Thailand Family Trip Diary – 6 Days in Bangkok & Pattaya

Our long-awaited family vacation to Thailand – the Land of Smiles – finally happened in early April. My wife Sreedevi, our kids (Madhav and Sivada), and my mother Leela joined me on a 6-day adventure split between the bustling city of Bangkok and the beach town of Pattaya. We visited cultural landmarks, enjoyed thrilling activities, and savored delicious Thai food together. Here’s our day-by-day travel diary, filled with personal anecdotes, tips, and the unforgettable experiences we had in Thailand.

Day 1: Arrival in Pattaya – Tiger Topia & Big Buddha Hill

Morning: We landed in Bangkok early on April 4 and headed straight for Pattaya by road (about a 2-hour drive). On the way, we stopped at Tiger Topia Sriracha Zoo, a renowned wildlife attraction just 30 minutes outside Pattaya. Formerly known as Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Tiger Topia is home to hundreds of tigers in a spacious park. We were awestruck getting up close with these majestic cats! Under the guidance of expert handlers, our kids even got to bottle-feed a baby tiger cub, which was an adorable and memorable moment for them

We snapped a family photo beside a giant Bengal tiger (with a professional photographer ensuring everyone – including the tiger – stayed calm). The zoo also had fun live shows: we caught a Tiger Show where trainers demonstrated tiger agility, and a Crocodile Show that had us on the edge of our seats. For an extra fee, adventurous visitors can ride in a caged truck to feed adult tigers raw meat through the bars – I tried this and felt my heart pound as a huge tiger gently took food from the tongs right in front of me! (Tip: Expect to pay around ฿1000–฿1400 per person for full packages at Tiger Topia, which include the shows and multiple photo ops. It’s pricey but a one-of-a-kind experience.) By noon, we had seen baby crocodiles, ostriches, and even witnessed a quirky sight of a tiger, pig, and dog living together peacefully – a testament to the zoo’s unique animal bonding displays.

Afternoon: Arriving in Pattaya, we checked into our hotel and took a short rest. Come late afternoon, we visited the Big Buddha Temple on Pratumnak Hill. Also known as Wat Phra Yai, this hilltop shrine features an 18-meter tall golden Buddha statue that gazes serenely over Pattaya. Climbing the few dozen steps up (lined with golden naga serpents) was worth it – the panoramic view of Pattaya city and the bay was stunning in the soft evening light. My mother Leela, a devout Buddhist, was moved to offer incense and a lotus flower at the statue. It was a poignant moment seeing her pray at this temple, knowing Buddhism’s roots trace back to our home country India. We talked about how Thailand’s Buddhism (Theravada) connects to Indian culture – a little educational detour for the kids. They were more excited about the view and the giant Buddha’s glittering presence, but that’s okay! A small travel tip: carry a shawl or wear modest attire when visiting Thai temples – shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed, so we made sure to dress respectfully.

Evening: For our first night, I had booked the famous Alcazar Cabaret Show in Pattaya. Alcazar is a dazzling 70-minute performance of music, dance, and extravagant costumes, put on by talented transgender performers (often called “ladyboys”). We arrived at the theater by 7 PM for the 7:30 show, grabbing some street food snacks outside (grilled chicken skewers and sweet roti) beforehand. The show itself was fantastic – imagine Las Vegas style cabaret mixed with Bollywood, Thai folk dance, and Broadway! Madhav’s jaw dropped seeing the quick costume changes and glamorous sets, and little Sivada clapped along to the high-energy songs even if she didn’t understand the languages. The performers did acts themed on different cultures – one moment they were in sparkly Thai traditional dresses, next a K-pop style number, and even an Indian dance segment, which got us cheering loudly. Sreedevi and I were amazed by the stage production quality: vibrant lighting, giant props, and of course the graceful dancers. Alcazar is truly family-friendly(despite Pattaya’s notoriety for adult nightlife, this show is appropriate for all ages). At the end, the cast lines up outside for photos – my mom innocently went for a picture and was surprised (and amused) when the beautiful “lady” next to her spoke with a deep male voice! (They do expect a tip of ~฿50-100 for photos, which we were happy to give for their wonderful performance.) We ended Day 1 tired but happy, having experienced wildlife and nightlife all in one day.

Day 2: Coral Island Adventures & Pattaya Floating Market

Morning (Coral Island Tour): After a hearty breakfast, Day 2 was all about sun and sea. We embarked on a half-day trip to Coral Island, locally known as Koh Larn, a small island off the coast of Pattaya famous for its clear water and white sand. A speedboat whisked us from Pattaya’s Bali Hai pier to the island. The ride was bumpy and thrilling – the kids squealed each time our boat hit a wave and sprayed us with warm sea mist. On the way, we stopped at a floating platform in the bay for parasailing. This was a must-try adventure: one by one, we were harnessed to a parachute, then ran a few steps and lifted off into the sky! I’ll never forget the moment I was soaring above the Gulf of Thailand, even if it lasted just a couple of minutes. The view of the turquoise water and Pattaya skyline in the distance was breathtaking. Sreedevi was nervous but brave – she went up tandem with a guide and came down grinning ear to ear. (Cost info: Parasailing cost us ฿800 each. Tip: wear the lifejacket and hold the straps firmly; it’s very safe and operated efficiently.)

