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Best of Thailand Family Holiday

Best of Thailand Family Holiday

From $ 4,140 AUD

Description

Bring the whole family along on a 15-day adventure that covers the very best of Thailand. Start in Bangkok with a visit to Wat Pho, one of the six most important temples in the country, and a boat ride along the city’s famous khlongs (canals). Swim in waterfall pools at Erawan National Park and meet rescued elephants at a sanctuary near Chiang Mai. 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 to one of Cheow Lan Lake’s stunning islands. Kick back and relax with free time in Krabi, then wrap up your family adventure on the beaches of Phuket.

Trip Name
Best of Thailand Family Holiday
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Stay in Khao Sok National Park for two nights, exploring some of the oldest jungles in the world and searching for wildlife. The kids will love cruising along Cheow Lan Lake on board a longtail boat.
  • Get a glimpse into local life during a homestay in the Phrom Lok District and a visit to the rural village of Ban Hua Thung. Share home-cooked meals with local families and try your hand at batik painting.
  • Spend a morning at the Chang Chill elephant experience, watching these incredible creatures roam freely (from a distance) and learning about the organisation’s conservation efforts.
  • See the famous, seven-level Erawan Falls in Erawan National Park and maybe swim in one of its turquoise pools, then spend the night at a rafthouse resort.
  • Enjoy a full free day in Krabi to either relax on the beaches, rock climb up the spectacular cliffs or snorkel to your heart’s content. After traversing Thailand by train, longtail boat and bike, this is your day to simply relax with your family.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bangkok
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.
Day 2 - Kanchanaburi
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.
Day 3 - Kanchanaburi
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.
Day 4 - Ayutthaya
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.
Day 5 - Chiang Mai
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.
Day 6 - Chiang Mai
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.
Day 7 - Chiang Dao
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.
Day 8 - Phuket
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.
Day 9 - Khao Sok National Park
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.
Day 10 - Khao Sok National Park
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.
Day 11 - Phrom Lok Homestay
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.
Day 12 - Krabi
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.
Day 13 - Krabi
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.
Day 14 - Phuket
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.
Day 15 - Phuket
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-12-202629-12-2026AUD $ 4,990-
22-12-202605-01-2027AUD $ 5,995-
24-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 5,595-
10-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 5,160-
28-03-202711-04-2027AUD $ 4,595-
30-03-202713-04-2027AUD $ 4,140-
27-06-202711-07-2027AUD $ 4,330-
29-06-202713-07-2027AUD $ 4,140-
23-07-202706-08-2027AUD $ 4,180-
25-07-202708-08-2027AUD $ 4,140-
27-07-202710-08-2027AUD $ 4,140-
01-08-202715-08-2027AUD $ 4,140-
08-08-202722-08-2027AUD $ 4,140-
19-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 4,140-
26-09-202710-10-2027AUD $ 4,140-
16-12-202730-12-2027AUD $ 4,255-
19-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 4,255-
21-12-202704-01-2028AUD $ 4,795-
23-12-202706-01-2028AUD $ 4,985-
02-01-202816-01-2028AUD $ 5,035-
06-01-202820-01-2028AUD $ 5,035-
09-01-202823-01-2028AUD $ 5,035-
02-04-202816-04-2028AUD $ 4,345-
04-04-202818-04-2028AUD $ 4,345-
09-04-202823-04-2028AUD $ 4,345-
12-04-202826-04-2028AUD $ 4,345-
15-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 4,345-
25-06-202809-07-2028AUD $ 4,345-
27-06-202811-07-2028AUD $ 4,345-
02-07-202816-07-2028AUD $ 4,345-
21-07-202804-08-2028AUD $ 4,345-
23-07-202806-08-2028AUD $ 4,345-
25-07-202808-08-2028AUD $ 4,345-
30-07-202813-08-2028AUD $ 4,345-
06-08-202820-08-2028AUD $ 4,345-
17-09-202801-10-2028AUD $ 4,345-
24-09-202808-10-2028AUD $ 4,345-
14-12-202828-12-2028AUD $ 4,465-
17-12-202831-12-2028AUD $ 4,465-
19-12-202802-01-2029AUD $ 4,465-
21-12-202804-01-2029AUD $ 5,235-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Floating Raft House (2 nights), Resort (6 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

Transport

Private Minivan, Longtail boat, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Bike

Map