Thailand really does have it all, from paradise beaches and child-friendly adventures to atmosphere-packed city breaks. When you’re a family, trying to please everyone can be harder than earning enough to fund your trip, but Thailand is so diverse, with so much to do, that however varied your family’s interests, it’s a winning ticket. Thailand is officially one of the world’s ten most visited destinations, and once you’re here, it’s easy to see why. The landscapes and seas are so beautiful that you’ll have the trip of a lifetime – a special family adventure with memories you’ll treasure forever. In years gone by, a family holiday was a brief escape from the everyday grind. More recently, it’s become as significant in terms of family bonding as sitting down together for supper. Time away capturing new experiences together in a different setting, where it’s just you and your children, can be magical. Many Thai families think so too, and you’ll find that Thais are particularly supportive and encouraging if you are traveling as a family. Take an empty notebook, your camera, and a curiosity for all things – magical moments will unfold on any of the myriad beaches and islands, national parks, or temple ruins. This guide is provided to help you plan your trip, not to make your decisions for you. We outline here all the key locations, together with practicalities and important considerations for families visiting Thailand.
Choosing the Right Destinations
In deciding the locations for our ideal family-friendly holiday to Thailand, we have had to put some thought into what we believe will be ideal for each of the three members of our family. That means finding a perfect mix of beach, history, and some new adventures for Sydney, our ten-year-old daughter. We probably won’t return for several years, so we want to hit as many spots as possible without feeling travel fatigue. Below, I discuss some of the popular destinations in Thailand, as well as those that are optimal for family holidays. Although there are new options, many people still travel to the same places, and it’s certainly valuable to consider them. Thailand is famous for its beach resorts, and many families seek out the best and most family-friendly options here. The best cultural and historical sites that will appeal to adults, young adults, and primary school children, as well as those in the baby/toddler age group, have also been recommended. It’s important to add destinations for all ages, ensuring that everyone in the family is taken care of. Thus, it’s essential to find family-friendly places that cater to a range of ages’ interests. Be sure to gather some thoughts!
Beach Resorts
He’ll cover beaches first. Joe, if you could make a little list of some beach resorts, make sure they are family-friendly, and tell our listeners what we can expect.
Sure! I’ve got a few options for you, Molly. The first one is Kamala Beach. It’s near Patong and it’s known to be a bit quieter. There are a few family-friendly places to eat, and one area near the playground includes a small amusement park. The beach is known to be child-friendly. It’s a lot smaller than some of the beaches in the rest of Phuket, and you can safely leave your children to play.
Quite a few visitors with children go to visit Phuket. The Centara, the Holiday Inn, the Novotel, and the Marriott are all located at Mai Khao and only a couple of minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport. So practically at your hotel’s doorstep, you can walk straight out into the ocean. Also, Kai Bae in Koh Chang is really family-oriented. I took my daughter there when she was a year and a half old. They really make an effort to cater to families. You have a beautiful long stretch of sand, so it’s great for your kids to play on. The beach has plenty of palm trees, so there are numerous options to rent chairs and umbrellas. There are also a few upscale resorts and a few mid-range options, including Sea View Resort, which lies right on the beach.
You have all these comfortable chairs, and you can relax on the beach with ease. You have beautiful sunsets, inexpensive hotels, and plenty of things to see and do. Ao Yong Hinda and Ao Kai Bae are just a couple of quieter beaches just south of Hat Kai Bae, which is worth having a look at. They are privately run beaches, so the hotels have beach access. Jansom Bay and Sai Nook Beach are on the east side of Koh Tao. Both of these beaches have a gently sloping bay, so they are great for swimming. Jansom Bay is a narrow strip of white sand that the hotels and resorts keep clean. If your hotel is more expensive, there are a lot fewer visitors. If you are going during the busy season, you may want to check what side of each island is best for that time of year. For example, the northwest side of Ortorkan is beautiful but gets battered with wind and rain in the wet season. Also, look at some pictures of the beach as well. After all, how wild and beautiful the island is suitable for what you’re after for your getaway.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Thailand is an excellent country to visit with your family. Together, you’ll have ample time and opportunities to relax by the beach, explore wildlife, visit cultural and historical sites, and have fun leisure time. Throughout your chosen activities, you’ll also absorb parts of Thailand’s local culture and way of life. There are a great number of cultural and historical highlights all around Thailand. It may sound difficult and daunting, but many of these things would be fun and enjoyable to explore with kids. There are important landmarks and plenty of ruins and successful restorations, which could help you and your children better understand and learn about Thailand the way it was and has developed into today. Additionally, some places offer audio guides with special commentaries for children. Others offer activities or treasure hunts and learning centers.
