Family-Friendly Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket - 10 Days

Highlights

• Shop for toys, souvenirs, and snacks in some quirky markets around Bangkok
• Hand feed elephants at the Baan Chang Elephant Park outside Chiang Mai
• Introduce your toddlers to Thai culture at dazzling temples
• Swim and play at the many family-friendly beaches around Phuket

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand! Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by your private guide and head to your hotel in a private car. The rest of the day is yours to recover from jet lag or head out to discover the city on your own. You might want to wander around Khao San Road to pick up some toys for your little ones or to sample some delicious street food. If you have more time and everyone has enough energy, head to the Children's Discovery Museum, where kids can happily dig in the sand to find and reassemble dinosaur bones.

Day 2: Toddler-Friendly City Tour, Free Time

After breakfast, head out to explore some of the city's highlights. One of the best things about a private tour is that you can discover at your own pace and customize it according to your family's interests. Just let your guide know when you'd like to start, if there's anywhere you'd like to spend more time, and when to head back to the hotel for nap time. 

Start things off with a leisurely stroll around a vibrant flower and vegetable market for an insight into daily life in Thailand. Next up is the sprawling Grand Palace, which features glittering halls, pavilions, and temples of the royal Siamese court. It's a perfect place to introduce kids to traditional Thai architecture, as it's so sparkly and appealing! The adjoining Wat Phra Kaew, home to the highly revered Emerald Buddha, is a highlight. After lunch at a local restaurant, walk to nearby Wat Pho to marvel at the 147-foot (45 m) gold-plated reclining Buddha. 

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. It might be naptime back at the hotel, but if you're up for more exploring, you could head to Siam Paragon for some shopping in a cool, air-conditioned environment or to the buzzing streets of Chinatown to pick up some tasty street food.

Day 3: Railway Market & Floating Market Tour

Today, embark on a guided excursion to explore two exotic Thai markets outside of Bangkok. While this is a full-day tour, there will be plenty of time for little ones to sit and rest, and they won't be expected to be on their feet all day. The first stop is the Mae Klong Railway Market, a unique market that has grown up along railway tracks. Here, witness the incredible speed of the vendors as they quickly pack their stalls right before a train approaches. Kids are sure to find this great fun to watch.

Next, hop aboard a long-tail boat to slowly navigate through the narrow canals of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. You will see countless hawkers peddling tropical fruits and other delights on small boats. Off the boat, have lunch at a local restaurant, and enjoy strolling around the colorful market.

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai, Dinner Show

Say goodbye to bustling Bangkok and fly north to Chiang Mai, Thailand's fourth-largest city that's located in the country's mountainous north. Nicknamed "Rose of the North," Chiang Mai is a city of natural beauty, a fascinating Lanna culture, historic temples, and a vibrant food scene. After being transferred to your hotel, you can take some time to settle in and rest or take a quick walk around outside to experience this city's atmosphere.

Day 5: Baan Chang Elephant Park Tour, Free Time

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. Dressed in traditional mahout (elephant-keeper) clothing, you and the kids can get hands-on and prepare fruit for the elephants, walk with them to a clean water pond, and learn about their behavior. 

Return to Chiang Mai and head back to the hotel for some rest. If your little one is still wide awake, hop on a rickshaw to discover the laid-back charm of Chiang Mai's Old Town, or chill out in a local café with a coffee and a juice or ice cream.

Day 6: Chiang Mai Temple Tour, Free Time

This morning is reserved for a guided temple-hopping tour, where even the youngest ages will enjoy the sights and sounds of these spiritual landmarks. After breakfast, visit two remarkable temples inside the old walled city center of Chiang Mai: 14th-century Wat Chedi Luang, once the largest building in the whole Lanna Kingdom, and Wat Phra Singh, featuring classic Lanna architecture. Next, drive out of the city into the Doi Suthep mountains. En route, stop at the heavily forested Wat Umong, at the foot of the mountain, where you can explore the shrines of Buddha built into underground tunnels. 

Drive up the mountain to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, an amazing golden hilltop temple located at 3,530 feet (1,073 m) above sea level. As you're traveling with younger kids, you might opt to take the cable car up the hill to reach the temple's golden pagodas with ease, or you can tire out boisterous toddlers with a climb up the 306 steps of the Golden Naga Staircase. This temple is one of the most significant in northern Thailand, and from the top, you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views over Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

Spend the afternoon chilling out, or take the kids to Chiang Mai Zoo, the largest of its kind in the country. Aspiring zoologists can meet monkeys, hippos, and more than 100 other kinds of animals—brave youngsters can even feed the giraffes by hand! 

Day 7: Fly to Phuket, FantaSea Show

Say goodbye to northern Thailand today as you fly south to Phuket. Located off Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, Phuket is a dream-like island with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a plethora of fun activities, and plenty of chances to feast on seafood and Thai cuisine. After being transferred to your hotel, spend the remainder of the day enjoying the facilities at the hotel or head out to some of Phuket's best beaches, such as Patong and Karon, whose warm shallows and soft sands are perfect for even the littlest beachcombers.

In the evening, if your kids are feeling up to it (and if you're traveling on Wednesday or Saturday), head to the Phuket Fantasea theme park for a dinner and show package. Wander around the large park that has light shows, a carnival village, a shopping street, and other attractions. Feast on a lavish buffet with plenty of kid-friendly options as you watch cultural parades and craft demonstrations. The Las Vegas-style extravaganza showcases the ancient traditions of Thailand and combines cutting-edge technology and pyrotechnics with aerial ballet, acrobatics, and even elephants.

Day 8: Free Day in Phuket

Today is for you and your family to enjoy Phuket's sun, sea, and sand as you please. The 6.8-mile (11 km) beach of Mai Khao might be a good choice if you are looking for a quiet, laid-back place. The water is shallow and calm here, so your kids can have a fun and safe time swimming or playing in the sand. Bangtao is another great option for families, with 5 miles (8 km) of white sand, beautiful lagoons, and numerous restaurants. Other family-friendly local beaches include Kamala, which is a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from the famous Patong Beach but with a calmer vibe and fewer tourists.

Day 9: Canoeing & Speedboat Tour

Today, parents can choose to drop the kids off at the hotel's well-equipped kids' club—where they will be entertained and kept happy by the staff—or bring the little ones along for a family adventure. Either way, the day's excursion will have you riding a speedboat to Hong Island, where you can explore by canoe. There are great views of Phang Nga Bay and Panak Island along the way. Refuel with lunch at a floating restaurant on Panyee Island.

Later, enjoy some free time on James Bond Island (where "The Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed) and Khao Phing Kan. If the kids have come along, they'll love playing in the sand and paddling in the clear turquoise waters. Return to Phuket by speedboat and enjoy your final evening in Thailand at your leisure.

Day 10: 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 one more family swim or some playtime on the beach before your transfer to the airport. Safe travels!

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