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Thailand Family Holiday

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Thailand Family Holiday

Was From $ 2,920 AUD
Now From $ 1,850 AUD
Sale!

Description

Want a family getaway that’s a little different? With the colourful markets of Bangkok as your starting point, introduce the kids to a new world on this Thailand trip with a twist. Watch rescued elephants splash in the mud at a nature park in Chiang Mai, see how other families live during a fun rural village visit, uncover the exciting history behind the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and try some new and yummy treats along the backstreets of Bangkok. Both children and adults alike will have a blast on this carefully designed itinerary that promises new friends, heaps of fun and plenty of free time to connect as a family.

Trip Name
Thailand Family Holiday
Last Updated
2024-09-02
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Step into history at Kanchanaburi, home to the infamous 'Bridge on the River Kwai', before taking a swim in the turquoise water of Erawan waterfall.
  • Get an introduction to Bangkok on an EV boat trip through its canals, then make a visit to Wat Pho where the larger-than-life reclining Buddha will blow you and your family’s mind.
  • Learn about local life during a day trip to Ban Hua Tung village, then sample some delicacies with a traditional lunch cooked by the community.
  • Spend a morning at the Chang Chill elephant experience, watching these incredible creatures freely (from a distance) and learning about the organisation’s conservation efforts.
  • Let your expert leader take the hassle out of family travel as they guide you through the sights and bites of Thailand, so relax and hand over the responsibility – you deserve it.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Animal Protection. Donations support them to promote better living conditions for elephants in captivity and help rescue elephants from inhumane conditions. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-12-202427-12-2024AUD $ 2,190-
21-12-202401-01-2025AUD $ 3,200-
27-12-202407-01-2025AUD $ 2,576-
28-12-202408-01-2025AUD $ 3,285-
30-12-202410-01-2025AUD $ 2,336-
05-01-202512-01-2025AUD $ 1,870-
12-01-202519-01-2025AUD $ 1,850-
06-04-202513-04-2025AUD $ 1,870-
08-04-202515-04-2025AUD $ 1,870-
13-04-202520-04-2025AUD $ 1,850-
14-04-202521-04-2025AUD $ 1,850-
24-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 1,850-
05-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 1,870-
07-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 1,850-
09-07-202516-07-2025AUD $ 1,850-
24-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 1,850-
26-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 1,940-
02-08-202509-08-2025AUD $ 1,850-
09-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 1,850-
21-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 1,850-
29-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 1,850-
26-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 1,850-
20-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 1,925-
23-12-202530-12-2025AUD $ 1,925-
28-12-202504-01-2026AUD $ 1,925-
30-12-202506-01-2026AUD $ 1,925-
04-01-202611-01-2026AUD $ 1,940-
11-01-202618-01-2026AUD $ 1,940-
05-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 1,940-
07-04-202614-04-2026AUD $ 1,940-
13-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 1,940-
01-07-202608-07-2026AUD $ 1,940-
03-07-202610-07-2026AUD $ 1,940-
06-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 1,940-
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 1,940-
25-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 1,940-
01-08-202608-08-2026AUD $ 1,940-
08-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 1,940-
19-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 1,940-
23-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 1,940-
19-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 2,020-
22-12-202629-12-2026AUD $ 2,020-
25-12-202601-01-2027AUD $ 2,020-
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 2,020-
29-12-202605-01-2027AUD $ 2,020-

Accommodation

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

Transport

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

Map