Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Amazing Tastes of Thailand Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Ko Rang, Trat

CONTENTS FAMILY FUN UNDER TROPICAL SUN 4 Explore the Water World 8 Enjoy Eco-friendly Activities 12 Edu-tourism 13 Pleasure Playground 15 Endless Entertainment & a Shopping Paradise 22 FESTIVALS 28 Fun Memory 30

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok FAMILY FUN UNDER TROPICAL SUN Wow! Let’s start the fun!  Why Thailand is good for your family holidays. A memorable trip does not start with your arrival at recharge your batteries, feast your eyes on the natural a destination and finish when you get back home. It treasures in every part of the country, begins at the moment you have that initial idea about enter the lush greenery of forested mountains, linger the trip and start to think about those people who will on a white sandy beach with coconut trees alongside, accompany you to make that idea become a reality. enjoy the sights of well-preserved historical ruins, And it finishes with lots of memories, long after you make a new friend with a majestic elephant, and get home. experience the everyday but unique lifestyles of a So, let’s start that ‘idea to reality’ journey with fun in homestay and/or local  community. Also, don’t miss Thailand - the ‘Land of Smiles’!  the excitement of Thai  cuisine through  a myriad of Nestled in the heart of southeast Asia and ranked dishes at exotic restaurants and/or simple street stalls, among the world‘s most popular tourist destinations, all ready to serve you twenty-four hours a day.    Thailand is conveniently positioned within easy For families with young children, teenagers, or access of all the world’s continents. It offers a variety older members who are young at heart, Thailand is of amazing attractions  for everyone. Blessed with a gateway to enjoyable experiences that will charm a pleasant climate year-round, you can  relax and your senses and leave a memorable impression in your heart. 4 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Mangrove Forest, Rayong Ko Lipe, Satun Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 5

Ko Rang, Trat Satun You shouldn’t miss the festivals either. Make sure you dance among the lovely ghosts in the Phi Ta Khon Festival, cool the heat of summer by splashing water at the Songkran Festival, and make a wish and float a krathong on a waterway at the Loi Krathong Festival.  Let the ‘Land of Smiles’ share her happiness with you and your holiday photos will never look the same again. On your marks, get set, and let’s start the fun!  Ko Lipe, Satun 6 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Ao Maya, Krabi Ko Nang Yuan, Surat Thani Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 7

Krabi Explore the Water World The beginning of your perfect day – a gentle touch moments by cycling around the island to experience of sunlight and a soft sea breeze greets you in the the authentic and unique way of life.      morning. Thailand opens her arms widely to welcome From the East side, move south of Bangkok to the all sea-lovers to explore the water world all year round. charming town of Hua Hin. Its timeless elegance has Head towards the East coast where  Ko Chang, the been enjoyed by visitors for years and its comfortable country’s second biggest island, is located. It has many atmosphere makes all feel at home.You and your family natural treasures where you can breathe the fresh air of should not miss the opportunity to go horseback green forests, relax and soak in cooling waterfalls, dive riding along the beach, a memorable experience for in the deep blue sea, or stretch out on a sandy beach young and old. from dawn till  dusk. Enjoy  these wonderful family 8 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Prachuap Khiri Khan Chumphon Trang Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 9

Renowned for its popular beach parties, Samui has Phuket, known as the Pearl of the Andaman, is much to offer all family members. A calm natural another tropical island that is worth a visit. The ambience, the clear blue sea, snorkelling and cycling deep blue water entices sea-lovers to spend all day are some of the fun activities that will make a unique under the warm sunlight indulging themselves in and memorable holiday.  various  activities, including creating dream worlds in the sand, swimming, diving, or simply sunbathing. Khao Laem Ya - Muko Samet Marine National Park, Rayong Ko Phayam, Ranong Ao Khao Khwai, Ranong 10 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Ko Langka Chio, Chumphon Thale Waek or Separated Sea, Krabi Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 11

