Family Thailand Jungle & Islands Adventure

Arrive in Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand famous for its street vendors serving up tasty Thai food, bright lights, tuk tuks and khlong boats plying the network of canals and waterways.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Bangkok at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International airport (airport code BKK), which is 30km, between 45 minutes and an hour from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to join a sight-seeing tour this afternoon of the Grand Palace and rambling complex of Wat Po. Older than the city itself, this is home to a reclining Buddha which is a 46 metre golden plated statue depicting Lord Buddha as he enters Nirvana. Another option is to visit the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. This interactive museum is regarded as one of the best in Thailand and helps to bring Bangkok's history and culture to life. Stay: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (Premium)

This morning, we visit the Sor Vorapin Gym - the famous Muay Thai training camp, where we will watch Thai Boxing experts in action. Afterwards, we will have the chance to learn training techniques of this traditional martial art ourselves in a training session. This afternoon, we head to Tha Tien Pier, where we will travel on a traditional long tail boat for a cruise along Thonburi's klongs (canals). This is the ideal way to explore Bangkok's network of meandering waterways that continue to serve as an important thoroughfare in the city. Along our route, we watch local life taking place around us - vendors pass by on small wooden boats, filled with vegetables and noodles to be sold to canal-side homes; locals laze on the porches of old teak houses and children throw food to the catfish. We may even see the postman making his deliveries in his engine-powered banana-boat. Returning to our hotel by tuk-tuk, we have some free time to relax before catching the night train to Surat Thani. There will be plenty of time to enjoy dinner at the station before we board our train.

Berths are not in compartments, but are arranged open plan either side of a central aisle. During the evening and morning part of the journey, pairs of seats face each other on each side of the aisle. At night, each pair of seats pulls together to form the bottom bunk, and an upper bunk folds out from the wall. The attendant will make up your bunk with a proper mattress and a pillow, bedding and blanket. There's plenty of luggage room. A steward or stewardess from the restaurant car may come round and take your food or drink order, offering you a set menu with several choices, around 180 baht for dinner and 100 baht for breakfast. The meal will be delivered to your seat although you may want to have this in the restaurant car. Toilets and hand wash sinks are located at the end of each carriage. Stay: Overnight Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani (Simple) (B)

Arriving in Surat Thani (Punpin) early this morning, there should be time to purchase breakfast at one of the small cafes near the station, before we transfer to our jungle lodge in Khao Sok National Park. Covering an area of some 65000 square kilometres, the park is one of the oldest and most bio-diverse jungles in South East Asia. In fact, it boasts lush rainforest that is older than that found in the Amazon or Central Africa. Set against a spectacular backdrop of towering limestone mountains, the park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephant, tiger and the Malaysian sun bear. Some 180 species of birds are also in residence - a delight for both keen birdwatchers and novices alike.

This afternoon, we will enjoy a canoe ride along one of the tributaries that snake through this natural wonderland. Here, the sounds of gibbon calls mingle with the flowing river. The park is also a haven for a wide variety of exotic plants, including bamboo, fig, palms and the carnivorous pitcher plant, which gruesomely consumes its prey in its specially adapted 'bag'. Our jungle lodge will be our base for the next two nights. In this magical setting, we can look forward to the sight of monkeys descending from the surrounding canopy to drink from the river. Stay: Morning Mist Resort (Comfortable) (B)

Our second day in the jungle sees us enjoying a guided walk through the dense jungle keeping our eyes peeled for mischievous monkeys playing in the canopy above and watching out for colourful hornbills and kingfishers as they dart amongst the trees. The rest of the day is then free to indulge, explore or relax as you see fit. Our lodge is set close to the river, so a swim in this idyllic and unique setting is a welcome possibility. It is also possible to hire a canoe to explore a bit further afield. This evening, there is the option to go on a walking jungle safari, to witness the jungle bursting with life at night. Stay: Morning Mist Resort (Comfortable) (B)

Transferring back to Surat Thani this morning, we board a ferry for the short crossing to Koh Phangan Island, nestled like a jewel among the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf. On arrival, we will be met by songthaews (distinctive Thai minibuses, converted from trucks), which will take us to Salad Beach on the north-western side of the island. This afternoon is free to enjoy the peace and beauty of this bay.

