Reefs, Rays and Lagoons Discover coral gardens and blue lagoons on this family holiday in Thailand with a twist. From birds eye views to birds eye chillies, it will be an exotic adventure for all the family and is a great holiday most of the year, (including the UK summer school holidays). First stop, a tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand. Ahoy there, sea turtles! You'll stay on this beautiful unspoilt island (a world away from touristy islands) and spend a few days relaxing by the sea and enjoy kayaking and snorkelling in crystal clear waters. Watch out for the giant rays! The island owners were pioneers in marine conservation and you'll learn about their coral reforestation. Then it's onto the mainland where you'll stay on a secluded beach, trek through the rainforest of 15 tiers of waterfalls, and visit beautiful royal palaces and take a chic weekend market for the very best in artisanal souvenirs. Finally a few days in bustling Bangkok, for some sightseeing and learning about Thai culture from a friendly family. You'll end your holiday with a boat trip along the famous Chao Praya river where you may even be able to use your new-found knowledge to spot the iridescent rays which are uniquely found here.Day 1 (recommended Saturday) meal/s on plane Fly from London Heathrow on a direct flight to Bangkok with Thai Airways or Eva Air. It is also possible on to fly from regional airports including Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Humberside. If you don't live in the UK, we may be able to arrange flights for you or you can book the tour excluding flights, you will met in Bangkok on 'Day 2'. Tell Tale Tip The small secluded island you head to first is a small privately-owned one not known much by international visitors or tour operators. However, it does get local visitors at the weekend, so we recommend sticking to our days of the week if you can. Day 2 meal/s on plane You'll arrive in Bangkok in the afternoon. You'll be met at the airport by one of our drivers (in a private car for a family of 3 or a minibus for families of 4 or more). You'll be taken to a deluxe hotel with a pool just a short drive way, it is larger than a typical Tell Tale hotel but ideal in this case to recover the flight and be ideally placed for an early start. Day 3 breakfast, lunch, dinner An early start to start your sea and snorkelling adventures. Our driver will pick you up and take you on the drive south along the eastern seaboard. Then a short speedboat ride and you'll arrive at the idyll of Ko Talu. This island is one of the few in private hands, it is 600 acres, a world away from Thailand's tourist spots. After lunch, you'll have the afternoon to settle into your chalet/s in 'Big Bay' (there is also another bay called Pearl Bay but is aimed at Thai visitors, the chalet/s you are staying in have creature comforts like hot water!). Walk along the sandy white beach to see the baby turtles, or swim in the sea. The crystal clear turquoise waters are shallow so even if you have younger children, it's perfect relaxation for all the family. This afternoon, we've pre-arranged for adults and older children to have a traditional Thai massage to relax before you get into the swing of things.
Day 8 breakfast, lunch Time to pack up and say goodbye to your new friends on the island. You're taking a speedboat to the mainland, and heading north. You'll arrive in Hua Hin, the Thai Royal Family's favourite beach town. Arrival at your resort Baan Talay Dao, a little way from the town, set in beautiful green surroundings with a pool and near the beach. This evening, if it's the weekend, we recommend visiting the nearby Cicada night market, one of our favourites in Thailand, it has chic artisanal handicrafts, art galleries and stalls ranging from shoes to jewellery. It's also a great place to dine under the stars, sampling from Thailand's different regions.
You'll be driven to Bangkok. You'll arrive in residential area in a outside the centre and meet a local family. You'll be staying in the private chalet/s in their garden. This evening, you'll have dinner with the family and learn about Thai culture and gain insider tips to make the most of your time in Bangkok.
In the afternoon, your guide will take you where you'd like to go. You can either have your final dinner in Thailand in the city (excluded), or have dinner 'at home' (included). Day 15 (Saturday if you started on a Saturday) breakfast Time to pack up. You'll be picked up by one of our drivers in plenty of time to the airport for your flight back. This 15 day private tour costs from £1,900* per person, discounted to £1,822* for 12-15 year olds and £1,425* for under 12s. The price include direct flights from London Heathrow, accommodation, activities, private transport in chauffeur-driven cars/minivans and most meals. It is also possible to fly from UK regional airports, ask us for details. You can also book this tour excluding flights for £1,300 per person, discounted to £975 for under 12s. *This price is available much of the year, subject to flight seat availability, including UK school Easter holidays, half terms and summer holidays starting in the first week of July. Early booking (deposit only) is advised. Departing later in July and August holidays costs from £2,060 per adult, £1,982 for 12-15 year olds and £1,545 per child under 12. If you wish to travel at Christmas, please contact us for a quote (we recommend booking 11 or more months in advance). Please allow approximately £60 per person for entrance fees payable on the ground.
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