Sights of Siam
The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of South East Asia and offers a wonderful introduction to the fascinating culture of the region. The climate is tropical and being a long country with islands to both the east and west, there is always an area to visit where the weather is at its best.
For families wishing to sample this colourful country the list of things to do is endless. Bangkok buzzes with excitement; colourful floating markets, shining temples, massive Buddhas and a stunning Grand Palace. Go north for the jungle, trekking, elephants, tribal villages and crafts. While in the south the white beaches beckon, lapped by dazzling blue waters offering superb diving and snorkelling opportunities.
On top of all this, throughout Thailand the hotels have developed to a world class level with fantastic facilities, superb cuisine and, of course, the exemplary Asian hospitality.
Destination Highlights:
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Bangkok's temples and palace
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Jungle safaris and wildlife
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A morning with elephants
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Beautiful beaches
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Excellent hotels
Journey Idea Outline
Day 1: Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Your private guide will take you on a tour of the Grand Palace and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Then travel by long tail boat through the klongs to see Bangkok's floating homes and temples before visiting the Temple of Dawn.
Day 3: Drive to Khao Yai Park, home to over 2,000 different species of vegetation and than 300 species of birds and animals. Enjoy an afternoon of trekking before an overnight stay surrounded by limestone mountains, at the charming Cabbages and Condoms Resort.
Day 4: A day at leisure before your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Overnight at the Sofitel Chiang Mai.
Day 5: Spend a morning in the company of local elephants and an afternoon at the Mae Sa Craft Village to learn either paper making, ceramic painting, Batik dyeing or paper parasol and fan painting.
Day 6: Drive to Mae Kampong Village via a local market, hot springs and stone garden. Meet the village chief and enjoy a local lunch. The afternoon brings a walk to a local waterfall and time to make a bamboo hat!
Day 7: Meet the local monks and a take a gentle mountain trek through the forest. Later visit a large local cave which houses a huge dinosaur skeleton and the ghost of a dead monk!
Day 8: Fly to Phuket and the JW Marriott Resort.
Day 9: Drive by 4wd to the Siam Safari Elephant Camp to meet the elephants and the mahouts who take care of them. Trek on elephant back and learn how Thai jungle curry is made, rubber trees are tapped; monkeys are trained to pick coconuts and ride a buffalo.
Day 10 to 11: Days at leisure to enjoy the beach and hotel facilities.
Day 11: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.