It is crucial to know and understand your kids when planning your activities and give them credit for being able to enjoy culture and the arts. All you need to do is find a way to make it fun for them and present it in an enjoyable and memorable way. Traveling with kids takes much more preparation than a trip taken alone. You need to consider the necessary facilities as well as entertainment suitable for kids to keep them amused and engaged. Generally, cultural visits can be divided into short-duration activities. By a certain time, you’ll be ready to move to a park, swimming pool, or beach to unwind. Be prepared to be quite flexible and relaxed in this scenario. Individuals may also select a suitable tour with flexible itineraries or guided tours. They will give the children some structured time, with an enlightening and entertaining look at Thailand, with transport and visits included. It’s essential for the children to occupy their minds in order to leave a lasting impact and memory, which is their education and discovery of culture.
Family-Friendly Activities
One popular activity for children and their families is a trip to one of the numerous amusement parks in and around Bangkok and other big cities in the country. Most of the parks cater to both young and older children, with a range of attractions that can vary from the cute to the hair-raising. Some of the more popular activities for families with children include both indoor and outdoor go-karts, some sporting a variety of different types of karts that can accommodate drivers at various stages of development, determined by height and age. Mud experience parks come with beautiful countryside being so close to the busy city. Ziplining is one popular activity that sees adults and children as young as eight years old getting harnessed in to make their way across sky bridges and over lily ponds to a number of solid wooden huts, all suspended in the air. Many cities throughout the Kingdom have sizable parks, some filled with enough activities to take up an entire day of exploring. Often it’s possible to find zoos and public gardens in or around these parks that hold fascination for many children. A trip to a water park is another nice break from the heat, with the best and most well-known situated just outside the capital. Finally, the capital does offer an indoor package, which offers families the best of both worlds: water fun and shopping under one roof. Snorkeling and diving treks inside marine parks can provide a great day of fun for young children who can then while away their time on the islands’ clean, white sand beaches. There are even chances of visiting one of the closer islands on a snorkeling-only day trip, taking turns to disembark and join lazily swimming fish around a sheltered bay. Then too, down on the Andaman Coast and in other locations, families with young children and teenagers alike can book elephant camps and sea canoe trips together, while out on the beautiful crystal blue waters of a lake just outside of Krabi, there is a tree-top activity center built inside the swimming and water slides. Indeed, Thailand is a great place for families to spend a few days or even a few weeks. The best idea when drawing up a family adventure itinerary is to incorporate a mix of activities for the kids as well as some activities for the parents that will appeal as well. That way, the days and nights slip by with everyone getting something special and all eyes on enjoying the sights and smells of old Siam together, knowing of course that a parent’s life will become easier as the lucky family is forever off chasing dragons and hunting for pirates.
Accommodation Options
Now that you’re sure to try all the adventures available at your destination, our focus can now shift to where you plan to rest your tired feet at the end of the day. Ensuring your family’s accommodation needs are met is key to a successful trip because no one wants a cranky toddler from too little sleep or a first grader having nightmares because you’re staying in unfamiliar territory. Hotels are the go-to solution for any family trip. They’re scattered in almost every tourist hotspot, and generic hotels often check all the travel boxes you have: convenient location, daily breakfast, airport shuttle, family-friendly, etc. A majority also have swimming pools. Meanwhile, if you’re traveling with big kids or if you have at least one tween in your family, you may consider staying in a family resort. The majority of them house kids’ clubs to keep your children busy and can be classified as either beachfront or city center.
Another option to consider is staying in vacation rentals. Villas, for one, may seem like expensive options, but they may be more cost-effective, especially when there’s a big family. They also make a vacation more relaxing because of the extra space they offer. Condominiums, if you’re heading to big cities, are another option. There are several pros and cons for each available lodging, and these depend on your length of stay, who you’re traveling with, your purpose, and of course, your budget. Review each option and see which one best fits your family’s wants and needs. Watch out for travel review sites to know other families’ experiences with these accommodations too!
