FAMILY TOURSTHAILAND 224 " This was without a doubt the best holiday we have been on as a family. Our brilliant tour leader was fabulous with the kids as well as the adults! We will have no trouble recommending you to anyone. Roll on the next tour! " Rebecca Healey family tours Thailand Bangkok Koh Chang Kanchanaburi Krabi Chiang Mai Fabulous Thailand Elephant Experience • Looking for a family holiday with a difference? • Keen to challenge your family with new experiences? • Fancy seeing the world's most exciting destinations with like- minded families? • Then why not join us on one of our fantastic Imaginative Family Adventures! Whether you fancy venturing to the heart of the Amazon jungle, discovering the secrets of ancient Egypt, staying in a tribal village in Thailand or going on safari in Kenya, we have a journey to inspire the imagination and leave you all with priceless memories that will last a lifetime. Imaginative Traveller has extensive experience of organising family adventures. To make sure you get the most out of your time away each itinerary has been imaginatively designed to offer an exciting alternative to the conventional family holiday. Prepare to encounter new cultures, remarkable scenery and fascinating people on innovative holidays that will keep all ages stimulated and involved. Our team of regionally based destination managers will ensure that your holiday is hassle free, so you can concentrate on having fun. Your tour leader will have in- depth local knowledge, be passionate about the country you are visiting and love travelling with children. Accommodation will be simple, clean and comfortable, and often with a swimming pool. We aim to use tourist class hotels with private facilities, where possible, although your adventure may also include an overnight stay somewhere that reflects the country you are visiting. Our itineraries include many activities to keep children ( and adults) occupied and entertained. All adventures are carefully designed so each member of the family can participate in all activities. Sharing the experiences of an adventure holiday with children and other families most definitely adds a fantastic new dimension to travel, and our groups include a range of nationalities to help provide an interesting mix ( maximum group size 20). Experience has shown that children need to be aged 6 or above to fully participate and get the most enjoyment out of these tours - if the kids enjoy it then the parents can enjoy it too. However, if you love the family trips we offer, but have a younger family or want to do it your own way then please contact our tailor- made department at tailor- made@ imtrav. net Whichever adventure you choose you'll be in excellent company. We hope to see you and your family on one of our fantastic adventures soon. www. imaginative- traveller. com/ family Family Adventures © Imaginative Traveller We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights

THAILAND 225 FAMILY TOURS Imaginative Facts Tour code: FSFT • Activities: Elephant ride, swimming, bamboo rafting • Accommodation: 9 nights tourist class hotels with swimming pools, 1 night River Kwai rafthouse, 1 night island resort, 1 night hilltribe village stay, 2 overnight train journeys • Transport: Air conditioned minibuses, sonthaews ( pick up trucks), local transport, longtail boats, sleeper trains • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, local guides and representatives DAY 1: BANGKOK- Arrive and check in to your hotel - which has a pool! DAY 2: BANGKOK- We have an exciting klong ( canal) tour of Bangkok by longtail boat. ( BD) DAY 3: KANCHANABURI- This morning we travel to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai. We then board a longtail boat to get to our jungle rafts. Spending the night in a floating bungalow surrounded by the jungle is a fabulous experience! There is also the chance to ride an elephant. ( BLD) DAY 4: KANCHANABURI- Today we spend the morning at the Erawan Waterfalls where we can swim and explore the natural beauty of the surroundings. In the afternoon we drive to Kanchanaburi and visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, before heading on to the beautiful island resort of Koh Kasem to spend the night. ( BL) DAY 5: BANGKOK - This morning we visit the new interactive museum exploring the history of the area. We also visit the Commonwealth cemetery before returning to Bangkok to catch the overnight train to Thailand's northern capital of Chiang Mai. ( BL) DAY 6: CHIANG MAI - Transfer to our comfortable hotel - which again has a pool. The day is free for you to swim and relax. ( B) DAY 7: CHIANG MAI - TRIBAL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE- Our day starts with a visit to an elephant training camp where we can see how these enormous creatures are trained for working in the jungle. After lunch we continue by pick- up truck to a small tribal village. We then continue on foot through mountainous terrain ( easy walking though!) to a Palong village where we spend the night in a traditional village house. ( BLD) DAY 8: ELEPHANT RIDE AND BAMBOO RAFTING- After breakfast we board our elephants for a short but exciting ride through the jungle. We then continue our adventurous day by floating on a bamboo raft down the river. Later we return to our Chiang Mai hotel. ( BL) DAY 9: CHIANG MAI- A full free day to relax by the pool or perhaps take a Thai cookery class. Venture into the night market this evening and try some exotic delicacies. ( BD) DAY 10: CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK- A second full day to relax or explore. In the evening we board our overnight train back to Bangkok. ( B) DAY 11: BANGKOK - KOH CHANG- We arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the beautiful island of Koh Chang, the second largest but least