Next, we tried undersea walking (also called sea walking). We transferred to another boat where they fitted us with diving helmets that let you breathe normally underwater. Then we climbed down a ladder to the seabed about 4–5 meters deep. What an surreal experience – walking on the ocean floor surrounded by tropical fish! The guide gave us pieces of bread, and suddenly we were swarmed by colorful fish nibbling away, right in front of our face masks. Even my son, who isn’t a strong swimmer, did this easily because you just walk and the helmet keeps your head dry (glasses wearers can keep them on inside the helmet). We spent about 20 minutes below – the water was a bit murky, but seeing coral, sea urchins, and playful fish up close was worth it. (This was an optional activity for ฿1200 per person, arranged by the tour. If you have young kids or anyone who panics in water, you can skip it, but our family handled it fine with the guides’ support.)Finally, we landed on Coral Island’s Tawaen Beach, a lovely stretch of sand with beach chairs and umbrellas. We swam in the clear blue water

So refreshing in the Thai heat! Madhav convinced me to go on a jet ski, so we rented one for 15 minutes (around ฿700). I drove while he sat in front of me, and we zoomed across the bay, yelling in excitement. Meanwhile, Sreedevi and Sivada took a banana boat ride with a larger group – essentially 6 people on a long inflatable banana pulled by a speedboat, bouncing over waves. Of course, it flipped at the end (as it’s supposed to), tossing everyone into the water safely in their lifejackets. They came back soaked and laughing. We loved that Coral Island offered something for everyone – from relaxing under a coconut tree to adrenaline-pumping sports. Around midday, our tour provided a simple Thai buffet lunch on the island (fried rice, vegetables, and chicken curry – and they had vegetarian options for my wife). We ate with an ocean view, feet in the sand. It truly felt like a little tropical paradise.

Afternoon (Gems Gallery & Floating Market): By 2 PM we were back on the mainland. Our tour bus made a stop at the Pattaya Gems Gallery, which is a popular gemstone museum and jewelry store. Thailand has a rich history of gem mining, especially for rubies and sapphires , and this gallery proudly showcases that. At first, it felt a bit like a tourist trap (and indeed it is designed for tourists), but it turned out to be educational and fun. We sat on a slow moving cart ride that took us through animatronic scenes explaining how gems are mined in Thai history, how they’re cut and polished, etc. The ride fascinated the kids (think of it as a mini museum exhibit on wheels).

Afterwards, we were led into a huge showroom filled with dazzling jewelry. My mother’s eyes lit up at the sight of sparkling Siam rubies and blue sapphires. A friendly staff member even showed us an uncut stone versus a cut one under magnification. We didn’t buy anything big (just a small pendant for my mother as a keepsake), but we enjoyed the air-conditioning, free cold drinks, and the glimpse into why Thailand became a major source of gem-quality rubies in the world . Even if you’re not shopping for jewelry, it’s a neat stop for understanding Thailand’s gem trade. (Just keep an eye on your wallet – the pieces are gorgeous and tempting!).

Later in the afternoon, we headed to the Pattaya Floating Market. This isn’t an organic old market but rather a cultural attraction – a “Four Regions Floating Market” established in 2008 to showcase traditional Thai riverside life. The market is spread over a sizable area of stilted wooden buildings and canals (about 100,000 sq.m in size ). We walked on wooden boardwalks as well as took a long-tail boat ride through the canals (for a small fee of ฿200 for all of us, with a boat rower guiding us). It was delightful gliding under wooden bridges and past vendors in boats. Each section of the market represents a different region of Thailand – North, Central, South, and Northeast – which you could tell from the distinct architecture and products. We saw rustic northern Thai houses in one area, and elegantly carved southern Thai designs in another, almost like a mini tour of the country in one place.

Of course, the food was the highlight! We indulged in mango sticky rice (Madhav’s new favorite dessert), tried tiny coconut pancakes called khanom krok, and sipped fresh coconut water straight out of the shell. Leela ji (my mom) was tickled to try crocodile satay from a stall – yes, grilled croc meat on a stick! She said it tasted like chicken, and we all had a hesitant bite (not bad, honestly). The market also offered handicrafts and souvenirs – we bought a few cute wooden toys and a Thai silk scarf after friendly haggling. There were traditional dance performances on a stage in the middle of the market too. We happened upon a show with Thai folk music and dance, which added to the atmosphere. The kids were wide-eyed watching dancers balance pots on their heads. Despite being a manmade attraction, the floating market gave us a charming insight into Thai culture and was very family-friendly. (Travel tip:) The floating market can get hot in late afternoon; we carried umbrellas and hats. There are shaded cafes if you need a break. Also, everything is priced for tourists, so don’t be shy to bargain on souvenirs.

