Family Thailand: River Kwai & Islands

Our tour starts today in Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital, known for its street vendors offering tasty local food, bright lights and tuk-tuks. For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), which is roughly a 40-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. After the welcome meeting, we'll take a short walk to a local rooftop restaurant, where we'll sit down for a delicious welcome dinner - this is a great first opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine, get to know our group and set the tone for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast this morning, we'll hop in tuk-tuks to ride to the pier where we'll board a long-tail boat. Our cruise through Bangkok's canals (klongs) gives us a unique view of life along the Chao Phraya River. We'll pass by wooden stilt houses, a floating-style 7-Eleven, sunbathing lizards, and birds watching from the water's edge. Next, we'll visit Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, a royal temple founded in 1610 during the Ayutthaya period and later developed into a major meditation centre by Luang Por Sod. Be sure to admire the city's largest Buddha statue. Our next stop is the Artist Village with its wooden walkways, local art and peaceful atmosphere. We'll stop to feed the holy catfish before returning to the lively main river. Our tour ends around noon near the Royal Palace, where we'll transfer back to our hotel. The rest of the day has been left free. You could choose to visit the Royal Palace or later on this evening, when the streets have calmed down, there is the option to take a cycling tour through the city's hidden backstreets to discover more of local life and uncover some of Bangkok's lesser-known gems.

This morning, we'll drive to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Upon arrival, we'll explore the historic city by tuk-tuk, visiting its most iconic temples: Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots; Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once the holiest temple of the Ayutthaya period; and Wat Lokayasutharam, home to the impressive 37-metre-long reclining Buddha. We'll break for an included lunch at a local restaurant, where we'll get another taste of authentic Thai cooking. Desert will be a hands-on experience, making Roti Sai Mai (a traditional sweet resembling delicate candy floss wrapped in a thin pancake). It takes a bit of practice to master the art but we're sure to have fun trying. Full up on tasty local flavours, we'll transfer back to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free. Ayutthaya sits on the Chao Praya, the same mighty river that runs through Bangkok, and this evening there is the option to board a converted traditional teak rice barge for dinner and views of the ancient temples illuminated.

We have an early start today as we head for Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival at the local railway station after an hour and a half drive, we'll board one of Thailand's classic third-class trains. With open windows, fan-cooled carriages, and a lively atmosphere, the ride is part of the adventure. A train journey like this is something of a right of passage for travellers visiting Thailand - vendors move through the aisles selling snacks, drinks and quirky souvenirs. While many visitors simply photograph the Bridge over the River Kwai, we'll cross it by train, travelling along the historic tracks of the infamous Death Railway. We'll continue along one of the most scenic stretches of the route, where the railway hugs the river's edge, framed by lush jungle and dramatic limestone cliffs. Finally, we'll arrive at Namtok Railway Station, the final stop on the line. Before we transfer to our camp, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Tham Krasae Viaduct nearby - a photographer's dream and a great place to snap holiday shots. Our home for the next two nights is the Hintok River Camp. Set along the River Kwai, the camp features spacious safari-style tents, landscaped gardens and a natural spring-fed rock pool overlooking the river - it's a comfortable retreat immersed in the nature of Kanchanaburi. The afternoon is yours to enjoy. History enthusiasts might like to join our tour leader to explore the Hintok Story Museum within the campgrounds, located on the site of a former British POW camp dating back to 1943. The museum offers moving historical displays, including a preserved guard tower and interpretive exhibits that reflect the camp's past. As the sun sets, you can unwind in the camp's natural hot springs and soak in the views over the River Kwai. We'll finish up the day with a group BBQ at the campsite.

After breakfast at our camp, we'll drive to Sai Yok National Park, a stunning natural reserve renowned for its waterfalls, caves and lush jungle. Prepare for a proper jungle experience today. We'll board a private raft towed by long-tail boat to explore a quiet part of the river. Completely immersed in nature, with the only sound being birdsong and the chatter of monkeys in the treetops, we'll take some time to relax, dip into the cool water and have lunch onboard. Our cruise continues after an included lunch, moving downstream past dense forest, limestone cliffs and even under a cascading waterfall before we return to our camp by longtail boat. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore before we gather for another camp dinner.

We have an action-packed day ahead today, setting out after breakfast to OurLand, a wildlife park and conservation centre. On the way, we'll take the chance to stop at Hellfire Pass, one of the most significant sites of the Death Railway, where prisoners of war carved through solid rock during World War II. We'll visit the memorial museum and walk part of the historic trail. It's worth noting that while insightful, it's a sombre place to visit. Upon arrival at OurLand, the team will give us a safety briefing before we head out on a River Float and River Ecology experience. Wearing life vests, we'll drift along the Kwae Yai River while learning about its fragile ecosystem. An included lunch will be served back at basecamp. There's more adventure to come this afternoon - we'll set out on an easy Jungle Ecology Trek, discovering local flora and fauna and learning how wildlife uses the forest corridor along the river. There'll also be time for a swim before exploring the eco-village during an OurLand Eco-Tour, giving us insight into sustainable living within the reserve. Later, we'll transfer to the train station in Nakhon Pathom, where we'll board our sleeper train to Surat Thani. Unlike some sleeper trains, berths aren't in compartments. Instead, they're open plan, arranged at either side of a central aisle. At night, each pair of seats pulls together to form the bottom bunk, while the upper bunk folds down from the wall. An attendant will make up your bunk with a pillow, bedding and blanket. There's plenty of room for luggage and toilets with sinks are located at the end of each carriage. During the journey, a steward will come to take your food and drink order from a set menu. We'll also stop at a local market for food before boarding the train. Please note that we need all passport details at the time of booking to reserve the trains. If you do not provide your passport information, we may be unable to secure the overnight train due to very limited availability. In that case, we would need to book an overnight coach instead.

