Highlights
- Sample Thai specialties with a street food tour
- See Bangkok's dazzling temples and palaces
- Learn how to care for elephants in their natural habitat
- Kick back with the kids in beautiful Phuket
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok, Visit Muang Boran, Evening Street Food Tour | Bangkok |
Day 2 | Explore Bangkok, Flower Market, Grand Palace & Wat Pho Temple Tour | Bangkok |
Day 3 | Day Trip to Elephants World, Kanchanaburi | Bangkok |
Day 4 | Fly to Phuket, Beach Day | Phuket |
Day 5 | Cruise Phang Nga Bay | Phuket |
Day 6 | Relax in Phuket | Phuket |
Day 7 | Depart Phuket |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Visit Muang Boran, Evening Street Food Tour
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand's capital, known for its sacred Buddhist sights, vibrant energy, and delicious street food. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and then head out with the kids to explore. Visit Muang Boran (Ancient City), 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 and have fun as you take the free tram and travel through the extraordinary park.
If the kids love marine life, don't miss a trip to Sealife Bangkok Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Wander the underwater tunnels, and visit the seahorses and sharks before discovering the giant spider crab camouflaged in its rocky hideout. Afterward, immerse yourselves in the heart of the city's street food scene with a fun trip to Chinatown (Yao-Wa-Rat) for an evening food tour. Taste pad thai, kai satay, and a host of delicious Thai street food before treating the kids to traditional Chinese and Thai desserts.
Day 2: Explore Bangkok, Flower Market, Grand Palace & Wat Pho Temple Tour
After breakfast, discover Bangkok's best spots and colorful splendor with a private, family-friendly tour. Meet your guide at your hotel and stroll to the dazzling Flower Market, filled with multicolored blooms. Let the kids choose whether to travel by tuk-tuk or a traditional three-wheeled open taxi as you continue through the Old City to Wat Pho temple, home to the 150-foot (46 m) long Reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf. Set among the colorful architecture and decorations in the temple, it's an awe-inspiring sight for kids and adults alike.
Next door, explore the immense complex of ornate buildings, halls, and gardens that make up the Grand Palace. See if the kids can spot the famous Emerald Buddha, a revered 26-inch (66 cm) high statue carved from a single piece of jade that, according to legend, was created in 43 BCE by a sage named Nagasena, with the help of the deities Vishnu and Indra. Admire the elaborate architecture before exploring the beautiful gardens, and finish your tour with a delicious Thai feast. Afterward, you'll be dropped back at your hotel.
Day 3: Day Trip to Elephants World, Kanchanaburi
Elephants have long been revered in Thai and Buddhist culture, and Thailand's national animal is believed to represent strength, loyalty, and longevity. This morning, you and the kids will have the wonderful opportunity to see these magnificent animals up close as you make an early start to spend the day at Elephants World in Kanchanaburi.
Spend quality time with these gentle giants as you and your family observe the elephants in their natural habitat, watch them take a mud bath, and learn how to feed and care for them. Enjoy a buffet lunch on-site before you and the kids roll up your sleeves to make sticky rice balls for the elephants to snack on. Afterward, join your newfound four-legged friends for a river bath to wash out the mud and treat them to your freshly prepared snacks. Return to Bangkok on a high as you and the kids recount the highlights of your day in the jungle.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Fly to Phuket, Beach Day
Leave the hustle and bustle of Bangkok for the serene shores of Phuket this morning as you transfer to the airport and take a short flight to the island. Known for its stunning beaches and gentle, family-friendly waters, Phuket is ideal for families wanting to relax. If you're in search of peace and tranquility, head to Mai Khao Beach or Kamala Beach, both perfect for little ones. If the kids are older, Karon Beach has plenty of activities and restaurants, while next door, Kata Beach, is great for swimming and snorkeling and has the benefit of incredible sunsets.
Check in to your hotel, grab your swimmers, and once you've decided on your beach of choice, the rest of the day is yours to swim, sunbathe or play with the kids. Once the sun goes down, you have an abundance of restaurants to choose from as you relax and gaze across the splendid sea views.
Day 5: Cruise Phang Nga Bay
This morning, spend the day touring Phang Nga Bay, known for its turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush jungle. Enjoy complimentary drinks and breakfast as you board your boat and sail off on your adventure. Spend quality time with the kids as you kayak the bay, and explore the sea caves before reaching Hong Island and paddling through mangrove trees, beautiful lagoons, and atmospheric stalactite-filled caves.
Day 6: Relax in Phuket
Today is yours to spend as you wish. Continue the relaxed beach and sea vibe, snorkel and see the colorful marine life, or head inland for a sightseeing tour. If you find yourselves caught out in a tropical shower, visit the Phuket Aquarium. Restless older kids in need of an adrenaline fix will love the Flying Hanuman zipline park, home to a number of sky bridges, platforms, and ziplines that will satisfy thrill seekers of all levels.
Families with younger kids should head to the gentle Rawai Waterpark, while the Splash Jungle and Blue Tree waterparks are a great alternative to the beach for the whole family. In the evening, take a trip to the Night Market to sample delicious street food and pick up some souvenirs as the sun sets on your Thai adventure.
Day 7: Depart Phuket
Sadly, it's your family's last day in Thailand. After breakfast, transfer to Phuket Airport 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.