Hotels and Resorts
Whether you are traveling with a baby on the hip, preschoolers with ants in their pants, or teenagers glued to their phones, where you stay can greatly affect your enjoyment. Of course, with the entire family in mind, location will be key. No matter where you choose to visit in Thailand, whether it be the bustling City of Angels, the charming Chiang Mai, or the seaside provinces of Phuket, Koh Samui, and everything in between, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to comfortable accommodations with all of the amenities. International hotel chains have made their home in every corner of the Kingdom, and there are dozens of travel clubs, guesthouses, serviced apartments, hostels, and even bed and breakfasts. The following are some of the most popular family hotels: In Bangkok: The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and the family-themed Park Hotel. In Chiang Mai: The Amora Tapae Hotel with its extensive kids’ program. In Phuket: The Centara Karon Resort that offers a family all-inclusive package and the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa has expanded its family offering. In Koh Samui: The all-inclusive Samui Beach Village is a great choice for families! When choosing a hotel for a family vacation, remember that what is important varies for each family; however, some services and facilities are very important to look for, such as babysitting and kids’ club programs and services, children’s swimming pools for safety, and family pricing specials or package deals. Highly ranked family hotels will often propose a ‘Family Package’ which generally includes a lot of extras, such as free meals for your children, kids’ club, games, entertainment, and activities for the kids. There are also packages specifically designed to help you have a safe and fun vacation.
Vacation Rentals
There are many fantastic hotels and resorts in Thailand, yet they aren’t always the ideal place for a family to stay. Having all of the necessary space to accommodate family members with a touch of home seems to be the perfect choice rather than requiring several hotel rooms reserved very close together. Although hotels and resorts can offer adjacent rooms, additional gathering places and the ease of a full kitchen will have a big draw for many family members.
For some unusual family places, hotels would not have lodging and space for an entire private villa at the beach; Thailand offers several choices. Besides, renting generous condos is becoming incredibly popular and feasible for holiday rentals. Since they’re usually better than hotel rooms, they’re simple choices for multi-bedroom suites. Vacation rentals are privately owned and provide many more options than a single available condo room, including different sizes and room configurations. People may rent a condo bigger than a hotel, saving convenience and money.
The widely available platforms for reserving vacation rentals include various options. Whatever framework you use, make sure any vacation rental is owned and managed by a reputable private owner; this means you will see feedback from previous guests. As with every type of holiday rental or hotel, make sure to read the ratings and view photographs. Although I always reach out to the owner to ask any concerns or specifics before reserving, I always like to ask questions or hear some insights from the people who have really been there. And just make sure to look at the ratings and check the references before booking a getaway to make sure you’re receiving everything you need.
Transportation Tips
To avoid spending half of your time in the country on transportation, plan your logistics and travel routes carefully. The fastest flight isn’t always the best flight, especially if it means waiting around in the airport with tired kids. Depending on your destination within Thailand, a combination of domestic flights and public ground transportation is likely your best bet. Domestic Flights: Thailand is geographically vast, so I recommend looking into domestic flights to get between major cities or off-the-beaten-path island destinations. Several airlines operate routes throughout the country. Privately booked transfers: You can skip the hassle of coordinating transportation for a multi-leg journey and opt for a private transfer instead. Considerations: When considering public transportation with children in Thailand, think about what you’re in for and decide if that’s something you want to handle. If you do take a train, bus, or ferry, make sure to time your transfers so you don’t arrive or depart in the middle of the night. Some other considerations: Tuk-tuks are fun for a short ride, but probably won’t be comfortable far beyond fifteen minutes; both tuk-tuks and taxis will happily sell you a day-long rental; taxis are more likely to use the meter if you hail them from the street; taxis through ride-sharing apps are often even cheaper than regular taxis and also less likely to try to scam you.
Domestic Flights
Once you have made it to Thailand, getting around is important, particularly when traveling with family in tow. One way, of course, is to hop on a domestic flight. These flights can save you precious travel time and can be booked quite cheaply if you are traveling with smaller children who can sit on your lap or need only a seat. Whether you are traveling to Bangkok from Chiang Mai or heading to Phuket from Krabi, a flight to the south of Thailand from any one of the major cities is a great way to avoid long travel days.
A number of domestic airlines operate flights to major airports as well as some smaller cities. The largest and most well-known of these airlines are Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and Nok Air. In order to receive the best rates and avoid flight changes, it is best to book your domestic flights early. In terms of luggage, airlines in Thailand have varying weight limitations and luggage rules. It is advised to check each airline’s conditions carefully. Check-in and luggage drop-off are handled at the airline’s respective counters. A number of airlines offer a baby and child-friendly service such as priority boarding, special children’s meals, and baby changing facilities on board.