Upon arrival at Surat Thani, we'll meet our bus to transfer to Khao Sok. We'll make a stop at a 7-Eleven along the way, where you'll be able to buy a coffee and a light breakfast (not included). Our destination today is the Khao Sok Thai Cookery and Farm, upon arrival, we'll be able to freshen up before diving in to an immersive culinary experience. In a hands-on Thai cooking class led by a local chef, we'll discover regional specialities, explore fresh local ingredients, and learn traditional techniques. It's not all about the cooking - the hard work will pay off and we'll be eating what we've prepared for lunch. After lunch, we'll continue to Khao Sok Village to check in to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax. In the evening, there is the option to join a guided jungle night walk in Khao Sok National Park - a very different way to experience the rainforest after dark. As night falls, the atmosphere shifts and the forest becomes active in a new way. Accompanied by a local guide and using torchlight, we walk along the trails to look for nocturnal wildlife. You may spot insects, frogs, geckos, and sleeping birds, and with some luck, perhaps civets or other small mammals.

Today, we're heading into the heart of Khao Sok's rainforest. First up we drive around the park to the trailhead where we'll hike through the untouched wilderness to the Cheow Lan viewpoint or a hidden cave - our destination will be based on the weather. After lunch, we'll board a longtail boat and glide across the water of Cheow Lan Lake. Looking up, we'll see towering limestone cliffs rising around us as we drift through the tranquil waters. The afternoon is all about relaxation - swim in the calm waters, take a canoe out for a paddle or simply soak in the surroundings. Later, we'll set out on a boat safari to spot wildlife on the lake's shores. Returning to our raft house in the evening, we'll have time to tuck into some more traditional Thai cuisine before spending the night stargazing.

Early birds can head out on a sunrise boat safari this morning, venturing into Khao Sok National Park to spot creatures in the morning light. Returning to the raft house, we'll have time for breakfast before our next adventure. We'll board a boat and glide across the water to Cheow Lan Lake Pier, soaking in the landscapes for a final time. From the pier, we'll board our bus and drive to Sak Pier (a three-to-four-hour journey), where we'll catch the local ferry to Koh Phangan (one and a half hours). The island is famous for its tranquil beaches, calm shallow waters and stunning natural surroundings. Upon arrival at our resort, the afternoon is free. You might like to unwind by the pool or head to the beach for a dip in the turquoise waters.

After breakfast this morning, we'll set off on a snorkelling adventure, exploring some of the local beaches and coral reefs along the west coast. Our journey begins at Haad Salad Beach where we meet our private long tail boat for the day, before moving on to Mae Haad Beach, where a sandbar connects the shore to the island of Koh Ma. Beneath the surface of the water, we'll spot the vibrant colours of tropical fish. With a little luck, we might even see turtles, blue-spotted stingrays or majestic groupers. Equipment, including life vests, will be provided today. After lunch at Chaloklum, we'll head to Bottle Beach, a hidden paradise only accessible by boat. On our way there, we'll squeeze in another snorkelling session at Haad Khom. We'll return to our hotel in the late afternoon.

There are no activities planned this morning, so you're free to relax at the beach. In the early afternoon, we'll take a local taxi to visit a Thai boxing training centre, where local champions train. We'll get to grips with the fundamentals of the sport and step into the ring to practice alongside instructors. If you're feeling daring, you might even get to train with one of the pro boxers themselves. After two-hours in the ring, we'll head back to our hotel to relax.

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Koh Phangan. We'll head to the pier where we'll catch the ferry to Koh Samui. The largest island in the Samui Archipelago, Koh Samui is popular with budget backpackers and luxury holidaymakers alike. It's as relaxed as it is lively, offering white-sand beaches, coconut plantations and temples, alongside upscale resorts, nightlife and shopping. We'll spend our final two nights at a hotel right by the beach. The rest of the day has been left free at leisure. Your Tour Leader will explain optional excursion options.

Today is free for you to explore Koh Samui at your own pace. The island has something for everyone, from white-sand beaches to coral reefs, waterfalls to temples, as well as shopping and restaurants.

Our trip ends at our hotel in Koh Samui. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is later in the day, luggage storage is available at the hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Samui International Airport (USM), which is roughly 40 minutes from the hotel.