This trip is ideal for families and offers an exciting alternative to the standard package holiday with activities to entertain and enlighten both adults and children. Taking you from the culture and craziness of Bangkok to the stunning waterfalls and historic death railway of Kanchanaburi, the traditional way of life at the Ayutthaya home-stay to cycling through the original Thai capital of Sukhothai; then from the majesty of the Lampang elephants to the diversity and trekking in Chiang Mai and finally the idyllic white sands of Koh Samet: this trip really does have something for everyone.

Trip Summary:

Area: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Koh Samet | Fitness level 

Day 1: Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to hotel to settle in and meet your leader for your trip introduction in the evening.

Day 2: Kanchanaburi

We’ll set off early to pay a visit the famous floating markets outside the Capital before heading to Kanchanaburi for the WWII cemetery and museum. After stopping for lunch, we take a long tail boat down the River Kwai to the historical bridge before a free evening of swimming or relaxing at the hotel.

Day 3: Kanchanaburi

After breakfast at the hotel, our private minibus will take us on an hour drive to ‘Hellfire Pass’, a small museum and haunting tribute to the preserved section of the Death Railway that cost the largest number of lives. Then one further hour for lunch and an afternoon at the 7-tiered Erawan National Park, arguably the most beautiful falls in Thailand. If you’re feeling energetic then the trek to the 7th tier is 1550m, otherwise just simply relax and cool off in the turquoise waters before we return to the hotel.

Day 4: Ayutthaya

A scenic 3 hours drive to Ayutthaya, a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767, 90 kilometres north of Bangkok. We’ll have lunch on our own rice barge and then take a river cruise through the ancient city for a unique view of the magnificent temples. Afterwards we’ll head to a traditional teak house and experience a night of time-honoured Thai life with traditional dancing entertainment during the evening meal. Breakfast, Lunch &

Day 5: Sukhothai

An early morning Rooster wake-up call to offer food to the Monks, a daily part of life for locals. Then we’ll enjoy a local breakfast before the long drive to Sukhothai (5-6 hours). The rest of the day is free so enjoy a swim at the hotel and chill out at the poolside. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Lampang

After breakfast, we’ll head to Sukhothai historical park to cycle and explore Thailand’s original capital, which is of great archaeological interest. Afterwards we’ll travel around 3 hours to Lampang to visit Wat Pratatlampangluang, a significant temple and an early home of The Emerald Buddha (which we will see in Bangkok). After the temple, we’ll stop for lunch and this is a good chance to taste ‘Laksa’, a local curry noodle soup, popular in Australia. Then we head to the fantastic Elephant Conservation Centre to spend the night, stopping at the local market en route to be amazed by and perhaps even sample some of the local delicacies (!)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Today we’ll rise to walk with the handlers and assist in bringing the elephants back to the centre from their overnight grazing, then it’s breakfast and the chance to watch these magnificent mammals at their training school. Later in the morning we’ll learn to make cooking gas and paper from dung at the Elephant Dung Project and visit the world’s first elephant hospital. Then sit back on the short hour drive to our Chiang Mai, where we can settle into the hotel before visiting The Doisuthep Temple in the late afternoon, the most famous city attraction.

Day 8: Chiang Mai

After filling up on breakfast, we’ll drive an hour south to trek in the Maewang area. We’ll also fit in the Karen tribal village, a trek to a waterfall, a local lunch and an experience of a lifetime with elephant riding and bamboo rafting! After all this, we’ll be heading back to the hotel for a well deserved rest.

Day 9: Chiang Mai

Today you will get to take part in a popular half day cooking class where you will learn the techniques involved in your favourite Thai cuisine and perhaps take away a few exciting ideas to impress them back home! The afternoon is free and your guide will be happy to suggest activities that might appeal: for example, learn about the region’s history in the Tribal Museum or visit the panda at Chiang Mai zoo!

Day 10: Chiang Mai

Early breakfast at the hotel before a morning transfer to the airport for our 50 minute flight back to Bangkok, then from here we continue onto the beautiful Koh Samet for a few lazy days (approximately 4 hours east). Breakfast included.

Day 11: Koh Samet

The day is yours. Wake up to the peacefulness of the island and spend your time eating and drinking, exploring the island, lazing on the beach or simply relaxing by the pool.

Day 12: Koh Samet

A leisurely breakfast this morning before we take a speedboat ride around the island. We’ll be stopping at various spots, which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling to glimpse the stunning tropical world in Thailand’s waters. One last afternoon on this paradise island to top up the tans! Perhaps make the most of this opportunity to treat yourself and check out the famous Thai massage and spa treatments. The beach offers brilliant seafood and fire shows for the evening’s entertainment.

Day 13: Bangkok

After breakfast at the hotel, we make the journey back to Bangkok and round up our cultural visits with the Grand Palace where we can appreciate the beautiful Emerald Buddha, followed by Wat Pho nearby, home of the impressive gold plated 46m reclining Buddha. The afternoon is for you and the city so enjoy a few more sights or perhaps a full afternoon of shopping!

Day 14: Bangkok

We will round up the trip after breakfast where you can obtain advice for the rest of your stay in Thailand or make the most of our transfer to the airport should you need it.