Evening: Back in central Pattaya by evening, we decided to explore the local street food scene for dinner. Near our hotel, we found a night bazaar with rows of food stalls. It was a perfect opportunity to let our taste buds roam: we tried pad Thai noodles from a wok stand, spicy papaya salad (which made us all reach for water – Thais love their chili!), and the kids enjoyed Thai milk tea and fried bananas. Walking through Pattaya’s neon-lit streets at night was an experience in itself. We avoided the party areas and stuck to family-friendly zones. We even strolled a short way down the famous Walking Street just to see the lights and signs (before 9 PM it was relatively tame). The kids gaped at a street performer breathing fire, and we all listened to a live music band for a bit. Pattaya’s nightlife has a reputation, but we found that with kids, you can still enjoy the lively ambience in moderation. By Day 2’s end, we were exhausted but content – we had enjoyed the beach, culture, and cuisine all in one day.

Day 3: Culture & Nature in Pattaya – Sanctuary of Truth and Nong Nooch Garden

Morning (Sanctuary of Truth): We started Day 3 with a dose of art and spirituality at the Sanctuary of Truth in north Pattaya. I had been looking forward to this – it’s not just a temple, but an architectural marvel: a gigantic all-wood structure, like a cross between a Thai temple and a palace, perched by the sea. The moment we saw it, we were blown away. The entire building is made of intricately carved teak wood, constructed entirely without nails ! Every inch – from the foundation to the 105-meter-tall spire – is covered in detailed carvings of deities, mythical creatures, and symbols. It’s essentially a living museum reflecting Eastern philosophy, blending Buddhist and Hindu motifs. We donned the required hard hats (construction is ongoing since 1981 and still not completed ) and joined a guided tour inside.

Walking through the Sanctuary felt like stepping into an ancient storybook. Our guide pointed out carvings representing the four elements (Earth, Water, Wind, Fire) and the Hindu Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva on one wall , and elsewhere, statues of the Chinese goddess Guan Yin and other figures symbolizing philosophy and enlightenment. The kids were amazed at how all this was carved from wood – “Even the ceiling is wood?!” Sivada kept asking, looking up at the ornate wooden dome. We learned that the project was the vision of a Thai businessman, Lek Viriyaphan, and that artisans are continuously carving to this day to maintain and complete the structure. You can literally hear the mallet and chisel at work as you walk around. There was something profoundly peaceful about the place – despite the hammering! My wife and I felt a sense of awe and reflection, seeing how art, religion, and cultural heritage came together under one roof here. We took a family photo in front of the Sanctuary with a horse-drawn carriage that was available for rides in the courtyard (the old-world charm was irresistible). The magnificent all-wood Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, a masterpiece of Thai craftsmanship and spirituality. Built without a single nail, its carved wooden spires and sculptures left us in awe. (Travel tip:) The Sanctuary of Truth has an entrance fee (around ฿500 for adults). They offer woodcarving workshops and cultural shows as well, but we skipped those due to time. Wear comfortable shoes as there’s some walking on uneven wooden floors and steps. Also, being by the ocean, it was hot – carrying water bottles helped, though they also sold drinks inside.

Afternoon (Nong Nooch Tropical Garden): In the afternoon, we visited Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, located a bit outside Pattaya. If I had to describe it in one line: it’s a vast 500-acre botanical park that feels part theme park, part cultural village . It was a hit with everyone in our family for different reasons. We first strolled through the beautifully landscaped themed gardens – French Garden with its symmetry and hedges, a succulent garden full of cacti, a butterfly hill with colorful flowers, and even quirky topiary gardens with bushes shaped like animals. It’s like the Disneyland of Gardens; every turn had something new. We enjoyed spotting animal sculptures here and there (the kids loved the dinosaur valley, dotted with life-size dinosaur statues hiding among the greenery – a great photo op pretending to run from a T-Rex!).

After a quick lunch at one of the park’s food courts (they had Thai food and some international options), we headed to the Thai cultural show arena in Nong Nooch. The show was about 45 minutes and showcased traditional Thai dances, a drum performance, and a short Muay Thai martial arts demonstration. My mother was delighted to see the graceful Thai classical dance with dancers in glittering costumes and long golden fingernail extensions. Right after, we moved to the adjacent stadium for the Elephant Show. Now, I have mixed feelings in hindsight about animal shows, but I’ll recount our experience: A troupe of elephants (probably a dozen of them) came out with their mahouts (trainers) and performed various tricks – they “played” football (one even kicked a giant soccer ball into a goal net, making the crowd roar), painted pictures with their trunks (we were astonished as an elephant painted a recognizable tree on canvas!), and did some comedic skits like playing darts. Our kids were in absolute joy seeing these gentle giants up close, but we also made sure to discuss later about treating animals kindly and that such shows should ensure the welfare of the elephants.

