Unseen Thailand with the family
Itinerary
Days 1-2 – Arrival in Bangkok and evening food tour
On arrival in Bangkok, one of our friendly representatives will meet you and your family at the airport. They will take you to your family-friendly hotel with a rooftop swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip after your long flight. Once you’re settled, this evening we will arrange for you and your family to dive into Thai cuisine and hop aboard a tuk-tuk for an adventurous food tour. The tour will take you on a food journey through the city, stopping off at a mix of local restaurants that specialise in different regional dishes from around the country. From mild and crunchy papaya salad to crispy catfish and delicious pork meatballs, there’s something to suit every palette. After stopping off at a local bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink, you’ll head to the final stop on this tour and try the best Pad Thai in town, before your tuk-tuk drops you back to your hotel.
Days 3-4 – Freetime in Bangkok
After a much-needed sleep, we have not planned anything for the next two days, but after your food tour last night, you may have a few restaurants you’re keen to return to for more tasty treats. You’re also within walking distance to the famous Khao San Road should you wish to go and have a little nose around! If you’re looking to introduce your family to Thai culture and history, then why not visit The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew(Temple of the Emerald Buddha), get up close to the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, or climb the iconic steps at Wat Arun together? Bangkok is a vibrant city that’s full of energy, offering something for everyone. It’s the perfect introduction to this wonderful country, whether this is your first visit or you find yourself returning time and time again for more.
Day 5 – Train journey to Khao Yai
This morning you will head to the local train station to catch your train to the gateway to Khao Yai – Pak Chong. The journey takes around 3-4 hours and along the way you will be treated to scenic views of rural Thailand, with vast rolling hills and small local villages to see. When you arrive in Pak Chong, your first stop will be to check into your comfortable lodge located on the outskirts of Khao Yai National Park, set in beautiful gardens and surrounded by jungle. After settling in and freshening up, you’ll set off to catch the sunset at the bat cave. Thousands of bats swarm out in the light of the setting sun and into the National Park for their evening feast. You can also spot birds of prey trying to pick a bat from the sky for their dinner!
Day 6 – Khao Yai National Park Safari
It’s an early start today as you set off on a small open pickup (songthaew) with your local guide and fellow travellers to search for some of the wildlife that have made Khao Yai National Park their home. Your guide is excellent at spotting the wildlife and the bus will stop often for you to get out and see some of the animals hidden in the jungle canopy. It’s worth bringing some binoculars with you to help you spot them.
After lunch, you’ll begin your easy-going 2-hour trek through the jungle. Your guide will explain everything you see along the way, pointing out edible leaves and little creatures. As dusk arrives, you’ll notice the sights and sounds of the jungle really come to life. The noise of crickets will amaze you and now is your best chance to find the elusive elephants, wildcats and porcupines.
Day 7 – Journey to Isaan
After breakfast and another quick swim in the pool, you’ll be transferred to the train station for your journey to Isaan, which takes around 1.5 hours. Another train, another journey filled with incredible views of small villages, lush green rice fields, dusty country roads and friendly locals going about their day. When you reach Sikhiu, you will be met by a driver who will take you to today’s lunch spot, hidden amongst the rice fields. A local Thai lady has prepared a delicious lunch for your family. Have a seat and listen to her tales of growing rice and life in the countryside. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
After lunch, you’ll head to Phanom Rung – an ancient temple complex that was part of the great Khmer kingdom and shows strong similarities with the temples of Angkor Wat. The Hindu building was dedicated to the god Shiva and is supposed to represent the holy Kailash mountain. The temples are built on an old volcano, surrounded by rice fields. The entire area that you have visited today used to be part of the ‘Royal Way’, where the temples of Phanom Rung were connected to the temples of Angkor Wat. After exploring the temples, it’s time to head to your small guesthouse run by friendly and hospitable locals.
Day 8 – Explore rural Isaan by bike
The following day, you will be given a map of the local area with directions and background information. Then it’s time to grab a bike from your guesthouse and head out to explore Isaan. You’ll cycle past local crafts, village life, and the beautiful ruins of Prasat Muang Tam before stopping for lunch at a typical Thai café. Soak up the rural atmosphere, and then head back to your guesthouse in the afternoon for some relaxation.
Optional – Local cooking class
If you’d rather spend the afternoon learning to cook Thai dishes, then we can arrange this for you. A big Thai favourite is Som Tam (Papaya Salad) which comes from this region, along with many spicy dishes, grilled chicken, soups and fresh vegetables. You can learn to prepare an Isaan meal with a local who loves to share their passion for this part of Thailand. You’ll not only get to cook in a traditional kitchen, but you’ll also get to taste a cocktail infused with local herbs. Zaeb Lai! – which means ‘very tasty’ in local slang.
Day 9 – Onto Chanthaburi
The following morning, after breakfast, you will travel south with your driver. The landscape varies throughout your journey: high rocks, deep valleys and lush green rice fields. You’ll reach an orchard around noon, where lunch has been prepared for you, using local produce. After a delicious, fresh meal, you’ll get some time to explore the orchard and taste some of the unique fruits that grow here. Chances are you won’t have seen, let alone tasted any of these before, with vibrant colours, distinct flavours, unusual shapes, raw or pickled; really a feast for your taste buds! After a short drive, you’ll arrive at your accommodation for the night in Chanthaburi. It’s a comfortable hotel with a museum featuring an exhibition on the various local projects the hotel is collaborating on. For dinner tonight, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, for another delicious meal.
Day 10 – Journey to Koh Samet
This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and travel through the rural countryside until you reach Ban Phe pier. The journey will take around 2 hours, after which you will board the ferry, and travel to the island of Koh Samet in around 45 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll take a ‘songthaew’ to your accommodation, a beautiful beachfront retreat on Sai Kaew Beach, where you will stay for the next two nights. Make the most of the direct access to the soft white sands and clear waters, which are ideal for relaxing and water activities. You can explore local restaurants and shops just a short walk away, play volleyball on the beach and watch a captivating fire show right in front of the resort – an experience not to be missed.
Days 11-13 Free time in Ko Samet
The next few days are free for you and your family to spend as you wish. Whilst relaxing on the beach may be what you’re after, there are also plenty of activities to keep the family entertained such as snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, getting a traditional Thai massage with the sounds of the waves crashing or venturing further across the island – in search of remote beaches where you are the only ones. Enjoy a spectacular fire show right in front of your accommodation, while enjoying a typical Thai meal with delicious curries, pad Thai and spring rolls.
Day 14 – Departure from Ko Samet
All good things must come to an end, and today so must your Thailand trip. This morning you’ll take one last stroll along the beach before making your way to the pier for your ferry back to the mainland. We’ll arrange your bus tickets for your journey back to Bangkok, which should take around 3-4 hours. From here you can connect to your international flight home.
Accommodation
