Active Family Vacation to Thailand

Bustling and energetic, Bangkok has something for everyone. A haven for shoppers, historians, foodies and culture seekers alike, the capital is an integral part of any Thailand itinerary. It has everything from awe-inspiring temples to bustling markets and high-end shopping malls. And, of course there's the food - some of the best in the world!

Just an hour’s drive south of Bangkok, Samut Songkram province offers visitors a glimpse into life in the Thai countryside. Stop at a local railway station where a bustling country market has sprouted up along the tracks. As a train pulls into the station, witness the vendors quickly clearing their stalls off the railway. Then, after the train departs, watch them set up shop and resume business as usual. It is a standard practice and stall holders have learnt the art of assembling and reassembling their wares at a moment’s notice.

Then visit Damnoen Saduak floating market and take a long tail boat ride through the canals and see how Thai people live alongside the labyrinth of waterways in this area. Arrive at the famous Damnoen Saduak market where you can stroll around the colourful floating marketplace bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights.

There is no better way to explore Bangkok’s endless maze of backstreets and alleyways than on foot. Take to the streets on this guided walking tour of Chinatown and discover daily life away from the tourist trail.

Start in the bustling Yaowarat district and discover shops and stalls selling a curious array of items, such as birds’ nests. Take a break at an old tea shop to enjoy people watching while sipping a cup of Chinese tea.

From here, delve deeper into the smaller backstreets, or 'sois', of Chinatown. Visit Talad Kao, a market packed with fresh food, tropical fruit and Chinese herbs. Rub shoulders with the locals while perusing the various items on sale. The last stop of the walk is Wat Leng Nei Yi, a Chinese Taoist temple and learn about this traditional belief system.

Discover the city’s ways of life and iconic monuments from the water. Take a ride along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the ‘River of Kings’. Admire the passing skyline where glittering pagodas stand in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. The boat then turns off the main waterway and onto the canals, or ‘klongs’. Now you'll see why Bangkok is often called the Venice of the East. Capture glimpses of small villages on the water’s edge and enjoy the slower pace of life away from the city centre.

Cruise back onto the Chao Phraya to visit Wat Arun, a 79m high pagoda built in a style similar to Angkor Wat. Meaning ‘Temple of Dawn’, Wat Arun is one Thailand’s most beautiful temples.

Verdant and mountainous, Chiang Rai is located in the picturesque Golden Triangle region. This is a great base from which to experience Thailand’s more mountainous and adventurous landscapes by trekking, cycling or rafting. Whether you stay at the Anantara or the Four Seasons, there are a range of included activites to choose from that help you get the most out of your time here.

Enjoy spending some time in the company of the gentle giants. Asian elephants are truly beautiful and you can choose to spend your time walking with them through the forest, helping out at bathtime, or enjoying a picnic with these very special and unusual guests. You will also learn about elephant biology, behaviour and conservation from those that live and work alongside these majestic creatures.

Set out on a serene river adventure and experience the cultural blend where the three countries that make up the famous Golden Triangle - Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar - meet.

The spectacular Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is totally different from any other in Thailand. The temple’s consecrated assembly hall is finished completely in white, including white glass. The white represents Lord Buddha’s purity and the white glass stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom.

This northern province is a beautiful part of the country. It is a deeply spiritual place and is full of wonderfully ornate temples. We will recommend and arrange the best privately guided activities so you can really get the ultimate Chiang Mai experience.

Enjoy a lively night in Chiang Mai town, wandering through the South Gate of the old city to the traditional street food market that opens every evening. During the walk, you will be tempted by the heady aromas emanating from the various food stalls and simple carts, and your guide will be on hand to introduce the many local dishes on offer.

And of course, you will be able to try whichever dishes take your fancy. Some of the most delicious dishes on offer include deep-fried pancakes, deep-fried taro, kanom jeen (rice noodles with curry soup), kanom krok (Thai coconut pudding), noodle soup, pad Thai, and the summer favorite of sweet mango with sticky rice. There is also the option to sample the local rice whisky, if you would like.

Enjoy an active and exciting day of kayaking and cycling in and around the spectacular Sri Lanna National Park, just an hour's drive from Chiang Mai. You'll cycle 20km along beautiful rural roads set against a backdrop of dazzling bamboo and fern groves, fruit orchards and rolling rice fields before paddling kayaks on Mae Ngud Lake Reservoir. At lunch time, you'll stop for a delicious Lanna meal at an exotic bamboo floating raft house. The afternoon can be spent paddling and exploring the lake, swimming or indulging in a spot for sunbathing on the shore of the reservoir. You'll be transferred with your bikes back to Chiang Mai in the evening.

Filled with natural wonders in the form of archipelagos of coral fringed islands, impeccable tropical beaches broken up by rich mangrove forests, national parks both out to sea and nestled in its interior, it makes no surprise that Krabi is a popular place for visitors to Thailand's southwest Andaman coast.

Spend your days in this idyllic location lounging on the vast sandy shoreline taking in the gorgeous views, trying your hand at kayaking and other water-sports or exploring nearby islands.

The beautiful scenery of Ta Lane Nature Reserve with its steep cliffs, canyons and lagoons is a nature lover's paradise. Explore the mangroves by kayak and observe the rich bird and animal life as you paddle through the green waterways of the forest.

The islands in this part of the world as some of the most beautiful. Pristine beaches, tropical rainforest and increidble coral reefs, home to schools of colourful fish, make them perfect for exploring. Cruise around the islands by boat and enjoy swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.