Planning a trip with children may seem like a herculean task, and believe me it is! I've seen my sister struggle to find a destination where her kids will have fun, but so will she and her husband!
So for her sake and for all those of you who want to travel without leaving your kids at home, I've found a destination for you.
If you're looking for an exotic destination that your kids can handle, Thailand is your best bet. Away from the Full Moon Parties and bawdy islands, Thailand can surprise you in many ways!
Thailand at a glance
A wondrous kingdom home to Buddhist sanctuaries, relaxed beaches and dramatic karst islands, Thailand is your smile-filled introduction to Southeast Asia. Once hailed as the reserve of backpackers, Thailand is now a popular destination for family holidays because there is so much to see and do. Plus Thais are famous for being very welcoming towards young visitors.
To make your vacation pleasant and exciting, I've come up with a guide on how to explore Thailand with kids, which will include friendly destinations in Thailand and everything you can do there with your chicken! Read on and feel free to save this article for future reference.
• Best Regions in Thailand for Kids
Yes, Bangkok has a reputation for being an after-dark play area for grown-ups, but that doesn't mean it can't entertain families. There are many activities in Bangkok that will please the young ones. Check it out!
1. Have a face-to-face interaction with huge sharks at Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
A kids’ play area, reefs, an artificial rainforest and giant tubs you can dip your feet in and experience fish nibble away at your dead skin – the Sea Life Ocean World has it all. A magnificent aquarium in the basement of the Siam Paragon Shopping centre, you can see all kinds of aquatic animals from penguins to sharks here.
Where: B1-B2 Floor, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Rd, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Time: 9 A.M. to 10 P.M.
Contact No. +662 687 2000
2. Visit Funarium – The largest indoor playground in Bangkok
A huge indoor playground structure with slides, ropes, climbing walls, a ball pit, trampoline, cycling track, basketball court and a craft room with themed activities, paints, papercraft and more. Your kids will love Funarium, and you will love it even more because you don’t have to watch your kids while they play. There are about a dozen Thai minders to supervise your child at Funarium.
Where: Sukumvit 26 (behind Carrefour, Rama IV Road)
Timings: 8:30 A.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Contact No. +662 665 6555
Other places you can visit in Bangkok: Siam Park City, Safari World, Dusit Zoo, Museum Of Siam, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
Places to avoid in Bangkok: Try to avoid dubious areas such as Khao San Road, Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana.
Hotels with clubs/facilities for kids: Centre Point Pratunam Hotel, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, Holiday Inn, Bangkok
With its thrilling attractions, picturesque downtown area and laid-back vibes, Chiang Mai is a paradise for travelling families. Here are some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai with kids.
1. Get up close and personal with elephants at the Patara Elephant Farm
Patara Elephant Farm will give your child a chance to experience the delight of taking care of an elephant. Their 'Elephant Owner for a Day' is a special program created for everyone to learn and interact with elephants like an owner would do daily.
The farm welcomes all, including children and those with disabilities.
Where: T.Baan Pong A.Hang Dong, Chiang Mai
Contact No. +66-819922551 | +66-985493644 | +66-824939644
Website: Patarelephantfarm.com
2. Interact with wildlife at the Chiang Mai Zoo
The Chiang Mai Zoo is probably the best zoo in Thailand. Located at the foot of Doi Suthep, the zoo houses Thailand’s only giant panda family. You can also spot tigers, crocodiles, bears, gibbons and imported species of koalas, giraffes, zebras and penguins.
Where: 100 Th Huay Kaew, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Timing: 8:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M
Contact: Chiangmaizoo.com
3. Go zip zap zoom in Chiang Mai
You can go ziplining in the forest near Chiang Mai. It’s the most spectacular hilly area, and you can zip through the jungle from one tree to the next – sometimes over 100m.
For information on ziplining, get in touch here.
Other places you can visit in Chiang Mai: Tiger Kingdom, Dokmai Gardens and Tunnel Temple. You can also enjoy a Mae Ping River Cruise and enjoy a unique nocturnal safari at the zoo.
Hotels with clubs/facilities for kids: Maekok River Village, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, Centara Khum Phaya Resort & Spa.
