FAMILY ADVENTURES IN THAILAND

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok

Arrive at Bangkok airport and transfer by private chauffeur to your hotel in the city. Set within a leafy residential enclave in central Bangkok, Villa Deva brings a sense of calm to the capital, with elegant low-rise architecture and gardens that feel far removed from the city's pace. The spacious rooms and suites, including options well suited to families, feature contemporary styling, generous layouts and views across the grounds. Younger travellers will appreciate the open green spaces and swimming pool, while Bangkok's major attractions are within easy reach for family outings.

Overnight: Villa Deva Resort & Hotel

Day 2 Highlights of Bangkok

Enjoy the morning with a private guide exploring Thailand's capital. Visit the reclining Buddha and hear the chanting of monks at the temple of Wat Pho. Explore the Grand Palace, one of the city's most impressive sights. The palace dates back some 200 years and comprises over 100 buildings and temples. The afternoons are at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax by the hotel pool.

Overnight: Villa Deva Resort & Hotel

Day 3 Floating Markets

This morning, visit the Kha Market and Amphawa. It is just an hour south of Bangkok to Samut Songkhram province. First we stop at an amazing country market along the railway tracks then we visit Tha Kha, one of the many floating markets in the area. We take a fascinating paddleboat journey through the klongs and stop to enjoy a glass of coconut sugar syrup with a local family. En-route to our last visit we see a Buddhist temple before arriving at Rama II Park with its Thai style Pavilion Museum. (Tha Kha Market is held every Saturday and Sunday. During the weekdays, the market day is subject to the lunar cycle calendar).

Overnight: Villa Deva Resort & Hotel

Day 4 Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Fly north today to Chiang Mai, Thailand's beautiful mountain city located on the Ping River, surrounded by countryside and filled with local culture, temples and markets. Howie's Homestay is a very special home-from-home where you will have the property entirely to yourselves with a guide on hand to accompany you on any activities you might like to experience. Tonight we suggest a fun tuk-tuk ride into town to see the Night Market and get a sense of your new surroundings.

Overnight: Howie's HomeStay

Day 5 Elephant Day Care

Children will adore spending time with Thailand's most sacred animals, the elephants. Patara Elephant Farm in Hang Dong Valley, is a short 50 minute drive from the city of Chiang Mai and has a focus on pregnant elephants and mothers with small babies. Your experience will include feeding and walking with the elephants and learning the basic commands of instruction given by the Mahouts.

Note: There is no riding of the elephants involved in this program.

Overnight: Howie's HomeStay

Day 6 Temples and Tuk-Tuks

This morning, in the company of your guide, take the funicular up to the mountain temple of Wat Doi Suthep, from where you have a bird's eye view of the city. Afterwards, explore the ancient city walls, see a monastery and enjoy a local lunch in a riverside restaurant.

This afternoon's challenge is to learn to drive your own tuk-tuk. Parents can drive a tuk-tuk each with the children in the back and after some basic instruction you will soon be an experienced driver along Chiang Mai's rural roads.

Overnight: Howie's HomeStay

Day 7 Chiang Mai to Khao Lak

Fly south this morning to Phuket and your beach resort. Upon arrival, transfer to Devasom Khao Lak. Located in a picture-perfect setting on Thailand's south-western coast, Devasom Khao Lak is luxurious base for unforgettable explorations of the region's unspoilt beaches, lush forests and rich cultural history. Each of the resort's stylish rooms, suites and villas is built to showcase the spectacular sea views, allowing you to wake to the sight and sound of waves lapping upon the shore.

Overnight: Devasom Khao Lak

Day 8 - 11 Beach Days in Khao Lak

Enjoy four full days of activity or relaxation and enjoy all that the Devasom Khao Lak has to offer.

You may wish to begin the day with a morning stroll along the beach, where opportunities abound for swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding. The hotel's sparkling swimming pool provides a cooling retreat, as does the spa where treatments include traditional Thai massage and signature Royal Lotus therapies. For something a bit more active, take part in a Muay Thai kickboxing session, followed by a traditional Thai massage. There's also a host of adventurous activities, including snorkel and scuba expeditions to neighbouring islands, kayaking in the freshwater lagoon next to the resort, trips to the sea-turtle conservation centre and meetings with mighty mammals at the nearby elephant park.

Overnight: Devasom Khao Lak

Day 12 Depart

Today it will be time to say farewell to The Land of Smiles. Your guide and private driver will meet you at checkout and transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Overnight: Home