Highlights
- Step aboard Bangkok's infamous floating market
- Set sail to the beautiful island of Ko Kret
- Make friends with macaques at the Khao Takiap temple
- Create a splash at the Vana Nava Water Jungle
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok, Family Leisure Time | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Family Day at Ko Kret | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Family Trip to Floating Markets & Fishing Village | Bangkok |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Hua Hin, Family Beach Time | Hua Hin |
| Day 5 | Family Leisure Day in Hua Hin | Hua Hin |
| Day 6 | Visit the Wildlife Friends Foundation | Hua Hin |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Bangkok, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Family Leisure Time
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand's capital, known for its sacred Buddhist sights, vibrant energy, and delicious street food. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred temple of Wat Phra Kaew. Nearby is Wat Pho, with an enormous reclining Buddha, and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun, with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.
Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your Bangkok accommodation, your base, for the next few nights. Settle in after your flight, and when you're ready, heady out to explore. Visit the Muang Boran ("Ancient City") Museum, an extraordinary open-air park with over 190 scaled-down replicas of Thailand's most famous monuments. It's a delightful way for little ones to get a feel for the country, learn some history, and, above all, have fun as you take the free tram and travel through the extraordinary museum.
If you find yourselves traveling in the rainy season and caught out, Sealife Bangkok Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, is an ideal retreat. Wander the underwater tunnels, visit the seahorses, see the sharks, and discover the giant spider crab camouflaged in its rocky hideout. Afterward, either carry on exploring or take a breather back at your hotel before dining in style at one of the city's many family-friendly eateries.
Day 2: Family Day At Ko Kret
After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to Pak Kred Pier, a short drive just north of Bangkok. Now the adventure begins as you and the kids board a long tail boat to Ko Kret. Visit the 200-year-old Wat Poramai Yikawat, an old temple with a distinctive leaning pagoda, and head to the nearby museum to learn about the Mon people, a dominant tribe in central Thailand between the sixth and 10th centuries.
Wander through the market, where you can stock up on snacks, encourage the kids to try some of the local delicacies, and sip ice-cold drinks served in hand-thrown terracotta pots. Then it's time for you and the kids to get your hands dirty! Hop back on the boat to visit a pottery house that preserves the Mon's famous craftsmanship and exquisite pottery patterns. You and the kids will have a blast as you craft your souvenirs with a mini pottery workshop and learn the basic techniques involved.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Family Trip to Floating Markets & Fishing Village
Make an early start this morning as you and your family experience a defining feature of daily Bangkok life—the traditional floating markets. Meet your guide and head to the Ratchaburi province. Watch the kids' faces as you tell them your first stop is at a Sugar Farm! Visit the local coconut sugar house, taste coconut juice fresh from the tree, and learn how to extract sugar from coconuts.
Next, board a long-tailed boat and enjoy a peaceful river cruise, passing through remote plantations and Thai villages before arriving at the infamous market. Curious little ones will be fascinated by the lively marketplace and its floating boats piled high with colorful tropical fruits, handicrafts, and other delights. The adventure isn't over yet, as you once more take to the water and cruise through a mangrove forest where kids will delight in feeding the friendly monkeys along the route. Stop to visit an oyster farm and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch before heading back to Bangkok.
Day 4: Transfer to Hua Hin, Family Beach Time
Swap Bangkok's vibrant city vibe for the serene shores of Hua Hin's seaside resort today as your driver transfers you three hours southwest to the Thai royal family's favorite holiday spot. Drop off your bags and waste no time hitting the beach for fun family downtime. Take a dip in the very child-friendly shallow turquoise waters, try your hand at kite surfing, or divvy up the parenting duties. Take turns to indulge in a relaxing massage on the beach while the other joins the little ones for a horseback ride along the sands.
Day 5: Family Leisure Day in Hua Hin
Today is yours to relax in Hua Hin's gorgeous surroundings however you choose. Spend a day with the kids playing on the beach, wander into the town to browse the boutiques, or earn some major brownie points with a visit to the Vana Nava Water Jungle. One of Thailand's first ecologically aware community water parks, Vana Nava has plenty of slides, pools, and attractions to entertain kids, big and small.
Day 6: Visit the Wildlife Friends Foundation
It's your last full day in Thailand, and today's excursion is perfect for the animal lovers in your family. After breakfast, meet your driver and drive to the Wildlife Friends Foundation. Hear stories of how the center supports its elephants, gibbons, bears, and monkeys as you tour the sanctuary.
After a break for lunch and refreshments, you'll board the sanctuary's safari bus and drive to the Newlands Area. Little ones will love seeing the rescued animals in the area's large open fields as you hear about the center's new project focused on saving apes and tigers. Finally, take your mini conservationists to the Elephant Hospital, where the kids will make special banana balls and watch as the keepers feed their offerings to the convalescing creatures. When the time comes, transfer back to Hua Hin, and spend your last night dining out in style and recounting your favorite memories.
Day 7: Transfer to Bangkok, Depart
Sadly, it's your family's last day in Thailand. After a final morning at the beach, transfer to Bangkok and catch your flight home. Safe travels!
More Great Thailand Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these other Thailand itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Thailand with your family, or learn about the best time to visit Thailand.
Map
