Xishuangbanna December Family Trip｜Fun Adventures in the Rainforest

December in Xishuangbanna is warm like spring, making it an excellent choice for a winter getaway with kids! This time, we stayed at the hidden rainforest hotel Anantara, surrounded by lush greenery, a true paradise that far surpasses similar hotels in Thailand. The kids had an incredibly joyful time here. Anantara Rainforest Hotel’s design is full of fairy tale charm, with wooden pointed cottages nestled in the rainforest. Opening the window reveals endless greenery, and the kids excitedly said it felt like living in a forest fairy tale. The hotel’s suspended pool is a major highlight—lying by the pool offers panoramic views of the rainforest. Taking photos with the kids by the pool easily creates Instagram-worthy shots. The suspension bridge corridor, floating afternoon tea, and rainforest spa also make the family time especially rich and memorable. **5-Day Family Itinerary** Day 1: After arriving in Xishuangbanna, take a 40-minute drive to Anantara Rainforest Hotel. After settling in, head to the Starlight Night Market with the kids, rent traditional Dai costumes, stroll, eat, and take photos to experience the lively atmosphere of Xishuangbanna. Day 2: In the morning, visit Wild Elephant Valley and join the “Elephant Pooper Scooper” family activity. Bathe and feed the baby elephants, prepare elephant meals, and earn a conservation certificate to teach kids to care for animals. In the afternoon, go to the Primitive Forest Park to watch the spectacular peacock release, then join the water-splashing carnival with the kids to release energy. Day 3: Start a rainforest adventure by following a Jino tribe hunter into the forest. With the kids, creek-walk to catch crabs, swing on vine swings, and challenge the strangler fig rock climbing. Along the way, learn about various rare plants. The kids gained a lot of knowledge through exploration. For lunch, enjoy wild vegetable barbecue served on banana leaves, tasting authentic local cuisine and experiencing unique food culture with the kids. Day 4: In the morning, experience Xishuangbanna’s intangible cultural heritage by learning to make Dai paper and pottery with the kids, and cook pineapple rice by hand to develop their hands-on skills. At night, explore the botanical garden with flashlights to find stick insects, tree frogs, and fireflies. The kids were full of curiosity about these little creatures. Day 5: Pack up and return home with wonderful memories of Xishuangbanna, concluding this unforgettable family trip. **Travel Tips** 1. December in Xishuangbanna has comfortable temperatures. Prepare light summer clothes for the kids and bring a thin jacket for the temperature difference between morning and evening. 2. For rainforest hikes, it’s recommended to prepare rain boots for the kids to prevent slipping. Also, bring some favorite snacks to replenish energy in time. 3. The Starlight Night Market offers many special snacks, but pay attention to food hygiene to avoid stomach discomfort for the kids. **Accommodation Guide**: Anantara Rainforest Hotel is the top choice for this family trip, no further recommendations needed.