Salad Beach is a perfect spot to base ourselves for the next few days. Renowned as one of the best swimming beaches on the island, it is a 'protected' bay, with no loud music permitted. With white beaches, warm seas and an abundance of marine life, it is an ideal location for a tropical family adventure. Stay: Villa Cha Cha Salad Beach (Comfortable) (B)

We have two full days here to enjoy this tropical paradise. Our first day includes a boat trip around the island, stopping at a few of its secluded bays and waterfalls, most of which are only possible to reach by boat. Stay: Villa Cha Cha Salad Beach (Comfortable) (B/L)

Our second day in this island paradise has been left completely free. You may choose to spend your time exploring the area with mask and snorkel. The clear waters of this region, combined with the coral reefs that ring the island make for fabulous snorkelling. All manner of colourful reef fish, rays, turtles and small reef sharks call these rich waters their home. Your Tour Leader can also arrange taxis to visit fisherman's villages, waterfalls, markets and Had Rin Beach - home to the famous full moon beach parties. Stay: Villa Cha Cha Salad Beach (Comfortable) (B)

Today, we take a fast ferry to Koh Samui, arriving late in the morning. This is the largest and most developed of the islands in the Sumai Archipelago, with a distinctive mix of quiet palm-fringed beaches, backpacker resorts and coconut plantations.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace. You may choose to take to the waters with mask and snorkel again, or simply wander the palm-fringed beaches and trails around the island. Koh Samui has a slightly different feel to many of the other islands in southern Thailand, owing in some part to the influence of the Hainan islanders who first settled the island 150 years ago. The Chinese influence is still visible in some of the building in Na Thon, and some descendants of the original settlers still live in the area. Stay: Punnpreeda Beach Resort (Comfortable) (B)

Today we have the opportunity to visit the beautiful chain of islands that make up the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Once renowned as a haven for pirates, this stunning archipelago's reputation now centres on its pristine beaches, remote bays and virginal rainforest. These limestone islands are home to sea otters, monitor lizards, dolphins and wild pigs, and offer the perfect setting for some aquatic exploration. Stay: Punnpreeda Beach Resort (Comfortable) (B/L)

Today has been left free to spend as you wish. You may choose to relax on the beach, or enjoy a snorkelling trip around the island. Another option is to take park in a Thai cooking lesson, where an expert cook will teach you the fundamentals of Thai cookery, so that you can recreate this fabulous cuisine back home. There are five basic flavours to Thai cuisine - sweet, sour, salty, creamy and spicy and the lesson will show you the best way to combine the rich tastes with the freshest ingredients, to conjure up a feast. Stay: Punnpreeda Beach Resort (Comfortable) (B)

Today's boat tour takes us to Khanom, where we hope to spot the famous and rare pink dolphin. Travelling by long tail boat, we will pass through the spectacular South Sea Island National Park, with its 11 islands. Known officially as Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, the dolphins are born grey, turning pinker as they get older. The species is incredibly endangered, but it is thought that around 60 of them can be found in Taled Bay, where our tour takes us. En route, we are likely to see Khanom fishermen going about their daily work. We then drive to Ban Tha Sathon hot spring where we can relax and enjoy the surroundings and get a chance to meet Thai children who use the springs to bathe. Continuing onto the station, we catch our overnight train back to Bangkok. Stay: Overnight Train from Surat Thani to Bangkok (Simple) (B)

After arriving in Bangkok try a traditional Thai breakfast of Jok Moo (rice porridge), Khanom Kluk (coconut pancake) or Khao Neow Moo Ping (grilled pork and sticky rice) or similar before transferring to our hotel, the rest of the day is free to use as you wish. One option is to join a sightseeing tour. Travelling by tuk-tuk, you will head for the magnificent Grand Palace, where a local guide will show you around. Regarded as the most impressive site in the city and dating from the 18th century, this huge edifice represents the re-emergence of the Thai nation, after years of Burmese oppression.

Its unrivalled collection of palaces, golden stupas, Wats (temples) and ornately decorative statues are definitely worth exploring. The tour continues by foot to the rambling complex of Wat Po. Older than the city itself, this is home to the fabulous reclining Buddha - a 46-metre golden plated statue, depicting Lord Buddha as he enters Nirvana. Those who choose to join this tour will return to the hotel by tuk-tuk and have the rest of the day to spend as they wish. Stay: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (Premium) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Bangkok.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Bangkok at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International airport (airport code BKK), which is 30km, between 45 minutes and an hour from the hotel. (B)