Best of Thailand Family Holiday
Best of Thailand Family Holiday
Best of Thailand Family Holiday
15 Days Starting in Bangkok and ending in Phuket
Visiting: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park , Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao village visit , Phuket, Khao Sok National Park, Phrom Lok village , Krabi
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok (or similar)
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Kanchanaburi
Location: Kanchanaburi
Accommodation: Boutique Raft Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Erawan National Park
Location: Erawan National Park
Accommodation: Boutique Raft Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Ayutthaya
Location: Ayutthaya
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: De Charme Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: De Charme Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Chiang Dao Village Visit
Location: Chiang Dao village visit
Accommodation: De Charme Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Phuket
Location: Phuket
Accommodation: Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: breaksfast
Day 9: Khao Sok National Park
Location: Khao Sok National Park
Accommodation: The Cliff & River Jungle Resort
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, say farewell to Phuket and hop on a private transfer to Kaho 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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Khao Sok National Park
Location: Khao Sok National Park
Accommodation: The Cliff & River Jungle Resort
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Phrom Lok Village
Location: Phrom Lok village
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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).
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Krabi
Location: Krabi
Accommodation: Krabi Tipa Resort
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 13: Krabi
Location: Krabi
Accommodation: Krabi Tipa Resort
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 14: Phuket
Location: Phuket
Accommodation: Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 15: Phuket
Location: Phuket
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Resort (8 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night) -
Meals
14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinners -
Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
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Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
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Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
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Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
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Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance)
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Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
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Baan Hua Thung Community Visit
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Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
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Khao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake tour
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Khao Sok - Kayak and swim at lake raft house
Transport
- OVERNIGHT TRAINS
- Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/
Accommodation
- 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.
Important Information
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions