok NP - Canoeing - THB800
- Khao Sok National Park - Safari night walk - THB600
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Start the day by hopping on a private vehicle and travelling through pristine jungle to the stunning Cheow Lan Lake. There, you’ll hop in a traditional longtail boat for a calm sail to one of its many islands. With limestone karst hills rising almost 1000 metres into the air and surrounded by beautiful green waters, the area is incredibly picturesque. With the family you’ll trek to an island cave, with its eerie stalactites, bats hanging from the ceiling and subterranean streams at your feet. Enjoy lunch in a local raft-house 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 you might spot hornbills, langurs, macaques or gibbons above water. After, return to your accommodation for the night and fall asleep to the relaxing sound of the jungle outside.
- The Cliff & River Jungle Resort (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Khao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake tour
- Khao Sok - Kayak and swim at lake raft house
Take a private transfer to the Phrom Lok District this morning, where you’ll get to spend a night during a unique homestay experience. Once you arrive, meet the locals and immerse yourself in everyday life as you take on their daily activities and gain an insight into their culture. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch together, then hop on two wheels for a cycling adventure around the community. Cycle to Phrom Lok Waterfall and cool off with a swim (depending on the season), then discover Phrom Khiri District, passing the locals and their leafy surrounds. Tonight, you’ll tuck into an authentic home-cooked dinner of southern Thai food, then you’ll try your hand at the art of Batik painting (a textile technique that uses wax and dye to create patterns on pieces of fabric).
- Homestay (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Phrom Lok – Waterfall Visit
- Phrom Lok – Home-cooked Dinner
- Phrom Lok – Bike Hire
- Phrom Lok – Community Visit and Homestay
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Start the day with breakfast with the locals, then head out on the bike again to visit a local mushroom farm and rubber plantation, and see a grass broom-making demonstration. 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 long tail boat a short distance to the stunning Railay Beach for an afternoon of swimming, relaxing and exploring with your family.
- Krabi Tipa Resort (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Ao Nang - Transport to Railay Beach (round trip) - THB200
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Today is a free day for you and the family to do as you like. Sun-seekers will fall in love with Krabi's unspoilt beaches, the spectacular cliffs will tempt avid rock climbers, while snorkelling fans can embark on a Krabi diving adventure. If you love getting out on the water and exploring islands, then consider taking a trip by boat to explore Phi Phi Island, Hong Island or the famous 4 Island tour, all surrounded by white sandy beaches perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
- Krabi Tipa Resort (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour - THB1400
- Ao Nang - Hot springs & Emerald lagoon tour - THB1600
- Ao Nang - Ko Hong Day Tour - THB1500
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, head out for a leader-led 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 smells of the many incredible restaurants in the area. For dinner tonight, you might like to try one of them out for a final group dinner together.
- Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart any time following check-out. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer (we wouldn’t blame you), just speak to your booking agent and be sure to your leader for their recommendations on the best family-friendly activities.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Private Minivan, Longtail boat, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Bike
Hotel (4 nights), Floating Raft House (2 nights), Resort (6 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night)
- Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
- Bangkok - Flower Market
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
- Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
- Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex
- Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
- Baan Hua Thung Community Visit
- Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
- Khao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake tour
- Khao Sok - Kayak and swim at lake raft house
- Phrom Lok – Waterfall Visit
- Phrom Lok – Home-cooked Dinner
- Phrom Lok – Bike Hire
- Phrom Lok – Community Visit and Homestay
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
- Bangkok - Thai kickboxing exhibition - THB2200
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB1100
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB300
- Chiang Mai - Jungle Zip Line - THB2200
- Chiang Mai - Thai cooking course - THB1000
- Khao Sok NP - Canoeing - THB800
- Khao Sok National Park - Safari night walk - THB600
- Ao Nang - Transport to Railay Beach (round trip) - THB200
- Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour - THB1400
- Ao Nang - Hot springs & Emerald lagoon tour - THB1600
- Ao Nang - Ko Hong Day Tour - THB1500
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- You and your family will visit several temples on this trip, which means covering up arms and shoulders as per the local custom. A light scarf is a great idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
- The weather in Thailand varies seasonally. Be prepared to get sweaty, and for the occasional rainstorm which may require a change of plans.
- Your overnight train journey (Day 4) is quite long (approx. 12 hours). Make the most of it by checking out the scenery and chatting with other families. There's nothing quite like waking up on a sleeper train in a new and exciting destination. While bedding is supplied some families choose to bring their own sleep sheets.
GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room.
Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room.
Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room.
While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.
Nouvo City Hotel (Canal Wing)
2 Samsen 2, Samsen Road, Pranakorn
Banglumphu
Bangkok
10200
THAILAND
Phone: +66 22827500
Description
The Nouvo City Hotel is within walking distance of many of the area's main attractions, such as the Grand Palace, National Museum and Wat Po. We use the Canal Wing and rooms are equipped with a private en-suite. Breakfast is not included but a buffet breakfast can be purchased in the hotel's restaurant. Please also note that no alcohol is served in this hotel, but there are lots of great bars across the road.
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
If you have pre-booked a transfer for an arrival at Suvanabhumi International Airport, you will be met after exiting the Customs Hall. A transfer representative holding a sign with your name on will meet you at between Exit Door 3-4. If you cannot find your transfer representative, please go to the Information Counter at Exit Door 3. Ask them to call our transfer provider, Ms. Janet, on +66 64 649 0485. Please note that neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.
For arrivals at Don Muang International Arrival, when you are at the arrival hall, our representative will be in front of you at Gate 5. Please find the Intrepid Logo and check your name on the signboard held by the representative on your lefthand side. If you have trouble locating our representative, please call our transfer provider Ms. Janet, at +66 64 649 0485.
Metered taxis are available outside the airport entrance on the 1st floor. Exit the Customs Hall, go down to the 1st floor and leave the airport at Gate 3, 4, 7 or 8. You will find a table with a “metred taxis” sign. The taxi fare will be the metred fare plus a surcharge of THB50-THB75 (depending on the driver’s use of toll roads). The total fare will be approx. THB400. Pre-paid taxis are also available, where you will be given a docket to pay the driver a set price of THB700. Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. This trip is for families. All groups must be travelling with at least one child under the age of 18 to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
2. Minimum age: 5 years old.
3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.
4. Full names of all travellers, exactly as per passport including any middle names, must be provided at time of booking for train and flight tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. A single supplement is available to purchase if you would prefer to have your own room. The single supplement is subject to availability and excludes Day 4 (Overnight train) where you will be in a multi-share open carriage and Day 11 (Homestay) where you will be staying in the home of a local family. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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