On this carefully curated family adventure, we\u2019ll take you exploring along Bangkok\u2019s elaborate waterways, walking alongside gentle giants in the Golden Triangle, picnicking beside waterfalls and hilltribe villages in Chiang Mai, and kayaking across Phuket\u2019s glistening blue lagoons and mangrove forests. Tempted? Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n
Touching down in Bangkok \u2013 a sprawling metropolis of glittering skyscrapers, bustling night markets, and towering Buddhist temples \u2013 you\u2019ll head straight to Capella Bangkok, your home for the next few days. An urban oasis with panoramic views of the majestic Chao Phraya River, its collection of contemporary suites and villas are framed by lush tropical gardens, creating a cocoon of tranquillity. The perfect balm after a long flight.<\/p>\n
After resting up at the spa or simply soaking in the views, alongside a local guide you\u2019ll make your way into the city at dusk to explore during the \u2018magical hour\u2019, where temples are illuminated and the sound of tuk-tuks and jazz tunes are the rhythm of the night. Between seeing the layered, beautifully ornate spires and giant dvarapala (gate guardian) statues of the Grand Palace and the colourful floral murals of the Buddhist temple, Wat Arun, you\u2019ll discover Bangkok\u2019s renowned Na Na neighbourhood. A stone\u2019s throw away from Chinatown, here you\u2019ll find neon lights and glowing lanterns, sizzling noodle stalls and bars with tucked-away gardens beneath the stars.<\/p>\n
Over the following two days, you can choose how you and your family dig into the city. By chaotic yet thrilling tuk-tuk rides, from the elevated rapid Skytrain, on foot, or by colourfully striped longtail riverboat. Or all four. One of our favorite ways to explore? On water. Gliding along the Canals of Thonburi and other lesser-known waterways by riverboat, you\u2019ll weave your way through the foundation of the city\u2019s early development \u2013 a melting pot of Chinese, Portuguese, Muslim and European influences blended with Thai communities. Here, traditional stilted houses and the elaborate porticos of Wat Suwan temple line the banks of an intricate canal system.<\/p>\n
Stepping out of your longtail boat (and off the beaten track), you\u2019ll visit Baan Bu \u2013 a hand-hammered bronze bowl factory tucked away down narrow side streets dotted with Victorian-style lamp posts. After learning the secrets of this centuries-old craft, you\u2019ll return to the water and quietly cruise towards your lunch spot for the day. A \u2018rewilding Bangkok\u2019 project, Poomjai Garden is a sustainable lush oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Between lychee orchards, bamboo structures, and the historic Bangkhuntien canal, you\u2019ll dine on authentic local dishes like sweet coconut dumplings wrapped in banana leaves. With a mission to preserve native trees, plants and herbs, you and your loved ones will experience the traditional garden culture of past generations and Poomjai Garden\u2019s desire to protect it. Fresh, beautiful, delicious.<\/p>\n
Waving goodbye to the glittering skyscrapers of Thailand\u2019s capital, we\u2019ll take you to the hills and mountains of its northernmost province \u2013 Chiang Rai. At the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, lies Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort . Throughout the hotel, wooden carvings and artwork reflect that of a Lanna palace, which seems only fitting as it is perched at the gateway to Indochina. Behind the dramatic column-lined entrance, you\u2019ll find a traditional spa, an infinity pool, squash and tennis courts, a fitness center, and a Thai cooking school. It\u2019s safe to say, there\u2019s something for the whole club. And here, everyone can do as much (or as little) as they like.<\/p>\n
Over the next two days, you\u2019ll spend your time making the most of the resort\u2019s facilities and activities. Of those, we\u2019d highly recommend walking with elephants. As you amble alongside these gentle giants, you\u2019ll watch as they snack on branches, wander at their own pace through the jungle, socialise with each other, and bathe themselves in the river. Working alongside local charities and veterinarians, Anantara aims to educate and promote elephant welfare with their offer of sponsorships and learning-based experiences. And you can get involved. For the rescued elephants, it\u2019s life changing. For your family, it\u2019s a memory that\u2019ll stay with you long after you return home.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Your next destination? Chiang Mai. Specifically, the charming Mae Rim Valley. Serene rice fields, verdant vegetation, misty mountains \u2013 they\u2019re all here. And so is Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Settling in for three luxurious nights at this enchanting resort, you\u2019ll spend your time choosing between learning the ropes at its acclaimed Thai cooking school and unwinding in its world-renowned spa. Each room is classic and contemporary in design, with features made of tropical hardwoods, silk, and art.<\/p>\n