The elephants seemed well-cared for here, but it was a good teaching moment about wildlife tourism. One highlight was when an elephant gently lifted its foot above my head (as I volunteered) in a mock “massage” – a bit nerve-wracking but fun for the audience!

We also visited the on-site Car Museum at Nong Nooch, which was a surprise find. The owner of Nong Nooch apparently is a car enthusiast, and there’s a pavilion displaying his collection of sports cars and vintage automobiles . My son, a car lover, was thrilled to see everything from a bright green Lamborghini to classic Mercedes models. It’s a random but cool addition to a park known mostly for flora. By late afternoon, we took a leisurely walk in the shade of tall palm trees and fed some fish in the large pond (packs of fish food are sold for ฿20 – the pond’s fish practically leap out for the pellets!). Our day at Nong Nooch ended with a serene view from a hilltop gazebo overlooking the entire park – a patchwork of themed gardens below. It was hard to believe such a place exists; it’s like a combination botanical garden, cultural center, zoo, and amusement park. Truly, Nong Nooch has something for every age: my wife enjoyed the orchids and landscaping inspiration, the kids loved the elephants and dinosaurs, my mom enjoyed the cultural bits, and I was secretly geeking out at the car museum.

Evening: Our last night in Pattaya, we decided to keep it relaxed. We went down to Jomtien Beach (a quieter beach area) to enjoy the sunset. The sky turned tangerine orange as the sun dipped into the sea – a beautiful farewell to Pattaya. We found a seafood street stall and had a casual dinner with fresh grilled prawns and spicy seafood soup. A memorable moment was getting Thai foot massages together at a local massage shop – even the kids got a very mild version and giggled throughout. We all slept soundly that night, as the next day we’d transfer to Bangkok for the second leg of our journey.

Day 4: Pattaya to Bangkok – Temples Tour & Chao Phraya River Cruise

Morning Transfer: We checked out of our Pattaya hotel on April 7 and drove back to Bangkok. The drive was comfortable (in Thailand, the highways are good), and we reached Bangkok by late morning. Our plan for the day was a city tour of Bangkok’s historic temples and landmarks. We were eager to contrast Bangkok’s urban energy with Pattaya’s resort vibe.

Bangkok City Tour (Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Marble Temple, & Chinatown): Our first stop was the Grand Palacecomplex, the most famous landmark in Bangkok. The palace was the residence of Thai kings for centuries and is also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Walking into the Grand Palace grounds felt like stepping into a golden fairy tale. The buildings had ornate gold-tiled roofs, and every surface glittered or gleamed. Despite the crowds and the blazing midday sun, we were struck with admiration. At Wat Phra Kaew, we saw the revered Emerald Buddha statue (actually made of jade) perched high atop a lavish altar. It’s relatively small but its significance is huge – considered the protector of Thailand. We observed silently as worshippers knelt and prayed. The atmosphere inside was solemn and mystical. I explained to the kids how this Emerald Buddha was once in Laos and was moved around over history, which they found interesting (especially since it felt like a treasure story). Remembering the strict dress code, we were all wearing long pants/skirts and covered shoulders. (Tip: They do offer cover-up rentals for those improperly dressed, but better to come prepared. Also, carry water – we drained our bottles quickly under that sun.)

Next, we headed to the pier nearby for a quick boat ride across the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Wat Arun’s iconic prang (spire) is one of Bangkok’s postcard images, and seeing it up close was fantastic. The tall spire is covered in mosaic-like bits of porcelain, seashell, and colored glass, forming floral patterns – truly exquisite craftsmanship. We climbed partway up the steep steps of the prang (holding the kids’ hands tightly; the steps are narrow and steep!) for a view of the river. The breeze off the water was a relief. It’s called Temple of Dawn, but ironically we were there at midday – I hear it’s stunning at sunset too when lights illuminate it. We took some lovely photos with Wat Arun’s spire behind us and the river in the background.

After returning by boat, our city tour took us past the Thai Parliament and Government House area. We didn’t stop, but our guide pointed out the impressive Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, a marble palace built by a past king, and the modern Parliament building. It sparked a little conversation with our kids about government – I mentioned that Thailand is a constitutional monarchy (meaning it has a king as head of state but is governed by an elected parliament). In fact, Thailand ended absolute monarchy in 1932, adopting this democratic system . They hold general elections roughly every four years, similar to India, which surprised Madhav. Driving through the boulevards of the Dusit district (with tree-lined streets and European-influenced architecture) showed a different side of Bangkok – one of regal history and governance, compared to the commercial high-rises elsewhere.

We then visited the Wat Benchamabophit, commonly known as the Marble Temple. This temple, made with Italian Carrara marble, is a more modern (early 20th century) but stunning temple in Bangkok. The sun was in our favor, and the marble facade glistened under the blue sky. We walked through the entrance gate and saw the main ubosot (ordination hall) with its striking orange roofs and white walls. It was picture-perfect – in fact, I remembered that the Marble Temple’s image is on the Thai 5-baht coin! Inside the temple hall, a serene golden Buddha statue sits, and along the courtyard are dozens of Buddha statues in different poses (collected from various regions).

