Multi Generation Thailand Trip - Advice
Discussion
We are looking to plan a family trip to Thailand from the mid December for 3 weeks.
We are a large group of 13 (8 adults and 5 Children ranging from 7 - 70) and would like to explore the whole of Thailand with a mixture of city, jungle and beach.
At the moment I'm thinking this is Bangkok -> Chang Mai/Rai -> Ao Nang
Typically our holidays as a group have been villa based in destinations like Cyprus, Portugal etc so this will be a completely different experience.
Any recommendations for itenary, destinations, accomodation, places to visit etc would be very gratefully received.
Or if you've had anyone put together this sort of package before, would also consider handing over the hardwork to a reputable travel agent!
Edited to add - also need to consider the best place to be for Xmas Day / New Years eve.
We are a large group of 13 (8 adults and 5 Children ranging from 7 - 70) and would like to explore the whole of Thailand with a mixture of city, jungle and beach.
At the moment I'm thinking this is Bangkok -> Chang Mai/Rai -> Ao Nang
Typically our holidays as a group have been villa based in destinations like Cyprus, Portugal etc so this will be a completely different experience.
Any recommendations for itenary, destinations, accomodation, places to visit etc would be very gratefully received.
Or if you've had anyone put together this sort of package before, would also consider handing over the hardwork to a reputable travel agent!
Edited to add - also need to consider the best place to be for Xmas Day / New Years eve.
Edited by alan-87 on Saturday 7th November 20:20
Think you may be better planning for Xmas 27 and start booking now.
Book everything yourself it will work out a lot cheaper.
Start with flights perhaps use Singapore airlines and include a lay over for a few days there on the way home.
Bangkok for 3 nights is enough
Chang Rai is better than Mai imo plus visit white temple there but 4 nights is all you need
On the way up to C R or the return journey go to Kanchanaburi for a couple of nights (we stayed in good times resort which was lovely and right on the river)and take the train to the Death railway over the trellis bridge for the day real fun journey for all with the very moving war memorial at the end and a chance to walk along part of the tracks.( Have you seen the Railway Man?)
Also may be nip over to Siem Reap for 3 nights and do temples of Angkor. If you do Bangkok first then a cheaper flight to Siem Reap return.
Beaches if you want Tenerife in Thailand but better beaches then Aonang is your place if you want quieter go lo to Khao Lak.
Travel in Asia is very easy and cheap ie you can fly Chang Rai to Phuket or Krabi in a day via Bangkok (2 flights)
Airasia, Scoot and Bangkok airways are best although the latter can be expensive.
For your international flight and we have done this many times you can fly into one airport coming in and another leaving and it doesn’t work out much more expensive than standard return. Ie with have done London to Chang Rai and then Phuket to London under one ticket, it just saves doubling back to get home.
Book everything yourself it will work out a lot cheaper.
Start with flights perhaps use Singapore airlines and include a lay over for a few days there on the way home.
Bangkok for 3 nights is enough
Chang Rai is better than Mai imo plus visit white temple there but 4 nights is all you need
On the way up to C R or the return journey go to Kanchanaburi for a couple of nights (we stayed in good times resort which was lovely and right on the river)and take the train to the Death railway over the trellis bridge for the day real fun journey for all with the very moving war memorial at the end and a chance to walk along part of the tracks.( Have you seen the Railway Man?)
Also may be nip over to Siem Reap for 3 nights and do temples of Angkor. If you do Bangkok first then a cheaper flight to Siem Reap return.
Beaches if you want Tenerife in Thailand but better beaches then Aonang is your place if you want quieter go lo to Khao Lak.
Travel in Asia is very easy and cheap ie you can fly Chang Rai to Phuket or Krabi in a day via Bangkok (2 flights)
Airasia, Scoot and Bangkok airways are best although the latter can be expensive.
For your international flight and we have done this many times you can fly into one airport coming in and another leaving and it doesn’t work out much more expensive than standard return. Ie with have done London to Chang Rai and then Phuket to London under one ticket, it just saves doubling back to get home.
Edited by GT4P on Sunday 8th November 08:12
The reason I said book for 27 is Thailand from mid December to early February is very popular and very busy so all the good better value accommodation gets booked up, flights left last minute can get extremely expensive especially over Xmas period.
Planning well in advance is key especially for a large group. May be worth splitting the group in to different hotels but same area.
You can book flights nearly 12 months in advance for sometimes but not always the cheapest seats.
If you look on pistonheads there has been many topics on going to Thailand over the years
Planning well in advance is key especially for a large group. May be worth splitting the group in to different hotels but same area.
