THAILAND WITH TEENS: Elephants, beaches and golf
Fancy taking your teens on an adventure to a place often associated with beaches and honeymooners. Then a multi centre trip to Thailand might be just the ticket for you.
How about swapping the usual fly-and-flop beach break for a three-stop Thai adventure that blends private pool villa sunsets, jungle safaris and sun soaked days on the fairway? Our family of five mixed four nights on the quiet island of Koh Yao Yai with an unforgettable Jungle and Lake Safari at Elephant Hills in Khao Sok, before finishing with six indulgent nights at The Pavilions Phuket indulging in massages and golf. A fabulous blend of chill-out time, soft adventure and a touch of luxury that suited both parents and grown-up kids.
ADVENTURE BEYOND THE BEACH
Having been to Thailand with my husband pre kids, I have always sold Thailand as a paradise of white-sand beaches, dreamy sunsets and romantic honeymoons. So when my husband and I decided to take our three adult children, I was keen to see the side of Thailand that is so much more than that: it can be adventure, discovery and proper family connection. Our three-centre itinerary blended luxury, wilderness and a little bit of indulgence, turning out to be such a memorable trip.
LUXURY ON KO YAO YAI PLUS A LITTLE EXPLORATION OF NEARBY ICONIC ISLANDS
The first chapter of our journey began at the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort, where we spent four nights in a Royal Grand Pool Villa facing west which offered the most incredible sunsets. This villa really was our sanctuary. Perched on the hillside, it felt like a private retreat in the sky, with traditional Thai architecture, carved wood details and a spacious terrace that opened onto our own pool. Every evening, the west-facing view became the star of the show: we would gather outside as a family, sink into loungers and watch the sky melt from gold into pink and then deep orange over the Andaman Sea. It was the perfect setting to "chillax".
From here we headed out for island-hopping adventures, including a boat trip to Koh Phi Phi. Skimming across the turquoise water on a traditional longtail boat felt almost surreal: the limestone cliffs rising straight out of the sea, the sunlight dancing on the surface, and that incredible range of blues and greens that no photo ever quite captures. At Maya Bay, made famous by films but every bit as stunning in real life, we found ourselves surrounded by soaring cliffs and water so clear and bright it looked almost unreal. Being there together, felt incredibly special: a reminder that shared experiences are far more valuable than souvenirs.
JUNGLE AND LAKE SAFARI ON AN ELEPHANT HILLS ADVENTURE
From island life we headed deep into nature for the second part of our adventure: an incredible Jungle and Lake Safari at Elephant Hills in Khao Sok. Our time here was divided between the Jungle camp and the Lake camp, in lovely tented accommodation that managed to feel both close to nature and very comfortable. At the Jungle camp, waking up to the sounds of the rainforest instead of an alarm clock was a treat in itself.
One of the highlights at Jungle Camp was our elephant experience: being able to observe these gentle giants, see their personalities, and learn more about their care was humbling and fascinating for all of us, and it felt like a genuine connection rather than a contrived show. We also kayaked along the river, gliding past dense jungle, spotting birds and listening to the calls echoing from the trees.
Later we moved over to the Lake camp, where the scenery shifted from forest to a vast emerald lake surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts. Here we took a kayaking tour right from our floating base, paddling across the calm surface, exploring little inlets and soaking up the silence that you only really find far from civilisation. A jungle walk added a bit of gentle challenge, weaving our way along forest trails, crossing streams and stopping to admire the views and wildlife along the way. It felt wonderfully adventurous yet always safe, and the combination of activity, nature and comfort made it a real highlight for all five of us.
BEACH AND GOLF STAY AT BANG TAO BAY
For the final part of our Thailand journey, we transferred back to Bang Tao Bay on Phuket for six nights at The Pavilions Hotel. My husband and I indulged in an Ocean View Pool Villa (large enough to accommodate all 5 of us by the pool), while the kids stayed in a Tropical View Suite nearby. It was the ideal set-up: everyone had their own space and privacy, but we were close enough that it still felt very much like a family holiday.
Our villa gave us sweeping views towards the ocean from our own pool, a peaceful place to start and end each day. From here we explored the shops around Bang Tao, wandering in and out of boutiques and cafés, and getting a feel for the more laid-back side of Phuket. Golf became our daily ritual, with rounds at Laguna Phuket, a great course that quickly won over the whole family. We also made time for daily massages, easing away any lingering tension and leaning fully into holiday mode, as well as sunset drinks on the beach. It felt like the perfect balance: activity, relaxation and a touch of luxury.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON OUR THAILAND ADVENTURE
Looking back, what stands out most is how varied our Thailand holiday was. In a single trip we went from sunset pool villas and turquoise bays, to jungle tents and elephant encounters, to ocean view villas, golf greens and spa treatments. It demonstrated that Thailand is not just for couples or honeymooners. It is an incredible playground for families with adult children too, where shared experiences can be as gentle or as adventurous as you want them to be.
Fancy your own amazing Thailand adventure? Then get in touch.