We slowly walked around as a monk chanted prayers, which felt calming. The symmetry and cleanliness of the Marble Temple courtyard, with neatly trimmed bonsai trees and the gleaming marble, gave it an almost serene, museum-like quality. Sreedevi commented on how the mix of Thai and European (neoclassical) architecture made it “Accidentally Wes Anderson”-like in its perfection – I chuckled at the reference. We learned that this temple was built under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and is considered one of Bangkok’s most beautiful. It’s sometimes called “the Marble Temple” because of its primary building material . We felt it was a hidden gem – less crowded than Grand Palace, but extremely elegant.

The stately Wat Benchamabophit, or Marble Temple, in Bangkok. Built with Italian marble and famed for its elegant Thai-European architecture, it’s even featured on the Thai 5-baht coin. By late afternoon, we wrapped up our city tour with a drive through Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat Road). What a sensory overload – even from the van! Huge neon signs in Chinese characters, gold shops lining the road, and food stalls starting to set up for the evening rush. Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the largest in the world and is renowned for its street food and markets . We didn’t have time to hop out and explore properly (that’s a whole adventure on its own), but we did crawl along in traffic and gaze out the windows. We saw an altar with incense burning and a Chinese temple, and the mix of Thai and Chinese culture was evident everywhere. Our guide pointed out a famous roast duck restaurant and the old Odeon Gate (the ceremonial entrance to Chinatown). Even in the car, we could catch whiffs of herbs and grilled pork. We made a mental note to return to Yaowarat on a future trip when we have an evening free – it looked exciting and family-friendly if you go early in the evening.

Evening (Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise): For our first night in Bangkok, I had reserved a special Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise. We arrived at Asiatique The Riverfront (a lively open-air mall and night market by the river) where many cruises depart. Our cruise boat was a large, nicely decked ship with two floors of dining tables. We embarked around 7:30 PM, just as the city’s lights were coming on. The buffet spread made everyone happy – there were Thai dishes (green curry, tom yum soup) as well as kid-friendly options like pasta and fries. My mother was delighted to find some Indian curries and naan in the buffet too (probably to cater to the many Indian tourists). As we dined, a live band played gentle music, and the boat glided along the Chao Phraya.

The sights of Bangkok at night from the river were magical. We passed by the glittering Wat Arun, which was illuminated and cast a golden reflection in the dark water. We saw the Grand Palace and Wat Pho’s pagodas lit up as well – truly postcard-worthy views. The kids were excited to spot the Rama VIII Bridge – its modern suspension design lit in a warm glow. At one point, the singer on board started a lively Thai song and some tourists danced near the stage – we even joined in for a bit of clapping and swaying. It felt joyous to be sailing through the heart of Bangkok, enjoying the cool breeze, with my family by my side, reflecting on all we had seen so far.

Midway, the cruise announced it was passing the Iconsiam mall and the new Parliament complex on the river – we stepped to the open deck to take in the full panorama. Bangkok truly looked like a city of lights and life from the boat. Sreedevi and I stole a quiet moment on the deck, pointing out constellations above (amazingly visible once we got to a darker stretch) and feeling grateful. After dinner, desserts (including delicious mango pudding and coconut jelly) were savored as the boat slowly made its way back. The entire cruise lasted about 2 hours, and by 9:30 PM we were back at Asiatique pier. We let the kids ride the vintage merry-go-round at Asiatique and walked a bit through the night bazaar there – it’s a trendy spot with shops and a giant Ferris wheel. But our energy was dipping, and we headed back to the hotel to rest. Thus ended our whirlwind Day 4 – from historic temples in the day to a romantic river cruise at night, Bangkok welcomed us with open arms.

Day 5: Wild Family Fun at Safari World Bangkok

Our Day 5 was dedicated to Safari World, a famous open zoo and marine park on the outskirts of Bangkok. This was entirely for the kids (though truth be told, the adults enjoyed it just as much!). Safari World is divided into two sections: the Safari Park, where you drive through and see animals roaming, and the Marine Park, which has various animal shows and exhibits. We arrived early (around 9:30 AM) to make the most of it.

Safari Park (Open Zoo Drive-through): We started with the Safari Park. We stayed on the coach bus as it drove slowly through different zones – almost like a real-life safari ride. Right away, we spotted herds of zebras and giraffes grazing together. The giraffes even poked their long necks near the bus windows curiously. The delight on my children’s faces was priceless when an ostrich trotted by and pecked near the bus tires! We saw rhinos wallowing in mud pools and deer prancing about.

