Duration
10 days, 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Thailand's colorful traditions and tropical landscapes make it a fascinating destination for families of all ages. This 10-day journey begins in Bangkok, where a cruise along the city's historic canals offers a different perspective of the bustling capital. Discover the art of traditional Thai puppetry as skilled performers bring intricate puppets to life, before trying your hand at puppeteering.

Continue north to Chiang Mai, where an encounter with rescued elephants offers insight into their care and rehabilitation. At Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park, discover how elephant dung is transformed into handmade paper through a hands-on experience.

Finally, travel south via Phuket to the tranquil island of Koh Yao Yai. Enjoy leisurely days by the beach or embark on an optional excursion through Phang Nga Bay, where towering limestone cliffs and secluded lagoons create a spectacular setting for a family adventure.

 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • The Magic of Thai Puppetry: Cruise Bangkok's historic canals by private boat before discovering the art of traditional Thai puppetry. Watch skilled performers bring intricate puppets to life, then try your hand at puppeteering and Thai dance.
  • Up Close with Elephants: Meet rescued elephants at a sanctuary in Chiang Mai and learn about their care and rehabilitation. Continue to Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park, where a hands-on experience reveals how elephant dung is recycled into handmade paper.
  • Island Escapes in the Andaman Sea: Set out on an optional island excursion from Koh Yao Yai through the waters of Krabi and Phang Nga Bay, discovering dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded lagoons, and picturesque islands along the way.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok and meet your private guide in the arrivals hall for your private transfer to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy some time to relax at your own pace, or venture out on an optional evening tour to discover some of Bangkok’s most colorful neighborhoods.

Begin at Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok’s bustling flower market, where stalls overflow with orchids, roses, marigolds, and fragrant garlands. Enjoy a hands-on lotus folding experience, learning how to transform delicate petals into traditional floral offerings.

If the family still has energy, continue to Chinatown, where glowing neon signs, bustling markets, and lively streets bring the neighborhood to life after dark. Take in the vibrant atmosphere before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

· Chao Phraya Views: Every guest room, suite, and villa at Capella Bangkok - as well as the dining venues and many of the facilities - boast river views. What's more, the sun sets just across the river from the property, casting gorgeous orange hues over the hotel and providing superlative evening sundowner locations from anywhere on the grounds.

· A New Riviera: The Riviera theme continues in Capella Bangkok's fine dining restaurant, Côte by Mauro Colagreco, where the three-Michelin-star chef has reinterpreted French-Italian Riviera flavors, inspired by traditional recipes and culinary heritage.

· Sophistication & Luxury: From contemporary design featuring custom artwork by local Thai artists, to the expansive wellness center with water therapy and locally-inspired treatments, to a desserts-and-cocktails salon bedecked in black and gold, the Capella Bangkok exudes finesse.

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Capella Bangkok Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

· Location: While Bangkok is home to several world-class hotels, only a handful are situated right on the Chao Phraya River. We love the Four Seasons Hotel for its amazing riverside location with easy access to the city center. This property is ideal for seclusion and relaxation and yet is still close to the action.

· Design: The architects have carefully considered the blending of indoor and outdoor space to create a light and complementary blend of modern design and serene green spaces.

· Spaciousness: The property stretches over 1,100 feet along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, also known as, "The Grand Duke,” leaving plenty of room for spacious suites, lush outdoor grounds and two infinity pools.

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Four Seasons Bangkok Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Bangkok

Enjoy a leisurely morning making the most of the hotel’s amenities, or opt for a hands-on Thai dessert-making class at a cooking studio housed in a 100-year-old wooden house, where the whole family can learn traditional techniques, prepare local sweet treats, and sample their creations.

In the afternoon, explore Bangkok's historic Talad Noi and Song Wat neighborhoods by electric tuk-tuk and on foot. Begin at River City Bangkok, where contemporary art exhibitions and collectible art toys offer an introduction to the city's creative scene. Continue through Talad Noi, discovering colorful street art, historic lanes, and neighborhood shops, with a stop to sample locally made chocolate. Travel onward to Song Wat Road, a former trading hub now home to independent boutiques, creative spaces, and specialty shops. Conclude the day in Chinatown, where bustling streets and food stalls offer the opportunity to sample a variety of Thai-Chinese street food specialties.

For families seeking a more active experience, an optional Muay Thai lesson provides an introduction to Thailand's traditional martial art.

