Thailand Family Adventure

Upon your arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be welcomed by your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel.

The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Bangkok, known locally as Krung Thep or ‘City of Angels’. Driving through the streets you’ll have your first opportunity to witness the pace, the smells, the energy and the congestion that all combine to give Bangkok it’s own, very unique feel…it’s a fantastic city.

Siam’s capital moved south from Ayutthaya in 1782 and remained in Bangkok after the formation of the Kingdom of Thailand. This bustling metropolis is not to be missed, despite the infamous pollution, with world class shopping and dining opportunities, stunning temples and much evidence of its amazing cultural heritage.

Your morning is at leisure.

Start the afternoon with a visit to the stunning Royal Grand Palace, a national landmark and the most important royal landmark in Thailand. Here you can visit the various buildings that were used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace; the Reception Palace; the Throne Hall; the Coronation Hall; the Royal Guest House; and the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.

Continue on to Wat Po, home of the famous reclining Buddha, measuring a staggering 45m in length, as well as one of the oldest Traditional Thai-massage schools in the country.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Morning departure from Bangkok for Kanchanaburi arriving just a few hours later at the famous Bridge over the River Kwai (built, under Japanese direction, by Allied POWs during World War II) and the nearby museum. After time to explore take a ride on the historic train through the Kwai Noi gorge and on to Nam Tok station. From here, you will transfer to your hotel by long tail boat, passing unspoiled mountain jungle scenery along the way - you'll feel a million miles from the congested streets of Bangkok that you left just this morning.

Your hotel for the night is actually a bamboo raft, moored close to the banks of the River Kwai. Facilities are basic with no electricity but it’s great fun and you have access to a very large fresh water bath – the river!

The remainder of your day is at leisure.

We doubt you’ll have many problems getting the children out of bed this morning! After breakfast depart your hotel, initially travelling by boat, before making the short drive from Kanchanaburi to Elephants' World.

Founded by Dr Prasitphol, the sanctuary cares for sick, old, and abused elephants - often rescued from illegal loggers or from beggars on city streets. The sanctuary's aim is to ensure that the elephants receive the rest and care they deserve, no matter what their age, and strive to fulfil their motto of 'we humans work for the elephants, not the elephants for us'.

Whilst the centre does not allow guests to ride the elephants for obvious reasons, the experience is so much more fulfilling than the standard one hour ride on an unhappy elephant that is sold across Thailand. Throughout the morning you will be involved in a wide variety of tasks ranging from gathering and preparing food, feeding and bathing and spending time with the mahouts who work at the centre, learning about the skills and commitment required to care for elephants.

Return to our hotel in the afternoon where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Your morning is at leisure or you can enjoy a bike ride to the nearby Lawa Cave. After checking out and having transferred by boat to Kanchanaburi, continue by car to Ayutthaya travelling via Suphanburi so as to enjoy the wonderful backdrop of rice fields that surround you as far as the eye can see.

It won’t be long until you arrive in Ayuthaya, located at the junction of the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak Rivers, and on the main north-south railway linking Chiang Mai with Bangkok. The old city is on an island formed by a bend of the Chao Phraya River and served as the Thai capital for 417 years.

During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed the city to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. Even after being completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767 it still retains vast beauty in its mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai architecture. One of Thailand’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it boasts some spectacular temples and ruins within its ancient city walls.

The remainder of your day is at leisure.

After breakfast you will be met by your new driver for the day and his 'Kermit' tuk-tuk. Undoubtedly Thailand's most iconic method of transport its a great way to tour the city and the nearby ruins. Briefly stop near the Muslim quarter where you can sample a candy floss roti - one of Ayutthaya's lesser known highlights!

Spend the morning discovering the magnificent ruins and ancient temples within the Historical Park, making stops at Wat Mahathat, Wat Mongkhon Bophit and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Continue to the local market for lunch where your guide can give you recommendations on which local delicacies to sample.

In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely long-tailed boat ride to Bang Pa to explore the Summer Palace and the majestic royal mansions which are usually much quieter in the afternoon. Finally visit Wat Nivet Thammmpravat with its remarkable Gothic-style architecture and stained glass windows.

Morning departure south to Hua Hin, Cha Am or Pranburi and some of Thailand’s finest beaches!

The region has been popular since the 1920’s when King Rama VII used the area to escape city-life. Whilst some areas have remained popular since then, development has been kept to a minimum on many of further lying beaches. There are a wide range of facilities and hotels in the area and we will be happy to advise you on your options.

Upon arrival at your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Your day is at leisure.

Your day is at leisure.

Your day is at leisure.

Your day is at leisure until your transfer to Bangkok Airport for your onward flight.