Thailand Family Discovery

Handcrafted Travel
Daily Departure

Overview

Day 1 - 2: Phuket
  • Arrive in Phuket. Spend time relaxing on the pristine beaches.
Day 3 - 7: Phang Nga - Khao Sok National Park - Cheow Lan Lake - Krabi
  • Drive to Phang Nga Province then to Khao Sok National Park. Enjoy nature and your time with the elephants.
  • Trek in the tropical forest in the park. Embark on long-tail boats to discover the surrounding landscape and the spectacular Cheow Lan Lake.
  • Relax in Krabi. Visit James Bond island.
Day 8 - 11: Chiang Mai
  • Tour around Chiang Mai. Join Buddhist almsgiving in the morning. Board a longtail boat for a scenic ride down the Mae Ping River.
  • Take on an AVT tour and learn to make Thai dishes.
  • Visit Elephant Parade Land and participate in the elephant painting workshop.
Day 12 - 14: Bangkok - Departure
  • Fly to Bangkok. See the city attractions and drive around on a tuktuk.
  • Take a day trip to the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market and to the historic town Kanchanaburi.
  • Embark on the departure flight from Bangkok.

Customizable itinerary

Discover the most attractive destinations in Thailand with your family in 14 days. Begin your holiday from the idyllic beaches of Phuket, then spend time enjoying the tranquil and untouched landscape of Khao Sok, and visiting the elephants. On a speedboat, the whole family can sightsee the breathtaking nature of Phang Nga Bay. Relax on the beautiful beaches in Krabi before heading to Chiang Mai to see the city’s temples, embark on an AVT tour and join a cooking class. Tour around Bangkok on a tuktuk and visit the floating market and Kanchanaburi town on a day trip.

On arrival at Phuket International Airport, your family is welcomed by our local guide and driver, then head to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at leisure, to get over your long flight and relax. If you have the energy you can go ahead and explore the breathtaking beaches of Patong and Phuket, where you can indulge in various water sport activities if you so choose, before returning to the hotel for a good night’s sleep!

Overnight in Phuket
Meals: (_/_/_)



The whole day will be at leisure. You and your family can join a snorkeling trip. There are many other options for you to choose also, depending on the water conditions.

Overnight in Phuket
Meals: (_/_/_)



We will pick you up at the hotel in the morning, leaving Phuket with your guide who will provide information en route.  When the bus crosses Sarasin Bridge to Phang Nga Province, you can see the lifestyle of the local communities, and the mountain scenery, together with the rubber plants and palms, which add to the economy around the area. “You will take a short break for a cup of coffee while enjoying the beautiful scenery at Khao Lak. Khao Lak was hit by a Tsunami in 2019, but now, there are no signs of it, only the painful memory of the tragedy. We then take you to Suratthani where the evergreen forest of Khao Sok National Park is located. While we are on the mountainous and wonderful route, you will see the self-sufficient lifestyle of the local people, which will fill you with envy.

Upon arriving Khao Sok you will be enjoy spending time Elephant Bathing, and riding an elephant to the beautiful rain forest with unspoilt nature. After riding for approximately 1 hour  we take you to Khaosok Boutique Camp where you can enjoy the view of the spectacular hills and mountains. Khaosok Boutique Camp is a riverside restaurant with a wonderful relaxed atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a Thai non-spicy lunch., while viewing nature.

After lunch, we will start our enjoyable program with canoeing.  We provide paddlers, the offspring of the local people, to accompany you through Khao Sok River. These people will welcome you with sincerity to their homeland.  Khao Sok river is full of wildlife, including snakes and gibbons. We then take you to Khaosok Discovery where we provide comfortable tents for you to be at one with nature in this wonderful mountain location.

You will be able to watch the sunset over the mountains while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere and a tasty dinner.  Khao Sok is very cool at night, enabling a fresh night’s sleep for you to awaken to a beautiful sunrise.