Flooded with a wide-range of accommodations to suit all budgets, long stretches of relatively quiet beaches and stunning national parks, Hua Hin is an extremely family-friendly destination.
1. Visit Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
The Phraya Nakhon Cave with its notable illustrious structure and big chambers, is the main attraction of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The park is additionally an attractive destination for its rich natural life, mangrove forests, excellent beaches, limestone islands and hiking trails.
2. Get an adrenaline rush at Vana Nava
The Vana Nava Water Park is Asia’s first water jungle with 19 different slides, such as The Abyss – the largest slide in Thailand, and the country’s only vertical looping slide, the Aqualoop!
3. Experience the grandeur of Italy just minutes away from Hua Hin at The Venezia
The Venezia Hua Hin is your gateway to the Venice lifestyle in Thailand. Enjoy the gondola ride, mini train, Fontana Di Trevi park, 3D art gallery, English house upside down, in this fantasy land.
Other places you can visit in Hua Hin: Monkey Mountain, Cicada Market, Camel Republic Theme Park, Swiss Sheep Farm and Hua Hin Tique Walking Street.
Hotels with clubs/facilities for kids: Sofitel Hua Hin Beach Resort and Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa.
With activities such as snorkelling, rock climbing, kayaking and long nature walks in the jungle, you're sure to be occupied with some or the other adventure in Krabi. Here's all that you can do in Krabi with kids:
1. Go island hopping in Krabi
There is no better place than Krabi to go island hopping in Thailand. Rent a local boat from Krabi town and hop from Koh Poda to Koh Hong, Koh Kai, or other popular islands, situated at a short distance from Krabi.
2. Visit Krabi Fun Park
Located at Baan Laem Pho, between Ao Nang and Krabi town, the Krabi Fun Park will give you a chance to discover the rainforest from a canopy, by sliding on ziplines from tree to tree.
3. Experience the thrill at Krabi Kart Speedway
Krabi Kart Speedway is situated between Krabi town and Ao Nang. With a crooked track going between limestone cliffs, it is a cool place to try your hand at the energising activity of go karting.
Other places you can visit in Krabi: Thung Teao Forest Park, Treetop Adventure Park, Ao Nam Mao Outdoor Aquarium, Giant Catfish Farm, Caves in Ao Luk District.
Hotels with clubs/facilities for kids: Golden Beach Resort, Krabi Resort and Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.
What to eat with kids
Stressing over food is an inevitable parental ordeal and the caprices of youngsters' food choices are further complicated by a cuisine known for its spiciness. You can consider the following dishes for your child, which are easily available in most restaurants:
• Kow kai jeeo – Omelette
• Gai yahng/tort – Grilled/fried chicken
• Khao Neeo Mamuang – Thai sweet sticky rice with mango
• Kai Med Ma Muang – Chicken stir-fried with cashew nuts
• Kow man gai – Hainanese chicken rice
• Som Tum – Green papaya salad
• Tom Kha Kai – Chicken in coconut soup
• Pad Thai – Thai-style fried noodles
• Khao Pad – Fried rice
Getting around in Thailand
Commuting in Thailand is easy and inexpensive. There are many ways to get around, including buses, metro and skytrain, metered taxis, tuk-tuks, ferries and motorbike taxis.
Travel tips
• Attempt one major activity in a day and try to schedule it in the morning, when the kids are full of energy. Spend your evenings relaxing and strolling around.
• If your child is a toddler, make sure you take an umbrella stroller. It will help you move around with ease on uneven streets.
• Thailand is known for its adult entertainment, so research thoroughly before you finalise on a location.
• Keep your children hydrated. There are plenty of 7-Eleven stores in Thailand, so you don't have to carry a water bottle everywhere.
• You can make your trip to Thailand more memorable if your child knows a bit about the country and its culture in advance.
• Don't panic and be prepared for your children to be adored by the Thai people.
A destination can't get better than Thailand. Safe, delightful and simple to get around, the nation offers almost all pleasantries of the west, while holding a considerable amount of the old Thai culture and hospitality.
Travelling is a great way of learning new things and opening up to different cultures and people. Don't fuss too much, and let your child take in the new world!
Need more tips for planning your Thailand trip? Ask Tripoto.ai.