known of Thailands' tropical islands. DAYS 12 & 13: KOH CHANG- Koh Chang is part of the Koh Chang Marine National Park and contains virgin rainforest, breathtaking waterfalls, colourful coral reefs and beautiful beaches. Two wonderful days are spent here with options for snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing. ( B) DAY 14: KOH CHANG - BANGKOK-Return to Bangkok for our final night. ( BD) DAY 15: BANGKOK- Tour ends. ( B) A tropical adventure with elephants, hilltribes, jungle and beaches! • See Bangkok by longtail boat and visit the exotic marketsof Chiang Mai • Spend the night on a floating rafthouse in the jungleby the River Kwai • Walk to a hilltribe mountain villagefor an overnight stay • Ride elephants through the rainforest and bamboo rafts down river • Swimand snorkelon the beaches of thetropical islandof Koh Chang Fabulous Thailand Imaginative Facts Tour code: FSEE • Activities: Volunteer programme at the Elephant Nature Park, klong ( canal) tour, jungle walk, bamboo rafting, optional swimming • Accommodation: 8 nights hotel, 1 night sleeper train, 3 nights simple accommodation at volunteer programme • Transport: Minivan, sleeper train, plane, longtail boat, bamboo raft • Flights: Chiang Mai to Bankok, Bangkok to Krabi / Koh Samui return • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader days 1- 7, services of representatives days 8- 13, services of local staff at the Elephant Nature Park DAY 1: BANGKOK- Arrive and check in to our hotel. Tonight you will meet your Imaginative Traveller tour leader, for a briefing on the adventure ahead. ( D) DAY 2: BANGKOK- This morning we take a guided tour of Bangkok, then make an exciting journey by longtail boat along Bangkok's canals or ' klongs'. Board our overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. ( B) DAY 3: CHIANG MAI- Today we visit the hilltop temple of Doi Suthep, which legend says was founded by an ancient Thai king after he saw a white elephant at the site. We will also visit the orphanage supported by Imaginative Traveller for children from the area's hilltribe minority groups. ( B) DAYS 4- 6: ELEPHANT NATURE PARK-This morning we leave Chiang Mai and travel to the ' Elephant Nature Park', our home for the next three nights. In the jungle of Northern Thailand, Lek, the founder and her team of volunteers, house, feed and care for elephants that have been injured or abused. You and your family will have the chance to join in all the daily chores. It is a great chance to learn about these amazing animals. ( BLD) DAY 7: CHIANG MAI- Take a guided walk in to the jungle to explore, then continue by bamboo raft down the river. Return to Chiang Mai and visit the famous night market. ( BD) DAY 8: KRABI- Fly to Krabi via Bangkok. ( B) DAYS 9- 11: KRABI- Three whole days to relax on the beautiful sandy beaches of southern Thailand. ( B) DAY 12: BANGKOK- Fly back to Bangkok. On arrival transfer to our hotel. ( B) DAY 13: BANGKOK- Tour ends. ( B) Your Involvement The Programme Days 4- 6 Assisting the mahouts ( elephant trainers) at the ' Elephant Nature Park', Imaginative Volunteers will become familiar with elephant commands and experience a hands- on approach to feeding, bathing and observing the elephants close up. We will also have the opportunity to learn about the reforestation of elephant habitats and herbal cures for treating elephant diseases. Your donation matters A guaranteed 100% of your donation goes direct to the charities, allowing their magnificent work to continue. Covering programme materials, services and other essentials, every penny counts! Get up close and personal with these gentle giants in their jungle habitat Getting the family involved creates a rewarding and enjoyable travel experience. And this one is special as it involves loveable elephants! This is an adventure holiday where the whole family can make a difference. The rewards are immense - a truly unforgettable experience. Minimum age 10 years. Thailand Elephant Experience • High Seasonal Supplement £ 40 * Peak Season Supplement £ 135 Xmas / NYE Supplement £ 90 Single Supplement from £ 210( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 22.87 * Price includes tour price of £ 625and local payment of US$ 250All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 755pp Land Only *• New Year's Eve Supplement £ 45 Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 22.87 * Price includes tour price of £ 765, local payment of US$ 250 and donation of £ 180All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1075pp Land Only * familyvolunteer Tour duration 15 daysTour duration 13 days Starts SunEnds Sun BangkokBangkok 2009 04- Jan- 0918- Jan- 09 * 11- Jan- 0925- Jan- 09 * 05- Apr- 0919- Apr- 09 * 12- Apr- 0926- Apr- 09 * 24- May- 0907- Jun- 09 05- Jul- 0919- Jul- 09 12- Jul- 0926- Jul- 09 19- Jul- 0902- Aug- 09 26- Jul- 0909- Aug- 09 02- Aug- 0916- Aug- 09 09- Aug- 0923- Aug- 09 16- Aug- 0930- Aug- 09 25- Oct- 0908- Nov- 09 * 13- Dec- 0927- Dec- 09 • 20- Dec- 0903- Jan- 10 • * High season supplement Starts SunEnds Sun BangkokBangkok 2010 03- Jan- 1017- Jan- 10 * 28- Mar- 1011- Apr- 10 * 04- Apr- 1018- Apr- 10 * 23- May- 1006- Jun- 10 04- Jul- 1018- Jul- 10 11- Jul- 1025- Jul- 10 18- Jul- 1001- Aug- 10 25- Jul- 1008- Aug- 10 01- Aug- 1015- Aug- 10 08- Aug- 1022- Aug- 10 15- Aug- 1029- Aug- 10 24- Oct- 1007- Nov- 10 * 12- Dec- 1026- Dec- 10 • 19- Dec- 1002- Jan- 11 • • Peak season supplement Starts SunEnds Fri BangkokBangkok 2009 05- Apr- 0917- Apr- 09 26- Jul- 0907- Aug- 09 * 16- Aug- 0928- Aug- 09 * 20- Dec- 0901- Jan- 10 • • New Year's Eve Supplement Starts SunEnds Fri BangkokBangkok 2010 28- Mar- 1009- Apr- 10 18- Jul- 1030- Jul- 10 * 08- Aug- 1020- Aug- 10 * 19- Dec- 1031- Dec- 10 * These tours stay at Koh Samui instead of Krabi Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243