Overnight in Khao Sok
Meals: (B/L/D)



We welcome a new morning listening to the birds, and enjoying the mountain air, while viewing the fog that extensively covers the area of Khao Sok National Park.

After breakfast, we take you trekking in the tropical forest full of interesting fauna, birds and waterfalls. The trekking routes are high and steep so be prepared for a good workout.  You will be walking through the streams that flow down from the mountain and get close up and personal with the waterfalls, allowing you to take awesome photos to take home!

The rainy season is the most beautiful time to trek, and takes about 4-5 hours.  If you wish to take a meal with you on this adventure, just ask your guide, who will then make arrangements for you to receive one before leaving the base.

After collecting your luggage and checking out, we lead you to discover another attraction called “Guilin of Thailand” or Ratchaprapa Dam.  The way from Khao Sok Discovery Camp to Ratchaprapa Dam is a route passing through small villages where you can observe the peaceful lifestyle. In addition to discovering the lifestyle of the local people, you will enjoy nature, plants and mountain views on both sides, until arriving at Ratchaprapa Dam.  The view leading up to arrival will astound you!.  Upon reaching the pier you can buy some snacks for the boat trip, if you so choose.  We then go by long-tailed boat to the raft or floating house.

During the boat trip, you will be delighted by the crystal clear emerald water.  It is really beautiful, like you are on the ocean until you remember you are really in a dam.  The surrounding view of the mountains is delightful.  After checking in you can enjoy a swim or go canoeing, before dinner and maybe a cocktail or two!

Overnight in Khao Sok
Meals: (B/L/D)



This morning, enjoy the spectacular Cheow Lan Lake, by long-tail boat cruising the turquoise water. Then change the atmosphere to a jungle walk. You can see plants, flowers, butterflies, birds, squirrels, reptiles, etc., just waiting for your discovery, then a short walk to 500 Rai Lake before getting on a canoe to cross the 500 rai lake to an amazing cave. The stalagmites and stalactites have beautiful formations. Easy access for children but be careful of the slippery wet floor. We spend 30 minutes exploring this cave, giving ample time to take photos. After cruising back to land we depart for Krabi.

Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (B/L/D)

Your day begins with a transfer from your hotel in Krabi to Ao Thalane Pier where your guide awaits you. Cruise by speedboat to Phang Nga Bay, which covers over 154 square miles (400 km2) and is home to some 100 islands. The bay consists of filled rocky, limestone outcrops jutting high out of the emerald green sea, exotic sea caves and a thriving variety of wildlife.

Your first stop today is the incredible James Bond Island, which is the highlight of this tour. Without a doubt, the most famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay, thanks to its starring role in the James Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun. Because it is under National Park protection  boats are not allowed to go too close to the island. The best way to view James Bond Island is from the small beach on Khao Phing Kan. Khao Phing Kan is a high rock that has some small caves inside. It’s pretty amazing and fun to check them all out. On its crowded eastern beach, there are stalls and stands selling souvenirs, mostly made from shells and woods. Moving on, you cruise out to Lot Noi Cave at Thalu Island. Here, you transfer to a canoe (if you have booked the sea kayaking option) for an adventure paddling through the sea caves found among the mangrove forests.

The tour includes a Thai style lunch at the charming Panyee Island – a nearby Muslim fishing village. The locals live in stilt houses and you will have the opportunity to witness first hand the daily life of a community unchanged over time.

Finish your day by swimming in the crystal clear waters that surround the pristine Hong Island. Dry off by relaxing on a secluded beach before it’s time to be back on board for your speedboat journey back to Krabi. Your hotel transfer will be waiting for you at the pier.

Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (B/L/_)



Enjoy the full day to explore on your own.

Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (B/_/_)



Free time at your leisure until transfer to Krabi Airport, you will take a short flight to Chiang Mai. You will be met at Chiang Mai Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: (B/_/_)



Start your day off in the very best way: exploring the beautiful Thai city of Chiang Mai as the sun begins to rise. After meeting your local English-speaking guide, your spiritual experience will begin.

