Thailand Family Adventure

Day 1 - Bangkok

Touch down in Thailand’s sprawling capital, Bangkok. After a transfer to the hotel, freshen up and get ready to embark on an underwater adventure at the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium. Located in the Siam Paragon shopping mall, explore the abundant and colourful marine life at Thailand’s biggest aquarium. Brave the transparent Shark Walk and observe the fascinating creatures, learn about the different species and then be mesmerised by the elegant movements of eagle rays in the 270-degree Ocean Tunnel. Watch and smile as the adorable Gentoo Penguins slide into the water and be dazzled by a glowing swarm of colourful jellyfish. Take a break from the aquatic world at the Tropical Rainforest zone and imagine walking through a lush jungle, complete with waterfall sounds, camouflaging frogs and giant freshwater fish. After this fascinating exploration of rich oceanic life, return to the hotel to relax.

In the evening, head up high and take in the spectacular views of the Bangkok skyline from the Baiyoke Tower. From the 77th floor Observation Deck or the 84th floor Revolving View Point of Bangkok’s second tallest tower, marvel at the spectacular views of the unfolding landscape. Watch as the setting sun turns the sky pink and purple, bathing the city in a warm glow. Afterwards, savour a scrumptious buffet dinner at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, whilst admiring the sparkling skyline from a lofty 78 floors above street level.

Day 2 - Bangkok

After an extensive breakfast, hit the streets of Bangkok and visit some of the city’s most prominent landmarks. In addition, experience the different kinds of transport the city has to offer. First, hop into a taxi (or walk) to the closest Skytrain Station. Also known as the BTS, this train takes commuters, high above the ground, to their destinations. Get off at Saphan Taksin Pier and board the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Cruising along the city’s largest river, this is a fun way to travel around the city away from the congested roads. Travel north to Tha Chang Pier and wander through Bangkok’s Old Town alongside yellow, low-rise shophouses that line the street. Visit the magnificent Grand Palace, the city’s most famous site. Explore the well-kept grounds of the complex, including Wat Phra Kaew, an important Buddhist temple and home to the revered Emerald Buddha image.

Continue with a short tuk tuk ride, Thailand’s most iconic mode of transport. Stop at the nearby Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, famous for its giant, golden Buddha statue. As the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, the temple is also home to one of the country’s oldest massage schools. Indulge in a well-deserved foot rub before taking a tuk tuk back to the hotel.

Enjoy a cultural evening at the Siam Niramit Bangkok show. Start the night with a delicious buffet dinner before watching over 150 performers, complete with state-of-the-art special effects, take the audience on a captivating journey through the colourful past of ancient Siam. Divided into three acts, Siam Niramit is an impressive and educational show highlighting the kingdom’s rich heritage, including its diverse cultural influences, religious beliefs and joyful festivals. After the show, take some time to wander about the grounds, explore replicas of traditional villages and pick up a souvenir from one of the shops before returning to the hotel.

Day 3- Floating Market & River Kwai

Wake up early and head to Ratchaburi province to explore the floating market, Damnoen Saduak. Hop onto a traditional longtail boat and glide through the winding network of canals, past stilted wooden houses, on the way to the market. Disembark and continue to explore the busy stalls, bursting with smells, sounds and sights. Stop here and there to sample some of the local delicacies or bargain for a memorable keepsake.

Continue the journey north to Kanchanaburi, home to the world-famous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’. Take a trip back in history and visit the iconic structure as well as the nearby war museum. Learn about the horrors that unfolded during the bridge’s construction during the Second World War before boarding the train at Nam Tok Station. Ride along the infamous ‘Death Railway’, past jungles and steep cliffs, before returning to Kanchanaburi. Finish this historical excursion at the War Cemetery and witness the gravestones of 6,982 allied prisoners of the war, most of whom lost their lives during the construction of the bridge.

Day 4 - Erawan Waterfall

Get back to nature on a trip to Erawan National Park and visit the eponymous waterfall. Stretching over seven tiers, spend the morning hiking up the nature trail and cool off in in the emerald-green pools on the way. After the morning trek, dig into a well-deserved lunch and head back to the hotel in the early afternoon.

Day 5 - Hua Hin

Hit the road and travel from Kanchanaburi to Hua Hin, Thailand’s original seaside resort. After arriving at the hotel, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the charming town, which became a popular weekend retreat for the Royal Family in the 1920s.

Day 6 - Elephant Refuge

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast before embarking on a trip to the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT). Founded by Dutch-born Edwin Wiek, the animal rescue centre is dedicated to saving and rehabilitating maltreated wild animals and campaigning against all forms of animal exploitation in Thailand, especially in the tourism industry.

Upon arrival, follow the guide and get up close with some of the many hundreds of rescued animals that now call this place home. Learn about the NGO’s conservation work before stopping for lunch. Fully recharged, continue this trip at the Elephant Refuge and Education Centre. Meet and greet the gentle giants and learn their individual stories as well as the conservation issues that surround elephants in Thailand. Observe them as they take their daily baths and help with the feeding session before heading back to the hotel in the mid-afternoon.

In the evening, embark on a fun after dark tuk tuk tour of Hua Hin and really get to know the seaside town. Start at the elegant 1920s railway station, which helped transform this once sleepy fishing village into a bustling beach destination, before travelling across town to the city’s port area. Witness the fishermen bring in the day’s catch and - with a growing appetite - head to one of Hua Hin’s delectable seafood restaurants for dinner. End the night at a vibrant night market and pick up a few bits and pieces before falling into bed for a good night’s rest.

Day 7 - Hua Hin Waterfalls

Spend the morning travelling to Kaeng Krachan National Park, about 60 kilometres away from Hua Hin. Marvel at the spectacular Pala U Waterfall, boasting a total of 16 cascades, before putting on walking shoes to hike through the 1,000-year-old rainforest. Climb to one of the of the higher pools filled with carp fish and relax in the tranquil atmosphere. On the way down, take a dip into one of the pools and enjoy an energizing lunch at a local restaurant. With tired feet and a full belly, transfer back to the hotel to relax.

Day 8 - Hua Hin Fun

Get set for an adrenaline-packed family adventure at Vana Nava Water Jungle, Asia’s first of its kind. Under the motto of ‘more than just a water park’, Vana Nava has combined over 200,000 plants and trees with state-of-art technology and numerous attractions, transforming the area into a tropical jungle that blends in with the surrounding landscape. Highlights include the giant megaphone-shaped ‘Abyss’ slide; the antigravity ‘Aqualoop’ tube slide; and the ‘Vana Nava Falls’ – the largest man-made mountain waterfall in Asia.

If feeling weary, take a rest at one of the many restaurants; lie back on a deckchair by the pools; or browse through some of the souvenir shops.

Day 9 - Hua Hin Leisure

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast at the hotel and spend a relaxing day by the beach, buying some last-minute souvenirs or enjoying a final taste of Thailand’s delicious cuisine.

Day 10 - Bangkok

After breakfast, leave Hua Hin and transfer to Bangkok Airport to catch an onward flight.