One of the most contrasting family excursions. There were five of us (my wife, my children, ages 16, 11, and 5). We went on February 6, 2026. Everyone was absolutely delighted. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is a beautiful place steeped in history. The monkeys near the entrance really impressed the younger ones. In the morning, they were at least unobtrusive in taking bananas from our hands. We woke up with them to locally grown Thai coffee. Then there were elephants, rides, a swim, the Arbuzinka show, and feedings. I was wearing a hat, so I took it off. I was so able to connect with these incredibly intelligent animals, albeit briefly. It was simply beyond all praise. I've ridden a sala in India, but this one was absolutely celestial. I felt their kindness and presence. Bamboo rafting seems like a quiet trip, but the branches are full of creatures: snakes, frogs, spiders... The kids are happy, and the adults are glad the snakes were in their siesta slumber and had no time for us at all. Lunch in Khao Lak was excellent. In Phuket, you usually order all that stuff in restaurants. And here you have different types of shrimp, Tom Yum, rice, mussels, crabs with octopus. Everything was delicious. We slept there and back, and the journey went by unnoticed. One of the best family excursions – I 100% recommend it.