You’ll be  immersed into daily life in Chiang Mai as you join the locals in their daily commute onboard a Songthaew, an iconic public bus, and head down Suthep Road. Make a stop at Kad Ton Payom, a small but popular market which will draw you in with the sights and smells of the delicious northern Thai cuisine at its stalls.

From here, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in one of Chiang Mai’s most important religious and cultural ceremonies: the Buddhist almsgiving. Each morning, faithful locals gather and give food as alms to the saffron-robe wearing Buddhist monks. Your guide helps you fill the monks’ alms bowls with rice as they make their daily procession.

Following this unforgettable experience, you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering typical breakfast before making your way to Wat Gatekaram for a glimpse of local life. Venture through the small alleyways of this trading community, stopping to see old temples and a local market. Then venture away from the city’s centre to Wiang Kum Kam, a ‘lost civilization’ wiped out by a flood 200 years ago. Hop on a bike to explore the ancient ruins which are scattered about the rural fields. See traces of the past while pedalling slowly through the site. The museum there is a real eye opener into this lost civilization. Take some time to understand this history with the innovative technology this museum is now using, the technology used to bring the museum to life is fun and interactive for children and adults alike.

Take a rest and board a Longtail Boat for a scenic ride down the Mae Ping River. Relax and enjoy the views of riverside villages, fishermen and other boats passing by.

Disembark near the city and have lunch at a local Thai restaurant. Then try yet another form of local transport, samlor. These pedal-powered three-wheeled trishaws used to be ubiquitous in Thailand but are slowly being replaced by motorbikes and other motorized vehicles. Move slowly through the streets toward Wat Chedi Luang. Stop to visit this spectacular pagoda, once home to a famous Emerald Buddha.

The day ends with a Tuk-tuk ride to Waroros Market. Mingle among the locals and soak up the sights and smells of the fresh food and Thai spices. Then return to your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: (B/L/_)



Morning ATV riding (8:30 – 11:30)

3 hour ATV trip is set up for beginners to intermediate drivers. We start out with detailed instructions and a training course to get you comfortable with your vehicles. It is a mix of road and off-road jungle terrain. It’s well-suited for those that would like to explore the local countryside and see it a different way. We have different routes that we choose based on weather conditions, road conditions and driver abilities. If you have driven ATV’s before please let us know your riding ability.

What to wear / What to bring

We highly recommend that you bring sunglasses or glasses and we advise wearing shoes. It is not a good idea to drive your ATV in sandals as there are sharp stones and rocks on the road. Likewise, in the event that you fall off it’s a great idea to protect your skin from scrapes by wearing trousers and a long sleeved T-Shirt.

Sunscreen is also important and we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle and a change of dry clothes in the event that it’s raining.

Afternoon cooking class:

Today you will learn to cook some of the most famous Thai dishes at Asia Scenic – one of the best cooking schools in Chiang Mai.

After you select the menus you want to cook, you’ll get started with a local market tour to select the freshest ingredients for your menu.

Enjoy the guidance of the chef and prepare your own meal, then evaluate yourself by having what you have cooked for dinner!

The evening will be free.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: (B/_/D)



Morning Elephant Tour

Elephant Parade Land is a new landmark in San Phisuea, Chiang Mai. This wonderful museum and workshop offers visitors of all ages a fun experience with elephants. Apart from taking a tour, it’s always a good idea to buy one of their lovely elephants painted by local artists as a souvenir. Or you know, it’s even better if you learn to make one by yourself. Pick either the package with a 10-cm elephant or a 15-cm elephant. Then, you can look forward to participating in this cool elephant painting workshop. Our prices include necessary equipment such as paint brushes, acrylic paints, a turntable tray, blow dryer, and apron. A bottle of drinking water and light snacks are also provided.

Afternoon flight to Bangkok

You will be driven to Chiang Mai airport for a short flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver are waiting to meet you, holding up a welcome signboard with your names on it, and take you directly to your hotel in the City Centre for check-in.