You can book flights nearly 12 months in advance for sometimes but not always the cheapest seats.
If you look on pistonheads there has been many topics on going to Thailand over the years
We did a tour in Feb and are going back next Feb.
We flew to Hong Kong and then to BangKok (3 nights- nit enough we are going for five next time. Chiang Mai for three nights, Elephant Hills for two nights and then a week or so in Khao Lak. Loved every minute.
All arranged through Trailfinders who were excellent and definitely not expensive as they seemed to get cheaper flights and arranged all the transfers.
We flew to Hong Kong and then to BangKok (3 nights- nit enough we are going for five next time. Chiang Mai for three nights, Elephant Hills for two nights and then a week or so in Khao Lak. Loved every minute.
All arranged through Trailfinders who were excellent and definitely not expensive as they seemed to get cheaper flights and arranged all the transfers.
craig1912 said:
We did a tour in Feb and are going back next Feb.
We flew to Hong Kong and then to BangKok (3 nights- nit enough we are going for five next time. Chiang Mai for three nights, Elephant Hills for two nights and then a week or so in Khao Lak. Loved every minute.
All arranged through Trailfinders who were excellent and definitely not expensive as they seemed to get cheaper flights and arranged all the transfers.
Suggested shorter time in Bangkok as kids will get bored, so you off to Khaolak Feb 27? We will also be there feb and March but starting our trip in Koh Lipe for a couple of weeks or actually Langkawi for 3 nights to start as easiest way to get to Koh LipeWe flew to Hong Kong and then to BangKok (3 nights- nit enough we are going for five next time. Chiang Mai for three nights, Elephant Hills for two nights and then a week or so in Khao Lak. Loved every minute.
All arranged through Trailfinders who were excellent and definitely not expensive as they seemed to get cheaper flights and arranged all the transfers.
Have you been to somewhere like this before?
Thailand can be tough for older people, heat, humidity etc.
Also are you aware its burning season up north?
Not trying to put you off - but you just need to know this stuff.
Doing that trip over 3 weeks is going to be a slog, but it is possible. If you are a seasoned traveller its not too bad but with 8 people its a lot of logistics.
Thailand can be tough for older people, heat, humidity etc.
Also are you aware its burning season up north?
Not trying to put you off - but you just need to know this stuff.
Doing that trip over 3 weeks is going to be a slog, but it is possible. If you are a seasoned traveller its not too bad but with 8 people its a lot of logistics.
I agree that itinerary could be too much for the older members within your group. Assuming your based in the UK, your looking at 12 hour flight to Bangkok with a +8 GMT timezone.
4 days in Bangkok, airport fly to Chiang Mai (door to door 6 hours all going well?) spend 5 days in Chiang Mai, then fly to Krabi. Have around 10 days to chill in that area doing the beach resort thing. Then fly back to Bangkok to get your connecting flight to the UK. 5 flights in 3 weeks would be too much for some.
My parents did something very similar for my dads 60th, absolutely loved it but found it exhausting. Normally they do Bangkok and pick a quiet area in Koh Samui.
Thailand is great and I have moved around several times within a 3-5 week trip in my early 30's and when I was 40.
I would strongly consider Bangkok and dropping either Northern Thailand or the beach location.
4 days in Bangkok, airport fly to Chiang Mai (door to door 6 hours all going well?) spend 5 days in Chiang Mai, then fly to Krabi. Have around 10 days to chill in that area doing the beach resort thing. Then fly back to Bangkok to get your connecting flight to the UK. 5 flights in 3 weeks would be too much for some.
My parents did something very similar for my dads 60th, absolutely loved it but found it exhausting. Normally they do Bangkok and pick a quiet area in Koh Samui.
Thailand is great and I have moved around several times within a 3-5 week trip in my early 30's and when I was 40.
I would strongly consider Bangkok and dropping either Northern Thailand or the beach location.
Totally disagree, me and wife in 60s and no problems we even travel in the minivans for instance we do Koh Lipe to Khao Lak in a day which is a longish Journey. We also meet plenty of people well in to late 60s, 70s travelling around. But imo planning is essential and don’t try and cram too much into a short space of time.
Eg I would
Fly London to Bangkok spend 3/4 nights in Bkk
Get a return flight to Siem Reap for 4 nights
Add additional flight on return day to Chang Rai to arrive late afternoon. Spend 3 nights Chang Rai. Next travel bit will need looking into but then spend 3 Nights Kanchanburi.
