Thailand Family Holiday | ‘Reefs and Rainforests’

Day 1 - Bangkok - arrival and time to explore the area

Arrival in Bangkok and check in to a downtown hotel in the City’s lively Banglamphu district. Time to relax, explore the area or check out some local markets before a local-style welcome dinner.

Overnight: Bangkok Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Bangkok - city tour with a difference

City tour with a difference! Bangkok by riverboat, Skytrain, tuk-tuk and canal boat. Flexible stops could include the Grand Palace, fabulous Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and bustling Chinatown with its maze of narrow alleys, markets, colourful street art and sumptuous street food.

Overnight: Bangkok Transport: Train, Boat, Walk, Tuk Tuk,  Meals: B, 

Day 3 - Amphawa - canals and markets

Off into Bangkok’s leafy and canal-lined suburbs with a stop at the famous Mae Klong ‘Railway Market’, plus a chance to discover some of the area’s local industries such as sea salt production. Check in to our accommodation in waterside Amphawa with a visit to a floating market and an evening firefly viewing boat trip.

Overnight: Amphawa Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, 

Day 4 - Bangkok to Kanchanaburi - a ride on the 'Death Railway'

Up early perhaps to witness the monks’ morning alms round before a departure for Kanchanaburi Province where we’ll take the local train over the Bridge on the River Kwai and along the infamous, but scenic, ‘Death Railway’. Afternoon visit to Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, a short hike through the lush surrounding jungle and overnight on floating raft houses.

Overnight: Sai Yok floating raft house Transport: Minibus, Train,  Meals: B, 

Day 5 - Kanchanaburi - down the River Kwai

Departure for nearby ‘Hellfire Pass’; visit the fascinating museum and hike along the former route of the ‘Death railway’ itself. (So named because of the numbers of local workers and Allied POWs who died during its construction by the Japanese army.) Afternoon expedition down the jungle-lined River Kwai with a choice of kayaks or 2 person canoes for the uninitiated.

Overnight: Sai Yok floating raft house Transport: Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 6 - Kanchanaburi - Angkor period ruins and a night train south

Complete our Western Thailand loop with a return to Kanchanaburi Town by way of the impressive 12th-century ruins of Muang Singh – a former, fortified, frontier outpost of the Angkor Empire. Time to visit some of the sites of Kanchanaburi Town on foot or bicycle, such as the ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ before catching a night sleeper train to the South.

Overnight: Night sleeper train Transport: Minibus, Train, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 7 - Khao Sok - explore the stunning scenery

Arrival in Surat Thani and on to Khao Sok – acknowledged as one of Thailand’s most spectacular National Parks with its dramatic limestone karst scenery, lakes, waterfalls and lush jungle. Accommodation in treehouses with an afternoon at leisure to kick back on your balcony and soak up the sights and sounds of the jungle, try out an optional Thai cookery lesson or tubing down the Khao Sok River.

Overnight: Khao Sok Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 8 - Khao Sok - boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake

A boat trip through the fabulous scenery and limestone, karst landscapes of Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park with stops to visit lake-side caves and of course swim and kayak in the crystal waters.

Overnight: Khao Sok Transport: Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 9 - Jungle, nature hike and elephant sanctuary

A fascinating morning nature hike through the park’s lush rainforest is followed by an afternoon ‘elephant experience’ where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about these gentle giants.

Overnight: Khao Sok Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 10 - Chumporn - heading north

Heading north up the coast our stops include the historic town of Chaiya – one of the oldest towns in Thailand – Koh Chumporn National Park for spectacular views over the nearby islands and the fishing village of Sairee for well-earned sunset drinks on the picturesque beach. Overnight in Chumporn with a visit to the lively night market to check out some of the local specialities!

Overnight: Chumporn Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 11 - Koh Thalu - arrival on the island and afternoon at leisure

Short transfer up the coast to Bang Saphan where we’ll take a speedboat to the scenic and unspoilt Koh Thalu Island for 3 nights’ accommodation in a secluded, beach-side resort.

Overnight: Koh Thalu Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 12 - Koh Thalu - explore the island or take a boat trip

Relaxing in this peaceful setting: swimming, beach-combing, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, exploring the area or just lazing in a hammock.

Overnight: Koh Thalu Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 13 - Koh Thalu - day at leisure

Day at leisure on Koh Thalu.

Overnight: Koh Thalu Transport: Boat,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 14 - Koh Thalu to Bangkok - morning at leisure and end of tour

Morning at leisure on the island and return drive to Bangkok at your convenience.

Extra nights in Bangkok after your tour are available on request.

Airport transfers are included if you purchase the 'with flights' package. If you purchased your own flights, airport transfers can be arranged.

This tour is fully accompanied except the island stay on days 12, 13 and 14.

Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B,