The rest of your day will be free.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: (B/_/_)



After breakfast, meet your private guide again and head to the historic center of Bangkok. Let a full day of experiences begin with a Tuk Tuk ride! This local favorite way of transportation can be seen all over Bangkok and other Thai cities. You can even see Tuk Tuk’s with fresh fruit buzzing by!

Bangkoks’ Flower Market is a must! You can wander past all the beautiful colors and aromas of all kinds of popular flowers like roses, forget me not’s, orchids, lilies and more. Your private tour guide can tell you all about the beautiful lotus flower, which holds a very special place in Thai life and is the traditional flower of Buddhism.

You can’t visit Bangkok without visiting a temple. How about checking one out that’s located right next to a flowing river.

Wait, who do we see crawling over there? Time to meet some turtle friends! Your local guide will get some yummy fruits for the turtles so your family can feed them.

Not only turtles get hungry, but we’re also sure you do too! Time for a local lunch at a restaurant known for its freshly made food. Whether you choose steamed rice & chicken or noodle soup, you’re in for a treat! Quench your thirst with a refreshing drink

Feeling refreshed and ready to go? Let’s check out another awesome temple with a huge Buddha measuring 46 meters long and 15 meters tall.  Pay attention to your local guide’s insights, we’re sure there will be a quiz along the way!

Top off your tour with a boat ride to Jim Thompson’s house! The local scenery along the way and authentic boat ride itself is so much fun. Kid’s love it.

Tour ends in the late afternoon. The evening is on your own.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: (B/L/_)



Depart early for the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market which is 110 km west of Bangkok. On your journey, today, you’ll pass by rice paddies and salt fields. You will make a stop en–route to visit a farmhouse and watch locals produce sugar from coconuts. The tour continues with a 30-minute speedboat trip along fruit plantations to see Thai houses and the traditional way of life.

Arrive at the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market and be fascinated by boats of various shapes and sizes used by local merchants to ferry their goods. You can hire a small boat to navigate your way along the market to shop for local products.

After the market, you’ll visit a wood carving factory.

Arrive in Kanchanaburi town by midday. You’ll spend time visiting the world-famous “bridge over the River Kwai“, a part of the Death Railway constructed by Allied prisoners of war. You’ll have the opportunity to take a train ride on Death Railway through magnificent scenery, passing over the original wooden viaduct constructed by the Allied POWs.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will leave Kanchanaburi, passing green paddy fields, villages, and temples then return to Bangkok.

Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, check in and the rest of your day is free.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: (B/L/_)



Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Bangkok International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, which we will help you plan if you so choose.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

Useful Information

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services. Please click on REQUEST A FREE QUOTE (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suite your requirements.

What’s Included?

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
  • Private Vehicles and Drivers
  • Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
  • Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
  • Service Charge & Government Taxes

What’s Not Included?

  • Your International Flights to and from Thailand
  • Thailand entry Visa Fees (contact us for further information)
  • Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
  • Any bank fees or charges at your end
  • Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Request this tour

Free service. No credit card required

Reviews on Our Service

We are committed to giving our customers unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and beyond, not just something staged for tourists. Read reviews written by our customers about their experiences in Indochina after they have returned home. These include the ratings and comments on attractions, guides, activities, hotels and food.

Excellent
4.9/5
5 97.66%
4 2.13%
3 0.21%
2 0%
1 0%

Vietnam Luxury Vacation Review: Sightseeing, Culture, 12-Day Travel

Asia Pioneer Travel was professional, provided prompt communication before and during our trip, and offered an itinerary custom to our wish list and timeline.

