Depart your home country on your flight to Bangkok, Thailand.
Most suited for
Families, Couples
Ideal time to visit
November – April
This holiday is a fun and interactive way to explore Thailand’s capital and countryside. Bursting with outdoor adventures in some of the country’s prettiest nature spots, interspersed with sleepy, scenic train journeys.
Kick things off in Bangkok, weaving through its colourful backstreets and ancient temples, before cycling through a quiet pocket of greenery. Then swap the city for Kanchanaburi, travelling there by rail, where your guide will share the area’s stories and history. Take in the beauty of its rivers, waterfalls and caves along the way.
From there, head into the wild heart of Khao Sok National Park, before rounding things off on the tropical island of Phuket.
Family Adventure by Train
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Bangkok
On arrival in Bangkok, your guide and driver will welcome you to Thailand and whisk you to your riverside hotel to relax after your flight.
After some R&R, you’ll take a guided walking tour through a maze of sidestreets and shophouses before boarding a tuk-tuk to explore some of Bangkok’s ancient temples and bustling markets.
Cross the river to experience the charm of Kudijeen, a small Portuguese area with a quaint Catholic church and centuries-old teak houses. From here, you’ll take a boat down small canals to a hidden restaurant where you’ll be served lunch from their organic garden, before trying your hand at making delicious Thai desserts.
On your second day in the city, you’ll set off on a cycling adventure around Bangkrachao, Bangkok’s ‘Green Lung’. A stark contrast to the concrete metropolis of the city, this mangrove forest is crisscrossed with elevated wooden walkways for cycling and plenty of interesting stop-offs, giving you a dose of fresh air and the chance to meet some of the local community.
Days 5 - 6
Kanchanaburi
A leisurely train journey to Kanchanaburi is a great way to reflect on your time in Bangkok while admiring the countryside. From Nam Tok Station, the journey will continue with a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, where you’ll learn about the area’s history and significance during World War 2 and be able to walk the old tracks, now a short, scenic trek.
At the end of an exciting and informative day, you’ll take a longtail boat up the River Kwai to check into your luxury floating bungalow.
After waking up to the sound of the river flowing past your door, the adventure will continue with a walk to Sai Yok Waterfall, a visit to a traditional village and an exploration of the Lawa Caves.
Day 7
Surat Thani
Today, you’ll board a train back to Bangkok, arriving at Thon Buri Station in the late afternoon.
After a delicious local dinner in the city, you’ll transfer to Bangkok’s central Krungthep Apiwat station to board the sleeper train to Surat Thani.
This train route is a contrasting experience to the journey up to Kanchanaburi and has decent bunks, food, and drink on board, making it a fun and comfortable way to reach the south.
Days 8 - 10
Khao Sok National Park
From Surat Thani, you’ll head to the absolutely beautiful Khao Sok National Park, where you’ll check in to Our Jungle House. Be wowed by the park’s natural beauty as you settle into your rustic treehouse or bungalow. Your adventures begin with a guided rafting trip along the river, allowing you to get acquainted with the deep jungle surrounding you.
The following day, you’ll take a day trip to Cheow Lan Lake for a scenic boat journey around its dramatic limestone karsts. As you navigate the waters, look for local wildlife. The lake has a few interesting things to do, including small jungle treks and a network of caves.
On your final day in the National Park, you’ll have the chance to learn the art of jungle cooking. Your skilled instructor will show you how to find ingredients in the surrounding environment and help you prepare a hearty meal using traditional cooking methods.
As darkness falls, you’ll enter the jungle on a guided night safari to see what kind of nocturnal creatures you can find!
Days 11 - 13
Phuket
After breakfast, you’ll travel south to Phuket for the last chapter of your Thailand adventure.
The scenery on the drive will help the journey fly by, and you’ll arrive at your final hotel, The Slate. This hotel has not 1, not 2 but 3 swimming pools and access to Nai Yang Beach. There’s an array of activities and dining options here and plenty of local restaurants to choose from within walking distance.
This is a great place to slow down and get a slice of island life, before flying back home.
Day 14
Fly home
Today, it’s time to wave goodbye to Thailand. Your driver will drop you off at Phuket airport for your flight home.
The best family holiday we have ever been on
This holiday had everything. Great people, food, wildlife, beaches and scenery. Experience Travel Group were exceptional from planning stage to our return home. Holly created the perfect trip for our family.
The Stern Family
22 April 2022Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Thailand Experts
Ella’s first trip to ‘The Land of Smiles’ sealed the deal. She fell instantly for the effortlessly friendly people and the banging food. Now, she spends her time helping travellers experience the Thailand she loves – from Bangkok’s hidden gardens with secret restaurants to quiet islands where you won’t be part of a pack of tourists. Phew.
“This trip is great for families lokoing for more than just a beach break. You’ll trundle through Thailand by train and sleep in floating river lodges and treehouses – a mix of adventures your kids will still be talking about years from now.”
Ella
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Thailand
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Thailand
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Thailand for around 20 years and some of our team live there. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships and network of specialist local guides, we can really help you under the skin of the country and discover her secret sides.
Over the years, we’ve developed enriching experiences that bring together cultural depth and give you the freedom to explore. Think hands-on food adventures in Bangkok’s backstreets, access to peaceful beaches, countryside stays where local life still ticks to its own rhythm, or journeys into the mountainous north to meet the hill tribes – all bespoke to you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can get into holiday mode knowing everything’s covered – while still having the freedom to discover Thailand your way. We don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Every holiday is personal, every route considered, and every detail designed to show you a side of Thailand that most visitors miss.
So come with us, to the Thailand we know and love.
In general, November to April is the most popular time, with warm, dry weather across most of the country – ideal for both exploring and beach time. But Thailand’s seasons aren’t as simple as they look, and with a little know-how, there’s somewhere worth visiting year-round.
The Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) is at its sunniest between November and April, while the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) comes into its own from February to August when the west coast monsoon winds bring in rain to the west coast. With its mountains and cooler breezes, Northern Thailand is best for trekking and outdoor adventures from November to February.
Travelling during the “green season” (roughly May to October) can be rewarding: fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and lower hotel rates. Rain tends to arrive in short, heavy bursts rather than all day, leaving plenty of sunshine in between. National parks are glorious at this time, with waterfalls in full flow. During late August and September, Thailand often experiences flooding, so this time is usually best avoided, though even then, you can still visit many of the beach destinations very happily.
The months of April and October are the turning points worth considering for great-value travel, with fairly reliable weather. In April, the Songkran New Year festival is a joy to be part of, if you don’t mind getting a soaking from a water pistol (or water blaster!). The rates fall dramatically compared with March. While Songkran marks the start of the rainy season, it has not fully kicked in. It can be a good time to travel throughout the country for those who can put up with some serious heat and humidity. In October, the rains tend to fall away as Thailand returns towards the settled November weather.
So while November to March might be the sweet spot for most of Thailand, there’s always a way to plan a Thailand holiday that fits your timing – and often, going slightly against the grain can mean quieter beaches, great value and a richer experience.
Every ETG holiday is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience the country in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand
Tempted to discover the very best of Thailand, far from the tourist traps?
Our experts spill their secrets in The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand.
Download your complimentary copy for an insight into the country’s highlights, hot hotels and unusual experiences to inspire your next great adventure.
