Family holiday guide to Thailand
Are you considering a family holiday to Thailand? You’ve come to the right place! In this Thailand family holiday guide, we’ll inspire you with things to do, show you where to stay, and share our tips and tricks for visiting Thailand with kids.
Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is a country of contrasts and a popular destination for those seeking a unique and enriching travel experience. With its tropical climate, delicious cuisine, and welcoming people, Thailand will capture your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and get ready for the journey of a lifetime in the land of smiles!
Facts about Thailand
- Capital: Bangkok
- Population: Approximately 71 million
- Official language: Thai
- Time zone: Indochina Time (UTC+7)
- Landmass: 513,120 square kilometers
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
- Emergency numbers: 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 199 (fire)
- Religion: Predominantly Buddhism (over 90%), with small Muslim and Christian communities
- Electricity: 220V AC. Two-prong round and flat are the most common sockets.
- Wifi: Free as a standard in most hotels and many cafes
The best time to visit Thailand for a family holiday
Thailand’s tropical climate means it’s warm and humid year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your plans.
- Cool season (November–February): The most popular time for family travel, with pleasant weather and plenty of festivals. Ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities.
- Hot season (March–May): Best for water-based activities and visiting cooler destinations like Chiang Mai.
- Rainy season (June–October): Fewer crowds and lush landscapes, though occasional downpours are expected.
Family-friendly events:
- Songkran Festival (April): Thailand’s famous water festival is a hit with kids.
- Yi Peng Lantern Festival (November): Magical lantern releases in Chiang Mai.
Getting to Thailand and getting around on your family holiday
Getting there:
Thailand is well-connected to Australia, with direct flights to Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Airlines like Thai Airways, Qantas, and Jetstar frequently operate these routes. Many other countries also have direct flights to Thailand, with Bangkok being the main international airport.
Search for a great deal on flights at either Flight Centre or Sky Scanner.
Getting around Thailand with kids:
- Domestic flights: Quick and surprisingly affordable for travelling between regions.
- Trains: The overnight sleeper trains are an adventure in themselves for kids.
- Buses: Budget-friendly and extensive. The first-class option is worth the additional few dollars.
- Tuk-tuks: Although not as popular as they once were, they’re still fun and iconic for short trips in cities.
- Taxis: Apps like Grab are widely used and affordable for families.
- Boats: Great for island-hopping adventures. An iconic experience in Thailand!
Tips for travelling with kids:
- Thailand’s narrow, uneven sidewalks aren’t particularly suitable for strollers. It’s doable, but a baby or toddler carrier will be a lot easier here.
- Pack travel-sized hand sanitisers and wipes for street food adventures.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab for convenience.
Things to do on your Thailand family holiday
Thailand is bursting with family-friendly things to do, from thrilling outdoor activities to cultural experiences.
- Bangkok: Explore the Grand Palace, ride a boat through the floating markets, or visit the SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World.
- Phuket: Relax on beautiful beaches, visit the Splash Jungle Water Park, and take a boat trip to the nearby Phi Phi Islands.
- Chiang Mai: Interact with rescued elephants at ethical sanctuaries, explore Doi Inthanon National Park, or wander through the vibrant night markets. For those into 4WDing, join in a family-friendly 4WD tour.
- Krabi: Go kayaking in mangroves, explore the Emerald Pool, and climb the Tiger Cave Temple.
Inspiration for your family holiday to Thailand:
Family-friendly accommodation in Thailand
Thailand offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to families, from luxury resorts with kids’ clubs to budget-friendly guesthouses.
Our top picks:
- Bangkok: Centre Point Chidlom, Ibis Bangkok Riverside, Ibis Styles Sukhumvit 50.
- Chiang Mai: Ibis Styles Chiang Mai, Amaka Bed & Breakfast, Joy’s House & Tour
- Chiang Rai: Na Na Doo Homestay, Riva Vista Riverfront Resort, Hotel Selene Chiang Rai
- Koh Samui: Villa Labaron, Centara Reserve Samui
Inspiration for your Thailand family holiday accommodation:
Dining with kids on your Thailand family holiday
Thailand’s culinary scene is as exciting as its attractions, offering something for even the pickiest eaters.
- Kid-friendly restaurants: Look for restaurants with Western options alongside Thai dishes. Many tourist areas cater to families.
- Food markets: Sample mild dishes like chicken satay, pad thai, and mango sticky rice.
- Dietary needs: Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are increasingly available, especially in urban areas.
Pro tip: Street food is safe and delicious in most places. Stick to stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked items. We particularly love Chiang Rai’s night market for dinner for its variety of food and beautiful atmosphere.
Itineraries and day trips for your Thailand family holiday
1-day Bangkok itinerary:
- Morning: Visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride through the floating markets.
- Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
3-day Bangkok itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Bangkok’s temples and markets.
- Day 2: Visit Ayutthaya for a historical day trip or swim under waterfalls and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi.
- Day 3: Head to the beaches of Pattaya for some downtime.
10-day itinerary:
- Days 1–3: Bangkok (temples, markets, and parks).
- Days 4–6: Chiang Mai (elephants, night markets).
- Days 7–10: Phuket or Krabi (beach relaxation and island hopping).
Day trips:
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins or take a first-class bus to Kanchanaburi.
- From Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep and Sticky Waterfalls.
- From Phuket: Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island.
Budgeting for your Thailand family holiday
Thailand offers fantastic value for families, with affordable activities, dining, and accommodation. Your biggest expense will be the international flight there.
Cost-saving tips:
- Stay at family-run guest houses instead of large international chains.
- Avoid peak season for travel.
- Opt for family-style meals at markets instead of restaurants.
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