Thailand family holiday: hikes, rafting & beaches

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Bangkok
• 2 nights Kanchanaburi
• 1 night Ayutthaya
• 1 night Sukhothai
• 1 night Chiang Mai
• 2 nights hill tribe lodges
• 1 night Chiang Mai
• 4 nights Phuket

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok

On arrival in Bangkok, you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, where you will check in for two nights.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel   

Day 3: Bangkok

After breakfast, you will head off for a day of sightseeing around the city. You’ll be using public transport, which means you can really get out and people watch, rubbing shoulders with Bangkok’s residents. Taking the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station on the banks of the Chao Phraya River before taking the public boat to Tha Thien Pier. Here, you’ll disembark and visit Wat Pho, where you will find the huge Reclining Buddha with beautiful mother of pearl feet. Next, you’ll explore the Grand Palace, where the glittering mosaics shine in the sun and you can visit the Emerald Buddha, a revered statue inside the palace.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel, where you can relax at your leisure, enjoy the pool or spend more time exploring the city.

Included: Breakfast, morning tour with guide, lunch, 4* hotel    

Day 4: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

Early this morning, you’ll drive south from Bangkok to the garden province of Samut Songkhram in the Mae Klong River delta area. Visit a unique country market along the railway tracks where a variety of goods are sold, bringing people in from miles away. Next, you’ll head to the Damnoen Sauak Floating Market, where you can stroll around the colourful marketplace, with boats and vendors selling all kinds of delights. It’s a great place to introduce your kids to some exotic fruits – they can try dragon fruit, mangosteen and guava.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive west towards Kanchanaburi, home to the famous bridge on the River Kwai. Built by prisoners of war during WWII, this region is full of fascinating history and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before hopping into a long-tail boat and heading to your hotel, checking in for two nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring with guide, lunch, dinner, 4* hotel            

Day 5: Kanchanaburi

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head off to explore this stunning area. Explore Erawan Waterfall, a spectacular 7 tiered waterfall, a great area for some hiking as well as a great spot to swim with the whole family in the natural pools. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the spectacular landscape around the hotel – why not go rafting along the river on a bamboo raft, your kids will love leaping off into the water and swimming back. Alternatively, you could hop into a canoe and paddle along the river, admiring the lush jungle along the riverbanks. Whatever you do, your time here will be full of fun and adventure.

Included: Breakfast, Erawan waterfall tour, lunch, dinner, 4* hotel         

Day 6: Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya

After breakfast, you’ll leave the lush jungle of Kanchanaburi behind and head to historic Ayutthaya. You’ll have lunch on the way, arriving in the early afternoon, ready to explore the temples. You’ll wander around the impressive site with your guide, learning about the historical significance of Ayutthaya and it’s time as the capital city of ancient Siam.

In the afternoon you’ll head to the pier, ready to board Thanatharee, a unique teak-wood boat where you will be spending the night. Enjoy dinner on board and fall asleep rocking on the water, in a comfortable air-conditioned cabin.

Included: Breakfast, touring with guide, transfers, lunch, dinner, 4* boat accommodation          

Day 7: Ayutthaya to Sukhothai

Rise early today to join in some activities near the temples – preparing some traditional thai sweets called ‘khanom’ or offering food to the monks during their morning alms. After breakfast, you’ll be driven north to Sukothai, enjoying a local lunch along the way.

You’ll arrive in Sukhothai Historical Park in the afternoon and can spend some time discovering the once walled city, surrounded by a moat. You’ll explore on an electric tuk-tuk, perfect for keeping little ones going if they get tired. Sukothai is a spectacular group of temples and ruins – kids will love playing hide and seek between the huge structures!

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring with guide, lunch, dinner, 4* hotel            

Day 8: Sukhothai to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, you’ll head north to Lampang, with a stop on the way at Baan Na Ton Chan, where you can explore the charming village. Experience the true heartbeat of Thailand, as you meet some locals and get to know the real pace of life in a part of the country rarely seen by visitors. Pick fruit alongside the locals, try your hand at working in a rice paddy field and generally get an idea of how the community lives. You’ll also visit the home of a wooden toy manufacturer, sure to be a hit with the little ones.

