Two Week Family Trip

Overview

Over the centuries, Thailand has captured the hearts and minds of countless visitors, and that is not without reason! Whether seeking an experience of the bustling capital’s street foods, temples, and shopping centers; looking for quiet moments of relaxation at the seaside resorts & fun days in the sun at the country’s numerous beaches; or trekking through the mountains and spending time with elephant friends, Thailand has all of that and more!

Highlights

• Cycling through UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Ayutthaya)
• Elephant Caretaker for A Day (Chiang Mai)
• Thai Fisherman Homestays Along the Canal
• Angthong National Marine Park (Samui)
• Floating Markets
• Trekking at the highest mountain in Thailand (Chiang Mai)
• Chinatown Excursion (Bangkok)
• Long-tail Boat Rides

Itinerary

Thai-Chinese Friendship

Arrive in Bangkok, and take some time to unpack, relax, and get your bearings. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a local lunch in Chinatown, can shake off your jet lag with a private, half-day walking tour of this unique, Thai-Chinese neighborhood, and take in the stunning views of the Chaophraya River.

Grand Palace & River Views

Today is your chance to see the most iconic spots in all of Bangkok. Thais and visitors alike love exploring the Grand Palace, seeing one of Thailand’s most important Buddha images at Phra Kaew Temple, and visiting many other historic venues in the city. You too can see the majesty of these sites alongside our expert guides. As well, we will be working our way through one of the most famous flower markets and cruising along the Chao Phraya River and nearby canals in one of Thailand’s famous long-tail boats.

After dinner, let’s travel back to the past, to the unforgettable Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Siam’s former capital from the 13th century until modern times.

You will have a private transfer from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.

Historic Sites & Thai Massage

Wake up in one of the historic capitals of Siam (Thailand). Grab yourself a set of wheels, and start cycling through the ancient sites. Temples, the old palace, and Buddhist shrines can be found everywhere, and the cycling tour will show you both famous and little-known places of interest.

After a history-packed morning of Ayutthaya’s ancient sites, the afternoon will be full of relaxation. Lunch will be served aboard a teakwood rice barge, and you can continue to take in the sights and smells of Ayutthaya. To round out the day, a team of traditional Thai masseuses are ready and waiting to give your tired body a much-needed spa treatment.

Markets Galore

Today you will head to the oriental Venice. You will experience travel by train from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram.

Live the daily life of a local Thai in the central provinces. Explore the dizzying array of offerings at both a local seafood market as well as the famous railroad-side market. Devour scrumptious organic meals, and rest your weary bones at an authentic Thai homestay.

Waterways & Mangroves

Today’s adventures will take you along the khlong (canals), Thai Gulf, and beyond. Visit the seashell farms and help to save the environment at the local mangrove forest. Whether nibbling and taking photos at Amphawa’s world famous floating market or mud surfing, you will have no shortage of authentic Thai experiences in this central Thai province.

Buddhist Customs & Markets

Thai culture is the gift that keeps on giving. In today’s outings, you will see (or even participate in) early morning Buddhist merit making, discover how organic coconut sugar is made at a local conservation project, and get lost in one of the world’s largest outdoor markets, where you can find everything from antiques to tasty delights, kitchenware to pets! These immersive experiences offer you real life experiences of daily Thai life and culture.

Explore the Old City

You will have a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is considered by many to be the northern capital of Thailand, and its slower pace of life has made it a favourite destination for Thais, foreign visitors, and retirees alike. The many historic sites, wealth of cafes, and unique street markets make the city one of the highlights of any trip to Thailand.

For your first day here, you will enjoy leisurely explorations of the downtown, its temples, and local cuisine. Although slower-paced than Bangkok, there is no shortage of sights, sounds, and smells to take in and enjoy.

Taking Care of Elephants

In centuries past, Thai elephants were used by Thai kings and armies in war. Later on, they were used by loggers to help carry out back breaking work, but today elephants can be found in camps and sanctuaries of the far north where they are treated like family by the local caretakers.

One of the prestige elephant camps will be hosting you to join in their compassionate care and training of Thai elephants. Conducting training sessions, riding through the forest, and playing in the streams together are only a fraction of the fun activities you and your elephant friends will tackle today.

This special “caretaker for a day” program was created for everyone to learn and interact with elephants like their owners would do during a normal daily routine. You will be trained to approach your elephant correctly, know the elephant’s temperament, feed it and check its health, learn about and take care of your own elephant, bathe and brush it in the river, learn how to ride on its neck, and communicate through different spoken commands.

Northern Hills

The north of Thailand is famous for its stunning nature and photogenic hill tribe communities. Be sure to bring your camera along for today’s breathtaking views as you hike through the hills, sip locally sourced coffee in a hilltribe village, see the beautiful vistas of rice terraces & waterfalls, and summit Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand.

Sea, Sand, Sun & Sweat

You will have a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Samui, a jewel in the Andaman Sea’s crown.

It’s finally time for some fun in the sea, sand, and sun! Swimming in the ocean? Check! Tanning on the beach? Check! Massage at the spa? Check! The islands are the perfect spot to relax, be pampered, and feast on freshly caught seafood.

As well, you will enjoy a full day trip by speed boat to Angthong National Marine Park, a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Spend the day exploring and enjoying a snorkeling adventure, and then afterwards go for a walk up to the beautiful Emerald Lake and see the spectacular views nearby. You’ll have the chance to trek up to the view point at Koh Wautalap as well.

Wave Goodbye

You will have a private transfer to the Samui airport for your direct flight to Bangkok.

It’s time to pack up and wave goodbye to the Land of Smiles. Wipe that sand off of your bags, grab the last Thai snacks from the nearest street vendor, and off to the airport you go!

While you had a full trip, I hope you leave our little slice of paradise with a heart full of joy and wonder. Please join me again for more adventures throughout Thailand ETCetera.