Family Holiday In Thailand

Joining the tour in Bangkok today, there will be the opportunity in the afternoon to take an optional cruise along the city’s Klongs (canals) in a traditional longtail boat. This is the ideal way to explore something of Bangkok’s network of meandering waterways that lead away from the main channel of the Chao Phraya River. The excursion will also include visits to the Royal Barge Museum and Wat Arun, the poetically named Temple of the Dawn, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, built to represent the towering slopes of Mount Meru, home to the gods of Khmer mythology. 

Overnight Standard Hotel Swimming available

Travelling by tuk tuk this morning we head for the magnificent splendour of the Grand Palace, where we enjoy a tour of the site in the company of a local guide. Dating from the latter years of the 18th century, this huge edifice represents the emergence of the Thai nation once more, from under the yolk of Burmese oppression. It is opulence on the grandest scale and is almost certainly the most impressive site in the city, with its unrivalled collection of palaces, golden stupas, wats (temples) and ornately decorative statues. The most impressive of the wats within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaeo (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha), where we find the small jade statue of Buddha, believed to have been created in Sri Lanka and reputedly discovered when a lightening storm split open an ancient chedi in the northern town of Chiang Rai during the early years of the 15th century. Reputed to contain fabulous powers it is still worshipped by Thais, from the king down, to this day. After our visit we continue by foot to the rambling complex of Wat Po, older even than the city itself and home to the fabulous reclining Buddha, a 46 metre golden plated statue depicting Lord Buddha as he enters Nirvana. From here we return to the hotel by tuk tuk, after which the rest of the day is free to relax, or explore further at your leisure. 

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

With a free day in the capital before we catch our overnight train to Surat Thani you may like to make the most of the many sights that dot the landscape of this enigmatic city. Bangkok abounds with museums and palaces, temples and markets, but one of its more unusual attractions is the house of the American adventurer and entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who mysteriously disappeared into the jungles of Malaysia in the late 1960s. Eccentric to a fault and almost single-handedly responsible for saving the Thai silk weaving industry, he went on to fill his graceful residence with all manner of traditional artefacts, arts and crafts, to present a fascinating insight into a man and a culture that is sadly lost to today’s more modern world. You may also like to visit the aquarium at Siam Paragon, or perhaps just wander Bangkok’s myriad of shops and markets in search of a bargain or two. Late this afternoon we will transfer to the train station to begin our overnight journey south, towards the coastal town of Surat Thani, our gateway to the spectacular jungles and islands of the Gulf of Thailand.

Overnight Basic Train Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Arriving early this morning there should be time for you to purchase breakfast at one of the small cafes near the station, before we transfer to our jungle lodge in Khao Sok National Park. Covering an area of some 65,000sq km the park is one of the oldest and most bio-diverse jungles in Southeast Asia, boasting a lush rainforest that is older than those of either the Amazon or Central Africa. Set against a spectacular backdrop of towering limestone mountains, the park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife as well as some 180 species of birds in residence. It is a delight for both keen birdwatchers and novices alike. This afternoon we will enjoy an elephant ride following one of the trails that snake through this natural wonderland, where the sounds of gibbon calls mingle with the gentle cascades of tumbling waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for mischievous monkeys playing in the canopy above and watch out for colourful hornbills and kingfishers as they dart amongst the trees. The park is also a haven for a wide variety of exotic plants, including bamboo, fig, palms and the carnivorous pitcher plant, which gruesomely consumes its prey in its specially adapted ‘bag’. Then we return to our lodge for a night amidst the sounds of the jungle, an altogether unforgettable experience.

Overnight Standard Jungle Lodge

Our second day in the jungle sees us enjoying a guided walk through the dense jungle. The rest of the day is then free to indulge, explore or relax as you see fit. Our lodge is set close to the river, so a swim amidst this idyllic and unique area is a welcome possibility.

Overnight Standard Jungle Lodge Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

A ferry journey today brings us to the first of our island paradises and the beautiful beaches of Koh Lanta. Called Pulao Satak by the local people (Island of the Long Beaches) its white sands and forested hills present the ideal backdrop to our stay amidst the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. On our journey to the island we may even be accompanied by dolphins and flying fish, so keep your eyes peeled. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel and check in, after which the rest of the day is free to explore, or simply relax and take in the tranquil ambience of our idyllic surroundings. Inhabited largely by Muslims who arrived here from Malaysia 200 years ago, this beautiful island is some 25 kilometres long, with a steep ridge forming a forested interior. Parts of its lush interior are cultivated, but most villagers are still involved in the time-honoured occupation of fishing, much as their ancestors have been for generations. There are superb deserted beaches to wander along, or watch the fishermen pull in a catch, while children splash in the golden waters at sunset. This is the spot to forget your worries and relax and a ‘Mai Tai’ cocktail, whilst watching the sunset offers a perfect end to the day.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Though less dramatic than islands such as Phi Phi, for real island aficionados the quiet friendly atmosphere of Koh Lanta is hard to beat. A free day on the island affords a wealth of opportunities to enjoy some optional excursions, including elephant rides and walks in the national park, trips through the mangroves by longtail boats, visits to pineapple plantations or perhaps an excursion by bus around the island. the rich, warm and relatively pristine waters of these shores presents some ideal opportunities for snorkelling and boat trips.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Using our chartered speedboat we head to Koh Phi Phi island. The island features magnificent limestone cliffs rising out of the warm water with brilliant white sand. Our day trip here includes snorkelling and lunch.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

A short boat transfer this morning takes us to the beautiful island of Koh Hai, (sometimes called Koh Ngai), the least developed of the islands we stay on, and a true paradise that is perfect for exploring, with its fine white sandy beaches, clear water and vibrant coral reef. A saw-toothed landscape of ragged limestone outcrops and evergreen forests offer a spectacular backdrop to our stay here.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Our first morning sees us taking a boat trip to the nearby Trang Andaman Island of Koh Muk, where we stop off to visit the stunning ‘Emerald Cave’ (Tham Morakot). An 80 metre swim along a limestone tunnel emerges at an inland beach, surrounded by enclosed cliffs covered in vegetation and an open pool of water that reflects the most beautiful emerald colour. This island is the perfect place to relax and unwind – perhaps taking the opportunity for further snorkelling, or a walk through the the forested interior to the other side of the island. Returning to Koh Hai the rest of our time on this glorious island is free to enjoy as you wish. You may like to take a walk into the forested slopes of the National Park, where crab eating monkeys and monitor lizards travel down from the mountains to wander through the plantations of palms in search of food. Alternatively you can enjoy more of the spectacular shore, either from the beach, or else by taking boat trips off the island.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Unfortunately we have to say goodbye to paradise this morning and take a short boat journey to Pakmeng Pier, from where we pick up our charter bus for the drive to Krabi, the central hub on the western coast from where we take a flight back to Bangkok later this afternoon. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for our final evening in Thailand, a chance to relax and reflect on a spectacular few days in this beautifully diverse and enchanting country.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Included meals: Breakfast