Take your family away from it all on a private experiential holiday in Thailand with a nature and animals slant. You'll explore a vast wildlife reserve for a chance to spot animals in the wild, get up close to elephants, trek in tropical jungles, meet monkeys and swim in spectacular waterfalls amongst butterflies and songbirds.
Your two-week family holiday, will start with a whistle-stop visit to Bangkok to tick off the main sights before you venture to northern Thailand. First stop, around the city Chiang Mai where highlights will include exploring 10-tier waterfalls and learning how to care for elephants and meeting a friendly local family.
Then it's time to head further north in Thailand and off the beaten track. Here, in the misty mountains, you'll go walking in the forest, learn how to cook outdoors with bamboo, take an exciting boat trip and and meet people from different hilltribes in a genuine way.
The last part of your holiday will be at Khao Yai National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast wildlife reserve is home to herds of wild elephants, clouded leopards and monkeys, as well a vast array of flora and fauna. Here, you'll see millions of bats swarm out into the night, walking and driving around at your family's own pace.
You'll also have time to relax, enjoying the tropical gardens and pool.
Direct overnight flight from London by Eva Air or Thai Airways. It is also possible to fly from UK regional airports. It is also possible to book excluding flights, we will pick you up at Bangkok airport.
Arrival at Bangkok airport where one of our drivers will pick you up. A few hours to settle into your family suite at a charming boutique hotel and relax in your private courtyard. This evening, your driver will take your family for a drive to see the urban jungle of Bangkok by night and wait for you as you dine at one of our recommended restaurants.
Sightseeing with a guide to tick off the main sites - Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Free time in the late afternoon and then an evening exploring Bangkok with your driver (choose where to go from our maps and family-friendly tips or go anywhere else of your choice).
Transfer to Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand via short internal flight. Private car/minivan transfer to a residential area just outside the city centre and arrival at a private home. Time to relax and settle into the top floor of the house (which you will have to yourselves) and then the family will take you for a walk around the local area before a homecooked dinner.
Explore 10-tiered waterfalls at your leisure. Climb up as far or as little as you want, swim in various spots (child-friendly) and picnic in the midst of fluttering butterflies and songbirds. In the evening, your driver will take you into Chiang Mai town to have dinner at a riverside restaurant and visit the famous night bazaar.
Meet elephants at the award-winning Elephant Nature Park where you can learn about elephant conservation. Or have a more hands-on experience with elephants, learning how to communicate and care for them at Ban Chang elephant park.
Sightseeing in the city of Chiang Mai around the ancient city and temples and visiting the handicraft villages dotted around the city where you can watch the locals work expertly and buy directly from their co-operatives. Evening informal Thai cookery lesson.
"This really was a fabulous experience..the boys were buzzing. They all said it was the best holiday they had been on..and the experience was stress free, educational and fun. I would absolutely recommend Tell Tale Travel to anyone and have already told lots of friends how great the company is."
Transfer further north past Chiang Rai by private car/minivan. Sightseeing at the famous 'white temple' and time to stop for lunch. Stop at hot springs then arrive at your rural retreat. Plenty of space for children (or adults) to run around in. Delicious homecooked food with the freshest fruit and vegetables.
Trek up the mountain - it's certainly off the beaten track, you'll have to cut your own trails and build a fire to make your barbeque lunch. You'll also have an exhilarating boat trip and visit both Lahu and Akha hilltribes.
Learn how to weave your own cotton, in the traditional hill tribe ways. Or trek to the waterfalls, you may have them to yourselves!
Fly from Chiang Rai to Bangkok and transfer east to Khao Yai lodge. Time to settle in and take a dip in the pool before an evening visit to the local night market.
Most of the day at leisure to relax in the gardens or swim in the pool. In the late afternoon, you'll have your first visit to Khao Yai National Park for the unforgettable sight of millions of bats swarming out into the night sky.
Wildlife-spotting in Khao Yai National Park requires an early start for a chance to see the animals at their most active with an expert local guide. Visit beautiful waterfalls and walk nature trails and drive around this wildlife and nature reserve.
Early morning transfer to Bangkok airport by car and international flight back, arriving at London Heathrow at approximately 7pm UK time (same day).
This 15-day family adventure holiday costs from £1,800 per person and £1,350 per child under 12 including direct international flights from London Heathrow with Eva Air or Thai Airways, 2 internal flights, accommodation, activities/excursions, transfers in private chauffeur-driven vehicles and meals as specified. Price applies at Easter, half terms and most of the year, including departures in early July, subject to flight seat availability. We advise early booking (deposit).
Starting your tour mid July to mid August costs more (due to flights), the tour price at this time of year is usually £2,000 per adult and £1,500 per child under 12).
Excluding international flights, the tour price costs £1,200 per person and £900 per child under 12 most of the year. Please allow approximately £50 per person for entrance fees payable on the ground.
Christmas costs are variable, particularly including flights, so please contact us with a breakdown of your family for a quote.