This was our first trip to South East Asia and with a 6 and 9-year-old in tow we found the following itinerary worked perfectly when travelling with a young family. Although sticking pretty much to the typical tourist trail, it gave us a great insight into the country and we can’t wait to explore more of Thailand as well as other neighbouring countries. The friendly people, incredible food, paradise beaches and jungle adventures will leave you and your children longing to return.
Our itinerary:
2 nights Bangkok – 4 nights Chiang Mai – 7 nights Khao Lak
Bangkok
With most flights involving a stopover in Bangkok, we decided to spend 2 nights experiencing this buzzing metropolis. With young children and humid, hot weather we felt that any longer might be too much for them.
We checked in to the Rembrandt Hotel and Towers which was a good choice for families. The family rooms were fairly spacious with a double bed and bunkbeds and the kids thought it was pretty cool to be swimming in the rooftop pool surrounded by skyscrapers. You will definitely appreciate a pool to cool off in with the sweltering heat and humidity. The breakfast was probably one of the best I’ve ever had. The children didn’t know where to start with different rooms for fruits, eggs, pancakes, waffles – you name it, it was there!
We arranged a half day private tour with Tour with Tong to see a few of the sights. Picked up from our hotel bright and early to avoid the soring midday heat, we headed across the city in an air-conditioned minibus. First stop was the Grand Palace. This spectacular complex of buildings is home to dazzling golden temples and intricate, beautiful designs which will blow you away. There is little shade though so bring lots of water and visit as early in the morning as possible.
Our lovely guide Pai then took us to the dock to board our long boat and sail along the river. This was a pleasant way to take in the temples along the bank. Then turning off onto the canals, we saw the many boats selling vegetables and flowers. The children loved stopping to buy some bread to feed the fish.
Next stop was a local market. Full of colourful flowers, fragrant herbs and a hive of activity, it was an assault on the senses. Our guide stopped us at what she claimed, was the best mango and sticky rice stall. It was so good and became our favourite dessert for the rest of the holiday. Pai was brilliant with the kids and told us lots of interesting facts about the country. With young children and a long flight the day before, the private tour was a great option.
Just across the road from our hotel was the Brewski Rooftop Bar located on the 30th floor of the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel. We wandered over for happy hour and the sunset views over the city were incredible. With a chilled-out vibe, you didn’t feel out of place bringing the kids.
Chiang Mai
After a short one hour flight from Bangkok, we arrived in Chiang Mai with the afternoon to settle in. Our home for the next four days was the 4* Dusit Princess Hotel. Nothing fancy but in a great location close to the Night Bazaar and it had the added bonus of a swimming pool which in 35°C, is definitely needed. Again, obviously something the Thais do well, the breakfast was amazing.
Just a few metres from the Dusit Princess Hotel, the bustling Night Bazaar has a lively atmosphere and the kids enjoyed haggling for some souvenirs. They could’ve spent hours here. Not sure my husband felt the same though. We bought some gorgeous cushion covers as well as art prints at a great price. The stalls selling rotis were a big hit with the kids. Smothered in Nutella and banana, they were delicious!
Temples of Chiang Mai
Wat Phra Singh is a beautiful complex with lanna style roofs, lavish carvings and intricate gold patterns. It was our first experience of chanting monks and the sound was so peaceful but also uplifting. Towering above the other structures, you’ll find Wat Chedi Luang. Its faded, worn appearance adding to its beauty.
After taking in these stunning temples, we wandered over for ‘Monk Chat’. An opportunity to learn more about life as a monk and help them practice their English, we chatted to a group of young monks and the kids enjoyed comparing favourite football teams and telling them about their life in the UK.
Another thing children will love is the tuktuk rides. My children would insist even when we didn’t have far to walk. Weaving in and out of the traffic at stop speed with music playing and some with disco lights, what’s not to love about it?
Elephant encounter
We were all very keen to spend some time with Thailand’s wonderful elephants but wanted to make sure we booked the right tour and not one where they still promote riding them. The Elephant Nature Park, situated around an hour from Chiang Mai, is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre. The park also cares for other animals including dogs, cats and buffaloes.
We were collected by minibus from our hotel and on arrival, started our visit by feeding the elephants (including some very cute babies) their morning fruit snack. We were then taken around the park to meet some of the rescued elephants and hear all about their story. Lunch was a feast of vegetarian Thai dishes with salads and hot food as well as lots of delicious tropical fruits. Then we walked with our guide to watch them from a distance enjoying a bath in the river.
Having a Thai massage
For a treat my mum and I spent the afternoon at the Fah Lanna Spa. This haven in the heart of the bustling Old Town has wooden walkways taking you through peaceful tropical gardens with separate treatment huts. I made the mistake of asking for deep pressure, so whilst my mum had fallen asleep next to me, I was letting out yelps of pain. Amazingly, I felt good the next day though!
A visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park.
Outside our hotel were various tour guides offering trips to nearby sights. We booked a private half day trip with a driver out to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple and Waterfalls of Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park. First stop which was around 30 minutes’ drive from our hotel was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A truly stunning temple with traditional northern Thai architecture, this sacred place is reached by climbing the 306 serpent lined steps to its mountain top position. Once inside, the burning of incense, the glistening gold, intricate patterns and the sounds of chanting were a feast for the senses. Listening to the monks chanting brought on this overwhelming feeling of calm and awe.
