Thailand Family Adventure Travel | Experience Travel Group

Thailand eh? Land of smiles, land of 'Sanuk’ (Thai for fun), land of distant sepia-tinted, backpacking dreams...

But all that’s gone, right? Thailand has changed? We've changed? Not. A. Bit. Of. It.

Thailand is as magical as ever, and this itinerary is a cracking starter for ten. It's all there for you if you know here to start.

Designed with families with older teens in mind, this itinerary blends nature, wildlife and, yes... beach time. But this trip’s beauty comes from the combination of beautiful boutique accommodations and community-based experiences. The Thailand that captivated visitors in the 80s is still there; it just takes a bit of searching out, and this itinerary gets you there. It doesn’t miss the essentials either: the dreamy Gulf of Siam beach, shopping, food and nightlife in Bangkok (if you’re tired of Bangkok, you’re tired of life, as Samuel Johnson didn’t say), and plenty of Sanuk.

Spend time on a sleepy tropical island on the Gulf of Siam. It's the actual Thai dream.
Glamping and elephants: a genuine (and ethical) elephant experience and luxury tented glamping. In the Thai countryside.
Immerse yourself in rural life at a community homestay, learning about the Thai way of life (with plenty of added 'Sanuk').
Exploring Bangkok by bike and boat, you'll see a side most visitors (literally) drive over.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Get in touch to learn more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday.

Bespoke ETG Family Holidays start from
£3,450pp
and include*:

Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
$7,500pp
and include*:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

*Price dependent on destination, flights & dates. See more:

ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1 – Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Chiang Mai.

Days 2-4 – Chiang Mai

Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel to unwind and settle in. Once rested, spend some time exploring the old town's markets, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 5 – Bush Camp, Elephant Hills, Chiang Mai

Today, you will depart Chaing Mai and head into the countryside to an ethical elephant sanctuary. You’ll see how these magnificent animals roam freely around their natural home. After spending the night in the camp’s glamping-style tents, you’ll learn more about the mahouts and the Karen tribe’s culture and how the elephants are cared for.

Days 6-7 – Phayao Community Stay

Travel northeast from Chiang Mai by road with your guide to spend three days exploring the Phayao Province, a part of Northern Thailand untouched by mass tourism. Spend your first day in the region getting to know the Tai Lue community in the Chiang Kham district, an ethnic minority of Thai people from southern China. Here, visit the local temple, learn about the history, explore the village and enjoy some shared experiences, like helping to make sticky rice with coconut wrapped in banana leaves, a famous local dessert.

In Phayao town, you’ll be taken to a local restaurant for an authentic bowl of Khao Soi, a tasty Northern Thai speciality, before a Thai-style punt on the lake and a visit to a little-known temple. The surrounding countryside is, in a word, blissful; you’ll meet local people who will introduce you to the rural way of life, and your guide will take you to a mesmeric hidden mountain spot.

While travelling through the province, you’ll stay in comfortable homestays as a guest of the friendly communities and enjoy deliciously authentic home-cooked meals.

Days 8-10 – Bangkok

Depart Northern Thailand for the capital, Bangkok. Choose either fly or take an overnight train.

A half-day exploring the city via boat, tuk-tuk, and sky train provides a great way to immerse yourself in its wonders. This diverse transportation approach lets you easily concentrate on your preferred points of interest with ease. Stop for lunch and an optional dessert-making course at a sustainable riverside restaurant.

Spend a further day exploring on a cycling tour, where you’ll venture into the serene outskirts of the city. Here, you can appreciate the unexpectedly lush greenery and charming villages of Bangkok’s "Green Lung.”

Days 11-15 – Koh Kood

After the bustle of Bangkok, take a short flight south to the remote tropical island of Koh Kood in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its beaches and crystal-clear water. Your accommodation is just a stone’s throw from the beach and has everything you need to switch off and embrace island life. During your stay, a trip is included to a coral garden where a regeneration programme is in place. Take part in the project and learn about the delicate ecosystem.