Day 1 – Arrival in Chiang Mai
Most families arrive into Chiang Mai early this morning, following an overnight sleeper train adventure from Bangkok or Ayutthaya. You’ll head straight to your family-friendly ‘Lanna’ style hotel with swimming pool for a filling breakfast and much needed dip in the pool! The afternoon is at your leisure to get your bearings and explore the local markets and temples by foot, tuk-tuk or bike. In the evening you could head to the night market for a bit of souvenir shopping, find a local Muay Thai boxing match, or book onto our local street food tour.
Day 2 – Visit to the Elephant Nature Park
You’ll spend today learning more about Thailand’s most famous icon: the elephant. Your family will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Elephant Nature Park to hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. During this trip you will learn all about the Asian Elephant and the threats they are currently facing. See the proud herd they have become and observe their natural behaviour as they roam freely in the lush green surroundings.
You will get the chance to watch these majestic animals from a viewing platform before walking around the sanctuary to learn about the elephant families. After a delicious buffet lunch, you will head down to the river at the border of the park to watch as these gentle giant bathe and observe them splashing in the river. Early evening you will say your goodbyes to your new friends and head back to Chiang Mai for another night.
Additional excursions
There’s plenty to do in and around Chiang Mai, whether you’re keen to get hands-on, active or simply soak up local life. If you’re a foodie family you can join a cooking workshop. Active families have the option of river rafting, exploring the surroundings of Chiang Mai on a cycling tour or, for the more adventurous, ziplining through the jungle canopy. If you’re curious about visiting the local hill tribes, we can arrange a one-day trek to a Lahu village. Speak to your Travel Specialist for advice or take your pick from the options below and add them to your trip.
Day 3 – Departure from Chiang Mai
Unless you’d like to extend your time in this adventurous region, you’ll leave the mountain scenery behind and travel down to the South of Thailand. We’d highly recommend immersing yourself in the jungles of Khao Sok, before island hopping between the many tropical islands. However, you could also take a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Ko Samui if you think you’ll literally want to flop on a beach at this stage!
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Explore Chiang Mai by bike
Discover a different side of Chiang Mai on an easy half-day bike ride. Cycling in a small group, you’ll follow peaceful roads beside the Ping River, passing green countryside, fruit orchards and local villages that show you everyday life in rural Thailand. You’ll pause at a former leper colony, now a rehabilitation centre, and explore the evocative ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, before pedalling back to Chiang Mai.
Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai
Are you a foodie family? We can arrange a hands-on Thai cooking class in a traditional home in Chiang Mai. It starts with a visit to the market to pick out the freshest local spices and produce. Then, under the watchful eye of your host you’ll learn how to make a Thai meal that you get to tuck into at the end of the class. Dishes might include Pad Thai, spring rolls, Chiang Mai curry, and fried banana.