Compare Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket by Intrepid Travel vs Thailand for families: Elephants & island escape by Audley Travel

Day 1 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Bangkok is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and slick modernity, where markets (obviously bustling) and world-class cuisine are only the beginning. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you do arrive early, kudos to you! How about acquainting yourself with this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River and just having a walk around. After your important meeting, you might want to experience the unique tourist mecca of Khao San Road with some of your new travel crew.

Day 2 Bangkok

You’ll start today with a visit to Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn – Aruna, this impressive landmark of Bangkok sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities, and this city has so much to offer – perhaps head next door to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage. You may want to take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Tonight, board an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani (approximately 13 hours).

Day 3 Ao Nang/Krabi

Arrive into Surat Thani this morning and continue by bus (approximately 2.5 hours) to the resort town of Ao Nang in Krabi Province. Ao Nang has a main street with open-air restaurants, shops that light up the sidewalk and bars perfect for kicking back with a beer. It’s also in a great position to hop on longtail boats to places like Railay Beach and the idyllic islands surrounding the bay. There's plenty of free time to relax on the beautiful beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. You also might want to take advantage of some of the optional activities on offer, like a cycling trip that takes you on back country tracks, gets you close to local culture, and rewards you with a lovely afternoon dip in a beautiful waterfall. Otherwise, consider a relaxing massage on the beach (no kidding), or just sit back with a good book and a cool cocktail to watch the sun slip beneath the horizon. This is living. In the late afternoon, visit Baan Na Teen village and take part in Batik Making to learn about this ancient technique of dyeing and then join in a local family for some home-cooked feast. Here is also an opportunity to assist with the preparation of tonight's meal – learn some of the delicious secrets of southern Thai cooking and enjoy a dinner that tastes all the better thanks to your handiwork! This is a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the daily rituals of Thai culture.

Day 4 Ao Nang/Krabi

This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and on board a speed boat to start today’s exploration. Immerse in the beauty of the coast line with stops at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup, Koh Gai and discover the amazing coral and tropical fish through snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling and return back to Ao Nang beach in mid-afternoon. Tonight, why not grab some travel pals and stroll down the main drag to find a seafood restaurant.

Day 5 Khao Lak

Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at a great Community-based tourism initiative at Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) and you’ll spend a better half of the day here, experiencing the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the amazing water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return back to the village and enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch after a good workout, then learn to prepare and taste the organic local mulberry leaf tea. Head out for a walk in the village and its organic fruit orchards after lunch before hopping back on your bus and continue to Khao Lak (approx. 3 hours).

Day 6 Khao Lak

Enjoy a free day at Khao Lak. There are plenty to do in Khao Lak. Why not visit Lam Ru National Park andTon Chong Fa Water Fall, or make it a day trip to Similan Islands or Surin Islands? Your tour leader will be on hand to help you make the best of the day.

Day 7 Phuket

This morning leave for the tourist haven of Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most visited island. This island is certainly a brasher, more vibrant extrovert to the mellower sibling of the last few days. If a little modern pizazz is what you’re after with your dose of sunshine exotica, look no further – this island offers a little something for everyone. It’ll take about 3 hours to get to Phuket.Once you've arrived on the island, there's a chance to stop at the Tsunami Memorial if you would like to visit. Then continue to Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation which support the protection of turtles and research of the Marine Biodiversity. You'll be able to learn about the important work that they do here and see the different type of turtles at the foundation. Then it's another hour to Kata beach. You’ll stay in the heart of Kata beach, where everything from shops to restaurants to nightclubs awaits.

Day 8 Phuket

Phuket is ringed with beaches, each with their own distinct personalities, from a party vibe to perhaps something quieter and more romantic. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful beaches and curving coasts, Phuket also has a range of activities to fill your day, from Thai boxing exhibitions to cabaret shows. If you love getting out on the water and exploring the islands, then perhaps use your last day to take a day trip out to the stunning Phi Phi and Khai Nok, a tiny island surrounded by white sandy beach perfect suitable for swimming and snorkelling. If you want to spend some time with Thailand’s magnificent elephants, take a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. You will get to see the elephants in the safety and security of their natural home and get an insight into the behaviour and personal history of each elephant. Perhaps gather together your fellow travellers tonight and enjoy a celebratory dinner.