Bangkok
Bangkok

Day 3

Bangkok

Explore Bangkok's traditional canal-side neighborhoods aboard a private boat, passing wooden homes, gardens, and communities along the waterways. Stop to visit Wat Kuhasawan Worawiharn, a temple with roots in the Ayutthaya period, before continuing to the Artist House (Baan Silapin), a historic wooden residence that serves as a community arts center. At nearby Wat Kampaeng Bangchak, watch a traditional Thai puppet performance and enjoy the opportunity to try puppeteering and Thai dance under the guidance of skilled performers. Return to your boat to conclude the canal tour, enjoying views of Bangkok's towering 226-foot-tall golden Buddha statue seated in a meditative posture, rising above the surrounding neighborhoods.

In the afternoon, visit Meland at Siam Paragon, an indoor playground where children can enjoy climbing structures, interactive attractions, and imaginative play areas.

Day 4

Chiang Mai

This morning depart Bangkok for the northern city of Chiang Mai, known for its misty mountains and laidback atmosphere. Head to Wat Prathat, one of the north’s most sacred Buddhist temples perched at the top of Doi Suthep. Climb the 306 steps to the top on the Naga serpent staircase, or take the tram, and enjoy the temple’s beautiful golden spire, historic murals, and panoramic views of the city and scenic countryside. Next, head to a magical temple of tunnels, Wat Umong, and wander the labyrinthine paths to discover Buddha heads, relics, altars and monk cells. Travel just outside of the city and check in to the Four Seasons Resort, nestled among lush gardens and terraced rice fields in the tranquil Mae Rim valley. The private residences are perfect for families, offering multiple bedrooms, board games, spacious interiors, views of the rice terraces from the verandah, and optional private plunge pool. While parents unwind at the spa, kids can enjoy complimentary games and activities at the Gecko Club and will love visiting Mr. Tong, the resort’s resident water buffalo. Families can also choose to participate in the resort’s rice planting and harvesting experience held in the fields.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The vast resort grounds comprise verdant rice terraces and lush landscaped rainforest gardens over looking a stunning Thai mountain range in the distance.

Dining: Four superb restaurants and a handful of bars in beautiful locations serving Thai, Italian and international cuisine, as well as afternoon tea, signature cocktails and fine wines.

Facilities: Guests may enjoy plenty of world-class facilities including an award winning spa, fitness center, infinity pool, tennis courts, cooking school, library and children’s clubs.

Privacy: The hideaway resort is situated away from the hustle of Chiang Mai city, yet within easy reach of the areas attractions. There are five daily shuttle services to the city center.

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Four Seasons Chiang Mai Preferred Hotel
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai

Day 5

Chiang Mai

Begin today with a fun tour around the city’s small lanes by rickshaw and see Chiang Mai’s intact wall and moat, landmark gates, and statues. Stop at Warorot market where the locals shop for everything: produce, flowers, baked goods, herbs, clothing, shoes, and fireworks to name a few. Take a refreshment break for fresh fruit and try your hand at one of Thailand’s oldest decorative art, fruit and vegetable carving. Let the kids get creative with tomato roses and apple swans, then eat their masterpieces. In the afternoon, leave for the countryside and get ready to reel in behemoths. Let the kids battle it out with giant Mekong catfish, some as big as the kids themselves, and take pictures with their trophy catch. It is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Day 6

Chiang Mai

Come face to face with friendly giants today at one of Chiang Mai’s elephant sanctuaries that practice rescue and rehabilitation. Learn how to interact and care for the elephants from their mahouts. Sanctuaries may offer different programs from visiting a nursery and meeting baby elephants to learning how to give health checks and trekking into the mountains alongside the pachyderms. Afterwards, get a lesson in recycling and sustainability at the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park, a licensed parter of the WWF, where waste is turned into paper. Stroll the eight pavilions and see each stage of the process. Visitors are welcome to participate from poo collection to rinsing and final product assembly, a laughter-inducing and educational one-of-a-kind experience. If you wish, step out at night and stroll the night bazaar, a fun space to pick up unique tchotchkes and sample delicious street fare. If it is a weekend, check out the popular Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Markets where shoppers from around the region gather to shop, eat, and enjoy street entertainment on a long pedestrian-only street.

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai

Day 7

Phuket

Fly to Phuket and transfer to Koh Yao Yai, a peaceful island in the Andaman Sea known for its quiet beaches and lush tropical scenery. Upon arrival, settle into your resort and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, whether relaxing by the pool, exploring the beach, or enjoying the resort's facilities.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This postcard-perfect island of in the middle of Phang Nga Bay is the stuff holiday dreams are made of, and Anantara takes full advantage of the tropical surroundings with activities sure to make a memorable stay.

Luxury: Guestrooms feature opulent accommodations while guests of the villas can while away days undisturbed from their private pools.

Family Friendly: Children will be reluctant to part with the Kids Club activities, providing their parents with time to concentrate on themselves, whether that means basking under the sun or enjoying a spa treatment.

