Are you considering taking a family vacation that will create memories that will last a lifetime? Do your children have an adventurous spirit or possess a love for diverse cultures and are excited to explore someplace new? If so, a family holiday in Thailand might be just what you are looking for. Whether you’re a fan of pearly white beaches, ancient civilizations, bustling metropolises, or a little bit of everything for the perfect blend of escape and adventure, this diverse part of our astonishing planet has everything you and your family could possibly need. The gateway to Southeast Asia, Thailand has long held a certain allure for travelers of all kinds. And yet, while the country may not feel as scarcely populated as it once was, or as cheap, it has kept its charm, along with its warmth of character, arguably the most important part.
Imagine that somewhere out there in the world, there is a place where the landscape changes as quickly as the weather. The ground beneath your feet is covered in leafy green tropical jungles and gives way to golden sands that stretch into the endless horizon; water so clear and blue it looks like it could be found in a painting. Or a place where the people are so genuine and smiling is as easy as breathing, a place where you think you’ll eventually get tired of eating the food, and then a few thousand seconds later you’re wondering how you can possibly resume life at home without devouring another spicy salad. In truth, I could use a million words trying to tell you why Thailand is the perfect place for your next family vacation, but that wouldn’t mean much until you actually pack your bags and go see for yourself. So let’s do just that. Let’s trade overly ornate words and phrasing for fine-tuned advice that will help you plan a vacation you’re not likely to ever forget.
Why Choose Thailand for a Family Vacation
Thailand’s tropical climates range from 78 degrees F in the cool season (November to February) to a balmy 96 degrees in the hot season (April to May). With 9 degrees of latitude covering only 513 miles from north to south, choose from lush mountain jungles leading to remote hill-tribe villages to otherworldly limestone cliffs jutting out from emerald-green waters of the Andaman Sea. A heady mix of urban hedonism in big, bustling cities to sleepy little fishing communities. With prices ranging from bargain to high-end, Thailand is a realistic holiday destination option for practically any budget. While parents appreciate the variety of family-friendly accommodations for their stay, everyone will enjoy how Thailand prioritizes customer service. Local people are also rather fond of children, who are expected to be bright, curious, and most importantly, respectful.
A visit to the Great Buddha of Thailand (imagine your kid’s amazed face at clambering inside of its belly) offers a vast number of activities to ensure this tropical getaway is a hit with everyone in the family. Several Thailand tourist attractions are not only fun; they’re often educational and extremely unique—what new skill can you surprise your friends with? But the greatest pull in Thailand is life in the open air. Whether you’re eye-level with soaring limestone karsts, swinging from banana trees in the jungle, or digging your toes into the softest white-sanded beaches, a trip to Thailand is an unmissable experience for the whole family. And who can argue that no day in your life is complete without sitting down to a feast of barbecued meat skewers and sizzling pad Thai in the company of loved ones, with a fine tropical view?
Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Thailand
Thailand offers a range of family-friendly destinations. In the capital, Bangkok, discover a mix of cultural sites and family attractions. A variety of wildlife and theme parks, along with one of the largest aquariums in Asia that takes visitors through fascinating water worlds, are close to the city center. Another family-friendly activity in Bangkok is Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum, a fun experience for children who want to ‘jump’ into paintings. On the periphery of Bangkok, there is a family adventure water park with a beach that creates waves for surfers of all abilities. This active family experience is designed for children aged 10 and older.
On Thailand’s stunning islands, Phuket and Koh Samui, there are pristine beaches, along with a variety of water activities such as snorkeling and diving for families with older children. Chiang Mai, in the mountainous north of the country, offers busy markets, traditional wooden houses, tribal villages that can be visited on foot, and elephant encounters that focus on nature and education. Thailand appeals to a wide variety of family vacations: from exotic city experiences that take visitors to night markets and river temples, to quieter places around the Andaman Sea, visiting national parks, or appreciating the culture in the northern part of Thailand. Thailand is also relatively easy to get to by road, making it a popular stop on tours for families traveling in Asia.
