Thailand family holidays

Thailand may be known as a party destination, but it is also well-established as a family destination with more family-friendly activities than you could ever hope to discover on your trip. Swimming or snorkelling in Ko Chang, learning to surf in Phuket, ziplining and cycling in Chiang Mai or experiencing the bustling markets in Bangkok; our tailor-made Thailand tours have an option for every family and every type of getaway. Thailand is also amazing for families due to its prices, which are generally incredible value for money, unlike some other destinations, meaning you can save your cash for activities which will make incredible memories.

Best things to see and do in Thailand with kids

Thailand is one destination which offers the perfect mixture between cities, countryside and seaside, meaning that there is something here to please every family. In Bangkok, you can visit all of the main attractions, such as palaces and temples, however, Bangkok is also home to some attractions that are especially suited to families. Visit Alpaca View, which is a petting zoo featuring all kinds of animals, including their main attraction, the alpacas, or The Children’s Discovery Museum, which is a hands on experiential museum made for younger visitors. Bangkok is also the perfect place for families who enjoy theme parks and waterparks, with places such as the Fantasia Lagoon Waterpark to be found right in the centre of downtown Bangkok. Head out of the city to visit Phuket which also has numerous activities for family visitors, including a wake boarding park, aquarium and guided snorkelling and sea canoeing tours. Phuket is also a great place to relax on the beach and enjoy some family downtime in the sun. Older children can able to enjoy snorkelling and surfing to their heart’s content. 

Other beach locations include Krabi, where you’ll find stunning beaches and fewer tourists, and Koh Samui, with its coconut groves and abandoned island atmosphere that seems as though it has been lifted straight from Robinson Crusoe. For an experience of Thai culture, visit Chiang Mai where you can roam the night markets together, trying all kinds of Thai food (which goes down well even with fussier eaters), buy souvenirs and even complete a cookery course as a family. Accommodation here is excellent value for money and so you will be able to stay in total comfort without breaking the bank, meaning you can save any spare cash for fun activities or cultural visits.  Wherever you choose to visit in Thailand, you’re sure to leave your trip with some unforgettable family memories that you and your children will cherish for years to come.

Best time to visit Thailand as a family

Thailand’s climate is divided into three categories, each falling at different times of the year. These are; the rainy season from May to October, the cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to May. The rainy season’s length and exact timings varies from year to year, but even at its worst, travellers can expect no more than an hour or two of rain in the afternoons. In fact, it can be an extremely positive thing since it alleviates the humidity and gives worn out families some down time in the afternoon. The cool season is the perfect period to travel for active families, since the weather is still warm and pleasant but doesn’t reach the scorching temperatures of the high summer months. Be warned though - it can still become quite hot during the day! The summer months are a great time to visit the coast where you and your family can easily cool off in the sea, however, temperatures can be extremely hot so make sure to find some shade for a siesta.

Family holiday tips for travelling to Thailand

With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Thailand, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your holiday.

• Try to avoid the mistake of trying to squeeze too many activities into a shorter space of time. Take your time and appreciate this wonderful country by planning a few extra days to relax, even if this means cutting down on some activities. You’ll thank us in the end.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas where pickpockets are rife. Keep cash and any important documents in a safe a hidden place.
• As with any visit to a foreign country, check with your GP before leaving whether there are any vaccinations or medicines that you need to get. Bring along plenty of mosquito spray too, to avoid the annoyance of itchy bug bites throughout your trip.
• Make the most of the cheap prices here to sign up to some unforgettable family activities.
• Young children, especially those with blonde hair and blue eyes, will feel like little celebrities, with locals even asking to hold younger children. This is meant in good will and is completely normal in Thai culture but if it bothers you, you can simply politely say no.
• Try to avoid the tap water where possible, since this can lead to stomach bugs which can quickly ruin the perfect family holiday.
• Learn a few key phrases. Learning some choice words and phrases can be extremely handy should you find yourself in a situation where no one speaks English. Learning a new language can also be a great new challenger for your children. If nothing else, it always goes down well to greet locals in their own language.