10 Day Thailand Family Holiday with Adventure and Elephants

Highlights of the Trip

This trip will offer you and your family one of the best holidays to Thailand! Spend the first part of your 10 days getting to know the culture and sights of Bangkok. Try some of the delicious traditional Thai cuisine, explore temples, visit the Grand Palace and take a ride on the canal boats.

For a beach experience, head to Chang Mai where the family can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. The shallow and inviting waters are perfect for families to enjoy. Kids of all ages can take part in the activities, making this an ideal day out for everyone.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Bangkok

• Wat Pho:  The Temple of the Reclining Buddha with a history that dates back over 200 years.
• Grand Palace: Originally built in 1782, the complex served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam until the early 20th century.
• Wat Phra Kaew: Temple of the Emerald Buddha – one of the most iconic and sacred sites in Bangkok.

Chiang Mai

• Wat Phra Singh Temple: One of the most revered and iconic Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai.
• Wat Phan Tao Temple: Renowned for its beautiful architecture, intricate wood carvings and serene atmosphere.
• Wat Chedi Luang Temple: A magnificent temple that boasts a rich history and breath-taking architecture.
• Doi Suthep Temple: Located on top of Doi Suthep mountain, this is one of the most revered and sacred temples in Thailand.

Phuket

• Free Time to Explore.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Maeklong Railway Market: What makes this market so special is not just the variety of goods and produce on offer, but also the fact that it operates on an active railway line. The market is situated on a section of the railway line connecting Bangkok and the fishing port of Samut Songkhram, and several times a day, the vendors have to quickly pack up their goods and retract their awnings to make way for the passing train. This remarkable sight has earned the market the nickname ‘Umbrella Pull-Down Market’ as the vendors use colourful umbrellas to shade their stalls and quickly close them as the train approaches. This is a remarkable sight to see on your holiday to Thailand!

Monks Morning Ritual Chant: This daily ritual is a vital part of monastery life and is considered a way of paying homage to the Buddha and starting the day with a clear and calm mind. The monks begin by lighting incense sticks and offering flowers to the shrine, symbolising gratitude and respect for the Buddha. As the sun rises, they take their positions in a line, wearing their vibrant orange robes and begin chanting in a hypnotic and melodic tone.

Rickshaw Ride: As you climb into the cosy seat of a rickshaw, you can feel the energy of the bustling city streets around you. With the gentle jingle of the bells hanging from the rickshaw’s roof and the soothing rhythm of the driver’s pedaling, you are transported into a slower pace of life. As you make your way through the winding streets of Chiang Mai, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.

Kanta Elephant Sanctuary: Enjoy time with elephants in their natural habitat and learn about the daily habits and rituals of these beautiful elephants.

Traditional Thai Cooking Class: These classes provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn not just about the cuisine, but also about the culture and traditions that surround it. In a traditional Thai cooking class, students will not only learn how to prepare classic dishes such as pad thai, tom yum soup, and green curry, but they will also gain insight into the ingredients used and the techniques required to achieve the perfect balance of flavours.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Thailand

During your holiday to Thailand, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including the famous Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish that is a quintessential part of the country’s street food culture. Another popular street food dish is the Som Tam, a refreshing and spicy green papaya salad that combines the flavours of sour, sweet, and spicy. For a more indulgent experience, one should not miss out on the delicious Tom Yum soup. This hot and sour soup is made with a variety of aromatic herbs, spices, and seafood (shrimp or fish) and is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Long Tail Boat Ride: Meander down the Chao Phraya River and many bustling interior canals that offers fantastic views of local life close by.

Motor-boat Trip: Sail along the waterways of Thailand to the vibrant floating market of Damnoen Saduak.

Accommodation of this Tour

Bangkok: Shanghai Mansion Bangkok 4* Deluxe Room.

Chiang Mai: Aruntara Hotel 4* Junior Elephant Premium Room.

Phuket: Burasari Phuket 4* Premier Room.