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Thailand has long been a favourite for Aussie travellers — and after our recent family trip, I’m more convinced than ever it’s the perfect destination for a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Whether you’re travelling with kids, craving nature, or looking for a resort with all the bells and whistles, we found a little bit of everything during our stay.

Here’s a snapshot of our unforgettable three-stop holiday, and why I’d absolutely recommend each place to my clients.

 Stop 1: The Sands by Katathani – Khao Lak

Our trip kicked off at The Sands by Katathani, a large beachfront resort in Khao Lak that was ideal for families. The family rooms were brilliant – spacious, comfortable, and designed with a separate area just for the kids, complete with two single beds (and a little privacy for the parents!).

The kids’ club was a hit, with scheduled daily activities and plenty of space for little ones to burn off energy. While the beach wasn’t great for swimming due to recent rain, the resort had so much going on we hardly noticed — between the pools, playgrounds, and kid-friendly dining, we were never short of things to do.

Top pick for: Families who want a stress-free beach resort with lots of on-site entertainment.

 Stop 2: Elephant Hills – Khao Sok

From beachside comfort to jungle adventure — our next stop was Elephant Hills, a luxury tented camp in the heart of Khao Sok National Park. I don’t say this lightly, but this was one of the most magical travel experiences I’ve ever had.

Surrounded by misty mountains and lush jungle, it felt like stepping onto the set of Avatar. We spent 4 adventure-packed days here:

• A heartwarming and ethical elephant experience, where we learned from their mahouts, prepared their food, and had the chance to feed them
• Canoeing through rainforest rivers, spotting wildlife along the way
• Speedboat rides and longtail boat trips across Cheow Larn Lake — which honestly felt like Thailand’s version of Halong Bay
• Jungle treks where we spotted gibbons, macaques, and colourful birds in the wild

And yes, we still had hot showers and comfy beds — this was glamping at its finest.

Top pick for: Families or couples wanting a once-in-a-lifetime soft adventure with incredible nature, comfort, and animal encounters.

 Stop 3: Pamookkoo Resort – Kata Beach, Phuket

For our final stop, we checked into Pamookkoo Resort in Phuket’s Kata Beach — and if you’re travelling with water-loving kids, this place is a dream.

The resort is built around a massive lagoon-style pool, complete with three fast water slides that my kids couldn’t get enough of. It had a fun, relaxed vibe and was just a short walk to the beach, local restaurants, shops, and the buzzing night markets.

It was the perfect way to wind down after the jungle and soak up some classic Phuket fun.

Top pick for: Families who want an exciting, central Phuket stay with loads of water fun and easy access to shops and beach life.

 Thinking of Thailand?

This trip reminded me why Thailand is such a fantastic all-rounder — and there are options to suit every style and budget. Whether you’re after family resorts, authentic wildlife experiences, or adventure and relaxation in one, I’d love to help you design the perfect itinerary.

If you’re dreaming of Thailand (or anywhere else!), get in touch — I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on making memories.

 Ready to plan your own adventure? Let’s chat!