Family Adventure Travel in Thailand

Imagine washing elephants at an elephant sanctuary, eating pancakes on the street at midnight, gazing in awe at giant Buddhas or swimming in clear blue waters. That’s a Thailand family holiday. Combining the amazing beaches and islands of the South, famously delectable cuisine, an exotic, ancient culture and the hill tribe villages of the North, Thailand offers the perfect family vacation.

Destination Highlights

Active Adventures

For the adventurous family, Northern Thailand is the place of dreams. Hill tribe trekking offers cultural encounters and beautiful locations for a family adventure in Thailand; exuberant festivals are commonplace; add to that open-air markets, wild mountain scenery, elephant rescue and conservation centers and river rafting – the variety of experiences is astounding.

Beaches

Then, of course, there are the beaches. The stunning palm lined beaches and clear azure waters of Thailand’s coasts will make your dreams of a tropical paradise become reality. Here you can choose a secluded island or revel at a lively resort and indulge in every kind of adventure water sport imaginable.

Culture

Cosmopolitan Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, but under the shadows of the skyscrapers lie golden temples and frenetic markets. Chiang Mai, home to its famous Night Market, moves at a slower, more relaxed pace and is the gateway for treks to the fabled Golden Triangle, elephant encounters and fascinating temples.

Highlights

  • Sailing, swimming, snorkeling or diving in the pristine waters of the southern coast.
  • Volunteering at an elephant refuge center near Chiang Mai.
  • Trekking and rafting on the way to hill tribe communities, and staying overnight in one of the villages.
  • Doing a family Thai cooking class in any of the major cities.
  • Bargain for an astonishing array of souvenirs and goods in Chiang Mai’s massive Night Market.

Thailand Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Bangkok. You’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city.

Day 2
Morning exploration of the canals of Bangkok, including feeding the giant carp that live in the river. Later visit major highlights including the Palace and major temples.

This evening attend a Thai kickboxing event: Kickboxing is one of Thailand’s homegrown sports and you’ll witness this incredible local sport at close quarters.

Days 3
Enjoy a bike tour through unknown Bangkok – avoiding the big city traffic and seeing the quiet side of the city from your bike.

This evening, enjoy a foodie tour. Together with your guide, learn about the local people and their culture through their wonderful food.

Day 4/5
Fly to Chiang Rai, located in the far north, in the area known as the Golden Triangle. It is a fascinating region, home to many local tribal people.
Spend 2 nights at a luxury jungle lodge with its own elephant camp. Here you can learn all about the lives of the Asian elephant in an environmentally conscious setting. Also, enjoy a family cooking class with the top class hotel chefs.

Day 6
Travel to amazing Chiang Mai, the vibrant second city of Thailand. It’s famous for its night market, temples and exotic atmosphere.

Day 7
This morning explore Chiang Mai by Segway. Later on, see another side of the city at night time. Visit a temple and observe the monks chanting the evening prayers, enjoy a local street food dinner, and end with a visit to the bustling market.

Day 8
Today depart Chiang Mai and travel to your beach resort in Southern Thailand. Depending on your family, we can suggest a quiet or busier location on Phuket or Koh Samui, or an off the beaten track island that is still much less known, such as Koh Lanta.

Transfer to your beach resort for 4 nights.

Day 9/10/11
Three days in paradise – relaxing, snorkelling, eating amazing food and enjoying incredible nature.

Day 12
Transfer to the nearest airport and begin your homeward journey.

Extend your trip?

Fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia and explore the unforgettable ruins at Angkor.

Thailand Trip Tips & FAQ's

What time of year is best for family travel to Thailand?

Thailand is a year round travel destination. It has a dry season (typically October-April) and a wet season (May – September), but even wet season travel is fabulous, and it’s cheaper!

Is Thailand a good destination for family travel?

It is amazing. Hotels are great, sightseeing is exotic and interesting, there are plenty of adventures possible, the food is some of the best in the world and super kid friendly, and the beaches are like paradise!

What can a family do in Thailand?

You can climb a temple, feed an elephant, kayak and raft, hike to remote villages, snorkel and dive, explore night markets, learn to cook some amazing food and enjoy some of the finest beaches you will ever visit.

What are accommodations like in Thailand?

Really excellent, ranging from friendly family boutique hotels to deluxe resorts. You can sleep in a hilltop village or go glamping next to a river, and all price ranges offer great value.

Is Thailand expensive?

Not really. It can be if you want to stay at some of the best hotels in the world, but it also has very well priced midrange hotels offering great value for money.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

Thailand

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