They helped us focus on highlights of areas which we would have spent considerable time researching and organizing without their help. Their attention to detail in information shared ahead of time, as well as step by step planning of transportation, meals, lodging, and sightseeing options offered a stress-free vacation- optimizing our time and energy on experiencing everything beautiful Vietnam has to offer!
The landscape, scenery, and customs of Vietnam are stunning and diverse. Each area we visited offered its own unique beauty. Absolutely amazing!!!
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Rachel Faust - USA
Mar 8, 2023
From: 5

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sightseeing, Rice Fields, Boat Rides, 18-Day Trip

We started searching for our tour for Vietnam / Cambodia back in October 2022 to start the tour in the first week of January 2023. We selected this travel agency, and contact name provided to us was Elly. She was extraordinary with her communication with us. Excellent English speaking language capability & excellent in communication on Whats app and email communication. We went back & forth few times to arrange the tour we wanted. She was very accommodating in arranging our schedule. We requested automobile tour for both countries, just for two of us.

We requested SUV FOR OUR COMFORT AND  WE GOT IT!
We requested to get the high end hotel in each city and she gave us choices and not only that but send videos of each hotel for each City and then waited for us to decide which hotel we select. All the Hotels turned out to be one of the best we would expect to be. M/s Elly, personally came to visit with us on the evening of our first day tour. Very respectful and asked if she could do anything for us.I had requested before in our communication, if she would arrange for power converter for us, since my camera chargers are all in 110. So brought two power converters for us! Something, not everyone will do this kind of service. So all the kiddos to her!

as to the drivers in each city were very courteous, very professional and very careful in how and where they have to do driving.

our Guides in each city were so friendly, courteous and knowledgeable in where ever we visited. How ever wish two guides in Hue An and Ho Chi Minh City spoke English more clearly.

We only wish we had one extra day in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, , however, there is so much to see in the world! Perhaps next time will visit Vietnam.

As to Cambodia, same thing to express about site seeing and our Guide and drivers. Guides and drivers really made our travel thro’ the countries where we do not speak that language, made it so comfortable and enjoyable.

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Sudhir D - USA
Mar 3, 2023

Outstanding!

Hi Lam…hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly. My wife Barb  & I (Paul) have just arrived home after completing a great tour of Vietnam which was organised through your company Asia Pioneer Travel.

We want to tell you personally how impressed were were with the level of service that we received…it was amazing and the best that we have experienced anywhere. After we made initial contact with you, you handed us over to Chloe to arrange the trip which she did in very quick time and the amount of detail that she went to was fantastic. From the moment that we walked out of Hanoi airport on arrival to see our guide waiting, we knew that we were in for a great trip. The drivers & guides were fantastic and Chloe was in contact by email constantly making sure that everything was going to plan & that we were happy. At one stage we need to vary the itinerary by extending accommodation & changing air tickets and Chloe did that without any fuss or bother.

We also met some wonderful Vietnamese people along the way and Ive got to say that they are our kind of people, very generous & friendly.

Enough of my ramblings, thanks for a great visit to Vietnam, and a special thank you to Chloe for looking after us in such a terrific manner…she is a very special caring lady.

Kind regards & I hope that we have the opportunity to use Asia Pioneer Travel again….Paul & Barb Little from Newcastle Australia

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Paul & Barb Little - Australia
Mar 2, 2023

Superbly organised and very flexible

We travelled to Vietnam for two weeks, booking the whole trip through Lizzie at Asia Pioneer, including hotels, excursions, trips, guides and internal flights. Lizzie was so helpful and flexible, accommodating changes to our schedule until the last minute, especially as we missed our connecting flight in Dubai and arrived a day later than planned (our fault). Nothing was too much trouble, including getting my wallet back to me after I left it in the car taking us to the airport.

We started in Hanoi in the North and worked our way south to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), taking in Ha Long with its amazing sea stacks and sleeping on a boat, then to Sa Pa on the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi, with its wonderful countryside and rice terraces. Afterwards, we went to Hoi An for three days of relaxation. Hoi An probably my favourite place and three days are enough to cover it. Then onto Hue, the original capital, my least favourite place and then finally on to HMC, which was a real contrast to the North.

The 3-star hotels that Lizzie picked were very good and comfortable, and the guides were very knowledgeable. I would definitely use Asia Pioneer again for future Asia trips.

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Alex Miller - United Kingdom
Mar 1, 2023