Thailand Family Holiday: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Phuket in 14 Days

Welcome to Thailand. Your guide and driver meet you at Suvarnabhumi Airport and take you to your riverside hotel in Silom. The rest of the day is free to rest, swim and settle into Thai time.Overnight: Bangkok

Start at the Grand Palace, where royal ceremonies still take place, and Wat Phra Kaew with its famous Emerald Buddha. Next door, Wat Pho is home to the giant reclining Buddha, 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. In the afternoon, board a longtail boat on the Chao Phraya River and glide into the busy canals of Thonburi, with wooden houses and small temples along the banks. Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, before returning to the hotel.Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: B

Leave early for Maeklong, where vendors pull back their awnings in seconds as a train rolls through the market. Try a local snack, then continue to Damnoen Saduak and take a motorboat along the canals to the floating market. Next, visit the Khlong Khon mangrove forest in Samut Songkhram. Once badly damaged, it has been replanted and is now an eco-tourism project run with the local fishing community. A traditional boat takes you into the mangroves before you return to Bangkok.Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: B

Drive north to Ayutthaya, the old royal capital. Here you hop into a cheerful frog-faced Kermit tuk-tuk, found in only two Thai provinces. Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat, where a Buddha head rests in the roots of a tree, and stroll through a local market to Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Then visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a lakeside mix of Thai, Chinese, Khmer and European buildings. Return to Bangkok in the late afternoon.Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: B

A free morning, then a private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. On arrival, you are met and driven to your hotel. The evening is free; the town's night bazaar is an easy first outing.Overnight: Chiang Rai · Meals: B

Head into the green hills of the far north. The road to Doi Mae Salong winds through tea plantations, and you stop to taste the local oolong. Visit an Akha hill village, then the Mae Fah Luang garden, full of flowers and mountain views. End at the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, and take a boat trip on the Mekong to see all three countries from the water.Overnight: Chiang Rai · Meals: B

Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, with its deep blue and gold interior, and Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, the dazzling life's work of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, where modern pop-culture figures hide among the murals. Then drive south to Chiang Mai, stopping at the Mae Khachan hot springs to stretch your legs and dip your feet in the hot pools.Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: B

Walk the old town with your guide, past the ancient walls, moat and gates. Visit Wat Phra Singh, the teak hall of Wat Phan Tao and the great ruined chedi of Wat Chedi Luang, then ride a rickshaw through lanes of old houses. In the afternoon, drive to the Bua Tong Waterfalls in Sri Lanna National Park. The limestone here is rough rather than slippery, so you can climb straight up the falls in the clear water. It is a highlight for children.Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: B

In the morning, drive up the forested mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand. Climb the 300-odd naga steps, or take the lift, for a broad view over Chiang Mai. In the afternoon, visit Wat Umong, a quiet forest temple with candlelit tunnels and a lake, and walk next door to Baan Kang Wat, a small artists' village where children can watch potters and painters at work.Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: B

Free time until your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Phuket. On arrival, you are driven to your beach resort. Check in to your family suite and enjoy the evening by the pool or the sea.Overnight: Phuket · Meals: B

A day to do nothing at all, or as much as you like. Swim, build sandcastles, try a family cooking class or explore Phuket Old Town's colorful Sino-Portuguese streets. We can arrange extra trips locally.Overnight: Phuket · Meals: B

Another free day by the sea. Many families choose an island day trip to Phang Nga Bay or the Phi Phi Islands; just let us know in advance and we will book it for you.Overnight: Phuket · Meals: B

Your last full day in Thailand. Enjoy a late breakfast, a massage or a final sunset on the beach.Overnight: Phuket · Meals: B

Free time until a private transfer takes you to Phuket airport for your flight home.Meals: B