Thailand Family Adventure

Take a Tuk Tuk to Grand Palace, the number one ‘must-see’ attraction as well as Thailand’s most important landmark, where you will be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. Then, of course, marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Visit Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the Bangkok’s oldest temple is home to the magnificent reclining Buddha as well as the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage. Relax your tiring muscles with a session of massage with well-trained masseuses, or your kids can even experience an hour body massage.  Lunch at a local restaurant.  In the early afternoon, board a private long-tail boat taking guests onto the peaceful Klong Bang Luang. Pass by shop houses, local temples and vendors on this waterway which was once a major trading route and lined with impressive homes of aristocrats. The guide will point out local landmarks and cultural idiosyncrasies of the area. After observing this lively area the boat stops at Baan Silapin, a 100-year old renovated house, now home to an art gallery. Here, stop for up to two hours to enjoy the gallery, take part in an art workshop or explore the local community, before experiencing a unique puppet show performed by puppeteers trained under the Joe Louis School of puppetry.  En route back to the city, stop to visit the Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun, arriving back early afternoon.  Overnight in Bangkok.

Starting with a morning walk through Pak Klong Talad, the flower market where you will see many of Thailand’s exotic flowers and flora including many species of orchids. Experience the hustle and bustle of the busy working market. Visit to the Museum Siam which was awarded for preserving the original architecture of the building it resides in. With signboards displaying explanations in both Thai and English, it allows both local and foreign visitors to gain a comprehensive insight into the history of Thailand, or Siam as it was previously known as. Designed with children in mind, there are many exhibits with interactive features and video presentations to engage visitors of all ages.  Afternoon is free at leisure to explore the city of angles at your own pace or just relax at your hotel and get ready for the journey to the north.  Your guide will meet you at hotel in the late afternoon and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Bangkok Railway Station for an overnight train ride to Chiang Mai.  Overnight on the train. 

Arrival at Chiang Mai Railway in the morning. Then transfer to the hotel in Chiang Mai for freshment  and breakfast. In the afternoon, you will first explore ancient Chiang Mai, including its old city walls, gates, moat and markets. After visiting Wat Suan Dok, where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred, you continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain, and the most sacred in Northern Thailand. Your experienced guide will explain the story of the temple, the white elephant and lead you around its impressive chedi and show its beautiful murals. In the late afternoon, the tourist masses have already left the temple grounds and dusk will give a very special atmosphere. After your private blessing ceremony, witness the magical evening chanting of the monks. 

The tour ends with the spectacularly romantic evening view over Chiang Mai with its millions of glittering lights. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Drive north to a Lisu village where you pick up your mountain bike and cycle for an hour or so along quiet, easy country roads through serene rural scenery to the Mae Taeng River where you are met by your elephant. Climb aloft and ride along narrow jungle paths for about an hour, with views of mountains and the river below, to the rafting camp. You will have a picnic lunch in this beautiful spot before boarding a rubber raft after a brief training session, and paddle downstream through the sometimes calm, sometimes exciting waters of the river. Disembark for a visit to an exotic and very friendly Akha hill tribe village where you take tea with a family. Cycle ride back to the Lisu village (45 mins) before returning to Chiang Mai. Overnight in Chiang Mai. 

Depart by minivan for Mae Kampong village in Mae On district, driving through the picturesque countryside of Chiang Mai. The village is nestled 1,300 meters above sea level and has a cool climate all year long. En route a stop is made at a local market to select ingredients for today’s dinner. Continue to Mae Kampong village where you are met upon arrival by villagers. Start a stroll through the community forest, passing tea and coffee fields to a refreshing waterfall where picnic lunch will be served. Return to the village in the afternoon to relax with a traditional Thai massage, and join your host family to prepare the dinner.

A hot breakfast will be served with your hosts while the morning mist is being swept away from the valley by the cool mountain wind. Take a walk around the village to see the processing of fermented tea leaves, and various products which are handmade in the village. After a last cup of local coffee, head back towards Chiang Mai stopping on the way at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, a popular recreation area for locals. The water has a temperature in excess of 100 degrees centigrade and attempts have even been made to harness this energy. Transfer back to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Phuket.  Arrive at Phuket airport. Then transfer to your hotel. Continue to the spectacular show inspired by Thailand’s rich and exotic heritage - Phuket FantaSea - a 140-acre theme complex which showcases the beauty of Thailand. This complex visits ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting edge technology and special effects and is packed with a multitude of activities and entertainment; a festival village which has games, carnivals, handicrafts and shopping. A breathtaking Las Vegas style theatrical show, where state-of-the-art technology and special effects enhance the beauty of Thailand's Myths, Mysteries and Magic is performed. Overnight in Phuket.

You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Bang Rong Pier which is located in the northeast of Phuket Island and is surrounded by a beautiful mangrove forest. Travel to Koh Yao Noi, a small island which was affected by the 2004 tsunami, and spend the day with the villagers learning about their traditional lifestyles and traditions as well as learning about post-tsunami recovery efforts. Partake in activities set up by the community to promote the autonomy of the people including coconut-shell souvenir making. Lunch is served by a local family, and afterwards, you will have the chance to interact with the children as you visit other villages on Koh Yao Noi. Return to Phuket late this afternoon knowing you have made a difference on your holiday. Overnight in Phuket.

Day is free at leisure to relax on the beach or book the optional tours to one of the islands. Overnight in Phuket.

Day is free at leisure until the time for depart from the hotel to Phuket Airport for your onward flight.