Thailand & Cambodia Family Holiday

Sightsee along the busy banks of the river and on Bangkok's famous klongs (canals), which crisscross this "Venice of the East." Continue by skytrain and bus to the Weekend Market at Chatuchak, the largest and most popular market in all of Thailand. Covering an area of 35 acres, the market has 15,000 vendors which attract 200,000 visitors per day, who buy everything from food to antiques to live animals. The low prices make this an ideal place to buy authentic Thai handicrafts. The afternoon is at leisure before tonight's welcome dinner at the hotel. The Peninsula Bangkok B L D

This morning, you have the opportunity to make a food offering to the monks (and be blessed by them with good karma in return), followed by a visit to the flower market. Today's sightseeing is via tuk-tuk (three-wheeled, open-air taxis that take their name from the sound of their engines) to view the glittering halls and palaces of the magnificent Grand Palace compound. Here, visit Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most important and sacred wat (temple), which houses the Emerald Buddha. Made of green jade and clothed in gold, the Emerald Buddha is Thailand's most venerated image. This evening, see a thrilling kickboxing exhibition. The Peninsula Bangkok B L

After breakfast, fly to Chiang Mai and continue to your resort, fashioned in the architectural style of a Lanna village. The resort is spread over 60 acres of serene, natural landscapes amid picturesque rice paddies and exotic plantations. This evening, venture out to explore Chiang Mai's famous Night Market - a kaleidoscope of merchant stalls, open-air entertainment and tempting food carts. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai B L

This morning, visit an elephant training camp where the elephants learn to work in the teak forests. You also have the opportunity to paint with these gentle giants, who actually take paintbrush in trunk to create their "masterpieces." After lunch, take advantage of one of the many family-friendly activities offered by the resort or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai B L

Today, explore Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city. In this northern, culturally rich city, 300-year-old temples rest alongside modern shops and restaurants. Travel by rickshaw through the city's bustling streets. Then, visit Wat Doi Suthep, a temple perched on a mountain, and explore its famous viharn (temple library). After lunch at a local restaurant, take part in a textile dyeing workshop with Patricia Cheesman, an expert in Thai textiles and crafts. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai B L

After a morning relaxing at your resort, fly to Siem Reap, gateway to some of the world's most legendary monuments - the Khmer temples of Angkor. Your evening is at leisure to settle in to your new surroundings. Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor B

A guided tour of the vast Angkor complex this morning includes a visit to the South Gate of the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom and its Bayon Temple, the single most outstanding monument to Khmer culture. See the strangler figs, wrapping their way around Ta Phrom, and the Elephant and Leper King Terraces. After returning to your hotel for lunch, visit Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious structures in the world and a thriving spiritual center. Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor B L

After breakfast, travel to the isolated monument of Banteay Srei, renowned for its pink sandstone carvings. This afternoon, embark on a boat trip on Tonle Sap, also known as the "Great Lake" and the lifeline of the Khmers. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor B L D

DESIGN YOUR DAY this morning: improve your photography skills with a notable photographer or take a craft lesson at Artisans d'Angkor. Later, board an afternoon flight for your return to Bangkok. The Peninsula Bangkok B

Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B