Enjoy a taste of traditional Thailand on this exciting family adventure, visiting the colourful city of Chiang Mai and its hill tribes, sailing along the Kwai Noi River in a long-tail boat and staying in a jungle lodge.
- See Chiang Mai's colourful temples
- Help prepare lunch on an organic farm
- Paddle among the floating markets
- Hear monks chanting in Wat Pho temple
- Feed elephants at a wildlife sanctuary
Your trip starts in Chiang Mai, where you explore its colourful temples by trishaw, before heading out to the rural countryside to learn about traditional farm and hill tribe life. Travel like a local in hectic Bangkok before returning to a slower pace of life in the floating markets of Tha Ka, where you can spend time with a local family who will teach you how to make sweets and toys out of local ingredients.
You'll then board a long-tail boat and sail along the beautiful Kwai Noi River to a riverside jungle lodge, enjoy a hike to the crystal clear Erawan Falls, and visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Finally, transfer to Hua Hin for a well-deserved day on the beach, as well as a jungle safari and a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, home to over 600 rescued animals.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart the UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Chiang Mai.
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Day 2: Arrive Chiang Mai
On arrival in Chiang Mai, transfer to your accommodation. This evening, an optional traditional Khantoke dinner can be arranged
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Day 3: Explore Chiang Mai
Explore the temple of Wat Prah Singh and the vibrant Warorot Market. In the afternoon, visit the great market of Warorot and learn about the history of this popular market while trying some of the local specialities.
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Day 4: Pottery workshop
In the morning, visit a Lanna handicraft village which still maintains an authentic pottery style. This afternoon, visit Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat temples and admire the fabulous views over the city and surrounding countryside.
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Day 5: Cave & farm visit; transfer to hill tribe lodge
Today you’ll travel to the northern Thailand countryside to visit Chiang Dao cave. Next, enjoy lunch in a rural village where you will have the chance to help with daily tasks such as planting or harvesting vegetables and learn about life in rural Thailand.
This evening, transfer to your hill tribe lodge where there will be an evening barbeque and Hmong dancing.
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Day 6: Hmong hill tribe lodge
This morning is at leisure for optional activities or perhaps visit the nearby hill tribe village. This afternoon you will be transferred back to Chiang Mai for a flight to Bangkok.
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Day 7: Bangkok: visit Chinatown
This morning discover some of the remarkable landmarks in Bangkok’s Chinatown. The afternoon is free for you to further explore the city.
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Day 8: Bangkok like a local
Enjoy a full day’s guided tour of Bangkok using public transport. Travel on the Skytrain, take a boat trip to visit Wat Pho, see the Grand Palace, ride on a tuk-tuk and climb the Golden Mountain for incredible views over the city.
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Day 9: Travel to Tha Ka; jungle stay
Departing the city, travel to Tha Ka where you will row along the canal in a paddle-boat and visit a local family to prepare lunch and learn to make tiny toys out of sugar palm.
Then travel into the jungle by long-tail boat and stay in a floating jungle raft. This evening you have an opportunity to enjoy some traditional dancing and music.
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Day 10: Erawan National Park
Hike to the crystal clear waterfalls of Erawan National Park and then, in the afternoon, drive to the Hellfire Pass Memorial museum and learn about the Allied and Asian prisoners.
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Day 11: To Hua Hin
Drive to your accommodation at the Wildlife Friends Foundation. Along the way there is the option to stop at the World War II cemetary and vist the Death Railway Museum.
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Day 12: Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend a full day visiting a wildlife sanctuary where you will be able to see hundreds of rescued animals and help to feed the elephants. Transfer to beach hotel.
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Days 13-14 : At leisure
The next two days are kept free for you to enjoy the beach and facilities of Hua Hin.
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Day 15: Transfer to Bangkok & fly back to the UK
Transfer back to Bangkok in time for your return flight to the UK (most flights arrive the following day).
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Day 16: Arrive UK
Please note: If you have more time, it’s possible to extend your beach stay in Hua Hin. Please enquire for details.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 6+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Xmas
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the school holidays highlighted below or on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.