The most exciting was entering the big cat section: we passed through gates into the area where lions and tigers roam freely (the bus is enclosed, so no worries). We held our breath as we saw a magnificent male lion lounging on a rock a few meters away, and a Bengal tiger crossing the road behind our bus as if it owned the place – which, of course, it does! It felt like we were guests in their kingdom. The park also had a section with bears; we saw an Asiatic black bear standing and scratching its back on a tree. Throughout the drive, a guide narrated fun facts (“Look to your right, the large horned animals are the Greater Kudu from Africa…” etc.). It was educational and entertaining. The entire safari drive took about 40 minutes. After the drive, we took a short break at the Safari World cafe. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to feed giraffes at the special feeding terrace (for an extra fee). Climbing up a platform, we held bananas out and several giraffes swooped their huge heads down, grabbing the bananas with long purple tongues! The kids were overjoyed (and a bit slimed by giraffe drool, which became a running joke). Being eyeball to eyeball with a giraffe is something I recommend for all families – it’s gentle and thrilling at the same time.

Marine Park (Animal Shows Marathon): The rest of the day we spent in the Marine Park section of Safari World, hopping from one show to another. Safari World is famous for its animal shows, and they have a schedule to fit them all in one day if you plan well. We followed the typical sequence (weekday timings)

• Orangutan Show (10:20 AM): This was a comedy show featuring orangutans. They had two orangutans act out a mock boxing match in a ring – with gloves on and all! It was slapstick humor; the orangutans played to the crowd, “punching” and falling dramatically. Our kids laughed so hard at the orangutan wearing the referee hat. It’s a bit silly but undeniably entertaining to see these intelligent apes mimic human actions. They also did cute skits like playing musical instruments (one banged on drums in surprisingly good rhythm) . The show highlighted how clever and human-like orangutans can be, and it ended with them dancing to upbeat music – guess who joined along? Yes, Sivada dragged me up to dance along in the stands. Good fun.

• Elephant Show (11:00 AM): Yes, more elephants! Given we’d seen an elephant show at Nong Nooch, we debated skipping this, but decided to watch anyway to compare. This show focused on different displays: elephants playing basketball, twirling hula hoops with their trunks, and even painting pictures on easels. We noticed a theme: one elephant kept “mistakenly” painting the Thai flag and getting corrected to paint a tree – clearly part of the act, but the patriotic nod made the Thai audience cheer. The climax was an elephant walking over some brave volunteers lying on the ground (yikes!) which had everyone gasping. Having seen similar before, we instead focused on my mother’s reaction – she was filming everything on her phone with a big smile, likely to show her friends back home the unbelievable things these Thai elephants can do. Again, we reminded the kids about respecting animals and that these behaviors come from long training. Safari World does claim the shows help fund conservation, but it’s always a nuanced topic. At face value, the show was enjoyable and the elephants looked healthy and happy enough, spraying water playfully at the front rows at the end.

• Spy War Stunt Show (11:45 AM): This was a change of pace – a human stunt show with a wild action storyline. We entered a stadium set up like a small town scene with buildings, and the plot was a cheesy action movie scenario of heroes vs. villains (the term “Spy War” made me think of James Bond-like spoofs). There were loud explosions, gunfire, and daring stunts. At one point, a man rappelled down a zipline from a tower while “firing” a rifle (blanks, of course). Another stunt had a guy on a jet-ski in a water canal engaging in a chase with a villain on shore, culminating in a huge fireball explosion that made us feel the heat in our seats! Our son was absolutely thrilled – this was like a live-action movie. They even incorporated a helicopter prop that swooped in (with wires) for the finale, and a building facade “blowing up”. It’s all quite loud – my daughter covered her ears a few times – but for anyone into action, it’s a blast. We appreciated the stunt performers’ skills. It’s basically a mini Hollywood in Bangkok. (Parents of very small kids: be aware of the noise; maybe sit farther back – we sat middle and it was fine.)

We took a lunch break after Spy War. The park had a buffet restaurant, but we opted for simpler fare at food stalls – hot dogs for the kids, pad kra pao (basil chicken stir-fry) and rice for us, and ice-cold sodas. By now, the Bangkok heat was intense (~35°C), but there were many shaded areas and indoor venues, so we managed by alternating between A/C and outdoors.

• Dolphin Show (1:45 PM): This was one of the highlights for the kids. The dolphin stadium was packed. Happy music played as trainers came out and introduced eight bottlenose dolphins. For the next half hour, we watched in awe as these intelligent dolphins performed flips, high jumps, and synchronized swimming. Two dolphins leapt in tandem to touch a ball suspended high above the pool – showing off their incredible height and grace. The trainers stood on the dolphins’ noses to “surf” across the pool at high speed, drawing gasps and applause. The show also had heartwarming moments, like a dolphin “singing” (via rhythmic squeaks) and one doing a cute dance with a trainer. They asked for audience volunteers for a segment – and guess what, my brave son’s hand shot up! He was picked along with a few other kids to go near the water. A dolphin swam up and allowed Madhav to pet its nose and shake “hands” (flippers) – he was over the moon! (We got a great photo of this moment.) The grand finale had all the dolphins line up and splash the audience with their tails – we sat just out of reach but still got a tiny sprinkle. Walking out, my daughter declared she wants to be a dolphin trainer when she grows up. We’ll see about that!

