Skip the congested city of Bangkok. Head north-east to the soothing rural countryside of Isan.
RealHome XP Travel, a travel agency that specialises in unconventional tours, has put together a five-day, four-night tour to the area.
"A large part of the tour is in natural surroundings," says its director, Mr Fred Seow, who went on a test run of the package with his family last month. He says that the trip gave his two children an opportunity to visit mushroom farms, vineyards and a dairy farm.
For sightseeing, there is Phanom Ruang, one of Thailand's oldest temples. The big white marble statue of Buddha at the lower ridges of the Khao Yai mountains is not to be missed too.
For authentic Thai food, there are stops where you can try pork or beef ball noodle soup at a village stall.
Accommodation on the tour starts with a one-night stay at the Supalai Pasak Resort & Spa, followed by a village homestay for the rest of your trip.
Getting there: Take a two hour and 25 minute Singapore Airlines flight to Bangkok ($340), followed by a 21/2-hour bus ride (price unavailable) to Isan.
Where to stay: Supalai Pasak Resort & Spa (from $90) and village homestay (price unavailable)
Cost: About $839 a person
Price includes air ticket and tour package price (from $499, twin-share). For bookings, go to www.realhomexp.com to book under Package TH 002, call 6503-1338 or e-mail custsvs@realhomexp.com
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
A group of people kayaking along the floating karaoke barges in Kanchanaburi in Thailand.
Home of the famous World War II Death Railway Bridge, the province gives visitors a rich lesson in history.
The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (100 baht or S$4) and Death War museum (30 baht) tell stories of life during the war. The Hellfire Pass Memorial (admission by donation) offers walking trails along the original railbed.
If you go in the last week of November or the first week of December, there will be a burst of light and sound as the locals stage a show to commemorate the Allied attack on the bridge in 1945. Book early as it draws many visitors.
Hotel receptionist San Saneec, 29, says the historical River Kwai bridge is the best part of the central Thai province, which is 128km west of Bangkok.
"The beautiful old bridge," she says, "holds a lot of memories in Thai history."
For activities, she recommends elephant trekking, bamboo rafting, kayaking and visiting the waterfalls. But her favourite pastime is karaoke for Kanchanaburi is known for its floating karaoke barges that ply the river.
Getting there: Catch a Singapore Airlines flight to Bangkok, followed by an hour's taxi ride to the Southern Bus Terminal. Book a two-hour bus journey to Kanchanaburi (95 baht, one way).
Where to stay: River Kwai Hotel in the heart of the city has rooms (from 1,100 baht) with air-conditioning and free Internet access. Inchantree Resort has Balinese-style rooms (from 811 baht) with open-air private showers.