Heading back into Chiang Mai we stopped at Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park. Climbing up the steps to the magical waterfall was so peaceful with very few people around. The sounds of the wildlife and sight of butterflies and dragonflies fluttering over the water was wonderful. In the national park there was a small cafe selling snacks and toilets. You know you are in the jungle when you go to the toilet and floor to ceiling is covered in insects. My daughter was scared and amazed in one.
A few of our favourite Chiang Mai restaurants…
Chuanchom Restaurant – We stopped here for lunch after visiting the temples in the Old Town. Run by the Corrections Center for Women, this lovely place with a pretty garden serves tasty dishes at really cheap prices and supports ex-prisoners in making a new life for themselves.
Lemongrass Restaurant – Sheltering from the most incredible thunder and lightening, we had a great time here. A casual place with plastic tables and writing on the wall but the most amazing Thai food washed down with a cold beer.
Dash! Restaurant – Fantastic food with live music and a buzzing atmosphere.
Khao Lak
We wanted to spend some time on the beautiful Thai beaches but avoid too much additional travelling and ferry trips with young children. Khao Lak was the perfect compromise as it has a spectacular coastline, Khao Sok National Park close by and only an hour from Phuket airport.
We opted for The Sands by Katathani Resort. This huge 5 star resort has a private beach, several pools and an amazing waterpark which was much appreciated after a day exploring in the humidity. The family rooms even have access to a small pool from the terrace. For younger children, there was also a kids club. Not our usual choice of hotel but a big hit with the children.
Travelling in April, we happened to be in Thailand for the Songkran Festival (celebrating the Buddhist new year with lots of water). This was a fantastic sight to witness with families at the side of the road ready to drench you with buckets and water guns as you drive past in your tuktuk. Let’s just say we were pretty soaked after a short journey from the beach but so much fun.
Phang Nga Bay
We booked a small group tour through the hotel to Phang Nga Bay. After a 1hr 30 minute journey, we boarded a longtail boat to sail around the bay. The spectacular scenery with limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald waters will take your breath away.
First stop was James Bond Island, famous for featuring in one of the films and set in a remote and beautiful position. We climbed up and then visited the small beach. Very touristy with lots of selfies being taken but great views.
Next up was a canoe trip through caves and mangroves. My son and I thought it had to be a joke when we were told to lie down but no, under we went, through a tiny gap in the rockface. Some seriously skilled paddle guides. We were then taken through peaceful mangroves teeming with wildlife.
Lunch was served at Koh Panyi. This floating village is an interesting place to stop. It is geared up for day trippers but we had a lovely lunch and bought some nice handicrafts from the market stalls.
Back on the minibus again, we were taken to Wat Suwan Khuha where you will find an impressive reclining Buddha inside this cave temple. Compared to other temples we visited throughout our trip, it lacked the same atmosphere, beauty and authenticity. It is full of food stalls outside and monkeys are climbing everywhere.
Khao Sok National Park
Not to be missed, a visit to Khao Sok National Park is a fantastic experience. With our brilliant guide, we started our adventure with a 5km trek into the jungle. As you venture into the rainforest, you will be amazed by the sounds of humming, chirping and screeches from birds, gibbons, frogs and the loudest of all – ghost bees. With an experienced eye, our guide found chameleons, spiders and lizards as well as beautiful birds. We were even lucky enough to watch gibbons swinging through the high canopy. With the intense humidity, a stop for a dip in the river surrounded by waterfalls was lovely and refreshing. We booked our tour through Khao Lak Tour Plan who offer a range of different tours in the area.
After a delicious Thai lunch with lots of choice, we were taken down to Sok River for a canoe trip. As you head down the river you are surrounded by towering limestones karsts. Stopping off on route for a short trek through the dense jungle covered in bamboo and banana plants, we were given coffee (and hot chocolate for the kids) heated on a fire and served in bamboo cups.
Beach time
A short tuktuk ride from our hotel, the stunning White Sand Beach was pure paradise. Just a few restaurants and a massage hut, it was so peaceful. With the sound of waves lapping on the sand and birds tweeting, we had the most relaxing massage ever and it worked out at about £10 for an hour. My daughter sat patiently for hours whilst having her hair braided too. The restaurant here served lovely, refreshing smoothies and delicious salads. Scattered along the beach are various swings which the kids loved.
A few of our favourite Khao Lak restaurants…
Hilltribe Restaurant – The food here was probably the best we had during our trip and the people were so lovely. Away from the main tourist drag, it never seemed to be that busy but people are really missing out. We went back here on the last night and the owner came and gave the children gifts and free banana fritters.
Phu View – This was certainly a fun experience. Picked up from our hotel and taken up the steep hill in the back of a pick-up truck, the kids thought it was great. The views at sunset were amazing from up here. Good food and friendly staff. We did have a few giant bugs flying on to our table which certainly added to the jungle vibe.
Fam Full of Wanderlust 