With children to Thailand

Dear Jolly, You can contact me on 06 239 626 76 or [email protected]
It is certainly doable to travel through Thailand with three children and also to link a trekking. I have been coming to Thailand for over 20 years and have done several treks.

We live in Northern Thailand and have developed a 1-week program for arrival in Chiang Mai, hiking (and mineral baths/sauna) in a beautiful national park, visiting sights, by speedboat to Chiang Rai and then by slow boat to Luang Krabang . Jumping into the waterfall there is great fun for kids.

Please note: this program has been written for visits from family & friends. But most of it generally applies:

"
During my business life in the Netherlands, I have always considered it my duty to show foreign visitors my country. Over decades I have built up the experience that has made me understand what people are looking for when they explore a country. Now I live part of the year in the beautiful north of Thailand with my Thai partner Wanla; history can repeat itself….

Why Northern Thailand
The first reason was the weather. Especially in winter the temperature is great: cool (but not cold) during the early morning and evening; sunny and warm (but not too hot) during the day. During the winter it doesn't rain much; the dry season begins with spring. April is super-dry and the hottest month of the year, which is why we have the Water Festival (everyone throws water at each other). The next reason is the many festivals. Check: http://www.bangkok.com/magazine/best-festivals-in-thailand.htm
When we moved here, we discovered that nature is beautiful here. Thailand is internationally known for its beautiful beaches, but its mountain scenes are some of the best in the world. We are lucky enough to live close to one of Thailand's most respected national parks with mineral baths and steam baths. In winter we go there at least twice a week and it never gets boring. Doubly lucky is that the Thai massage here is of a high standard.

The Experience
• Arrival in Chiang Mai on Sunday morning by night train or air. We will pick you up and we will visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, which also acts as a national elephant hospital: http://www.thailandelephant.org/en/index.html. Since the drive is 1,5 hours each way and the area is huge, this journey takes the rest of the day. Before dinner, we explore the historic, culture-rich Old Town (capital of the former Lanna Kingdom). Then we stroll along the famous night market and enjoy different types of delicious street food or dine in a good Thai (or Japanese or …..) restaurant.

• After breakfast we drive along the 'long and winding road' to the mountain town of Pai, where we arrive for lunch. After exploring the mountain area we can enjoy the Hot Springs, where we will also stay: http://www.paihotspringssparesort.com/chalet-river-view.html

• On Tuesday we drive to Chiang Dao, where we have lunch at one of the best restaurants in Northern Thailand: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1216713-d2433854-Reviews-Chiang_Dao_Nest_Restaurant-Chiang_Dao.html

• Then we visit the Chiang Dao Caves; you can choose between the easy or (a bit) scary route. On the way to Mae Ai we stop at a “mountain people” market and buy vegetables and medicinal herbs/spices at incredibly low prices. That evening, James prepares duck breast and explains how to prepare this and other dishes.

• The next morning we go to our favorite national park in Fang, a 40-minute drive away: https://www.google.co.th/destination?q=fang+national+park&site=search&output=search&dest_mid=/m/0j29l00&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMw6rDiY_fAhUO3Y8KHXRRAnYQri4wG3oECAkQAw#dest_mid=/m/0j29l00&tcfs=EhoaGAoKMjAxOC0xMi0yNBIKMjAxOC0xMi0yOA We start with an open-air mineral bath surrounded by well-tended gardens and then enjoy the mineral steam bath. The Thai call this “sauna” and the temperature experience is indeed similar.

Then it is a good time for a traditional Thai massage. This is by no means a relaxing “tourist” massage, but it really helps to relax the muscles of your body, reduce stress and improve circulation. That compensates for the “slight suffering”, which you can experience especially the first time. After a simple but good Thai lunch, we can take a short or long walk in the park and visit the Geyser, which regularly spews out a water fountain.

In the afternoon we visit a “real” mountain village; not one designed for tourists, but one that showcases actual life. On Thai Happy Hour, we will join villagers at a local market. Dinner is served by Wanla & James where we prepare a variety of traditional Thai specialties and explain how to prepare them.

• Thursday is market day, where local farmers and mountain residents offer their products and other daily items. If you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes or any of the other lifestyle diseases, you will find natural remedies here. If you want another Spa experience, we can do this. Then it's time for lunch, followed by a visit to the largest Buddhist temple in Northern Thailand: ThaTon.

Below there are several options (can be combined if desired):

o Stay another day or two to continue enjoying the mineral baths, massages and Thai food.

o Take the small river boat to Chiang Rai with multiple stops to the elephant camp, mountain village and other sights along the way. If traveling with a small boat is not your thing, we can go by car and stop at places worth seeing. In the evening you can go to your next destination by plane (no train station) or by bus. Or you stay longer to explore Chiang Rai and surroundings AND / OR:

• Take the early morning 2-hour bus ride to Chiang Kong, the border town with Laos. A shuttle takes you to Huay Xai, where the “slow boat” departs for Luang Prabang. There is no better way to experience rural life in Laos. Although there are some tourists, the boat is the most commonly used transport, whether it is a market away (and one returns with products) or a family moving to another village.

It takes two relaxing days to get to Luang Prabang, a Unesco city with French colonial architecture. It's worth staying here for a day or two. A visit to the falls is definitely recommended.
"

Would go to Krabi. Lots of wide beaches and plenty of activities. You can trek jungle there and also take a longtail boat to one of the many islands.

Consult greenwoodtravel in bangkok. Is a Dutch travel agency but is located in Bangkok. Have packages.

But also in Jomtien, Pataya you have enough. Only I do not recommend the beach in Pattaya and Jomtien.
I have a condo there but only swim at the marine camp 20 minutes further south.

1. Any questions? When do you want to go.
2. Hotel resort or rent an apartment. Apartment with two bedrooms and large sofa bed in the room count on a 12000 bath per month.
I have a condo in Jomtien. Is possibly for rent. Need to know the period.
on the complex are two saltwater swimming pools, a sports and fitness complex, shops, laundry, travel agency (English owner).
3. Tickets have a look directly at eurowings. Directly from dusseldorf. Mostly promotions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Can also inquire at D-travel.
4. Check out the following links for ideas.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/travelling-with-children
https://santorinidave.com/bangkok-with-kids
https://www.ytravelblog.com/thailand-with-kids/
https://www.ithaka.travel/blog/20-amazing-things-krabi-family/
https://thailand.tripcanvas.co/chonburi/family-things-to-do-pattaya/
5. Land transport 80% by bus, the rest by train and plane.
Renting a car is also possible and driving there is no worse than in Amsterdam or Paris.
Make sure you have an international driver's license through the ANWB.

Depends how long you go
but I wouldn't travel too much.
Everyone has their own preference, so this kind of advice remains difficult.
After a few days in Bangkok (boat trip, cycling, etc.) I would go to River Kwai, for example Jungle Rafts, in nature, with waterfalls and the famous bridge..
Then to the sea eg Hua Hin / Cha am, because the beach should not be missed with children.
From there, stay on a raft for a day in Khao Sok nature park or if you have more time, go to an island such as Ko Samui.
Chang Mai is also nice, but then you have to travel for about three weeks.
From Bangkok you can also (with less time) go to the sea at Jomtien, there are many attractions for children and you do not have to see the Pattaya scene. You can then easily continue to Ko Samet, a nice island not too far away.
By the way, you can book trips to your next destination on the spot.