Experience many facets of Thailand on a family journey that celebrates vivid cultures and natural beauty from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the tropical isle of Koh Samui.
Thailand for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey
14 days from $4,495
Experience many facets of Thailand on a family journey that celebrates vivid cultures and natural beauty from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the tropical isle of Koh Samui.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochureWHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Valli, T.Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journeys provided me and my son with a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable, adventure. Our long awaited celebration exceeded our expectations. We did and saw things that we never would have managed to plan on our own or with an average tour company. The guides were exceptional and went above and beyond to make us feel special.
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview
When you travel on a tailor-made journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:
- A Smithsonian annual engagement calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
- Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. Early access to Smithsonian magazine produced events.
- Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
- 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
- Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll, displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
- Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
- Free admission to the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
- A complimentary copy of the annual Smithsonian museum guidebook.
- Invitation to a special welcome event for new members at a Smithsonian venue.
*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members.
- Valli, T.Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journeys provided me and my son with a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable, adventure. Our long awaited celebration exceeded our expectations. We did and saw things that we never would have managed to plan on our own or with an average tour company. The guides were exceptional and went above and beyond to make us feel special.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 — Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in Bangkok and meet your guide at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Day 2 — Bangkok
Join a private guide for a fun introduction to Bangkok, seeing the city’s main sites while traveling by various forms of public transport. Wind between skyscrapers on the elevated Skytrain and take a public taxi boat along the river. Hop into a tuk-tuk for an open-air ride through the city streets, and glide through canals in a longtail boat, taking in views of daily life. Along the way, visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho—home to an enormous, gold-covered Reclining Buddha. Stop in at the Jim Thompson House, a fine example of traditional Thai architecture, and learn about the age-old art of silk-making. As this is a private tour, you can explore at a pace that suits your family. (B)
Day 3 — Kanchanaburi
A private transfer brings your family to Kanchanaburi, where, during World War II, the Japanese army conscripted Allied POWs to build the Thailand-Burma Railway. Gain insight into the area’s wartime history on a private guided tour of the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, Hellfire Pass, and the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai. Ride a boat on the River Kwai and travel by train on the notorious Death Railway. Settle into a lovely camp overlooking the River Kwai, where you’ll glamp in comfortable safari-style canvas tents. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay. (B)
Day 4 — Kanchanaburi
Encounter one of Asia’s most iconic species on a shared tour of ElephantsWorld, an elephant sanctuary for old, sick, handicapped, and rescued elephants. Here, you’ll have the chance to bathe and feed the elephants in the company of their caretakers, learning about elephant behavior at close range. Enjoy dinner at your camp’s al fresco restaurant overlooking the river this evening. (B)
Day 5 — Kanchanaburi/Chiang Mai
Take advantage of a leisurely morning to take a dip in the camp’s rock pool, visit the waterfalls in the Erawan National Park, or go mountain biking in the countryside. Later, your guide will escort you back to Bangkok and assist you in catching the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. (B)
Sleeper Train
Day 6 — Chiang Mai
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, meet your guide at the train station and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover this bustling city with your family. In the late afternoon, consider a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, set high on a hillside and affording a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. This evening, we recommend exploring the famous night markets—a fascinating cultural experience and a true feast for the senses. (B)
Day 7 — Chiang Mai
Spend the day immersed in everyday life in Thailand. A local resident will pick you up for a visit with his family in their typical home. Get acquainted with Thai traditions and join the family in making authentic recipes from the region which you’ll enjoy over lunch together. Return your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 8 — Sri Lanna National Park/Chiang Mai
Set off on a cycling and kayaking adventure with your private guide. Pedal through the lush jungles of Sri Lanna National Park to a lake where kayaks await you. Paddle along the shores to a small village of floating houses. Sit down to a traditional Thai lunch here, and enjoy time to meander through the village, go for a swim, or explore further by kayak. Return to Chiang Mai by boat and road. (B,L)
Day 9 — Koh Samui
Take a private transfer to the airport for your direct flight to the island of Koh Samui. You’ll be escorted to a small boutique resort nestled in tropical gardens. Settle into your private villa overlooking the aquamarine sea and the sands of Maenam Beach. (B)
Days 10–13 — Koh Samui
The largest island of an archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a gem of long, palm-fringed beaches, waterfalls, and tropical forests. Indulge in four delightful days on the island, relaxing at the private beach and enjoying the amenities and excursions offered by your resort. Set sail in a catamaran or explore by motorboat, stopping to snorkel with a guide or have a picnic on a hidden beach. Join a guide for a waterfall hike or tour the island’s cultural spots, from temples to markets and fishing villages. Take a Thai cooking class or enjoy seaside yoga or a massage in your villa. Windsurfing, diving, tennis, and golf are also options. Consider an outing to Ang Yhong National Marine Park, a preserve of 42 rugged islets with limestone cliffs and caves. (B)
Day 14
Transfer to the island airport in time for your onward flight. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)