Highlights
- Stroll over the famous River Khwae Bridge
- Explore the natural wonders of the Khao Sok National Park
- Meet rescued elephants, bears, and gibbons at the Wildlife Friends Foundation
- Snorkel the colorful corals and abundant marine life of the Phi Phi islands
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok, Explore | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Family Day at Ko Kret | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Kanchanaburi, Visit Nakorn Pathom & River Khwae | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 4 | Explore the Erawan Waterfall & Phra That Cave | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Hua Hin, Family Beach Time | Hua Hin |
| Day 6 | Wildlife Friends Foundation Visit | Hua Hin |
| Day 7 | Hua Hin Leisure Day | Hua Hin |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Khao Sok National Park, Explore | Khao Sok National Park |
| Day 9 | Cheow Lan Lake Boat Cruise | Khao Sok National Park |
| Day 10 | Jungle River Canoe Trip, Transfer to Krabi | Krabi |
| Day 11 | Explore the Phi Phi Islands | Krabi |
| Day 12 | Boat Trip to Hong Island, Swimming & Leisure Day | Krabi |
| Day 13 | Krabi Beach Day | Krabi |
| Day 14 | Depart Krabi |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore
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 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 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.
Day 2: Family Day At Ko Kret
After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to Pak Kred Pier, a short drive north of Bangkok. 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 little ones 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. The whole family will have a blast as you craft your souvenirs with a mini pottery workshop and learn the basic techniques involved.
Afterward, cruise around this small car-free island before jumping off the boat and walking through lush greenery to be warmly welcomed into a local family's home. Sit down with your hosts and learn how to make kanom krok, a sweet coconut pancake prepared on a terracotta stove. Enjoy the boat trip back to the mainland, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.Day 3: Transfer to Kanchanaburi, Visit Nakorn Pathom & River Khwae
This morning you'll transfer three hours northwest to Kanchanaburi, famous as the construction site of the Burma Railway and the River Khwae Bridge. Your driver will break the journey with a stop at Nakhon Pathom, where you and the kids can visit the Woodland Muangami Fantasy Museum. Explore the wide variety of wood carvings sure to inspire the kids' imaginations as you discover unique masterpieces ranging from intricately carved elephants to cathedrals and Buddhas. Afterward, the little ones can blow off some steam in the beautiful gardens before stopping for lunch.
Upon arrival at Kanchanaburi, drop your bags at the hotel and take the kids on a stroll over the town's infamous bridge before embarking on a peaceful boat ride along the river. Visit the Death Railway Museum to learn about the Allied prisoners of war and civilian laborers who lost their lives during the Burma Railway's construction and the humbling stories of those who survived. Then pay your respects with a trip to the Don Rak War Cemetery. Afterward, head back to your hotel, where the evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 4: Explore the Erawan Waterfall & Phra That Cave
Day 5: Transfer to Hua Hin, Family Beach Time
It's off to 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.
If you're searching for more solitude, the nearby beach of Khao Takiap is quieter and less developed, making it an excellent option to escape the crowds in the busier months. Take a short climb up the hill to see the Khao Takiap temple and admire the beautiful architecture. Meanwhile, the kids can find out how the hill has earnt the nickname "Monkey Mountain" as they surround themselves with the friendly little macaques.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Wildlife Friends Foundation Visit
Today's excursion is perfect for the animal lovers in your family and an opportunity to meet many of Thailand's native creatures. After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to the Wildlife Friends Foundation. As you tour the sanctuary, hear stories of how the center supports its elephants, gibbons, bears, and monkeys.
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 choose from one of the many great spots to dine in.
Day 7: Hua Hin Leisure Day
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.
If your little ones are water-shy or prefer a change of scene, the Pran Buri Forest, 15 miles (25 km) from Hua Hin, is part of a more comprehensive forest recovery project, home to plenty of wildlife, and for those seeking respite from the heat, offers cool canopied shade. Take a gentle stroll along the boardwalk through the mangrove forest, or for a more strenuous hike, head to the viewpoint for magnificent views.
Day 8: Transfer to Khao Sok National Park, Explore
It's an early start today as, after breakfast, your driver takes you to Hua Hin's train station. It's worth taking a moment to appreciate the station's beauty and traditional design before boarding your train for the seven-hour journey to Surat Thani, the gateway to southern Thailand's gorgeous islands, hidden parks, and white-sand beaches.
Upon arrival, transfer to the Khao Sok National Park, an area teeming with flora and fauna, peppered with caves, and full of giant lakes and dense forests. It's the perfect spot for both families wanting to relax by the lake or those with active teenagers looking for a jungle or river adventure. Stroll the nature trails, discover the jungle's fascinating biodiversity, or jump into the Khao Sok River for a refreshing dip before dinner with the family.
Day 9: Cheow Lan Lake Boat Cruise
One of the best ways to appreciate the park's magnificent surroundings is by boat, and today, you and your family will take a transfer to the pier, ready for a cruise along the enchanting Cheow Lan Lake. Task the kids with spotting the local wildlife as you take in the compelling backdrop of limestone mountains and lush jungles that rise from the emerald waters.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours to explore the park as you wish. Kids of all ages will adore the opportunity to explore the world's oldest evergreen rainforest and trek through the jungle. At the same time, younger children will enjoy strolling the many nature trails and discovering the vast array of fauna and flora. The park is perfect for water babies, too, with opportunities to canoe, kayak, or swim in the serene waters.
Day 10: Jungle River Canoe Trip, Transfer to Krabi
Before waving goodbye to Kaho Sok this morning, enjoy one last memorable family adventure as you and the kids explore the jungle with a canoeing expedition along the Sok River. Look out for jungle wildlife as you glide along the still waters, keeping your camera close at hand to snap the monkeys, birds, snakes, and lizards enjoying their natural habitat. After lunch, you'll transfer a couple of hours south to Krabi, a stunning seaside resort on Thailand's west coast.
Day 11: Explore the Phi Phi Islands
It's a day of pure fun and relaxation today as you and the kids get ready to explore the Phi Phi Islands, one of the most beautiful destinations in southern Thailand. You'll travel by private long-tail boat, so you can adjust your schedule according to your family's preferences. First up is Bamboo Island, where you can swim and sunbathe before the intense midday heat. Then it's on to Viking Cave and Loh Samah Bay, one of Thailand's best snorkeling spots. Grab your masks and fins as you and the kids drift past the coral and abundant marine life.
Sail on to Monkey Island, where the youngsters can encounter these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat and maybe even give them some fruit. Refuel with a delicious lunch at Phi Phi Don (the main island), and spend the rest of the afternoon swimming in the blue lagoons, resting on the picture-perfect sands, or snorkeling and playing with the kids. If you can bear to tear yourselves away, sail back to your resort, where the evening is yours, to continue the relaxed beach vibe.
Day 12: Boat Trip to Hong Island, Swimming & Leisure Day
Day 13: Krabi Beach Day
Day 14: Depart Krabi
More Great Thailand Itineraries
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