Thailand Family Adventure
Seasonal Information
Thailand is a phenomenal destination for a family holiday that will provide formative experiences for all family members, as well as the opportunity to witness unmatched scenic landscapes on your journey through the mystical region of South East Asia. Engage in a myriad of fun experiences that will excite all of the family, from trekking through rural community villages and forests, kayaking on the spiritual Cheow Lan Lake and even feeding the native elephants of Thailand at an ethical reservation park that rehabilitates the trunked inhabitants. A family journey through Thailand presents a special chance to spend quality time with your family, away from the bustle of normal life, while providing experiences that will live in your family’s memory forever.
- Enjoy a Family holiday throughout Thailand including amazing cultural experiences with local communities and natural unmissable landscapes
- Take a boat ride experience through the canals of Bangkok and wander through Klong Bangluang Art Village
- Journey to witness the local way of life at Baan Ruam Tai farming community
- Experience an early morning safari exploration at Kuiburi National Park
- Travel to Khao Sok, filled with natural beauties and picturesque scenery
- Experience an overnight stay at the raft house on the Choew Lan lake
- Participate in hiking, kayaking, feeding elephants and most importantly – relaxing
- End the journey with a relaxing beach trip at Khanom, a small peaceful beach town well-known for its long white sand beach that stretches into the sea and rows of pine trees
Your family will travel through the distinct regions in Thailand, these will include:
Bangkok
Whilst Bangkok may seem overwhelming and intense at first, once you find your feet in the Thai capital’s busy streets it quickly turns into an exhilarating destination. Bangkok is locally known as “Krung Thep”, meaning the City of Angels, but perhaps a more fitting moniker would be the City of Contrast. Rustic roadside vendors compete with chic rooftop bars, bustling night markets stand side-by-side with modern, air-conditioned shopping malls, and ancient temples strike a balance with the frenzied traffic and lively nightlife.
Gulf of Thailand coast – Southern East Thailand
Thailand’s Gulf coast is popularised by the island trio of Samui, Pha Ngan and Tao. Most popular is Koh Samui which is home to upscale beach resorts, with a nod to its past as a staple of the backpacker with the wonder of Ang Thong National Marine Park located nearby. The area’s laid-back atmosphere and infamous full moon parties lure most travellers to the neighbouring Koh Pha Ngan, but Koh Tao has established itself as Thailand’s foremost diving destination. Koh Lanta offers an untouched feel and Hua Hin caters ideally for families searching for a beach close to Bangkok. The islands of Koh Samet and Koh Chang offer an authentic Thai beach getaway.
Off the Beaten Track
Dense national parks adorn the country, with easy access and incredible vistas of sweeping natural beauty. Lush Khoa Yai and Erawan National Parks are both within easy reach of Bangkok. Koh Sok in the South offers stays amongst aside lakes and wildlife and is popularly paired with beach stays. Additionally, history and culture buffs should seek out Kanchanaburi, where you can see the famous ‘Death Railway’ built during WWII, staying a night or two staying on the River Kwai. Ayutthaya – the ancient capital of Thailand – makes for a fascinating visit to the ruins of a bygone era.
When you arrive in Bangkok, a guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Explore the city in the evening or relax at the hotel, eager to start your family adventure.
Your tour will start at Sanamchai MRT Station where you will meet your guide. From here, walk to Museum Siam, a museum filled with displays about Thai history and culture. The concept of the museum is highlighted throughout a series of interactive exhibits. Continue the tour aboard a traditional ‘long tail’ boat, where you will meander through the quaint canals of Thonburi and embracing the quieter side of life. Arrive at a local art home in the charming community of Khlong Bang Luang. Refresh yourself with an iced coffee and delight in a local lunch of noodles or Pad Thai, before witnessing a traditional Thai puppet show demonstrated by local artists. Explore the regions nearby craft shops and temple, while the children can enjoy more hands-on activities, such as painting or feeding fish. At the end of the tour, turn back and head towards Bangpai MRT Station, where you will take to the sky train back to Bangkok before enjoying a relaxing evening at your own leisure.
Depart south from Bangkok to Hua Hin, stopping during the journey for a spot of lunch at the Solar Roasted Chicken Restaurant – restaurant choice may vary due to certain circumstances. Arrive in Hua Hin in the afternoon where you will be left to explore this new region at your own leisure.
The next day, participate in a full-day tour to Kui Buri after breakfast. Take a ninety-minute drive to Baan Ruam Thai, a local farming community village in Kui Buri where they operate eco-tourist activities. At Baan Ruam Thai, learn to make paper from pineapple leaves in local workshops and witness how the native villagers make fried seasonal fruits, before delighting in some authentic lunch provided by the community.
Continue the tour to Kui Buri National Park headquarters. Kui Buri National Park is known to be the best place in all of Thailand to spot wild elephants, and offers a good chance to glimpse gaurs, sambar deer, wild boar and native birds. You will explore the natural beauty of Kui Buri nature park in a vehicle before being transferred back to Hua Hin in the late afternoon/early evening.
Transfer to Hua Hin Train Station, where you will take a train to Surat Thani. Once you arrive, you will be met by a guide who will take you and your family to Khao Sok National Park – approximately an hour and a half outside of Surat Thani. Although the day is long and filled with travel, the serene sights at Khao Sok make up for any travel issues.
