Thailand family adventure

A private guided tour of Bangkok is a great introduction to Thailand today. Visit the capital's key attractions: the Grand Palace, Wat Po (home to the reclining Buddha) and Jim Thompson's house. Try out 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 fun excursion gives you a fantastic insight into the capital and the people who call Bangkok home. As this is a private tour, your guide can go at a pace that suits your family.

Your guide will collect you from your hotel this morning for your private transfer to Kanchanaburi, a journey of about two and a half hours. This area is renowned for its time during World War II when the Japanese used Allied POWs to build the Thailand-Burma Railway. Gain an insight into this history with a private guided tour of the main points of interest: the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai and Hell Fire Pass. The tour includes a boat journey up the River Kwai and a train journey on the infamous Death Railway. In the evening, relax in your river camp's beautiful setting. The Hintok River Camp is great for families with comfortable, safari-style tents. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay.

Experience one of Thailand's most magnificent creatures today with a shared tour at Elephants World, an elephant sanctuary that looks after old, sick, handicapped and rescued elephants. The sanctuary's motto is 'We humans work for the elephants, they will not work for us' — experience this for yourself as you spend the day looking after them.

The morning is at leisure. You may like to relax in the camp's rock pool by the River Kwai, use your camp's complimentary mountain bikes or visit the beautiful falls at the Erawan National Park. Your guide will collect you for your private transfer to Bangkok, assisting you in catching the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand. The train journey should take 12 hours, however, trains in Thailand are notorious for being late, so this could be extended by two to four hours.

Meet your guide at the train station in Chiang Mai who will accompany you and your family on your private transfer to your hotel. After settling into your hotel you have the rest of your day at leisure. Late afternoon is a great time to visit Chiang Mai's most famous landmark: the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This is one of Thailand's most important temples and has fantastic views of the city. In the evening you may like to visit the city's famous night bazaar.

Today, you and your family have a fantastic experience in Thai life as you and your family are collected by a local man to visit him and his family at their home. During your stay learn how to cook authentic Northern Thai flavours and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with the family.

Meet your guide this morning for your private cycling and kayaking adventure. The tour starts about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai in the lovely Sri Lanna National Park. The bike ride is a scenic 15 to 20 km (10 to 13 miles) ride and the kayaking takes place on a lake, passing jungle-clad hills to a small village of floating houses. Traditional Thai lunch is included at the village, and afterwards, you can relax in the village, go for a swim or explore further in your kayaks before you are taken back to your hotel by boat and road.

The beach part of your holiday starts today. Your guide is on hand to accompany you on your private transfer to the airport for your direct flight to Koh Samui. The flight takes 1 hour 45 minutes. After being met upon arrival, take a private transfer to your lovely small boutique resort nestled in tropical gardens and overlooking emerald waters and the white sands of Maenam Beach.

Today, you are free to relax or explore the island. The Belmond Napasai has fantastic facilities for you and your family to enjoy, these include an infinity pool, children's pool, spa, tennis courts and a range of water sports.

The Belmond Napasai offers daily complimentary activities for its guests which we would suggest making the most of. These include windsurfing, paddleboarding, bicycle tours, Hobie Cats and an assortment of classes e.g. massages, fruit and vegetable carving, and tennis.

Another day free to explore. 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'.

Today is your last day by the beach before heading home. With calm waters, the beach is ideal for younger children to try for the first time, or for more advanced trips, guided snorkelling tours are available.

Depart from the hotel this morning for your private transfer to the local airport for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.