As far as safety and overall convenience are concerned, air travel in Thailand is similar to Western countries. Domestic flying has garnered many good reviews; one only needs to consult the safety records of Thailand’s main airlines to see how well the country’s air safety stacks up to countries with more established aviation programs.
Public Transportation
In Thailand, there are several public transportation options available, which are convenient for families en route to their next holiday destination. Buses are also the most affordable way to travel between cities. While slower than flying, the VIP buses offer comfortable seating and air conditioning. Travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai takes five hours. The train journey is another way to take in the passing countryside, and the over ten-hour trip smiles spread from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. If you’re in the capital, the BTS Skytrain offers a convenient mode of transportation to reach shopping centers and tourist attractions. Similarly, the MRT is an easy and affordable way to travel underground and is especially convenient for those traveling between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Hua Lamphong railway station.
Another important aspect of visiting a new country is to experience the local culture. One simple way to do this is by using different types of local transportation. A one-hour ferry boat journey from Bangkok to Koh Kred will give the children an insight into the everyday life of the Thai capital’s residents. Although you will find taxis, tuk-tuks, or rickshaws in abundance around the city center, it may not be safe or practical to transport you and your luggage over long distances. Families need to be vigilant in crowded areas, where luggage may be snatched. When taking the BTS Skytrain, it’s important to watch the children in crowded areas so they don’t fall onto the tracks. Don’t underestimate the time it takes to catch a taxi in the city center, especially during peak hours or when it’s raining. As long as you are aware of your comfort, security, and time, local transport in Thailand can be good alternatives to private transportation.
Private Transfers
This is the most convenient way for families to travel in Thailand. A car with a driver is booked to take you door-to-door between locations, meaning you can also specify where you would like to stop for sightseeing en route. You are free to arrange your own itinerary and don’t need to worry about the logistics of public transport. In Thailand, most standard vehicles seat a maximum of three adults and one child (including infants and children five years and older). Larger vehicles are rarely available in main tourist areas. For families with two or more children (or larger groups), booking a private transfer can be the most convenient option. As cars in Thailand do not have child seatbelts, families with younger children will need to request a child-friendly vehicle, fitted with suitable child car restraints for their needs.
Families who opt for private transfers rather than planning their own drive can have peace of mind about the quality and safety of the vehicles and drivers, as a reputable operator will use Quality Tourism Services vehicles. Thailand has many private transfer service operators. The approximate cost for transfers in Thailand is about £100-250 per car, per day. Most private transfer services are owner-operated, so a driver is provided with a vehicle. Families requesting an English-speaking driver will need to notify the operator who will make sure one is available. Using a private transfer service often means you can leave at a time that suits you, rather than being confined to departure times of public transport.
Packing Essentials
This section will focus on helping families select what clothing to pack for a trip to Thailand. We will go through a list of items and see what is recommended for travel to Thailand.
One unique part of Thailand travel is that you can experience a variety of weather conditions. Before you pack, think about where you are planning to go and what you are planning to do. If your family will be lounging by the beach most of the trip, you can pack less. If your family plans to go on nature hikes, visits to the temple, boat trips, and a few days at the beach, then you will need to pack for a variety of activities and weather conditions. A clothing packing list is included, but remember that what you pack will depend on your planned activities.
– Packing essentials: reusable bags to keep dirty clothes in, swimsuits, suitcases or luggage bags, daypack for day trips or long travel, three to four days’ worth of clothing—stuff that dries quickly and can be hand-washed, accumulation of travel guides, electrical adapters, power converters, chargers for every device. – Clothing essentials: short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts and blouses, pants, shorts, walking shoes, snorkeling gear and water shoes for kids, swimming trunks, one nice outfit per family member for going out in the evening. General attire should be fairly modest, making sure knees and shoulders are covered when visiting the temples. You don’t need to overpack. If you forget something, you can buy it here really cheaply. Aim for light, breathable, quick-drying clothes with more pockets than you think you will need. Don’t forget a pair of comfortable sandals and some water shoes if you plan to go boating or to the beach. Remember to pack entertainment options, such as puzzles, crayons, and coloring books for the kids. If you pack efficiently and do laundry while you are here, you shouldn’t need more than a carry-on per family member.