Thailand Premium Family Holiday with Intrepid

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your Premium family adventure begins in Bangkok, where you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet your leader and other families at a 5 pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, maybe head out and get your first taste of Thailand’s capital. Watch colourful tuk tuks zip through the streets, see khlong boats cruise along the Chao Phraya River or meander through Chinatown’s busy lanes. After your meeting, your group will head out for a dinner at a local restaurant, where your leader will introduce you to some Thai flavours that kids can try, share and compare. (D)

Today, you’ll walk right into the royal stories of Bangkok. After breakfast, set off by electric tuk tuk for a ride through the busy streets of the city’s Old Quarter. Pass by buzzing local markets, historic shopfronts and everyday city life as it hums around you. Then, head to the Grand Palace royal complex and explore the golden spires, detailed murals and temples that have shaped Thailand’s history. Have some lunch, then continue to a khon performance at the Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre! Kids can feast their eyes on this UNESCO-recognised traditional masked dance full of heroes, monkey warriors, giants and dramatic battle scenes that bring the stories of the Ramakien to life. See how brave Hanuman, the monkey general, noble Rama and giant villains have entertained Thai families for generations. Later this afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Bangkok your way, relax at the hotel or ask your leader for a family-friendly dinner recommendation. (B,L)

This morning, you’ll hop on the train to Phitsanulok where you’ll grab some lunch. Then, drive from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai. This is a bit of a long travel day, so maybe have your favourite car games, podcasts or books ready and grab a window seat if you can. When you arrive, unleash the kids at the hotel pool and enjoy some free down time to relax with a book or your camera roll. (B,L)

Sukhothai, established in the 13th century, was one of the first ancient capitals of Siam. Start your day with an optional alms offering before visiting its famed UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical park, which captures the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. You’ll rent a bicycle for a relaxed cycling tour through the park with multiple stops where your leader will teach you more about the history of this former metropolis. Having worked up an appetite, tuck into a lunch of Sukhothai noodles – the presentation of these dry-style noodles, with tom yam seasoning and sliced long beans, is unique to this area. After lunch, head to Baan Phim Phra, where the whole family can learn to make traditional Sukhothai-style amulets using methods preserved for over 600 years. Return to the resort for a little break, then it’s time for dinner at Na’s House. Take part in a cooking demonstration that ends, of course, with enjoying the fruits of your labour as a group. (B,L,D)

Depart this morning for the drive to Mae Taeng and your Feature Stay property, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Check in, then enjoy some free time to swim, relax or try one of the optional activities like bamboo rafting. You’ll join your group for a guided walk through a Lisu village opposite your hotel. This settlement of one of the Tibeto-Burman communities from Tibet and Yunnan is known for their vibrant culture and colourful attire. (B,D)

Today is full of family-friendly fun in nature! Begin with a guided hike through lush natural landscapes where a local expert will introduce you to the region’s unique biodiversity, teaching kids about the local environment. Along the trail, there are plenty of opportunities to pause, cool off and swim in refreshing natural pools. After working up an appetite, relax with a scenic picnic lunch before continuing the day in a kayak. Later, return to your Feature Stay property for dinner. (B,L,D)

This morning is sure to be a highlight for the kids! After breakfast, you’ll visit Elephant Nature Park – a sanctuary for rescued elephants and other local animals. Meet your expert guide and learn the stories of the elephants who live here, as well as the challenges these animals face across South East Asia. Watch the elephants bathe, then head to lunch – a vegetarian buffet served in a bamboo hut in the forest. After, drive to Chiang Mai, where you’ll have time to relax or explore the city. Tonight, head to a special family-friendly fine-dining experience – a ’surprise’ tasting menu of traditional Thai flavours that will keep the kids guessing what’s next. The gregarious chef is part of the main event, keeping everyone rapt with his energetic storytelling as you eat. (B,L,D)

Hop on a flight this morning to Surat Thani, then drive to Khanom. When you arrive, spend the afternoon settling in and exploring as your family’s energy allows. This peaceful coastal town is a great place to kick back and unwind on the sand – maybe at Nai Plao Beach – or you could have a mini adventure to Khao Wang Thong Cave to see the dramatic stalactites. Later, perhaps you’ll grab dinner with your fellow families tonight – your local leader will have some personal recommendations. (B)

This morning, set off on the scenic waters of Lak Sor Bay by longtail boat. Keep your eye out for the rare pink dolphins that live here! As you cruise across the calm, turquoise waters, drink in views of nearby islands, limestone mountains and peaceful fishing communities. Your knowledgeable guide will help you spot dolphins and share insights about the local marine environment and conservation efforts. Depending on the sea conditions and where dolphins have been spotted recently, you may visit Pancake Rock – a fascinating natural rock formation that really does look like a stack of pikelets (pancakes), or Li-Gan Island, where you can relax and swim in the clear ocean waters. After your boat ride, take the ferry across to Koh Samui, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. (B,L)

Spend your final full day in Thailand relaxing, swimming or snorkelling in the crystalline Koh Samui waters. In the late afternoon, join your group to visit Khum Sa-ke – an organisation working to improve the eco-environment of the local village. Round out the day with a home-cooked dinner together to celebrate the end of an amazing family adventure. (B,D)

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. You’ll have a transfer to the Koh Samui airport if you’re departing today. Otherwise, consider extending your stay. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)