Travel by train in morning back to Bangkok to get flight to Phuket in afternoon to spend rest of holiday in Khao Lak then return home flight from Phuket
So I would book say Singapore airways London to Bangkok via Singapore out and then Phuket London home with perhaps a layover in Singapore as one ticket for less than a £1k
Eg I would
Fly London to Bangkok spend 3/4 nights in Bkk
Get a return flight to Siem Reap for 4 nights
Add additional flight on return day to Chang Rai to arrive late afternoon. Spend 3 nights Chang Rai. Next travel bit will need looking into but then spend 3 Nights Kanchanburi.
Travel by train in morning back to Bangkok to get flight to Phuket in afternoon to spend rest of holiday in Khao Lak then return home flight from Phuket
So I would book say Singapore airways London to Bangkok via Singapore out and then Phuket London home with perhaps a layover in Singapore as one ticket for less than a £1k
Forgot about burning season, is that still an issue in December? If that’s the case avoid Bangkok and the north perhaps do some island hopping in the south.
Same flights but arrive Kuala Lumpur , spend a few nights here then take a morning flight to Langkawi then option to spend time there or take afternoon ferry from Telega Terminal to Koh Lipe. Then you can take various boats to different islands or go straight to Koh Lanta. Perhaps spend a week in Koh Lanta recommend south of the Island and the Andalanta resort it has a few family villas.
Then take private mini van to Krabi maybe spend time in Aonang or fly home from Krabi airport, alternatively skip krabi and Aonang and go all the way to Khaolak and return from Phuket
Same flights but arrive Kuala Lumpur , spend a few nights here then take a morning flight to Langkawi then option to spend time there or take afternoon ferry from Telega Terminal to Koh Lipe. Then you can take various boats to different islands or go straight to Koh Lanta. Perhaps spend a week in Koh Lanta recommend south of the Island and the Andalanta resort it has a few family villas.
Then take private mini van to Krabi maybe spend time in Aonang or fly home from Krabi airport, alternatively skip krabi and Aonang and go all the way to Khaolak and return from Phuket
It can start as early as November or as late as January.
It depends how dry the fields are.
When I was last there we had it right through from late November till the end of December. Some days better than others. It would not personally put me off - but if I was older it might - depending on health etc.
Its been much wetter this year though, so my gut says it might be a late one this year - but you never know.
It depends how dry the fields are.
When I was last there we had it right through from late November till the end of December. Some days better than others. It would not personally put me off - but if I was older it might - depending on health etc.
Its been much wetter this year though, so my gut says it might be a late one this year - but you never know.
I spent some time over the Xmas / New Year in Chiang Mai (albeit over a decade ago), and the "burning" issue is really a none issue. Although Dec is reputed to be a cooler month, I still remember dripping with sweat in the 30C heat during a hill climb on a MTB tour!
NY Eve was pretty special in CM as they have the traditional mass lantern release which is quite a spectacular sight (anyone can join in but only in specific release points). Foods stalls and tables are set up inside the Phae Gate where families congregate to eat and enjoy the evening. Chiang Mai still remains one of my fav place as it offer many outdoor activities (which I enjoy!). They offer a choice of MTB / downhill or general bike (now with ebikes) tours for various day trip, trekking, high ropes/ zip lines (great fun for all ages on seriously high tress!). I see they offer bamboo rafting too which looks fun. There are elephants sanctuaries too if that float your boat (not for me). Imo, lots of fun activities to do in Chiang Mai if that suits your needs. If temple visit is your thing, go to Bangkok Grand Palace.
NY Eve was pretty special in CM as they have the traditional mass lantern release which is quite a spectacular sight (anyone can join in but only in specific release points). Foods stalls and tables are set up inside the Phae Gate where families congregate to eat and enjoy the evening. Chiang Mai still remains one of my fav place as it offer many outdoor activities (which I enjoy!). They offer a choice of MTB / downhill or general bike (now with ebikes) tours for various day trip, trekking, high ropes/ zip lines (great fun for all ages on seriously high tress!). I see they offer bamboo rafting too which looks fun. There are elephants sanctuaries too if that float your boat (not for me). Imo, lots of fun activities to do in Chiang Mai if that suits your needs. If temple visit is your thing, go to Bangkok Grand Palace.
Did Thailand all over, 3 to 4 weeks over Xmas 7 continuous years, early 2000 on, never had an issue with burning.
No idea that it existed tbh.
A friend living outside Bangkok has never mentioned it either.
He and his wife travelled around with us sometimes and he was nearly 70 then.
