Welcome to the “Big Mango”, where canals wind between creaking teakwood verandas and glittering, jewel-encrusted spires jut up between skyscrapers. It’s a city of grand palaces and even grander temples, but sometimes the most memorable experiences are those that occur between the sights, as you mingle with commuters on the Skytrain, wander between groups of people practising t’ai chi or aerobics in the park, or visit orchid gardens and fruit plantations along the banks of the khlongs. Bangkok might seem intimidating at first glance, but the Thais are crazy about kids — and you’ll find that even the frenetic, traffic-choked buzz of the city softens to accommodate families.

Head northwards to the orchards and rice fields of Ahsa Farm Stay. Your hosts Thoo and Aong will lift the lid on daily village life, take you tea picking and accompany you to the early morning monk procession, where you can make your offering, as well as leading you through their farm and collecting ingredients from the garden for a Lanna cookery class, preparing dinner together. A quick stop overnight in Chiang Rai gives you time to take a samlor around town, heading to the local night bazaar for dinner (from fried insects to hot and sour soup - the choice is yours!)

A morning on the road via the weird and wonderful White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) will bring you to Chiang Mai. One of the most popular destinations in Thailand, Chiang Mai is a leafy, laid-back city where trendy art galleries coexist with centuries-old temples, and the hills are filled with jungle hikes and hilltribe villages. Spend a day at an elephant sanctuary meeting the residents, before learning how their dung can be used to make paper! Then head back to the city to search the sois (alleyways) for something delicious for dinner. Chiang Mai renowned for its amazing cuisine, so you won’t have to look far.

You’ve experienced central Thailand and the mountainous north, now it’s time to see what the beautiful south has to offer. Your home for the next few days will include access to the fine sand beaches of Ko Samui, and after 10 days it's the perfect opportunity to switch off, relax and sip a fresh coconut by the pool before returning home. If you're more of an active beach type, the Ang Thong National Marine Park is within sight of Ko Samui, and there's plenty of options for island hopping and snorkelling day trips, or even a PADI-certified dive course.