Guide to exploring Bangkok with kids
If you’re heading to Thailand with kids for a family holiday, chances are you’ll be landing in Bangkok. And if your only introduction to Bangkok has been to watch The Hangover 2, I advise you to quickly forget what you have seen because Bangkok is way classier than the movies! Here, you’ll find world-class attractions, air-conditioned megamalls sitting beautifully beside village streets, delicious food and a wide variety of accommodations.
So whether you’re planning a lengthy amount of time in Bangkok with kids, or it’s just a brief stopover en route to Chiang Mai in the north or the beaches down south, Bangkok has something for every family member. This comprehensive guide to exploring Bangkok with kids provides information on the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, how to get there and get around and insider tips on what to watch out for.
Table of contents
- Guide to exploring Bangkok with kids
- 10 great things to do in Bangkok with kids
- 1. Visit the Grand Palace
- 2. Eat mango sticky rice
- 3. Experience Bangkok’s famous floating and railway markets
- 4. Visit Asiatique The Riverfront for dinner
- 5. Explore one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia
- 6. Have a picnic and rent a paddle boat at Lumpini Park
- 7. Day trip out to Kanchanaburi
- 8. Learn how to recreate the fabulous food with a Thai cooking class
- 9. Visit the Bangkok National Musuem
- 10. Stroll around the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
- Travel guide to Bangkok with kids
- What to watch out for
- Where to go afterwards
10 great things to do in Bangkok with kids
Bangkok has changed dramatically over the last couple of decades, shaking off its seedier areas for a more sophisticated vibe. It’s a great city to gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture and traditions and boasts many activities that both parents and kids can enjoy. Here’s our top 10 experiences in Bangkok with kids.
1. Visit the Grand Palace
No trip to Bangkok with kids would be complete without a visit to the Grand Palace. Part of the greater Wat Phra Kaew, this temple complex is the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism and also features Thailand’s most holy image, the Emerald Buddha. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace is no longer used as a royal residence and instead, is used on ceremonial occasions.
You will need to wear long pants, even if it’s stinking hot, and cover your shoulders or you will be denied entry into the complex. If you forget, there are plenty of hawkers selling a sarong to wrap around your shorts at the entrance
It’s easy enough to visit The Grand Palace in Bangkok with kids by yourself, and you can buy a ticket when you arrive. However, the scammers here can be particularly persistent. If a friendly Thai near the entrance tells you that it’s not open to foreigners today or that it’s shut for cleaning, it’s unlikely to be true. You’ll need to be firm but friendly with your no thanks.
The easiest way to navigate Wat Phra Kaew and avoid scams is to book a private tour guide. You’ll also learn a lot more this way!
2. Eat mango sticky rice
Sold in many cafes, restaurants and at street food stalls around Thailand, don’t miss the opportunity to try mango sticky rice for the first time. Made from glutinous rice, fresh mango and coconut milk, enjoy it with either a spoon or your hands. But either way, you’ll enjoy it!
3. Experience Bangkok’s famous floating and railway markets
Book a private tour to experience one or two of Bangkok’s iconic floating markets. The largest and perhaps the most well-known is Damnoen Saduak, but Amphawa Floating Market is also a top choice. Here, you will ride long-tail boats down the river, surrounded by numerous stalls and, if you visit at night, fireflies.
Those visiting Bangkok with older kids seeking that perfect Instagram shot will love the Maeklong Railway Market, where your shopping experience will be interrupted by a train regularly running right through the market space.
4. Visit Asiatique The Riverfront for dinner
Boasting plenty of eateries and a lovely family-friendly atmosphere, visit Asiatique The Riverfront for dinner. Make sure to bring your wallet and bargaining skills to the table because the vibrant night market here has some nice clothes and nick-nacks. There’s also a Ferris wheel, musicians and a lively atmosphere along the Chao Phraya River.
5. Explore one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia
Family members of all ages can enjoy Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium (formerly known as Siam Ocean World). With over 400 species and 30,000 fish on display, explore 14 different attractions, including the popular Ocean Tunnel. The sharks, eagle rays and other sea creatures you’ll see in the tunnel are great, but nothing beats seeing adorable Gentoo Penguins.
6. Have a picnic and rent a paddle boat at Lumpini Park
When the concrete jungle gets a bit much in Bangkok with kids, head to Lumpini Park for a relaxing day that includes a picnic, playgrounds for the kids, and paddle boats on the lake. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident monitor lizards, which are always exciting to spot for the kids.
7. Day trip out to Kanchanaburi
One of the most memorable day trips from Bangkok for all the right reasons, Kanchanaburi is simply stunning. Swim at a waterfall at Erawan National Park and visit the sobering Death War Museum and Bridge Over the River Kwai.
8. Learn how to recreate the fabulous food with a Thai cooking class
You all love the food; learn how to recreate it back home with a Thai cooking class. What a great hands-on learning experience in Bangkok with kids! Most Thai cooking classes will start with a trip to a local market, where you will pick up fresh ingredients for your class. You’ll have help on how to choose the right ingredients, and when you get back to the kitchen, you’ll cook a number of meals from scratch.
Of course, then you get to eat it!
9. Visit the Bangkok National Musuem
Introduce the kids to and learn more yourself, about Thailand’s rich cultural heritage at the Bangkok National Museum. Inside you’ll find a Gallery of Thai History, History of Fine Arts, History of Thai Art and the Wang Na historical sites.
10. Stroll around the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
The contemporary art space at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre boasts an evolving range of exhibitions. The exhibitions are often engaging, and it’s not uncommon to find workshops and interactive activities for the kids here.