  

An exciting moment from the Dolphin Show at Safari World’s Marine Park. The dolphins wowed us with their high-flying flips and synchronized tricks, making Day 5 truly unforgettable for the kids.

• Sea Lion Show (2:30 PM): The sea lions brought the laughs in the early afternoon show. These goofy marine performers did a “Western cowboy” themed skit (odd but fun) where sea lions in vests and hats pretended to be in a saloon. They balanced balls on their noses, clapped to songs, and one chubby sea lion even did a kind of cartwheel on land. The funniest part was a sea lion “speech contest” – one sea lion mimicked the trainer’s actions and sounds hilariously, making honking barks that had the whole audience cracking up. The show was maybe 20 minutes, just the right length to keep young kids engaged. We enjoyed it and appreciated sitting in a covered arena away from the sun for a while.

After the sea lion show, we visited a few animal exhibits around (the kids insisted on seeing the white tigers in their enclosure and the tropical bird aviary where we spotted hornbills and flamingos). We also spent time at the large play area with fountains – a quick cool-down where our kids joined others in running through mist sprays. The day was long, but we paced ourselves.

• Bird Show (we caught the tail end): Around 3:30 PM, a Bird Show was happening, so we watched the last 10 minutes. Colorful macaws flew in formation, a clever hornbill bird picked up donations from visitors’ hands to drop in a box (to everyone’s amusement), and a talkative parrot said “Sawadee!” (hello in Thai). It was a nice, calm way to wind down the show circuit.

As closing time approached, we realized we had managed to enjoy five different shows (orangutan, elephant, spy war, dolphin, sea lion) in one day – Safari World truly offers a full schedule of entertainment . It was like a multi-theme amusement park, and we were happy to see our kids learning and laughing throughout. Before leaving, we browsed the gift shop for a souvenir – we got a cute plush dolphin for Sivada and a T-shirt with a tiger print for Madhav.

Evening: Returning to our Bangkok hotel, we were pretty tired from the day’s excitement and the heat. We decided to have dinner nearby to keep it easy. Fortunately, Bangkok has 7-Eleven convenience stores at every corner, so we popped in one and grabbed some snacks and drinks (the kids discovered Thai 7-Eleven ham & cheese toasties, which became their obsession – if you know, you know!). We then went to a cozy Thai eatery and had a simple meal: steaming bowls of chicken noodle soup and some satay skewers. Back at the hotel, we reflected that this was our last full day in Thailand. Already the kids were pleading to “come back again!” – a sure sign of a successful trip. We packed our suitcases that night with an extra dose of souvenirs (and maybe a bit of sand still in our shoes from Pattaya).

Day 6: Farewell, Thailand – Last-minute Explorations and Reflections

Our final day, April 9, was mainly a travel day as we had an evening flight back home. But we still had the morning and early afternoon in Bangkok, and we didn’t want to waste it.

Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, we decided to visit the famous Erawan Shrine in downtown Bangkok, since it was near our hotel. The Erawan Shrine is a small outdoor Hindu shrine (to Lord Brahma) that’s very popular among locals and tourists for prayer and blessings. Even on a mid-morning weekday, it was bustling. We watched as people offered garlands of marigolds, lit incense, and gently tapped a gong for good luck. A traditional Thai dance troupe was performing beside the shrine (people often hire them to dance in thanks for answered prayers). The kids were curious about the mix of Hindu deity in a Thai setting; it gave us a chance to explain Thailand’s openness to various beliefs and how Hinduism and Buddhism intertwine in Thai culture (the fact that the shrine is Brahma, part of the Hindu Trimurti, linked back to what we saw at the Sanctuary of Truth with carvings of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva). We all bowed and gave our silent thanks for a safe and happy trip.

After that, we took a final tuk-tuk ride around the city. We realized we hadn’t done this iconic Bangkok experience yet! So we hailed a bright green tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled motorized rickshaw) and asked the driver to just take us through a quick spin around some nearby blocks and drop us at a shopping mall. The rush of the open-air ride amid Bangkok traffic was both terrifying and exhilarating. The kids absolutely loved it, giggling every time the tuk-tuk zipped ahead of a car with its mosquito-like buzz. We held on tight and enjoyed the city scenes – street vendors peddling fruits, monks collecting alms, glittering malls next to old shophouses – truly a city of contrasts.

We ended up at MBK Center, one of Bangkok’s big shopping malls known for affordable goods, to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. It was a chance for us to pick up a few gifts for friends back home (some Thai silk scarves, elephant print pants, and packets of Thai spice mixes). Also, confession: we had fast food for lunch in the mall (the kids were craving something familiar, so yes, we did a one-time McDonald’s stop – with a Thai twist though, as they got a McSpicy chicken rice combo not found at home).

