Lively fun and cultural discoveries: To fully experience the captivating atmosphere of the Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai, the vibrant heart of the festival, is the ideal place. Imagine you and your children bursting with laughter amidst the exciting hustle and bustle.
Taiguo.Published 8 min read
Adapted from thailandhighlights.com. Any first-person experiences in this article belong to the original author.
Water fun and cultural discoveries
To experience the electrifying atmosphere of the Songkran Festival firsthand, Chiang Mai, the vibrant heart of the festival, is the ideal place. Imagine yourself and your children bursting with laughter amidst the exuberant revelry of the biggest water fights. But Chiang Mai offers more than just playful water battles – it allows you to experience the festival's deep spiritual roots and rich culture up close.
Embark on a fascinating 10-day journey that combines the vibrant pulse of Bangkok, the tranquil spirituality of Chiang Mai and the sun-drenched beaches of Phuket, promising your family a kaleidoscope of experiences.
This carefully planned itinerary can be perfectly tailored to your family's wishes. Start designing your unforgettable Thailand adventure now – send us your enquiry today.
"I have experienced Songkran in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai and highly recommend celebrating it with your children in Chiang Mai."
The atmosphere there is just as lively, but much less intense than in Bangkok. You can also experience many more cultural activities. Don't miss the Buddha bathing procession with its jasmine-scented water, golden floats, and dancers.
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Travel Moments
A travel itinerary for inspiration
This daily itinerary is an excellent starting point and has been put together by our experts to present you with the best of Thailand at a comfortable pace.
Arrival in Bangkok
Get ready for the exhilarating Songkran Festival, Thailand's New Year celebration! This is the perfect opportunity to discover authentic Thai culture and celebrate alongside friendly locals.
Upon your arrival in Bangkok, your personal tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. Your tour guides will take care of everything for you and your family over the following days.
Bangkok | Echoes of the Old City
Enjoy a scenic morning boat trip on the Chao Phraya River and look out for the graffiti by an Italian artist featuring two elephants, as well as the traditional waterfront promenade of Chinatown.
On the other side of the river is the famous Wat Kanlayanamit, an important second-class royal temple.
Upon reaching Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), a formerly important royal temple dedicated to King Rama II, disembark to explore it. A water taxi will then take you across the river to the city side, where you can visit Wat Pho.
The crowning finale of your tour is the majestic Grand Palace, the residence of Thailand's most sacred Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha.
Bangkok | Beyond the Ordinary
Explore Thailand's largest seafood center, a vibrant fishing town that supplies the majority of the country's seafood.
Embark on a sightseeing tour through the charming town on a traditional tricycle and observe the lifestyle of the local fishermen on the riverbank.
Board a train towards Maeklong Railway Market to witness the daily activities of the locals as the train travels through the market.
Next, we'll head to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak. There, you'll board a longboat for a canal tour.
The journey leads past orchards, seasonal crops, flowers and houses along the waterways.
Immerse yourself in the diverse regional flavors of Thailand on Bantha Thong Road and try authentic and famous dishes.
Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Today you depart for Chiang Mai, the heart of the most authentic Songkran Festival experience.
Unlike Bangkok's famous large-scale water battles in the streets, Chiang Mai preserves traditional Lanna-style events each year, including the official Chiang Mai Songkran parade, a procession featuring revered Buddha statues, lively dance troupes, and elaborately decorated floats.
Make yourself comfortable for a restful night and look forward to the many festivities that await you tomorrow.
Chiang Mai | Songkran Celebrations
In the morning you will immerse yourself in temple culture and visit two important temples in Chiang Mai: Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.
Respectfully participate in the Song Nam Phra ritual – by gently pouring fragrant water over Buddha images to receive blessings and good fortune for the new year.
The highlight of the afternoon is the water fight at Tha Pae Gate. Experience lively water battles in the street, enjoy traditional music and fascinating cultural performances, and discover the festival stalls with street food and unique local crafts.
Experience the magnificent official Songkan parade in Chiang Mai. Marvel at the sacred Buddha statues carried through the city and enjoy the spectacle of traditional dance groups and cultural floats.
Chiang Mai | Ethical Elephant Encounters
Experience ethical interaction with elephants by observing them roaming freely, interacting with herds, and engaging in natural behaviors such as bathing in the river.
Every elephant in the park has a unique and often moving story, as it was rescued from the timber industry, from tourism camps with unethical practices, or from circuses.
Learn more about the well-being and protection of elephants, including their biology, psychology, and behavior.
Admire the trusting relationship between the elephants and their dedicated mahouts.
Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket
Phuket | Canoe and Island Exploration
Immerse yourself and your whole family in the breathtaking beauty of Phang Nga Bay, a world of dramatic limestone karst cliffs rising from emerald green waters and lush mangrove forests teeming with life.
Explore the mysterious bat caves or the lush mangrove caves of Panak Island by canoe.
Discover the secret lagoons and impressive cave of Hong Island as our experienced guides navigate you by canoe through these hidden wonders.
Marvel at the legendary James Bond Island and the impressive Khao Phing Kan, which offer unparalleled opportunities for family photos.
Phuket | Zipline Adventure
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure high above the ground across 32 platforms, with 16 exciting zip lines, including an impressive 400-meter flight.
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with the "Roller Zipline," an 80-meter-long, gravity-powered ride of the highest caliber. This unique roller zipline winds through the trees, letting you glide along at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
Walk on the sky bridges between the treetops and feel like the mythical Hanuman, overlooking his realm.
Farewell to Phuket
We hope this trip has given you precious family time and opened your hearts and minds to the beauty of other ways of life. May you return home safe and sound, with these wonderful memories in tow.
Make it your very own unique piece
This is where the magic happens. Enhance your program with experiences that will inspire you – be it a private cooking class, a jungle hike, or a special celebration.
Your stay is part of history
Your choice of accommodation shapes your trip. We carefully select hotels based on their unique character – from boutique hotels in the city to beachfront hotels.
What is included in the delivery?
No surprises, no hidden costs. Our prices are transparent and tailored to your individual plan. Here you can see clearly what is typically included.
Price guide
Their inclusions
Modern, spacious vehicle with air conditioning and driver
Dedicated, English-speaking local tour guide
All admission prices and listed activities
All nights in hand-picked hotels
Domestic flights between cities
Daily breakfast and set meals
ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)
Good to know
Based on two people, traveling in the off-season.
The price for a child under 8 years old is approximately 80% of the price for adults.
The final price will be individually tailored to your group, travel dates and your wishes.
Want to combine different hotels? Absolutely. We'll put together a trip that fits your budget.
International flight (we are happy to help you with booking)
Most lunches and dinners (for flexibility)
Visas and travel insurance
Discounts for children under 8 years old.
We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR and other currencies.
Let's plan your trip together.
It's very simple. Here's how it works: 1. Share your ideas with us using the plan below. 2. Your travel consultant will contact you within 24 hours.
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