ATV Enjoy Eco-friendly Activities    Being eco-friendly is fashionable, but it’s more than with elephants? Such an adventure starts by wearing that. It’s about everyone being concerned for the the mahout’s blue uniform, meeting and greeting your environment, re-using goods, and conserving water new giant friend. Explore the jungle and beautiful and energy. Let’s check out what you can do in regard scenery while riding bare-back on the elephant and to green activities in Thailand. One of many good find some food along the way to reward the elephant’s things while you are on holiday is to do away with efforts. After a long day in the sun, refresh your giant your alarm clock. Have you dreamed of opening your companion with a bath in the river or mud pool before eyes gently and waking up naturally? Welcome to a heading back to the camp. Stop on the way and say homestay where everyone can get rid of their watch, hello to the baby elephants before getting back to the enjoy each single minute, breathe in fresh air, sleep hut. Complete your perfect day by saying goodnight well, and wake up happily to the sound of a rooster. to your mate. Allow your family to enjoy being a farmer, learn how A green environment has a wonderful, calming effect. to cultivate crops, farm mushrooms, row a boat in the Feel the revitalising outcomes of breathing in the air canal, and pick some vegetables for a special meal. in a green forest and let your family experience the When dinner is ready to be served, let’s experience fun, thrill, and energy of jungle adventure activities. the Thai way of eating as a tray of food is placed in the Enjoy the whisper of lush leaves as you paddle a kayak middle and everyone sits around dining together. It’s or canoe through a mangrove forest, pump up your more than just a tasty meal but a warm and friendly adrenaline with a white-water rafting expedition, feeling that adds to the enjoyment. experience the excitement of a zip-line ride, or explore It’s not only people that can be involved in your the unknown in an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). memories, but also animals. What about being a Let’s go and do a green activity! mahout and discovering the thrill of interacting closely 12 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Sukhothai Edu-tourism Recall the happiness of your childhood days  and bring back that fun and excitement with edu-tourism activities that inspire your children to be little explorers. Hat on, magnifying glass ready, bicycle tuned – here we go!  Visiting a historical park is like learning in an open- Ayutthaya air classroom, and cycling allows you to observe the world at a leisurely pace. Sukhothai and Ayutthaya on  the  roof of Siam Square One Building with a Historical Parks are two popular options to spend some theme of  the biggest sky-high park in Thailand. family time cycling, breathing in fresh air, and viewing Smell the earth and fresh air of a backyard garden, wonderful ancient remains that reflect a glorious past. learn about cultivation, watch a demonstration of You are able to closely inspect the structures, admire making organic fertilizer from garbage, and enjoy a the Thai architecture and decorations, and learn about display of vegetables. The true feeling of a garden the history of the places. and the vegetables make you forget that you are in Another fun outdoor  activity is high above the city the heart of a shopping area! – let’s dig on the roof top! From this outdoor learning space, come in and enjoy Who knows that there is an agriculture treasure in the some more fun!   heart of Bangkok’s shopping area? Siam Green Sky is a new urban agriculture learning centre located Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 13

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) Ban Puen Palace, Phetchaburi Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram The three storey building that was the former Ministry of Commerce is now Museum Siam: Discovery Museum with a philosophy of “Play + Learn” = Plearn. The permanent exhibition introduces the topic of Thailand  from many perspectives, outlining its development through historical periods to modern times, and presenting information about the land, population, and culture in an entertaining manner. Situated in a shopper’s paradise, Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) is heaven for those with imagination and creative ideas. It caters for all ages with many function rooms, rest areas, and a Reading Park with an endless supply of books and multimedia. Relax, climb a Tree House, participate in a Reading Ladder in the Kids Room, or simply enjoy the rhythms and lyrics available in the Music Library.  The world of a little explorer awaits you – don’t miss it! For more information, l TK Park: www.tkpark.or.th/eng/home l Museum Siam: www.museumsiam.org l Siam Green Sky: www.facebook.com/siamgreensky 14 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Cartoon Network Amazone Pleasure Playground The saying old by years but young at heart is true for the different zones, Water Park, Family World, Fantasy many people who love to recall the pleasures of their World, and Small World, and make sure you ride the childhoods. Let’s wake up some of these memories Vortex, one of the world’s largest suspended roller and explore the numerous outstanding playgrounds coasters and Super Spiral, a slide down a three storey and activities around Thailand. high building. Are you ready to get wet? Let’s go to an amusement At Cartoon Network Amazone, Pattaya, you can and water park. hang out with Ben 10, Cannonbolt, Swampfire, or The In Bangkok, it is possible to escape the heat at Siam Powerpuff Girls. Slide through the 110 metre tube Park City, a location that combines an amusement of the Alien Attack, splash in the Banana Spin bowl, park and water park under the one roof. Don’t miss a centrifugal force that takes you into the corkscrew core, and get soaked in the plunge pool. Join the race Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 15

Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Park 16 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

on water with Intergalactic Races and don’t miss Mega Wave, a gigantic wave pool in which you can relax under the tropical sun. South of Bangkok, two famous urban beach locations, Hua Hin and Cha-am, have outstanding theme parks. Visit Santorini Park Cha Am to see the white and blue architecture reminiscent of the Greek island of Santorini. Visitors can enjoy the fun and thrills of Santorini Water Fantasy, the first and only digitally- controlled water park in Asia. All this excitement is available in a safe and well-maintained environment. More fun can be had at Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Park, a combination of a tropical garden and a water park that was the first water jungle in Asia. The highlight is Abyss, the largest slide in Thailand. Visitors are able to refresh themselves in the cool waters and relax under the shade of large trees. Ko Mak, Trat Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 17

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Ancient City, Samut Prakan KidZania and Funarium are recommended as ideal It is designed for everyone to enjoy, so children can places to introduce small children to the excitement spend all day in the playground while parents hang of playground. KidZania is an edutainment centre out in the Fun cafe. The play zone is divided into four with kids-sized buildings, streets, shops, and transport areas, Toddler zone for babies and toddlers to crawl systems specially designed for children.There are more or walk around safely, Junior zone for children aged 4 than 80 activities that involve children in role play to13 to enjoy a two storey high play area for climbing activities. Urbano’s House is the place for small children and jumping, Sports zone to improve athletics skills, under 4 years to be active and watch a puppet show. and Sand & Water Zone, designed for toddlers to play Another playground that is full of fun is Funarium. in the shallow pool and large sand pit. Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 19

Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya Welcome to Batcat Museum and Toys, located in while staying in the one place. There are replicas of the centre of Bangkok. It was created by the leading important landmarks and the country’s architectural collector of Batman items in Asia who has a treasure constructions located in an open park in the shape of of 5,000 pieces. As well as this collection, this lively Thailand. museum has models of movie cars from Fast and Don’t miss the opportunity to introduce the children Furious and James Bond. Enjoy the only Batman 1989 to MuayThai and golf. MuayThai is more than a martial Sideshoe Collection in Thailand, a Batman poster with art and form of self-defence – it’s an activity in which Christian Bale’s signature, the world’s top 10 Batman everyone can exercise, build up cardiovascular fitness, vintage toys, a Batmobile tin toy from Japan, and improve footwork, and develop balance. If you’re a much more. golf fan, there are numerous outstanding courses in The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya and the Thailand that offer families the challenges of the sport Ancient City in Samut Prakan are worth visits by at beginner, amateur, and professional levels. those interested in history. The Sanctuary of Truth An army marches on its stomach. is a gigantic structure built on the shoreline. It is an Be an early bird and start the day with a lovely breakfast outstanding example of Thai architecture featuring at a floating market where an array of food and fruits hand-carved wooden sculptures and contemporary has been ready to serve since early morning. Don’t visionary art and designed to use art and culture as miss a chance to be among a myriad of tasty foodstuff “a reflection of the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient and enjoy the noisy atmosphere. Taking a boat along Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy” (Sanctuary of the canal is also a good experience. Visitors may get Truth website). At the Ancient City, Samut Prakan you a fresh coconut from a tree or fruit fresh from a farm. can spend a whole day travelling around Thailand, just 20 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Thai Cooking Class Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 21