Over the next few days, you\u2019ll discover Chiang Mai City\u2019s evening and daytime delights. In Thailand\u2019s \u2018rose of the north\u2019, you\u2019ll grab a tuk-tuk ride through the heart of the old town; stopping off at aromatic food markets set up between multi-tiered Lanna buildings. After you\u2019ve tried and tasted to your heart\u2019s content, indulging in sweet mango sticky rice, spicy Sai Oua (sausage wraps cooked with lemongrass and chilli), and fried quail eggs, you\u2019ll explore the key historical sites of the city such as 700-year-old Wat Umong and the earthy-hued remains of Wiang Kum Kam (the ruins of a 13th century fortified city encircled by moats). We\u2019ll take you to the granite peaks of Doi Suthep, where you\u2019ll discover sweeping views of the city and ripe clusters of breadfruit trees, encircled by small shrines and countless Buddha statues.<\/p>\n
Swapping cityscapes for forested hills, you\u2019ll spend your last day in Chiang Mai navigating the green-coated slopes and tiered waterfalls of Mae Wang National Park. Within 700 square kilometres of golden cliffs, pine hill forests, and glistening rivers, you\u2019ll trek between monkey-flower trees with scarlet red blooms and spear-like bamboo. Perfect for adventure seekers and gentle amblers alike, you\u2019ll trek hard (or light) through the beautiful natural surroundings.<\/p>\n
Between witnessing the way of life of a hilltribe village amid the greenery and taking a refreshing dip beneath one of the park\u2019s many waterfalls, we\u2019ll arrange for a picnic lunch beside a trickling stream. After spending time in the hilltribe village or trekking to Mae Wang Base Camp \u2013 or both \u2013 there\u2019s time for the finishing touch. After all, there\u2019s nothing quite like putting your feet up after a day of exploring \u2013 on a raft. As you float down the river \u2013 quietly, calmly \u2013 enjoy the leafy surrounds, watching as the rich forests slip by on both sides, offering shade and a chance to reflect on the day\u2019s adventures.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, if you\u2019d like to experience the annual cherry blossom season in Chiang Mai, just say the word. <\/p>\n
Leaving the mainland behind, we\u2019ll take you to the sun-soaked shores of Phuket \u2013 Thailand\u2019s largest island. Located in the Andaman Sea off the southeast coast, its green-blue waters lap against limestone karsts covered in jungle and tropical hills transcend into sea. Weaving your way between centuries-old ficus trees and dangling fishtail palms, you\u2019ll head to a secluded cove along the northwestern shore to check in at Trisara. A collection of luxury terraced villas and residences artfully arranged within nature and offering breathtaking views of hillsides, gardens, and the sea below, it radiates blissful seclusion.<\/p>\n
Over the following four days, you\u2019ll spend your time exploring the resort and the surrounding area more thoroughly. Whether that be by kayak, jet ski, or private yacht. Or all three.
\nSetting off on a private boat excursion to Phang Nga Bay, you\u2019ll hop into your own kayaks to get a closer look at the dramatic limestone karsts \u2013 mighty cliffs and towers formed over thousands of years of erosion. Seeking out hidden caves, blue lagoons, and the mangrove forests of Koh Panak and Koh Hong, the natural beauty here hits different. Especially at night. Once you\u2019ve tucked into dinner, served at sunset as you float along tranquil waters, that\u2019s when things start to get truly magical. Picking up your paddles once more, you\u2019ll glide into caves illuminated by natural phosphorescent plankton \u2013 specks and streaks of glowing blue glistening like stars. It\u2019s mesmerising \u2013 and unforgettable.<\/p>\n
On your penultimate evening, for older families we\u2019ll arrange a night out on the town at Phuket\u2019s wildest cabaret \u2013 the Junkyard Theatre. Here, comedy, music, dance, mayhem (and sustainability) take center stage. Props used in their productions are crafted from discarded \u2018junk\u2019 found around Phuket, transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary. For a night of live performance and a curated dining experience, look no further.<\/p>\n
The following day, you\u2019ll choose between trying your hand at a spot of tennis, relaxing with a spa treatment inspired by the surrounding ficus trees, taking a stroll along the private white sand beach or taking a dip in the 45-meter saltwater pool. You could kayak, you could simply soak in the views. It\u2019s up to you \u2013 and your clan. No matter how little or big, this family adventure through Thailand will spark childlike wonder in everyone. In countless ways, and in countless places. Let\u2019s begin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On this carefully curated family adventure, we\u2019ll take you exploring along Bangkok\u2019s elaborate waterways, walking alongside gentle giants in the Golden Triangle, picnicking beside waterfalls and hilltribe villages in Chiang Mai, and kayaking across Phuket\u2019s glistening blue lagoons and mangrove forests. Tempted? Let\u2019s get started. GLIDE, DASH, AND WANDER THROUGH MARKETS AND TEMPLES Touching down […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101082,"featured_media":274988,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1456],"tags":[],"country":["Thailand"],"class_list":["post-278323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","country-thailand","month-april","month-december","month-february","month-january","month-march","month-november","type-experience","who-family"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n