Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Thailand – Bangkok – Khao Sok – Ko Phra Thong
100% customisable for you
All hands on deck – it's time to rally the family for your epic escape to Thailand. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle into the lounge for some complimentary nibbles and refreshments before take-off. Flights to Bangkok take just under 12 hours, so line up the in-flight entertainment, break out the snacks and... relax.
Slide up your window for sprawling views over Thailand as you begin your descent the following morning. Then, after landing and collecting your luggage, meet your private driver for the transfer into the bustling heart of Bangkok, where you’ll spend the next three nights.
Once everyone’s had some time to kick back and relax, don your sun hats and venture into the streets in search of lunch. Depending on how much energy you – or really, your children – are running on, you can embark on an initial exploration this afternoon or shake off any lingering jetlag with a nap before dinner tonight.
Wake bright and early this morning to make the most of your first full day in Bangkok. After having tucked into a bountiful breakfast and discussed what you’d like to see, head out to meet a friendly local for a private tour of the city.
Big, buzzy and breathtaking, Bangkok is a delight to discover on foot – even more so when your guide knows the city like the back of their hand. So, take the opportunity to peek behind the veil and slip away to a few off-the-beaten-track treasures and hype-worthy hotspots.
Once little legs have grown weary, return to your hotel to wind down and freshen up before dinner. Not sure where to go? Bypass the back-and-forth with your children by reaching out to your trusty Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations.
If you feel you’ve only scratched the surface of Bangkok so far, don’t worry – you have the whole day to explore as much of the city as possible. Time to let your curiosity run wild...
To add some structure to your galivanting around the capital, there are a few must-sees on the cards today. The first is the Royal Palace, home to Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Sculpted in the 15th century, this giant jade gem was erected in honour of the Chakri dynasty. If you can pry the youngsters away from the statue’s green glory, stop by the throne room, coronation room and state reception room while you’re here.
Also worthy of a visit is Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Here, you’ll find another Buddha, this time in a reclining position, symbolic of accessing nirvana (inner peace). It’s also decked out in gold leaf and boasts soles inlaid with mother-of-pearl – pretty snazzy, right?
Tuck into one last tasty breakfast in Bangkok this morning before grabbing your bags and meeting your driver for the private transfer back to Bangkok airport. From here, board the one-hour-and-20-minute flight to the southern city of Surat Thani.
When you land, bundle into another private transfer bound for Khao Sok National Park, a stunning nature reserve set between the Andaman and Gulf coasts. This will be your base for the next two nights, so drop your bags, let the children divvy up their beds and start settling into your new surroundings.
Perched between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui, Khao Sok National Park is a tropical treasure trove. One of the oldest rainforests on the planet (yes, really), it’s chock-full of limestone cliffs, shimmering lakes and mystical caves.
If your youngsters are into their animals, you’re in luck: Khao Sok houses everything from mischievous monkeys, like long-tailed macaques and Semnopithecus, to slithering snakes, like pythons and cobras.
To really walk on the wild side today, head to Khlong Saeng, a wildlife sanctuary where you can meet gaurs – also known as Indian bison – wild elephants and gibbons. Stock up on (well-concealed) snacks before setting off on a series of tropical trails and hilltop hikes through this ecologically rich region.
Enjoy breakfast amid the sounds of the jungle this morning before checking out and catching a traditional long-tail boat for a cruise along Cheow Lan Lake. Stretching 71 square miles, this glimmering gem is bordered by picturesque peaks, dramatic rock formations and enticing caves. Cameras at the ready...
After a leisurely lunch on the boat, while the afternoon away with a mixture of canoeing and – once everyone’s stomachs have settled – swimming in the emerald waters below.
Then, as the sun sets this evening, glide on into the heart of the rainforest to reach your seriously scenic shelter for the night. Back on dry land, enjoy a delicious dinner (and a family debrief) before sinking into bed for the night.
Rise early this morning for a water safari on Cheow Lan Lake. Dawn is the perfect time to glimpse groups of macaques quenching their thirst, lizards soaking up the first slivers of sunlight and gibbons gathering to ring in the day with their traditional territorial call.
Having woken up with the wildlife, return to your hotel for a late breakfast before lacing up your shoes and venturing out on a guided walk through the jungle. Along the way, your expert guide will fill you in on all the different animals and plants that populate the park.
Refuel afterwards with a lovely lunch on the water before your private transfer to Kuraburi Pier, where you’ll hop on a boat to Ko Phra Thong Island.
When you arrive, head to your final hotel of the trip, where you’ll be checking in for four fabulous nights. This calls for a celebratory cocktail (mocktails for the children, of course).
Far from the hustle and bustle of Thailand’s better-known islands, spend the next few days in the lap of secluded luxury. Slip away for early morning yoga sessions, rally the family for long walks on the beach after breakfast and head out on kayaking and snorkelling sessions to break up your shoreside R&R.
At some point, you’ll also visit Ko Ra, a remote tropical paradise full of mangrove swamps, white-sand beaches and even more wonderful wildlife. After a brief speedboat crossing, climb through the rainforest to enjoy the shade of the foliage and discover the delights hidden within. Then, stop for lunch on a secluded beach, before cooling off in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Now that’s what you call ending on a high note.
Sadly, your epic family escape comes to an end today, but not before one last morning in paradise. Enjoy a short hike, a laze on the beach or a massage at the spa before catching a boat to the mainland to privately transfer to Phuket. Here, board the speedy one-hour-and-30-minute flight back to Bangkok.
Your overnight flight to the UK takes 13 and a half hours, and you’ll arrive the following day, already eager to start planning your next far-flung family adventure.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