Worth it just for Mango season lol, no not that you filthy minded so and so, those yellow things with the taste of nectar.
No idea that it existed tbh.
A friend living outside Bangkok has never mentioned it either.
He and his wife travelled around with us sometimes and he was nearly 70 then.
Worth it just for Mango season lol, no not that you filthy minded so and so, those yellow things with the taste of nectar.
Chip* above is right about the activities as everyone wants different things out of a trip like this and especially with a large group of various ages. Children won’t be particularly excited with temples and some of the more strenuous activities won’t suit older people.
We prefer Rai over Mai as it is quieter slower more authentic , less touristy and some of the best food I have had in Thailand.
The same can be said for beach resorts some love Phuket and Koh Samui but others like us avoid. Many don’t like Aonang but if it’s a typical beach holiday place you are after like you get in the busy resorts of Spain etc you won’t be disappointed. Been to Aonang a few times over the years the first back 2010 but it has got busier since then due to its local to Krabi Airport which has been expanded since then and can be flown direct to from some European cities but I still don’t mind it for a few days after spending a few weeks in quieter parts and if it’s not the busiest time of year.
We prefer Rai over Mai as it is quieter slower more authentic , less touristy and some of the best food I have had in Thailand.
The same can be said for beach resorts some love Phuket and Koh Samui but others like us avoid. Many don’t like Aonang but if it’s a typical beach holiday place you are after like you get in the busy resorts of Spain etc you won’t be disappointed. Been to Aonang a few times over the years the first back 2010 but it has got busier since then due to its local to Krabi Airport which has been expanded since then and can be flown direct to from some European cities but I still don’t mind it for a few days after spending a few weeks in quieter parts and if it’s not the busiest time of year.
craig1912 said:
Yes I guess with younger kids I suppose. Yes off to Khao Lak in Feb. Managed to get reasonable cost business seats with EVA Air direct to Bangkok.
Yep can’t wait to return, not long now. Do you ride a scooter? Can recommend some good eating places. We are going to try the Black crab in Takua pa as this was recommended to us earlier this year
chip* said:
I spent some time over the Xmas / New Year in Chiang Mai (albeit over a decade ago), and the "burning" issue is really a none issue. Although Dec is reputed to be a cooler month, I still remember dripping with sweat in the 30C heat during a hill climb on a MTB tour!
NY Eve was pretty special in CM as they have the traditional mass lantern release which is quite a spectacular sight (anyone can join in but only in specific release points). Foods stalls and tables are set up inside the Phae Gate where families congregate to eat and enjoy the evening. Chiang Mai still remains one of my fav place as it offer many outdoor activities (which I enjoy!). They offer a choice of MTB / downhill or general bike (now with ebikes) tours for various day trip, trekking, high ropes/ zip lines (great fun for all ages on seriously high tress!). I see they offer bamboo rafting too which looks fun. There are elephants sanctuaries too if that float your boat (not for me). Imo, lots of fun activities to do in Chiang Mai if that suits your needs. If temple visit is your thing, go to Bangkok Grand Palace.
The best Elephant sanctuary I have ever visited was in Goa, would go back for that alone. NY Eve was pretty special in CM as they have the traditional mass lantern release which is quite a spectacular sight (anyone can join in but only in specific release points). Foods stalls and tables are set up inside the Phae Gate where families congregate to eat and enjoy the evening. Chiang Mai still remains one of my fav place as it offer many outdoor activities (which I enjoy!). They offer a choice of MTB / downhill or general bike (now with ebikes) tours for various day trip, trekking, high ropes/ zip lines (great fun for all ages on seriously high tress!). I see they offer bamboo rafting too which looks fun. There are elephants sanctuaries too if that float your boat (not for me). Imo, lots of fun activities to do in Chiang Mai if that suits your needs. If temple visit is your thing, go to Bangkok Grand Palace.
Doesitdrive said:
Did Thailand all over, 3 to 4 weeks over Xmas 7 continuous years, early 2000 on, never had an issue with burning.
No idea that it existed tbh.
A friend living outside Bangkok has never mentioned it either.
It depends where you are. They burn the farm land which is in central Thailand starting around any time from end of November to March - but its normally over by Feb.No idea that it existed tbh.
A friend living outside Bangkok has never mentioned it either.
This usually effects Bangkok, Saraburi, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima etc etc.
The forest burns they do up north can start a bit later, usually into the late new year - Jan, Feb. They effect Mai and Rai and its usually done for April.
Its very weather and location specific, IME. Its been a very wet, wet season. So maybe a late burn this year.
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