Combine the best of Bangkok with laidback island life on this week-long family vacation that blends culture in the capital with Phuket's endless white sands and turquoise seas. Tour the opulent Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho temples, savor Thai street food, and spend a day with the elephants in Kanchanaburi. Then cast yourselves away for quality time with the kids as you embrace beach life, sail to James Bond Island, and discover the treasures of Phang Nga Bay.

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

Family Leisure Time in Bangkok
Sample Thailand's delicious street food

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

Bangkok City Tour for Families
Tour Bangkok's splendid temples and the Grand Palace

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

Family Day At Elephant Haven Project
Spend a day getting to know the gentle giants at Elephants World

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.

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Day 4: Fly to Phuket, Beach Day

Family Beach Day in Phuket
Welcome to the island paradise of Phuket!

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

Family-Friendly  Day Cruise in  Phang Nga Bay
Snorkel the shores of 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. 

Take a breather back on the boat and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before heading to the famous James Bond Island, named because of its set location in the Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun." Join the kids for a swim, snorkel the coral reef, and marvel at the tropical fish before returning to Ao Po Pier at sunset. Enjoy an evening of great food as you and the kids reflect on the trip's highlights so far. 

Day 6: Relax in Phuket

Family Leisure Day in Phuket
Play with the kids on Phuket's pristine white sands 

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

Depart Thailand
Until the next time, Thailand

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.

Map

Map of Family Highlights Tour of Thailand: Bangkok & Phuket - 7 Days
Map of Family Highlights Tour of Thailand: Bangkok & Phuket - 7 Days
Hien
Written by Hien Do, updated Mar 30, 2023