In Thailand, Bangkok is one of the best places for families to visit. The capital’s main street markets sell T-shirts, straw hats, food, iced fruit smoothies, and tour packages. Cultural experiences that are inspired for children include visiting temples and seeing robes being fed into the river, street art and horses in Thonburi, some interesting Bangkok museums, waterways in Thonburi, a magical umbrella factory, and visiting this large, green city, with plenty of spacious parks and gardens to enjoy. Bangkok airport is one reason why many families choose it as an entry point for a person who visits home or stays in Southeast Asia with multiple stops, and the quality and range of Bangkok tourist amenities will be attractive to many families.
Activities and Attractions for Families
If you’re planning a family trip to Thailand, you might wonder what you can all do together. Well, there are quite a few activities, attractions, and options available – so buckle up! Here are some of the best.
Outdoor activities: Thailand has some amazing outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Go hiking or trekking up a hill to check out a waterfall or a grotto. Visit an elephant sanctuary so the kids can see some really large animals, and you can learn about what’s being done to protect local wildlife. Thailand also has a lot of great water sports activities, like sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Whale-watching: If you move to the southern islands of Thailand, there is always the chance to spot humpback or even blue whales.
Fun stuff: Check out sections on top family-friendly shows, visits to night markets, and tips and festivals to help your Thailand vacation really stand out.
Kids may also enjoy some culture and history, but we don’t want to bore you! A cooking class or visiting a trade-making village might be a good place to start, as it’s something manageable, and kids will love to eat the creation afterward.
Temples and architecture: Some kids find their brains going into overload at the sheer scale and size of buildings and the thousands of years of history in Thailand. But others can’t get enough of ancient ruins and modern temples.
Safety notes: Be sure to travel comfortably. If hiking, make sure everyone has a comfortable pair of trainers—no sandals, please. All kids should be properly prepared for potential sunburn or to get caught in a downpour.
Museums and art galleries: Some kids can’t get enough of turtles and tigers and really colorful neon flashes. There are also assorted interesting museums. Try some of the top art galleries for Thailand’s best contemporary collections and spend a few hours. Some kids really enjoy a shorter charming section about finding gold in Thailand – a real treasure map. And go wild and be a good parent by making time for this top-rated children’s park in Bangkok.
Practical Tips for Planning and Executing a Family Vacation in Thailand
Thailand has it all: thrilling cities, pristine beaches, and hidden jungles teeming with wildlife. Navigating this vibrant country with kids might seem a bit stressful, but don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of tips to make your adventure a piece of cake. There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip with family, including seamless travel, managing transportation, and ensuring that you’ve packed the right essentials for everyone. This chapter will cover all that and more, including information on local customs and what to be mindful of when you’re dining abroad.
The Land of Smiles will welcome you – and your little ones, too – with open arms, but it’s still a good idea to plan ahead. Do you prefer plenty of elbow room at the beach or longer days with more daylight? Whenever you decide to travel, ease into the experience with a family-friendly hotel or resort, but one you can rely on in Thailand. Do a little bit of research: where can you eat with your little one? What’s the nearest pharmacy like? What are the amenities like? Will it be easy to get from your hotel to the beach? Best of all: be flexible and go with the flow. Thailand may be a small country, but it has an enormous amount of diversity – beaches, cities, culture. Make sure you have a variety of good choices at every destination on your itinerary.
Everyone travels differently, but here are a few helpful travel tips. Using taxis with little ones can be tricky, so it’s better to request transportation at your hotel. You might be surprised to hear that public transportation in busy cities can sometimes be more efficient than taxis. If you’re not up for a crowded ride, just pay a little more for a smooth sailing tuk-tuk. The islands often have limited ferry services from around four to seven P.M., so it’s best to avoid harsh sunlight and enjoy a smooth kids-free transfer.