Elephants and Waterfalls Take your family away from it all on a private family wildlife holiday in Thailand with plenty of nature and animals. You'll explore a vast wildlife reserve for a chance to spot animals in the wild, get up close to elephants, trek in tropical jungles, meet monkeys and swim in spectacular waterfalls amongst butterflies and songbirds. Your two-week family wildlife holiday will start with a whistle-stop visit to Bangkok to tick off the main sights before you venture to northern Thailand. First stop, around the city Chiang Mai where highlights will include exploring 10-tier waterfalls and learning how to care for elephants and meeting a friendly local family. Then it's time to head further north in Thailand and off the beaten track. Here, in the misty mountains, you'll go walking in the forest, learn how to cook outdoors with bamboo, take an exciting boat trip and and meet people from different hilltribes in a genuine way. The last part of your holiday will be at Khao Yai National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast wildlife reserve is home to herds of wild elephants, clouded leopards and monkeys, as well a vast array of flora and fauna. Here, you'll see millions of bats swarm out into the night, walking and driving around at your family's own pace. You'll also have time to relax, enjoying the tropical gardens and pool. This is a private tour that can be taken at your family's own pace. The itinerary has been carefully designed to be suitable whether your children are 3 or 18, but we can customise.Day 1 (typically Saturday) Fly from the UK to Bangkok with a choice of airports including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you don't live in the UK, we may be able to arrange flights for you, or you can book this family adventure holiday excluding flights. Day 2 Arrival at Bangkok airport where one of our drivers will pick you up (look out for a sign bearing the Tell Tale Travel pink peacock!). On arrival, you'll have a few hours to settle into your family suite or room/s at a charming boutique hotel and relax in your private courtyard. This evening, your driver will take your family for a drive to see the urban jungle of Bangkok by night and wait for you as you dine at one of our recommended restaurants on the banks of the Chao Praya river. Day 3 B After a lie-in you'll set off with a guide to tick off the main sites - the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho (the oldest temple in Bangkok) and Wat Arun. Use you free time in the late afternoon to plan your evening's exploration of Bangkok using our maps and family-friendly tips - your driver will take you wherever you choose.
Day 9 B D Transfer further north past Chiang Rai by private car/minivan. You'll stop for some sightseeing at the famous 'white temple' and lunch at a local restaurant. After switching to a 4WD, you make a stop for a quick dip in some hot springs before arriving at your rural retreat where there's plenty of space for children (and adults) to run around in. Enjoy some delicious homecooked food with the freshest fruit and vegetables. Day 10 B L D Today you'll trek up the mountain and it's certainly off the beaten track – you'll have to cut your own trails and build a fire to make your barbeque lunch! You'll also have an exhilarating boat trip along the river Mae Kok and visit Lahu and Akha hilltribes. Day 11 B L D Learn how to weave your own cotton, in the traditional hilltribe ways. Or trek to the waterfalls – you may even have them to yourselves! Day 12 B Time for the next adventure! Fly from Chiang Rai to Bangkok and transfer east to a lodge in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Time to settle in and take a dip in the pool before an evening visit to the local night market. Day 13 B Most of the day at leisure to relax in the gardens or swim in the pool. In the late afternoon, you'll have your first visit to Khao Yai National Park for the unforgettable sight of millions of bats swarming out into the night sky. Another highlight to remember. Day 14 B Wildlife-spotting in Khao Yai National Park requires an early start for a chance to see the animals at their most active with an expert local guide. Khao Yai is home to a vast array of tropical birds and wildlife such as deer, gibbons, elephants and clouded leopards. You'll also visit the spectacular waterfalls from the film The Beach and walk the nature trails. In the afternoon, you'll drive around in an open-topped vehicle, stopping for wildlife spotting opportunities with your guide. Day 15 B (will be Saturday if Day 1 was Saturday) Time to say goodbye to Thailand. You'll be driven to the airport for your flight back. This 15-day family adventure holiday costs from £2,025 per person and £1,515 per child under 12 including international flights from the UK to Thailand, 2 internal flights, accommodation, activities/excursions, transfers in private chauffeur-driven vehicles and meals as specified. Price applies at Easter, half terms and most of the year, including departures in early July, subject to flight seat availability. We advise early booking (deposit only). Starting your tour mid July to mid August costs more due to flights, Christmas holidays are more expensive due to flights and accommodation. Excluding international flights, the tour price costs £1,425 per person and £1,065 per child under 12 most of the year. Please allow approximately £50 per person for entrance fees payable on the day in local currency. Christmas costs are variable, particularly including flights, so please contact us with a breakdown of your family for a quote.
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