Guide

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

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. Hotel (4 nights), Floating Raft Resort (2 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Others

Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour Bangkok - Flower Market Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance) Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip Baan Hua Thung Community Visit

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches

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/ Private Minivan , Public transport , EV boat , Overnight sleeper train

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Others

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 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.
Day 2 Day 2: Kanchanaburi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 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.
Day 3 Day 3: Erawan National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Erawan National Park

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.
Day 4 Day 4: Ayutthaya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Ayutthaya

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.
Day 5 Day 5: Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Chiang Mai

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.
Day 6 Day 6: Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Chiang Mai

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.
Day 7 Day 7: Chiang Dao Village Visit
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Chiang Dao Village Visit

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.
Day 8 Day 8: Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Chiang Mai

Join your fellow travellers for a final breakfast, and then you can depart anytime following check-out. Looking to spend longer in Thailand? There’s still plenty to enjoy in this bustling capital, or you may like to venture south and explore some of the beaches and limestone cliffs in Southern Thailand.
Day 9 Day 9: Hua Hin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hua Hin

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).
Accommodation: Chom View Hotel
Day 10 Day 10: Hua Hin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hua Hin

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.
Accommodation: Chom View Hotel
Day 11 Day 11: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Bangkok

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.
Accommodation: Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok or similar
Day 12 Day 12: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Bangkok

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.

8 days tour

Thailand Family Holiday

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Thailand Family Holiday

Day 1: Bangkok

Day 2: Kanchanaburi

Day 3: Erawan National Park

Day 4: Ayutthaya

Day 5: Chiang Mai

Day 6: Chiang Mai

Day 7: Chiang Dao Village Visit

Day 8: Chiang Mai

Day 9: Hua Hin

Day 10: Hua Hin

Day 11: Bangkok

Day 12: Bangkok

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