Thai Culture & Nature for Families: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khao Sok & Phuket - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the city, where the family can rest and unpack before heading out to explore on your own. Bangkok is full of kid-friendly attractions and activities, and the capital's vibrant blend of ancient and modern makes it the perfect place to begin your adventure in Thailand. Ease your way in 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 the Skytrain to Paragon Siam, a large mall with many interesting sights and activities for kids.

Day 2: Bangkok Temples Tour

This morning, meet up with a local guide to start learning about the rich culture of Bangkok at some of its most famous palaces and temples. Younger ages are sure to enjoy this introduction to Thai history with an enthusiastic guide and so many colorful, sparkly details to catch their attention. First up is the Grand Palace, the former home of the Thai royal family and now used as a ceremonial palace. Kids will love the mirrored mosaic decorations, the guardian statues at the temples, and the Emerald Buddha.

Continue 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 excellent seafood dishes, so you can enjoy a good seafood dinner at a very reasonable price.

Day 3: Railway & Floating Markets Tour, Evening Food Tour

Head out early this morning for a fun-filled trip to two bustling Thai markets. Start at Siang Tai Market, otherwise known as the Railway Market, famous for its stalls 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. 

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 there's no getting tired walking around! Give your kids the chance to practice their bargaining skills in a fun environment as you sample tropical fruits and sweet treats.

After some downtime in the afternoon so everyone can rest, head out again in the evening on a foodie tour by tuk-tuk. Kids will love zipping through Bangkok's busy streets in this local form of transport. Explore markets, temples, and local food joints in the cooler evening air. See the temples lit up beautifully at night, and check out the 24-hour flower market, Pak Khlong Talat, a riot of color and scent. Stop along the way to sample some of the best food in the city, starting in atmospheric Chinatown and meandering through the city from there.

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai, Evening Street Food Tour

Say goodbye to Bangkok today as you fly north to the ancient city of Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. Northern Thailand's cultural heart and the fourth-largest city is surrounded by mountains and enjoys a cooler climate, plus a distinct culture steeped in history. Despite the city's modern growth, the historic center of Chiang Mai still feels cozy, more like a rural town than a bustling city, thanks to its strict conservation efforts. 

After you've had some time to settle into your room and unpack, you'll head out into the city for an evening street food tour. Although you've already sampled plenty of food in Bangkok, northern Thai food is quite different, so you and the kids can find some new local favorites. Your family can satisfy their hunger and see some of the sights at the same time. Start at the Wat Lok Molee temple, where you can listen to the monks chanting and receive a blessing, then stroll to the Chang Puek Gate, where you'll find a street food market with several stalls serving authentic dishes—including sweets for the kids.

Day 5: Baan Chang Elephant Park Excursion

Today is sure to be a highlight of the trip as you introduce your youngsters to the gentle giants of the animal kingdom. Elephants hold a significant place in the country's history and heritage, symbolizing Buddhism and appearing in official seals and royal ceremonies. Today you'll meet elephants in their natural environment at the Baan Chang Elephant Park, a family-run nonprofit that provides sanctuary to orphaned and former working elephants.

Dressed in traditional mahout clothing, you and your kids can get hands-on and prepare fruit and sticky rice balls for the elephants, walk with them to a clean water pond, and learn about their behavior and the park's conservation efforts. Don't miss a visit to the "nursery zone," where young animal lovers will get the once-in-a-lifetime experience of playing with baby elephants.

Day 6: Evening Tour to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep

Enjoy some downtime this morning, perhaps relaxing at the hotel or embarking on some self-guided exploration in Chiang Mai. In the afternoon, you'll be picked up from your hotel and driven up a mountain to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand. Your guide will explain the story of the temple, pointing out the beautiful murals along the way.

Later in the afternoon, once most of the tourists have left, your family can settle in for an evening of mesmerizing chanting as the sky erupts with the colors of the sunset. This is a lovely opportunity to see the monks at their daily worship activities and to appreciate the calm, natural atmosphere of the temple once the crowds have cleared.