Day 9 Phuket

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you’d like to continue to soak up the very best of Phuket, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Bangkok.

Day 2 : Bangkok

On arrival in Bangkok you will be met by your guide who will accompany you and your family on your private transfer to your hotel located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Day 3 : Bangkok

Today you have a private guided tour of Bangkok visiting the capital's key attractions: the Grand Palace, Wat Po (home to the reclining Buddha) and Jim Thompson's house. You will get to experience Bangkok's different forms of public transport - the Skytrain which winds its way through the skyscrapers and shopping malls, the public taxi boat, a long-tail boat and of course the infamous Thai tuk tuk.This is a fun excursion that gives you a fantastic insight into the capital as well as the people that call Bangkok home.

Day 4 : Bangkok

Today is at leisure to explore the bustling city of Bangkok by yourselves. The Skytrain is a great way to get around the city for families, with an easy to follow route and comfortable seating. The Children's Discovery Museum has plenty of hands-on exhibits with a focus on science and natural history. If you are visiting on a weekend, you might like to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, full of brightly hued fabrics, handicrafts and souvenirs.

Day 5 : Khao Sok National Park

An early start today for your private transfer to the airport to catch your internal flight to Phuket, a journey of about one and a half hours. Upon arrival at Phuket airport you will be met by staff from Elephant Hills to take you and other guests to the Khao Sok National Park. The Elephant Hills Camp is a fantastic rainforest and elephants experience. The welfare of the elephants is at the heart of this camp and it has received numerous awards for this. This is one of the few places where you can see elephants without chains. Your experiences at the camp will be with other guests in small groups. During your stay all meals are included.Upon arrival at the camp, meet the elephants and learn more about these magnificent creatures. You will have the opportunity to help feed and bathe them.After a traditional Thai lunch you have the chance to enjoy the local scenery - being paddled in a canoe through the jungle past stunning limestone karsts.

Day 6 : Khao Sok National Park

Today leave the tented camp with other guests and head inland by road and then by boat for your scenic journey to the relatively untouched and stunning Cheow Larn Lake. This is a great place to be amongst nature and experience a unique accommodation experience - a floating tent. Children aged under 7 are not allowed to stay at this camp.Your afternoon includes a guided canoe safari.

Day 7 : Koh Samui

After breakfast, join your guide on a walk through the jungle listening to the chorus of the many primates, reptiles and birds that inhabit the national park.After lunch the lodge staff will transfer you and other guests to the pier at Surat Thani in time for the ferry to Koh Samui. The ferry crossing should take just over an hour. A driver will be waiting for you at Koh Samui to take you and your family to your hotel.The Mai Samui resort is on the quieter side of the island, offering a more exclusive and intimate feel.

Day 8 : Koh Samui

Today is free to relax or explore independently. Your beachfront hotel has great facilities with a spa, three pools and a dedicated Fun Zone and Kids' Club to give parents some free time. Other facilities include cooking classes, mountain bikes, sea kayaks, fishing and yoga.

Day 9 : Koh Samui

Day free to relax. A popular tour that you might like to consider is a speedboat ride to the nearby Angthong National Marine Park. This beautiful park consists of 42 islands and provided the inspiration for Alex Garland's book "The Beach".

Day 10 : Koh Samui

Day at leisure. You may like to relax on the beach or visit some of the attractions on the island. Your hotel can arrange private guided trips to the Na Muang Waterfalls or Bophut which has a charming fisherman's village.

Day 11 : Koh Samui

Day at leisure on Koh Samui. You might like to test out some of the more unusual experiences available at your hotel including classes in napkin folding or fruit and vegetable carving.

Day 12 : Koh Samui

Today is your last day by the beach before heading home. You might like to book a table at the Fine Dining Sala for a special last night's meal - fresh lobster is often on the menu.

Day 13 : International return flight

Your hotel will arrange your transfer to the local airport in time for your flight to Bangkok where you will catch your international flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.