Additional information
- Hop on Day-Train from Hua Hin to Surat Thani (Train no.43 sprinter 11.29-16.45)
- Note: No guide on train
After breakfast, join the Khao Sok Ethical Elephant Experience team and delight in a day filled with the native big-eared residents. The team provide an ethical and community-based Elephant Experience in Khao Sok, with opportunities to feed and bathe an elephant rescued from a former trekking camp. Lunch will be included during this tour. The elephant experience is a fun and formative opportunity to get closer to these beautiful creatures in a respectful manner. The whole family can learn about these gentle giants, before returning to the resort and spending the evening at your own leisure.
After breakfast, begin your Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Trip. Khao Sok National Park is a stunning natural paradise, rich in wildlife and plants. At the heart of the verdant forest lies the breathtakingly beautiful Cheow Lan Lake, paired with ethereal limestone cliffs and emerging islands. A stunning natural wonder spanning 165 km², Cheow Lan Lake is an unspoilt tourist destination that merges the beauty of nature with a sense of adventure.
You will arrive on the lake mid-morning, and take a scenic longtail boat trip on the water. A local lunch will be provided once you reach the raft house. Spend a couple of hours swimming, kayaking or relaxing at the raft house, before taking an afternoon hike. Dinner will be provided and served in the evening, as you begin to get comfortable and spend the night on the lake.
Today’s adventure requires an early rise, which additionally provides a phenomenal scenic landscape of the Cheow Lan Lake surroundings. Take a local long-tail boat around the lake on a wildlife safari tour, witnessing the nature and ecosystem of this region. After this morning tour, enjoy some breakfast and spend your last morning in this mystical region. After lunch transfer to the pier where you will continue the journey with a three-hour drive to Khanom. Once you arrive in Khanom check into your hotel and spend the evening at your own leisure.
Spend the day in Khanom at your own leisure or additionally partake in one of the optional tours.
Conserving Dolphins, Half Day with Long-Tailed Boat (Join-In)
Enjoy a day of sightseeing along the bay, observing the beautiful scenery of the islands and mountain. Witness the native dolphins which ride the foamy waves and swim close to the shore. Arrive at Pancake Rock, which sits along the coastline of Lak Sor Bay and Tham island, and then continue travelling to Nui Nok island, a homage to Luang Pu Tuad, and visit the holy Fresh Water Hole. The island, situated in the middle of the ocean, provides an enriching opportunity to learn about the ancient legends and myths regarding the holistic site. Experience the harmony produced by the serene surrounding nature before heading back to shore.
Note: Min 4 pax operated
Full Day: Experience Mud Spa at Tha Sala – incl. Lunch. Join-In
Travel to the small town of Tha Sala, where you will head to the Ban Laem Village. Once there, you will take a short boat ride out to the source of this culturally utilised commodity – natural mud. Delight in a muddy experience in the water or bathe in the mud on the boat. This natural mud is thought to offer beneficial health effects. While on the trip, assist in planting Mangrove Trees which help and conserve the ecosystem. Travel back to the shore for a wash and a change of clothes. Here you will experience a local signature lunch, Muddy Rice.
In the afternoon, visit the pottery village at Ban Maying. The village still adheres to the old technique of making pottery by hand. Visitors will have an opportunity to make their own pottery and learn the necessary skills, method and process that goes into each ceramic. Visit the surrounding area of Mulberry Farm and witness the local produce grown here.
Note: Min 4 pax operated
Full Day: True Elegance of Nakhon Si Thammarat – incl. Lunch. Join-In
Travel to Nakhon Si Thammarat, an old historical city located to the south. Visit the City Museum, Nakhon Si Thammarat, which received the Thailand Tourism Award in 2008 as an outstanding tourist organization. This tour provides learning about the full history and culture of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Start by arriving at Wat Phra Mahathat, which was originally the old monastery of Nakhon Si Thammarat. It is believed to have been constructed during the Srivijaya Period in compliance with the idea of the Mahayana Buddha School. The temple museum exhibits a range of art objects that derive from the region.
Move to Tachang Road where the souvenir and handicraft market is located. It is possible to see jewellery, brocade, and Batik, but the region is mostly known for trading silverware. Upon arrival at Kiriwong village, an ancient community that is settled at the foot of Khao Luang, visit some of the ingenious villagers and the community groups that thrive here. Meet the batik, herbalists and handicrafts groups who craft most of the products seen at the Tachang Road Market. You will be awestruck by the amazing location of Kiriwong, encircled by beautiful jungle-covered mountains. Additionally, you may be given an opportunity to represent your own craftsmanship by making your own natural tie-dyed clothing. After a crafty afternoon, head back to the resort.
Note: Min 2 pax operated
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a transfer to Surat Thani airport – approximately an hour and a half by car. Once here, say a final goodbye to Thailand and take your departing flight.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Accommodation listed in the itinerary
- Standard check-in time is 2 PM and check-out time is 12 PM. Early or late service is subject to availability with surcharges
- Tours and transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle
- Sightseeing and permit fees during guided times
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides as mentioned
- Service charges and government VAT tax
- VISA – must be arranged for non-ASEAN citizens. Please make sure you have 6 months passport validity
- Flights
- VISA stamp fee at the arrival airport (the fee is varied based on nationality and destination)
- Early/late check-in/out service at hotels (surcharge if request)
- Tips and gratuities
- Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary
- All drinks, including water, soft drink, and alcohol on all included or optional excursions
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