Afternoon: Back at the hotel, we checked out and loaded our bags, ready for the airport. But before leaving, I sat everyone down in the lobby and asked what their favorite part of the trip was, and one thing they learned about Thailand:

• Madhav (14 years): Favorite – “Dolphins!! And feeding the giraffes.” Learned – “Thai money is Baht and dad said one Baht is about ₹2.5, so it’s stronger than Rupee . That’s why everything seemed double price when we converted.” (I was impressed he picked up on the currency conversion lesson!). We talked about how Thailand’s economy and exports make the Baht valuable, and how prices of imported goods are high due to taxes – like the iPhone he spotted was more expensive here than in India, likely because Thailand puts high import taxes to encourage local products.

• Sivada (8 years): Favorite – “The tigers and the big wooden temple (Sanctuary of Truth).” Learned – “People wai to say hello.” (She had been practicing the Thai wai, pressing her palms together to greet people with a slight bow – she found it very graceful). She also chimed in that Thailand is called “Prathet Thai” by locals and it means Land of the Free.

  I was surprised – apparently my wife had explained this to her after we saw the monument of King Rama VII who instituted democracy. We reminded ourselves that Thailand was known as Siam until 1939, when it officially changed its name to reinforce its identity as the land of freedom (never colonized by Western powers) . Indeed, “Thai” means “free” – something the Thais are proud of . Also known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand certainly lived up to that name with the warm smiles we encountered everywhere.

• Leela (Grandma): Favorite – “I loved the spiritual places – the Big Buddha, Marble Temple, Sanctuary of Truth. And surprisingly, the Alcazar show – such beautiful performances!” Learned – “Thailand has a King and an elected government. They became a democracy in 1932 , which is earlier than India even. And their King is very respected. I noticed the King’s portrait in many places.” She’s right; portraits of the current King (Rama X) and Queen were often seen in public buildings. We also discussed how Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a Prime Minister and parliament, having regular elections (ideally every 4 years if not interrupted by coups). This mix of modern governance with ancient monarchy is part of what makes Thailand unique.

• Sreedevi (my wife): Favorite – “The variety! One day we’re at a beach, next day a palace, then a theme park… and our family bond strengthened without the usual daily distractions. The dinner cruise was my personal highlight – it was romantic and also fun for the kids.” Learned – “Thai people are so hospitable. Also, I learned how tourism is crucial to Thailand’s economy, almost 20% of GDP comes from travel . No wonder they take such good care of tourists. I felt very safe traveling here with family.” We noted how well Thailand caters to visitors – clean facilities, clear signs in multiple languages, and everyone being generally helpful. She also appreciated learning about packing right: we were glad we brought light cotton clothes, sunscreen, and comfy shoes as recommended, given Thailand’s tropical climate (April was very hot and humid, with occasional sudden showers, though we mostly dodged rain).

And for me, my favorite was seeing my family so happy together – if I had to pick a place, maybe the Sanctuary of Truth for its wow factor, or Coral Island for the sheer fun. I learned (or rather, confirmed) that Thailand is an ideal family destination because it offers something for everyone: nature, adventure, culture, food, and shopping. The Thai slogan “Amazing Thailand” really rang true. Despite traveling with three generations (kids, us, and grandma), the trip went smoothly with plenty to entertain and engage all of us.

Soon, our taxi arrived to take us to Suvarnabhumi Airport. As we drove away, we took in the last sights of Bangkok’s skyline. There was a sense of fulfillment and also that little tug of sadness one feels at the end of a great holiday. At the airport shops, we made our final purchase with our remaining Baht – some Thai snacks (dried mango and spicy seaweed) to carry home. When our flight took off, we all waved an imaginary goodbye to the country below. Thailand – “Prathet Thai,” the Land of the Free – also the Land of Smiles. We learned that it was never colonized, proudly changing from Siam to Thailand in 1939.

• Its government is a blend of monarchy and democracy, with a constitutional monarch and elected officials.
• The Thai Baht’s strength (1฿ ≈ ₹2.5) reflects a stable, export-driven economy.
• We experienced the hot summer climate (peaking 35–36°C in April), reminding us why lightweight clothing, sun protection, and staying hydrated are crucial here. We noticed imported goods were pricey – a result of Thailand’s policy of taxing imports heavily to promote domestic products, as our guide mentioned. And above all, we witnessed first-hand how tourism fuels Thailand’s economy – from hotels to shows to parks – and why millions of visitors (including many families like ours) flock here. With its rich culture, friendly people, and myriad attractions, Thailand truly earns its place among the world’s top family destinations.

As a family, we carry back not just souvenirs, but a treasure trove of memories – of tiger encounters and dolphin waves, of temple bells and cabaret tunes, of market spices and ocean breezes. This trip brought us closer together and taught our kids about a beautiful country and its heritage in an immersive way. Khop khun krap, Thailand (thank you, Thailand) for all the smiles and lessons. We’ll definitely be back for more! Sawadee!