Enjoy a big bowl of noodles for lunch before continuing north to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Dating back to 1486, you could even explore the temple on a horse and cart ride. Soon you’ll arrive in Chiang Mai and check into your hotel for the nights. Why not head to the night market for dinner? You’ll spot so many different foods and ingredients, especially northern specialities. Some of the most delicious dishes include pancakes, deep fried taro, rice noodles in curry soup, kanom krok (a coconut pudding) and the summer favourite of sweet mango with sticky rice.

Included: Breakfast, touring with guide, transfers, lunch, 4* hotel  

Day 9: Chiang Mai to Lisu Lodge

It’s an early morning today, you’ll get up at 6am and get a takeaway breakfast box, before heading up to the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain, in time to buy offerings and join the locals and the daily alms giving ceremony. This is a serene Buddhist procession where dozens of monks walk barefoot through the street collecting food and other items. Continuing up the mountain, you’ll visit the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, climbing the 309 steps to reach its golden pagodas. Nearby, you’ll also see Wat Umong, a temple deep in the forest, covered by moss and small plants, where you’ll experience your own private blessing ceremony.

After this you’ll head back down into the city, collect your luggage and be driven onwards into the countryside, arriving at Lisu Lodge by early afternoon. Operated by Lisu villagers, this small lodge is built in traditional Lisu style with modern comforts. Your meals here are included and each delicious dish contains ingredients sourced from the lodge’s organic rice fields and vegetable garden. Your time will be spent learning about local Lisu traditions and customs, experiencing their music and dance, as well as exploring the surrounding hills. If you want to include other activities like white water rafting, cooking classes or longer treks, talk to our sales consultants about extending your stay here.

Included: Breakfast, touring with guide, transfers, lunch, dinner, 3* lodge           

Day 10: Lisu Lodge to Hmong Hilltribe Lodge

Depart from Lisu Lodge this morning and head to Mae Rim District, stopping on the way to visit an orchid nursery. It’s a beautiful spot to explore, full of colourful orchids and rare butterflies for the kids to chase. Here you’ll change into a 4WD and be driven up the hilly roads, at the end of which you’ll be greeted by your comfortable lodge, surrounded by lush jungle and pretty rice terraces. Tuck into a barbeque dinner tonight and watch a cultural show of the local’s traditional dance and song.

Included: Breakfast, touring with guide, transfers, lunch, dinner, 3* lodge           

Day 11: Hmong Hilltribe Lodge to Chiang Mai   

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to Chiang Mai and spend the rest of your day exploring the city at your leisure. Whether you stroll amongst the temples and monasteries of the city or explore the shops and restaurants of Chiang Mai – why not try a bowlful of khao soi, a northern speciality made of crunchy noodles, lean beef and delicious Thai spices and herbs. It's a lovely city to explore with a family, full of cafes and small temples, as well as very friendly locals.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 4* hotel                 

Day 12: Fly to Phuket

This morning you’ll be driven over to Chiang Mai Airport, in time to catch your flight to Phuket. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel on the beachfront. Spend the rest of the day playing in the pool or strolling along the spectacular beach.  

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel                 

Days 13 - 15: Phuket

The next few days are free for you to spend as you choose. We’ve chosen a hotel right on the beach so you’ll be able to spend most of your time relaxing on the sands or playing in the warm water with your children. If you do fancy straying from the comfort of your hotel, why not hop in a taxi to the lively town of Patong for a meal out? We can recommend day tours to the Old Town or Phang Nga Bay, or if you want a more active break - why not kayak around the dramatic limestone karsts jutting out from the emerald waters? If you want to book any tours, just ask your consultant.

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel     

Day 16: Depart Thailand    

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Phuket Airport in time for your flight home.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights        

Day 17: Arrive UK