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Discover the incredible sights of city and rural Thailand

Want a family getaway that’s a little different? The combination of culture, friendly people, exciting activities, yummy food and stunning scenery make Thailand an ideal family destination. Visit the legendary Bridge on the River Kwai near Kanchanaburi, explore ancient ruins at Ayuthaya, shop in colourful markets in Bangkok and visit an Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Introduce the kids to a new world and have a great holiday at the same time on this fun-filled Thailand family adventure.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Bangkok, Thailand
Destination
Thailand
Style
Original
Theme
Family
Code
TTFA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 2, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • This trip has a fabulous pace to it. There's plenty of action, and lots of room for quality family time in which to play, swim or stroll in some of Thailand's most amazing coastal and jungle destinations

  • A long-tail boat trip on the canals is the perfect introduction to Bangkok. Follow it up with a visit to Wat Pho, where the larger-than-life reclining Buddha will blow you and your familys mind

  • The food is excellent, there's a great spread of local restaurants, and your Ban Hua Tung homestay takes the hospitality to the next level, with home cooking and a cultural dance perfomance

  • The activities in Chiang Mai are both fun and educational. One minute you and your family will be walking with rescued elephants, the next you're walking through the sacred foothills of Chiang Dao learning about natural medicines and wild foods

Is this trip right for you?

  • Prepare for hot and sticky temperatures during the day, but cooler climates in the evening. Layers are the best way to tackle this. Be sure to also drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

  • 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.

  • Your overnight train journey (Day 4) is quite long. Make the most of it by checking out the scenery and chatting with local travellers. 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.

  • The accommodation is basic at your homestay (with fold-out mattresses and shared facilities), but the experience of spending time with a local family in their home will more than make up for the lack of creature comforts.

Map of Thailand Family Holiday including Thailand
Visit an Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
Meet some of the local monks at Thailand's Doi Suthep temple
Enjoy the history and culture on a Thailand Family Holiday
Relax and explore some of Thailand's temple's

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm. 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 some Thai massage. 
Accommodation
  • Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250
  • Bangkok - Thai kickboxing exhibition - THB2200
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB150
  • Bangkok - Bangkok Chinatown Food Discovery Urban Adventure - THB2149
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today you will travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River and explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok (approximately 1 hour). Life along these canals seems a world away from the busy streets of the capital. After that you will pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the six most important temples in the country. It's home to the country's largest reclining Buddha, which is a seriously impressive sight. This place is also the gatekeeper of the secrets of Thai medicine and massage. After exploring the site, you and the family will take a local bus to Kanchanaburi (approximately 2 hours) and check into your hotel. The hotel is situated where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge. Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous 'Bridge on the River Kwai'.
Accommodation
  • Riverkwai Bridge Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel to Erawan National Park in the morning (approximately 1.5 hours each way). Located on West Thailand in the Tenasserim Hills of Kanchanaburi Province, this national park boasts the incredible Erawan Falls, a famous seven-level waterfall of luminous 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.

Life Jackets: you can hire a life jacket for your child at the National Park for swimming in the waterfall. Costs are 20THB per jacket with a100THB deposit. This is paid for locally.
Accommodation
  • Riverkwai Bridge Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kanchanaburi - Erawan Water Falls
  • Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park
Optional Activities
  • Kanchanaburi - Kayaking - THB350
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Transfer by minibus to the nearby city of Ayuthaya (approximately 2.5 hours). Once the capital of ancient Siam, Ayutthaya offers a great opportunity to stroll the World Heritage-listed ruins of this once magnificent city. There's time for 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. You will have access to a day room at a local hotel in Ayutthaya to have a swim in the hotel pool and freshen up before the train.  Afterwards, board an overnight train to Chiang Mai (approximately 11 hours).
Included Activities
  • Ayuthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
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. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 minutes). The rewards will justify the climb, as one of Thailand's most stunning temples reveals itself. This is Doi Suthep. You'll be treated to panoramic views of the city from up here. You might also be able to listen to the evening chants of the resident Buddhist monks while you're here. You'll also visit Bor Sang today, a traditional umbrella factory. 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.
Accommodation
  • Jira Boutique Residence Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple
  • Chiang Mai - Traditional Umbrella Factory
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Set off early, around 8 am, through Mae Taeng Valley to Elephant Nature Park. The drive is about 60 kilometres (approximately 1.5 hours). This unique project provides a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. Greeted by an expert guide, learn about the problems these creatures face in South East Asia. You'll have the chance to see these amazing beasts from the viewing platform where you can give them their morning tea! A local guide will take you around the park where you will get to know the elephants story. Enjoy some lunch before elephant bathing time. Watching these magnificent elephants bath from the river bank is quite the sight. We head off in the afternoon to the warm and welcoming village of Ban Hua Tung (approximately 45 minutes). The community will invite you and your family into their village for the night for a truly unique experience. Be treated to a home-cooked dinner and a traditional Thai dancing performance. 

Notes: The Chiang Mai and homestay days may be swapped or shuffled around, depending on the commitments and availability of the host family.
Accommodation
  • Baan Hua Thung Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park day trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Bid farewell to your village hosts and head into the forest at the base of Chiang Dao mountain. Local guides will show you around 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. Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy free time – perhaps a bicycle ride or cooking class. 

Accommodation
  • Jira Boutique Residence Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today is free for you to explore Chiang Mai alittle further until your overnight train journey. Perhaps join your leader on a walk through the old city, or take up one of many optional activities. Or do some last minute shopping.

At 4pm your train departures Chiang Mai headed for Bangkok. Once in Bangkok tomorrow you then take a private minivan to the seaside town of Hua Hin.

Optional Activities
  • Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB200
  • Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB990
  • Chiang Mai - Thai cooking course - THB800
  • Chiang Mai - Jungle Zip Line - THB2200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

We arrive into Bangkok around 6am. After some breakfast at a local hotel we make the journey south to the beach town of Hua Hin (approximately 3 hours). Spend your free time here exploring and swimming in the numerous white sandy beaches by day and indulging in amazing food by night. This beautiful coastal spot is located right by a sophisticated city that has everything you need. But its slickness takes nothing away from the gorgeous beach and blue-green waters, which are perfect to laze around in. Hua Hin was once a sleepy fishing village before Thai royalty made it their beachside getaway in the '20s. Hin Beach is the main strip – grab a coconut, settle in and be sure to sample the delicious thom kha (spicy seafood soup).
Accommodation
  • Chom View Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is free to spend as you please. A bicycle tour is always an excellent choice for the family, and there are many nearby vineyards and mountainous trails to explore, depending on how far you would like to venture. You might like to just stay at the beach and soak up the atmosphere of Thailand's original coastal resort. Perhaps stroll north on the main shore to check out some of the opulent Victorian-style garden estates. The day market, Chatchai, is well worth a visit, boasting fresh fruit, delicious donuts and traditional sweetened coffee.
Accommodation
  • Chom View Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Return by minivan to Bangkok and enjoy an afternoon of free time. The shopping is excellent in Bangkok, and the malls sometimes feel like their own kind of theme park. Tonight head out for an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There are no activities planned for the final day, and you are free to depart the accommodation at any time.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Bus, Longtail boat, Overnight sleeper train

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Included activities

  • Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho
  • Kanchanaburi - Erawan Water Falls
  • Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park
  • Ayuthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple
  • Chiang Mai - Traditional Umbrella Factory
  • Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park day trip

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Important notes

Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

A single supplement is available on this trip with exception of Day 4 (Overnight Train), Day 6 (Homestay) and Day 8 (Overnight Train).

Essential trip 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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