Enjoy tasty food and make it more enjoyable by l KidZania, 5th Fl. Siam Paragon, Bangkok: learning how to cook it. Children are always ready http://bangkok.kidzania.com to learn new things and cooking is a way for them l Funarium, Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok: to be productive in the kitchen. Cooking also helps www.funarium.co.th improve muscle control, math skills, and measuring, l Batcat Museum and Toys, Bangkok: and promotes healthy eating habits. Moreover, it’s www.facebook.com/batcat.museum truly a happy moment when the family enjoys a dish l Santuary of the Truth, Pattaya: produced by a junior chef. www.sanctuaryoftruth.com Visit www.tourismthailand.org for more information l Ancient City, Samut Prakan: about floating markets, i.e. Damnoen Saduak Floating www.ancientcitygroup.net/ancientsiam/en Market, Lat Mayom Floating Market, Amphawa l Golfing for Kids: www.golfasian.com Floating Market, Bang Namphueng Floating Market, l Boxing for Kids: and more. www.banchamekgym.com, l Siam Park City, Bangkok: www.siamparkcity.com www.muaythai-institute.com, l Cartoon Network Amazone, Pataya: l Thai cooking class: www.a-littlesomething.com, www.cartoonnetworkamazone.com www.blueelephant.com/bangkok l Santorini Park Cha Am: www.amitathaicooking.com www.santoriniparkchaam.com l Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Park: www.vananavahuahin.com Golf Course 22 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Iconsiam Endless Entertainment & a Shopping Paradise Welcome to a dream world, a once upon a time grass, silk weaving is demonstrated, and everyone can world complete with cutting-edge techniques and a have a go at pounding the rice. Before entering the fascinating light and sound display that captivates all theatre, stop by and say hello to the elephants that look when the curtains open. Enjoy the show! forward to giving you a big smile. Have a wonderful The 2,000 seat theatre, Siam Niramit, Bangkok presents evening’s entertainment! the story of Thailand through a fantastic show. More than the sea in Phuket, it’s Phuket FantaSea. Performances lead you back into the glorious past to Located on Kamala beach, this extravaganza is inspired enjoy a simple way of life full of traditional beliefs and and created by an appreciation of Thai culture and joyous festivals that integrate religious ceremonies tradition combined with Phuket’s charm and beauty, and cheerful celebrations. Feast your eyes on the and presented by the use of cutting-edge special extravagant performances, fabulous costumes, and effects. The show is stunning, full of magical illusions, skillful dancers, accompanied by a state-of-the-art light acrobatics, animal displays, pyrotechnics, stunts, and and sound system. Pre-show attractions are also worth aerial performances. a visit to experience the Thai village and rural lifestyle. Juniors can learn how to make a fish mobile from dried Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 23

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World 24 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Thailand is regarded as  one of the world’s leading you can feed fish, meet scuba divers who share their shopping paradises. But in the heart of Bangkok at Siam experiences with everyone, walk through the Ocean Paragon, it’s not only shopping that excites everyone. Tunnel and sit, relax, and watch thousands of fish There’s also the opportunity to explore a magnificent alongside you, including sharks and mandaray. There underwater world. Welcome to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean are many other types of tropical fish to view at Shark World where the wonders of the underwater world are Shipwreck and theTropical Rainforest to explore. Don’t revealed. Located in the heart of the city, the attractions forget to enjoy the Penguin Ice Adventure, and make include the discovery of life in an underwater cave at the most of the daily schedule of talks and feedings Rocky Hideout and learning about the importance of otters, penguins, and freshwater fish. of coral reefs. Welcome to the Tropical Ocean where Chatuchak Market Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 25

Wat Ratchanatdaram Giant Swing, Wat Suthat Thep Wararam 26 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) For many, Bangkok is shopper’s heaven! If you are 27 sections, and contains more than 15,000 booths one of these people, make sure that your shoes are selling all sorts of products, including clothes, plants, comfortable, and get ready to shop till you drop. Start souvenirs, antiques, books, and much more. at Ratchaprasong Square where CentralWorld is located. For more information, please visit This huge complex has more than 500 shops and there l Siam Niramit, Bangkok: www.siamniramit.com are more than 50 choices of restaurants where you can l Phuket FantaSea: www.phuket-fantasea.com treat yourself with all styles of food. Central Embassy is l SEA Life Bangkok Ocean World: another‘must visit’place for international high quality www.sealifebangkok.com brands. Situated on Ploenchit Road, it has a stunning l CentralWorld: www.centralworld.co.th facade constructed from shimmering shingles inspired l Central Embassy: www.centralembassy.com by the brilliant roof designs of Thai temples. l EmQuatier: www.emquartier.co.th EmQuatier is another location worth heading for. This l Chatuchak Weekend Market: www.chatuchak.org brand new luxurious shopping paradise belongs to The Em District and is located on Sukhumvit Road, opposite the Emporium. It’s more than a shopping paradise – EmQuatier is also a heaven for food-lovers where everyone can enjoy a selection of tasty Thai and international foods. From indoor shopping, let’s wander around a large open-air market where you can find anything. Yes, anything! Welcome to Chatuchak, aka JJ Market, or weekend market. It covers 27 acres, is divided into Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 27