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Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas Preferred Hotel
Phuket
Phuket

Day 8

Phuket

Enjoy a day at leisure on Koh Yao Yai, relaxing by the beach or making use of the resort's facilities. Children can participate in the Little Explorers program, featuring creative arts and crafts activities. Or optionally, families can learn about the island's fishing heritage through a full-day immersive program to meet local fisherman and learn their traditional techniques. In the evening, gather by the main pool for the resort's Sundown Ritual, featuring traditional Thai dance performances, including fan dancing, against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Day 9

Phuket

Spend the day enjoying Koh Yao Yai at your own pace, relaxing on the beach or by the pool. Optionally, for a more adventurous experience, take an island discovery excursion through the waters of Krabi and Phang Nga, exploring dramatic limestone formations, secluded lagoons, and picturesque islands, including locations featured in well-known films. Alternatively, visit the resort's organic garden to meet its resident water buffaloes, Chokdee and Boonma. Children can help feed and bathe the animals while learning about their care and role in traditional island life. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Phuket
Phuket

Day 10

Departure

After a final breakfast on the tropical island, return to Bangkok to catch your onward flight home.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Capella Bangkok
Preferred Hotel

Capella Bangkok

Drawing on its reputation for elegance and personalization, the Capella Bangkok is nestled along the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, providing panoramic views from all 101 rooms, suites, and villas. The hotel has also thrown a couple of hats into the capital city’s ring of culinary offerings with two gourmet restaurants and a waterfront patio area that’s perfect for al-fresco dining. Three-Michelin-starred Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco is the mastermind behind much of Capella’s cuisine, and there is a specialty bar offering desserts and artisan cocktails. Among other amenities, there is an oriental tea lounge, open-air spa, outdoor pool, and even an in-house Capella Library. Finally, in trademark Capella fashion, personal assistants are made available to guests to ensure a luxury stay in Bangkok.

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Four Seasons Bangkok
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Bangkok

Nestled on the banks of Bangkok’s bustling Chao Phraya River, the Four Seasons Bangkok is designed around water-centric serenity and fluidity, inspired by the riverfront location. Situated in a vibrant part of the city, guests can view the abundance of activity on the river and enjoy nearby restaurants and cafes, art galleries and temples, with easy access to the various shopping and cultural activities for which “The City of Angels” is renowned. Guests seeking a holistic experience can avail themselves of the hotel's two infinity pools, spa and wellness center, a well-equipped fitness center and a 98-foot lap pool.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 4–6

Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai blends with its natural surroundings seamlessly, with trees growing between and around the resort, overlooking terraced rice fields and the mountains of the Mae Rim Valley. The resort has 64 boutique pavilions, each with a private veranda, as well as 16 private luxury residences. The Sala Mae Rim serves Thai cuisine and offers sweeping views of the valley below, and the Terraces have international dishes with a view of the Doi Suthep mountain range. The hotel has a health club with state of the art equipment, including a sauna, herbal steam room, whirlpool, cold plunge pool, 20-meter infinity edge swimming pool, a business center and wi-fi access. There are also mountain bikes available for use, along with maps of trails through the surrounding forest. The Spa at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai has seven treatment suites with rain shower massage tables and private herbal steam rooms. Professional spa therapists can help you choose the best treatment package for your needs. The hotel is 25 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 7–9

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
Preferred Hotel

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas sits on a lush island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, where limestone islets dot the horizon in every direction. Unfolding over a kilometer of golden beach, this Phuket luxury resort is the height of tranquility, spaciousness and luxury just a 45-minute boat ride from Phuket and 20 minutes from Krabi. Offering 148 spacious suites, pool villas, and penthouses, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas offers a range of spacious rooms and villas that include family accommodations as well as dedicated wellness villas with a hydropool and spa. Its tranquil setting provides an excellent retreat for relaxation, but there are also many opportunities for adventure. Venture off the beaten track to tranquil Hong Island to discover a small white sandy beach with a crystal-clear lagoon. Trek up 400 steps to a phenomenal 360-degree viewpoint. Drift along mangrove canals in a kayak or cruise on a long tail boat to a natural sand bank for a twilight candlelit dinner. Enjoy a vintage sidecar experience dashing through a rubber plantation and learn batik painting and tie dye. Whatever you choose, your stay at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is sure to be a memorable one.
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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A family from Los Angeles

A family from Los Angeles

Every moving part of the itinerary was perfectly planned and executed. The day to day program [Remote Lands] devised took into account all of our individual interests and preferred levels of activity.
A mother and daughter from Delaware

A mother and daughter from Delaware

We had such a great time on our recent trip to Thailand that Remote Lands put together for us
A mother & daughter from California

A mother & daughter from California

We will definitely be working with Remote Lands for all future trips to Asia, you guys really knocked it out of the park!
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