Day 7: Lanna Cooking Class

You and your kids will have had plenty of opportunities to sample tasty Thai food by now, so it's time to take your culinary skills up a few notches. Your family will take part in an authentic cooking class focusing on local northern Thai Lanna cuisine. Head to the home of the Raunkaew-Yanon family in Hang Dong, south of Chiang Mai, where the kids will have fun learning more about the Lanna people by visiting their traditional houses and seeing how they live. Tour the garden, where fruit trees, a variety of herbs, and fresh vegetables grow. Youngsters can even help pick the ingredients for the cooking class. 

When all the ingredients are ready, your host will teach you some traditional cooking techniques and authentic recipes from the north. After practicing your new techniques in the kitchen, enjoy sitting down to eat your creations. Kids will feel proud that they've made a meal with their own hands and might even bring a few skills home with them!

Day 8: Fly to Khao Sok National Park & Floating Resort 

Say goodbye to northern Thailand today because, after breakfast, your family will be picked up from the hotel and driven to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight south to Surat Thani. Upon arrival, your private driver will take you to Khao Sok National Park, a massive 280-square-mile (451 sq km) preserve of ancient rainforests, emerald lakes, and soaring limestone islets.

Next, you'll hop in a private boat to reach your unusual accommodation for the next three days, 500 Rai Floating Resort. This unique floating resort is set on the tranquil waters of Heiwlan Dam in the heart of the national park. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it's an ideal place for your family to disconnect from the outer world and reconnect with each other.

Days 9-10: Free Time at Floating Resort

You'll have the next two days free to truly settle in and enjoy the facilities and environments around the resort at your own pace. You can opt for a variety of active or more relaxed activities, depending on the ages and activity levels of your kids. Calm Chiew Larn Lake is a great place for families to go kayaking, enjoying the sounds of birds along the way. If your little ones enjoy hiking, the ultimate trek around here is to the Tarzan Viewpoint. You'll see tropical flora and fauna as you hike through the dense rainforest and admire the panorama of the lake and the surrounding landscape from the top.

During one of your free days, make sure to get up early to go bird-watching. More than 300 species of rare birds live around here, and the resort organizes tours so you can spot some of them. Also, make sure to take an evening safari tour, to see the wild animals that appear along the lakeshore at night. Take a boat from Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, which isn't far from the resort. You may be able to see gaurs, wild elephants, wild boars, and hornbills on an excursion that's sure to be memorable for nature-loving kids. 

Day 11: Transfer to Phuket

Bid Khao Sok National Park farewell today as you transfer overland to Phuket, about 2.5 hours away. After checking in to your hotel, you'll have time to relax or explore more of the island. Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Andaman," Phuket is home to some of the finest beaches in Thailand. It's a popular destination, but it has maintained its relaxed appeal, and with a perfect blend of fun activities and quiet beaches, it makes a prime spot for a family vacation to remember. After settling in, find a white-sand beach where you and your kids can relax for the rest of the day.

Day 12: Sea Caves Cruise & Kayaking

After breakfast, you'll be picked up and driven to Ao Po, where you'll board a boat that will take you to some fantastic sea caves at offshore islands. After arriving at the first island, you and your kids can kayak around the caves, seeing what lies inside. Continue to a second island with more caves. Find hidden lagoons and learn about the remarkable marine geology on display here. 

At sunset, a delicious Thai seafood buffet dinner will be served on board your boat. After dinner, once the sun has set, you can return to your kayak and release a traditional flower lantern onto the water. Thai people believe that offering the lantern to the water gods will make your wishes come true. Watching the lanterns floating on the ocean's surface is a magnificent sight and a beautiful way to end a fun-filled day.

Day 13: Phuket Town Food Trail

While Phuket is perhaps best known for its beautiful beaches, it's also a top foodie destination, as you'll find out today. You'll be picked up from your hotel early and driven to Phuket Town, a charming, artsy place. Start the day with a Phuket-style breakfast of dim sum and rice vermicelli with southern Thai curry. Continue your exploration of the town, leaving room for other local classics, such as charcoal-fried roti served with curry.

Next, you'll visit historic Tha-Lang Road, where you and your kids can learn about Peranakan culture, a blend of Chinese and local Thai influences, as well as admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture. Finish the food tour at Khao Rang with a yummy dessert. After all this food, you and the kids might need a lie down this afternoon!

Day 14: Depart Phuket

It's time to say goodbye to beautiful Phuket today. Depending on the time of your departure flight, there may be time for you and your kids to have one last swim or play on the beach before your transfer to the airport. Safe travels!

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