Songkran Festival FESTIVALS The year inThailand is full of celebrations and festivities. Come and join us in some of the fun! Let’s make the clear, blue skies of March even more colourful by filling them with red, green, yellow, and orange kites. At the Kite Festival, children and adults can simply sit and hold a kite string, or the more energetic can run with the wind as they fly their kites. There are many different types to experiment with and some you may be able to make dance in the wind! Challenge yourself to flyThai traditional kites like Chula or Pakpao. Let them blow in the wind and your sky won’t be the same again. April in Thailand is warm and humid and Thais have a Loi Krathong Festival lovely traditional way to cool down from the summer heat. It’s theThai traditional NewYear. Happy Songkran Festival!This event is held nationally from 13 to 15 April. Thais actually start with merit-making and a Buddhist ceremony as a positive beginning to the new year. This 28 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Phi Ta Khon Festival River Kwai Bridge Fair involves the pouring of scented water into the hands from eco-friendly materials (parts of banana plants of the elders. and baked bread are popular) and carry lit incense After summer, another festival is about to begin. Please sticks and candles. People make wishes as they release be ready to move your body! them into the waterways.The surface of the waterways In June or July, Dansai District in Loei Province hosts throughout the country are illuminated with the glows a big celebration, the Phi Ta Khon Festival. Thai and of thousands of candles At most places, there are Thai- international tourists love to attend this event. As the style fairs at which you can try your hand at darts and band begins to play, a parade of happy ghosts appears sample some of the delicious street foods. to thrill you with their delight and energy. The festival The River Kwai Bridge Week is held at the end of has a strong significance in local belief and tradition November and in early December in Kanchanaburi. It but at the same time is a joyful celebration. The parade aims to commemorate World War II and encourages finishes at the temple with a making-merit ceremony. people to promote peace through its exhibition When you hear the song November full moon shine, Loi of history. Take a walk across the bridge or a train Krathong, Loi Krathong, it’s the time of year for the Loi trip along the Death Railway, visit museums, and Krathong Festival! This festival falls on the twelfth full experience the light and sound presentation by night moon of the year, usually around November, and it is an that gives a brief story of World War II, including a opportunity for Thai people to express their gratitude bombing scene at the actual venue. Spend some time to the goddess of the waterways. Krathongs are made remembering the sacrifices of the prisoners of war who worked on the construction of the railway that is now regarded as a significant symbol of peace. Family Fun Under Tropical Sun 29

Fun Memory Ao Mae Mai , Ranong Ao Yai, Ranong Wonderful family trips always finish with lots of memories and smiles. Thailand offers an amazing range of activities for everyone, including explorations of verdant forests and beautiful aquatic worlds, and participation in green activities, cycle trips, and open-air classrooms where knowledge is everywhere. Families can experience festivals and celebrations around the country, and recharge their energy with an array of delicious foods twenty-four hours a day. As your trip draws to an end, Thailand hopes that its guests take back many wonderful and happy memories to their homes and friends. Come to the Land of Smiles, and go back with a ton of smiles. To plan your next trip, please visit www.tourismthailand.org or download Amazing Thailand Application and more at http://mobile.tourismthailand.org 30 Family Fun Under Tropical Sun

Khao Tapu, Phang-nga Ko Khai, Satun

Surat Thani Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. www.tourismthailand.org E/AUG 2019 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice.