Thailand Family Adventure

Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Overnight.

After breakfast, enjoy a cycling trip north to the ancient province of Nonthaburi and discover the beauty of Bangkok’s hidden gems, Nonthaburi and Ko Kret. Riding alongside the Chao Phraya River and passing numerous small villages, view temples, fruit and flower plantations, local villages, and very friendly Thai people.

Then head away from river life and pass into the rural surroundings - ride among rice paddies and fruit plantations before finishing the first part of your journey back on the banks of the river at Ban Bua Thong. The beautiful part about riding on Koh Kret is that there are no cars allowed on the island - you have the open road! Finish with a great Thai lunch overlooking the river. Return to Bangkok for an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, drive to Kanchanaburi (2.5 hours). You have the option to visit the WWII museum or walk across the famous River Kwai bridge before lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, visit a unique country market along the railway tracks and then transfer to your luxury tented camp on the River Kwai. All the tents are air conditioned and have their own bathrooms. Before dinner, enjoy a dip in the refreshing natural spring pools! Overnight.

In the morning, bike across a hanging bridge to offer food to the monks at a local temple.

Later, reserve a ziplining adventure at Treetop Adventure Park or visit a traditional Mon Village, an ethnic minority from Myanmar. Overnight.

After breakfast, make your way to Sukhothai (5 hours). Watch as the countryside rolls along as you drive through the expansive Chao Phraya river valley.

After lunch, jump on bikes to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park. Sukhothai was formerly a walled city surrounded by a moat and contains almost 200 chedi ruins in remarkable condition. Chedis are mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics and are important places of worship. 

Evening at leisure for a dip in the pool or relaxing foot massage. Overnight.

After breakfast, visit Sukhothai Organic Agriculture Farm.  Observe the Thai rice farmers’ traditional way of life and learn about the rice planning.  You can participate in the rice farm transplanting, rice seedlings, harvesting, or milling. There is also an opportunity to plough the paddies with water buffalo. After, enjoy a local organic lunch in traditional Thai style at the open Sala overlooking the rice field.

Afternoon at leisure and overnight.

After breakfast, continue north to Sri Satchanalai Historical Park on the banks of the Yom River. Walk through the ancient town, exploring the stunning ruins and visiting the preserved Celadon Kiln ceramic site at Ban Ko Noi.

In the afternoon, complete the drive to the northern capital, Chiang Mai. Your evening is reserved for the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, an expansive area of food vendors and local merchants selling handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and other merchandise.

Depart early at 6.30 am, to participate in the daily alms - a uniquely enlightening experience for many. At Ton Payom Market, buy dishes and join the locals during the daily alms-giving ceremony with the monks. Return to your hotel for breakfast.               

Later, drive to Mae Kampong Village, an ideal destination to experience the unspoiled beauty of nature. Upon arrival, walk through the community forest where the villagers grow tea coffee. You will learn how they preserve their forest and how they live in harmony with nature. Then, walk around the village to witness the fermented tea leaves process, handmade products, the 7- level waterfall, local school, and community temple. Lunch at a local restaurant. 

Continue to San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, located amid natural surroundings of trees and verdant hills. The water has a high sulfur content and possesses curative and restorative properties.

Return to Chiang Mai and overnight. 

After breakfast, drive north to Baan Hmong Nong Hoi Mai and visit the Hmong hill tribe village whose ancestors migrated from China and The Royal Project. Continue to Baan Tong Luang to explore the villages, starting with the Long Necked Karen hill tribe. The women are known for wearing numerous brass rings around their neck, creating the affectionate nickname Giraffe Neck.

Nearby is the Lahu hill tribe village and Palong hill tribe village where women accessorize with Rattan Rings around their waists. We invite you to engage with the locals and learn about their Burmese customs. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon visit Wat Pha Lat. The Buddhist temple is incredibly peaceful, sitting next to a waterfall and hiding under the three’s canopy.  Nestled in the forest, there are no crowds, no shops of food stalls, and no unwanted distractions.  

Continue to Wat Suan Dok for a Buddhism and Thai Culture Chat Session.  Meet the monks who will explain about Buddhism, Lord Buddha, and how to meditate.

Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight.

After breakfast visit the renowned Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants and other animals. Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside where you will learn the individual stories of the rescued and orphaned elephants. 

At the park you will have the opportunity to spend time with various herds. Many of these elephants have left behind a traumatic past and for the first time are able to form relationships with other elephants and rediscover their elephant nature. You will have the chance to observe elephants as well as other rescued animals living free of fear amongst the natural surroundings of the sanctuary. There is no riding or bathing the elephants at ENP.  Your visit helps to support the regional projects, provide ongoing care for the herd, and make future rescues possible. 

Later, drive to Hang Dong for an incredible gastronomic experience with the Ruankaew-Yanon family.  You will be welcomed into their home to experience a typical day in the life of a local from a real Thai neighbourhood.  Learn to cook traditional home cooked recipes with authentic Northern Thai flavors that are different from standard dishes offered in commercial cooking classes.  Enjoy a delicious home cooked meal with the family.

Return to Chiang Mai for an evening at leisure. Overnight.

Today, your Thailand adventure comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!