Thailand

[Bananas85]

I'm currently planning a trip to Thailand for next Easter school holidays. We're thinking of flying into Phuket, then Elephant Hills, Koh Samui and then Bangkok.
We are 2 adults and 1 child who will be 8 and like a mix of adventurer activities, exploring and a bit of relaxing time. Does anyone have any recommendations for areas to stay / hotels / day trips and activities.
Many Thanks in advance

All I can say is that we did a very similar route and had an amazing time! We did 2 nights in Bangkok (really would have liked a bit more as our teen likes shopping), flew to Phuket for a night near the airport. Then Elephant Hills picked us up, stayed there for 3 nights. And then they transferred us to Koh Samui. Definitely do Koh Samui last because it was nice to relax after the intensity of EH. On Koh Samui definitely visit Ang Thong national park. We had plans to do loads more but in the end just flopped by the pool!

In terms of hotels, I think it depends on budget and what you want. We went 5 star (obvs apart from EH) with lounge access which meant that when the teen was hungry, she could just go and get herself a snack from the lounge. But it did tie us down to the hotels a bit.

Hi @SofaWoe Thank you for your response! It sounds an amazing trip - I can't waiting to do something similar. I think we would be looking at 4 or 5 stars so accommodation recs would be great thanks. Would you recommend the 2 or 3 nights at elephant Hills? At first we thought 2 but I'm tempted with the 2 nights in the jungle and 1 on the lake :)

On the one we did at EH, we just stayed at the camp. We visited the lake for the day but I’m not sure I would have wanted to stay there as there is nothing to do. But that’s me! We went in the summer so everything at EH was damp, but still enjoyable. Food was amazing.

Riva Surya in Bangkok is really great. It has a wonderful riverside terrace and pool. Splash out for a riverside room; they have lovely big shaded balconies. Bangkok is a bit overwhelming and crowded, but overlooking the river across the terrace felt calm and lovely.

If you want someone to arrange the whole thing for you, I recommend Selective Asia

I would also agree with the riverside as a location in Bangkok. We liked Cheong Mon in Koh Samui because it was less hectic but it might be a bit dull for you!