Thailand Family Holiday
Thailand Family Holiday
Thailand Family Holiday
12 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok
Visiting: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya/Overnight train, Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao Village Visit , Chiang Mai - Overnight Train , Hua Hin, Hua Hin , Bangkok
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTFA
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Want a family getaway that’s a little different? From the colourful markets of Bangkok to the palm-fringed beaches of Hua Hin, introduce the kids to a new world on this Thailand trip with a twist. Watch rescued elephants splash in the mud at a nature park in Chiang Mai, see how other families live during a fun rural village visit, uncover the exciting history behind the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and try some new and yummy treats along the backstreets of Bangkok. Both children and adults alike will have a blast on this carefully designed itinerary that promises new friends, heaps of fun and plenty of free time to connect as a family.
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 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 formalities of the meeting, take the opportunity to introduce yourselves to your leader and the other families joining your tour and perhaps head out for a group dinner.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Kanchanaburi
Location: Kanchanaburi
Accommodation: Riverkwai Bridge Resort or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
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 private minivan to Kanchanaburi (approximately 2.5 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'.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Kanchanaburi
Location: Kanchanaburi
Accommodation: Riverkwai Bridge Resort or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel to Erawan National Park in the morning (approximately 1.5 hours each way). Located in western 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Ayutthaya/Overnight Train
Location: Ayutthaya/Overnight train
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Meals Included: breaksfast
Transfer by minibus to the nearby city of Ayutthaya (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:
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Day 5: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Estia Chiang Mai 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. 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. 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: Estia Chiang Mai Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
After breakfast we take the journey out to see the elephants - which will sure to be a highlight for the entire family. One and half hours outside of Chiang Mai, the elephant sanctuary is home to elephants who have been rescued. Upon arrival head out on a walk with a local guide into the forest to observe the elephants grazing and socializing, from a safe distance of course! The children will learn some new facts about Asian Elephants and meet their Mahouts. Your guide will deliver a "live" information session answering any questions you may have about conservation, elephant behavior, and interesting facts: like how much they eat? After some Thai snacks you will then head to the riverside where you can help fill feeding tubes with corn, sugar cane, grass, bananas and any other supplementary food on hand for the elephants.
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: Marisa Resort Chiang Dao or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Set off early through the Chiang Dao Valley to the rural village of Ban Hua Tung (approximately 2 hours). 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. Later in the day, make the short drive to the peaceful village of Chiang Dao, where you will spend the night.
Day 8: Chiang Mai - Overnight Train
Location: Chiang Mai - Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy a free morning to enjoy your peaceful surroundings in the misty Chiang Dao. Perhaps take a walk through the lush jungle, have a swim in the pool or just kick back and relax at the hotel. Make your way back to Chiang Mai, arriving in time to catch the overnight train back to Bangkok.
Day 9: Hua Hin
Location: Hua Hin
Accommodation: Baan Talay Dao Resort or Similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Arrive into Bangkok around 7am this morning. After some breakfast at a local hotel, make the journey south to the beach town of Hua Hin (approximately 3 hours). With two days to enjoy this palm-fringed resort town, spend your free time exploring 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 1920’s. Hin Beach is the main strip – grab a coconut, settle in and be sure to sample the delicious Thom Kha Talay (Spicy Seafood Coconut Soup).
Day 10: Hua Hin
Location: Hua Hin
Accommodation: Baan Talay Dao Resort or Similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Day 11: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
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, why not head out for a farewell dinner and take the opportunity to look back on the week’s adventures with your family and new-found friends.
Day 12: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: breaksfast
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart at anytime following check-out. If you have time, there’s still plenty to enjoy in this bustling capital, ask your leader for their recommendations on the best family-friendly activities.
What's Included
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Chiang Mai - Traditional Umbrella Factory
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Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
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Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls
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Bangkok - Wat Pho
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Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park
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Chiang Mai - Chang Chill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
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Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
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Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple complex
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Meals
11 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners
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Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
- Bangkok - Wat Pho
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park
- Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple complex
- Chiang Mai - Chang Chill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
- Chiang Mai - Traditional Umbrella Factory
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. Minimum age: 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
- 2. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.
- 3. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm on Day 1 in Bangkok. This trip ends on Day 12 and you are free to leave at any time.
- 4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Overnight Train) and Day 8 (Overnight Train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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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.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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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