Thai Culture for Families: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin & Chiang Mai - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore

Welcome to Bangkok! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the city, where your kids can rest before heading out to explore at your own pace. Bangkok is an ideal place to begin your family adventure in Thailand, and there's plenty to see in the next few days.

Once you're ready, ease your way into Thailand's bustling capital with a stroll through the streets and markets near your hotel, stopping for some tasty Thai food for dinner. If you have more time, consider riding Bangkok's sleek Skytrain to Paragon Siam, a large mall loaded with interesting sights and activities for kids.

Day 2: Bangkok's Palaces & Temples Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, your family will meet up with a local guide to start learning about Bangkok's most famous palaces and temples. Your kids are sure to enjoy this cultural lesson thanks to your enthusiastic guide, the exotic locales, and the many colorful, sparkly details to catch their attention.

First up is the Grand Palace, the former home of the Thai royal family, which is now used as a ceremonial palace. Kids will love the mirrored mosaic decorations, the guardian statues at the temples, and the Emerald Buddha (actually made from jade)—the holiest Buddhist site in Thailand. Continue from here to Wat Pho, a short walk away. The 150-foot (46 m) long golden Reclining Buddha is the temple's highlight, along with 1,000 Buddha statues.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you like. If your kids need a rest, plan some chill-out time at your hotel. Otherwise, you can take a walk alongside the Chao Phraya River, stopping at the Tian Market for some souvenir shopping. This well-known local market sells a wide range of goods, plus tasty dishes, so you can enjoy a good dinner at a very reasonable price.

Day 3: Cycling Tour in Bangkrachao, Evening Tuk-Tuk Adventure

Enjoy some easy exercise today on a family-friendly cycle tour of Bangkok's man-made island, Bangkrachao. Take a small ferry to reach this hidden area, pick up bicycles (for all ages), and pedal at your own pace along a maze of waterways through lush jungles. Stop at a café whenever you or your kids need a break, and if it's the weekend, visit the Bang Nampueng Weekend Market for a variety of food and sweet treats.

After some time to rest at your hotel, head out again in the evening on a food tour by tuk-tuk, the local form of transport. See Bangkok's temples lit up beautifully at night, and check out the 24-hour flower market, Pak Khlong Talat, a riot of color and scent. You'll also make stops to sample dishes, starting in atmospheric Chinatown and meandering through the city from there. There will be something for everyone on this tour, even picky little eaters.

Day 4: Bangkok's Markets Tour, Transfer to Kanchanaburi

Now that you've seen a few night markets, head out early this morning to experience two unique examples of daytime markets. Siang Tai Market, otherwise known as the Railway Market, is famous because the stalls are set up along a railway line. When a signal warns of an approaching train, the vendors rush to clear everything up off the tracks. Once the train passes, the market sets back up again. This will be an entertaining sight for your kids.

Next, hop on board a long-tail boat and cruise to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The whole market takes place on boats and has done for centuries. You can buy all kinds of things here, including drinks and snacks, and the vendors come to you so no one will get tired walking around! Give your kids the chance to practice their bargaining skills in a friendly environment. After lunch at the market, it's time to say goodbye to Bangkok. You'll be picked up for a three-hour drive to a town called Kanchanaburi in western Thailand. Take a long-tail boat along the River Khwae to reach your hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

Day 5: Hike to Erawan Falls, Swim

After a few days in exciting Bangkok, you and your kids can spend some time in nature today. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then take an easy trail in the beautiful Erawan National Park, famous for its dense, emerald-green jungles and thundering waterfalls. Hike to the well-known Erawan Falls at your own pace, and stop for a swim in the cool, clear water that cascades over smooth rocks into natural pools.

When your kids have had enough of playing in the water (which may take a while!), refuel with a tasty local lunch at a restaurant. Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 6: Transfer to Hua Hin, Evening Tuk-Tuk Adventure

This morning, say goodbye to Kanchanaburi as you take a long-tail boat from your hotel to meet your driver, who will be waiting to take you to Hua Hin, a 3.5-hour drive south. After some lunch and free time to relax in your hotel room, explore Hua Hin in the evening. 

Day 7: Nature Tour at Kaeng Krachan National Park

Today, your children will have a chance to learn more about Thai's rich biodiversity on a visit to Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand's largest national park. En route to the park, you'll be able to see mango and papaya plantations in the countryside.

In the park, hike along the jungle trails while looking out for exotic wildlife, such as dusky leaf monkeys and white-handed gibbons. The park is especially famous for the more than 400 species of birds that live here, making it a dream destination for kids who like to pick up a pair of binoculars and spot their feathered friends. 

Days 8-9: Free Time in Hua Hin

Take a break from the water and see wild elephants in the Kui Buri National Park, or take a wildlife-watching long-tail boat cruise to the Pranburi Forest Park and Nature Reserve. Another option is Camel Republic, an amusement park and petting zoo where you can get close to alpacas, goats, and giraffes. Meanwhile, the aviary is home to colorful birds, including parrots, swans, and flamingoes. 

Day 11: Visit the Elephant Nature Park, Street Food Tour

Few experiences will impress your kids as much as getting up close to friendly elephants. The Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for dozens of elephants that were rescued from the logging industry and other unhappy lifestyles. Here, your children will have the opportunity to feed them and learn their individual stories. There is no riding or bathing the elephants allowed out of respect, but you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with the gentle giants.

In the late afternoon, embark on a tasty food tour of Chiang Mai, stopping at some must-see attractions along the way. Start at the 650-year-old temple of Wat Lok Molee and listen to the monks chanting. From there, walk to Chang Puek Gate, the most famous street food market in Chiang Mai. Enjoy pad thai, barbecue skewers, grilled chicken, fresh fruit, juices, and much more. 

Day 12: Chiang Mai Market Visit & Cooking Class

Today you will increase your knowledge of Thai cuisine by taking a family-friendly cooking class. First, visit a local market with your instructor to learn about the main ingredients used in Thai food. Then, at the cooking school, learn more about the ingredients grown in the school's organic garden before you begin the cooking session.

An experienced chef will teach you how to cook popular Thai dishes and tell you how locals use herbs and spices in each dish. Your kids can help mix the ingredients and taste-test while cooking. Remind them to cook with care as their creations will be their lunch!

Day 13: Chiang Mai Arts & Culture Tour

This morning is dedicated to learning more about Lanna art and culture in Chiang Mai. Take a guided tour of the fascinating Lanna Folklife Museum, with its beautiful collections related to local religion, culture, and lifestyle. Among the highlights are textiles, ceramics, and Buddha statues.

After some time in the museum, head south of Chiang Mai Gate to get to Wua Lai Road, a renowned place where silver handicrafts are made. You'll see the famous silver temple of Wat Sri Suphan, built in the 15th century, which is decorated with real silver in places. From here, take a short walk to a silver-making workshop, where your kids can make their own craft to take home as a souvenir.

Day 14: Depart Thailand

It is time to say goodbye to Chiang Mai! Depending on your departure flight, you may have time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping after breakfast. At the appointed hour, a driver will transport you to Chiang Mai airport for your trip home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your family trip to Thailand? Check out these other Thailand itineraries, explore different ways to spend two weeks in Thailand with your family, or discover the best time to visit Thailand.