Klook.comTravel guide to Bangkok with kids
Here, we’ll talk about family-friendly places to stay in Bangkok with kids (we’ve stayed at all of these), where to eat, how to get there, how to get around and the best time of year to visit.
Where to stay in Bangkok with kids
Ibis Bangkok Riverside
The Ibis Bangkok Riverside is a bit more expensive than the Ibis Styles mentioned below, but it offers a lot more for the extra bucks. Located in a top spot right next to the Chao Phraya River, guests are a short shuttle ride away from the BTS Sky Train or a river taxi to Asiatique, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
We loved the family rooms with a bunk bed and video game console, the large pool and the onsite restaurant.
Ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit 50
Located in Sukhumvit residential area not far from the On Nut Sky Train station, the Ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit 50 is an ideal choice for those visiting Bangkok with kids who are looking for a family room at a lower cost. There’s not too much to see while walking around this area, but the hotel is pleasantly modern and creative, with easy access to the international airports via the expressway and easy access to the city centre via the metro.
We loved the modern lobby and family rooms with a bunk bed.
Where to eat in Bangkok with kids
There are not many places where you can’t take kids in Thailand, and unless it’s a very niche restaurant, nearly all eateries will have something simple on the menu for kids. Asiatique The Riverfront offers a number of restaurants and cafes, so you’re bound to find something that will please everyone. However, if you’re looking for something truly memorable, try one of these four options:
Hajime Robot Restaurant
Kids will love this Japanese-inspired barbeque restaurant. Not necessarily because of the food, but because after you order from the tableside digital menu, a Samurai Robot brings you the food for you to cook yourself. After a while, the robot dances to pop songs for a dose of quirky entertainment.
The Hajime Robot Restaurant is located at 3rd Floor, Monopoly Park, Rama 3 Rd, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa in Bangkok and is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm.
TrueLove at Neverland
Whether you love it or hate it, pet cafes are now a ‘thing’ and Bangkok has jumped on the bandwagon. Or maybe they started it? Either way, it started with cat cafes and has now levelled up to include puppies and rabbits as well. Head to TrueLove at Neverland, a lovely cafe with plenty of greenery and scheduled playtimes for their adorable pack of Siberian Husky dogs.
Open daily, find TrueLove at Neverland at 153 Soi Ari Samphan 2, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai in Bangkok.
Benihana Riverside
Offering several cooking islands for hot plate cooking, Benihana is well known for its teppanyaki chefs, who put on a memorable show that all ages will enjoy. Watch the chef catch eggs in his hat and juggle with the salt and pepper shakers.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, find Benihana Riverside on the Ground Floor at Anantara Riverside Resort, 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi in Bangkok.
Ruan Songnaree
While there is nothing quirky to entertain you at Ruan Songnaree, it’s a fantastic option for foreign visitors due to the excellent English-speaking staff and the fact that they can accommodate both Western and authentically Thai palates. The decor is simply beautiful, with a traditional Siamese feel and wood features throughout.
Open daily from 11 am to midnight, find Ruan Songnaree at 12/20 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Khlong Tan, Watthana in Bangkok.
How to get to Bangkok and how to get around
If you don’t already have a favourite airline, get a great deal on your international flight into Bangkok via Trip.com. If you’re already in Thailand, you’ll find a range of great deals across flights, trains and cars at 12Go.
Getting around Bangkok is super easy. It used to be all about the Tuk Tuks, but times have changed. Now, it’s as simple as downloading the Grab App to book a taxi, of which there is plenty. Using the Grab App also means that the ‘meter not working’ scam is a thing of the past.
If your international flight arrives late, I highly recommend pre-booking an airport transfer to your hotel. Trying to navigate taxis and tuk-tuks with tired kids in tow fast becomes a nightmare. This makes it as simple as walking out of the terminal to find someone hold a sign with your name on it.
When to visit Bangkok with kids
November to February is the best time to visit in terms of weather, as it’s dry and not too hot. However, everyone else knows it, so it’s crowded and not the most cost-effective time of year to visit.
From March to June, Bangkok is incredibly humid and uncomfortable. If you’re used to humidity, you’ll be able to deal with it. But those who aren’t, or those travelling with younger kids, may not enjoy Bangkok at this time of year. There are, however, plenty of air-conditioned mega-malls, ice-creams, and hotel pools to take your mind off it.
From July to October, you’re likely to get wet with the rainy season. The upside to this is that hotels are a great price at this time of year.
What to watch out for
Bangkok is generally a safe place for families, but like everywhere else in the world, don’t make it easy for pickpockets and bag snatchers.
Probably the most annoying thing in Bangkok is people trying to scam you. Basically, you should give a firm’ no thanks’ to any offer of free shopping or sightseeing help from strangers.
One common scam is when you arrive at a popular attraction like The Grand Palace, a friendly Thai will tell you that it’s closed for cleaning or that it’s not open to foreigners today. The pursuers can be quite relentless, but trust me, they are just trying to sell you another tour while you ‘wait’ for it to open. On our latest visit, the scam was so elaborate the guy actually had a friend dressed in a uniform who claimed he was the ‘tourist police’. His friend did indeed confirm the Grand Palace was shut. We ignored them and walked in anyway and lo and behold, it was not shut.
Where to go afterwards
Bangkok is great for a few days, but you probably didn’t come to Thailand to hang out in the city. Head down south to the beaches or up north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where you can embark on a fun, family-friendly 4WD Adventure or spend a day at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
