Vacations in Thailand are popular for young adults who are taking a year off before college and people who want a bit of a different nightlife.
It is a beautiful place full of white sandy beaches and historical sites, just begging to be explored. It’s somewhere you and your family simply can’t miss.
Is Thailand family-friendly? Absolutely! Thailand is a family-oriented place with a welcoming vibe that will make you feel right at home. The nightlife is only a small part of the real Thailand, which offers a variety of sites and activities perfect for any family that wants to spend some time exploring.
Read more below about the family-friendly atmosphere that can be found in Thailand.
We’ve done the research to help you decide how you and your family can get the best out of your visit.
Is Thailand Family Friendly?
Not only is Thailand a great place for family vacations, but the people are extremely welcoming to families and children.
You will find no shortage of things to do with the entire family while you’re staying in Thailand.
There are so many options for places to stay and things to see. No matter if your family is more at home on the beach or trekking through villages, you will find something that appeals to you in Thailand. Not to mention all the amazingly fun things to do with your kids.
Is Thailand Suited for Smaller Children?
While Thailand is a great place to travel with the family, you may be better off waiting until your kids are a little older before you go. Getting around Thailand can be a bit tricky with an infant in tow, if not on the dangerous side.
The roads in Thailand are notoriously rough. You could be extremely careful, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a useable car seat. Amenities geared toward infants are few and far between in Thailand. You can find diapers and other necessities in corner markets, though.
Babies don’t observe most sanitary precautions! It would be concerning to let them crawl around, especially if they are prone to chewing on their fingers.
Hotels aren’t set up with childproofing, so you’d have to take safety matters into your own hands upon arrival.
It’s not impossible to take your young kids to Thailand. You could make it work if you were incredibly diligent and made sure you had all the necessities. However, if you want to enjoy yourself as much as possible, you will be better off waiting a few years until your little one is more manageable.
Where Should a Family Stay in Thailand?
If it’s your family’s first time in Thailand, you’re going to want to stay in a hotel or at a resort. Many of the nicer hotels feature things like kids’ clubs to keep your children occupied when they aren’t in the pool or on the beach.
Destinations
Chiang Mai – It’s small and family-oriented. You won’t have a hard time getting around, and it is one of the more relaxing places to visit. There are so many fun things to do right in the area, so you won’t have to venture far to find activities for everyone.
Bangkok – One of the bigger destinations, Bangkok, is an incredibly popular place to stay. It’s also where most international flights will land, so it’s not hard to get to. There is more than enough in Bangkok to keep parents and children occupied for an entire vacation.
Phuket – The most popular tourist destination in Thailand by far, Phuket has a ton of things for families to do and see while they stay. The resorts in Phuket are well-equipped for children. Most of them feature kids’ clubs and babysitting services.
Krabi – This is where you want to stay if you are in the market for a beach-centric vacation. Krabi beaches are some of the most beautiful around. There and plenty of places to stay for you to choose from there, so you don’t have to travel to enjoy the water.
Koh Chang – Something more laid-back awaits you in Koh Chang. You will find all sorts of accommodations for you and your family, whether you want a private place or a large resort. The beaches are gorgeous, and the water is great for all kinds of activities.
Hotels and Resorts
Once you choose what part of Thailand you want to stay in, you will need to book a place to stay. Try to book early, so the prices are lower. No matter where you stay, there will always be something fun to do right around the corner.
While looking for a place to stay, it’s best to look at sites online that combine booking options from all different hotels and resorts.
Accommodations in Thailand range from incredibly affordable to extremely luxurious. Whatever your budget, you’ll be able to find just what you need for your perfect family vacation.
Things to Do in Thailand for Families
On your vacation, there is so much to do, and you have a limited time to do it.
It would be impossible to list all the things you might find wandering around Thailand, but we can at least give you a few suggestions to get you started.
Animal Adventures in Thailand
There are so many ways to interact with wildlife while you’re in Thailand. They are all over the place, no matter where you are staying. If your children are animal lovers, they will have a great time at these attractions.
You can see and learn about the snakes of Thailand at the hospital in Bangkok. They are part of an exhibit on venom research and antivenom production. You can learn about the snakes, their venom, and even watch some venom being extracted.
Elephant sanctuaries are a big hit in Thailand, and you can find them just about anywhere you are staying. These gentle giants are a must-see during your stay. You may even decide to go for an elephant trek, an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Monkey Mountain, located in Hua Hin, is a wonderful place to visit. You and your children can feed bananas to the monkeys, something they’re sure to enjoy!
There are also several aquariums all over Thailand that promise to show you all the wonders of ocean life. You don’t have to get in the water to get an up-close personal look. You can even visit Ocean World if you have time.
Hit the Beach for Family Fun in Thailand
Enough can’t be said about the beaches in Thailand. Sheer beauty. Spending your entire vacation lounging in the sun would be easy. You and your kids will have a wonderful time playing in the sand, swimming, and taking part in water activities.
Krabi – A small coastal town, Krabi is perfect for the family that wants to get away from the super heavy tourist areas of Thailand. They have several beaches with limestone cliffs that make the view unbeatable. You can slow down here and spend your time in the sun or under the water snorkeling.
Phuket – A popular destination for tourists, Phuket has some of the most stunning beaches you can imagine. Because of the density of visitors, and the less savory areas, it’s best to find yourself a hotel with a private beach.
That way, you and your family are sure to have a relaxing time without having to worry about what you may run into.
Koh Samui – This is one of the more luxurious options on our list. Koh Samui has around 125 miles of beach for you and your family to enjoy. It is a favorite destination for family vacations with so much to do you won’t be left wanting for anything.
Take in Some Culture
NOTE: When trekking to see temples and palaces, it’s best to ensure everyone stays happy and hydrated.
If you have older kids that are well-rested and bring plenty of snacks and water, they should do just fine. Many kids love to see the wonders that Thailand has to offer.
Sites You Should See in Thailand:
- The Grand Palace
- Ayutthaya
- Sukhothai
- Golden Clock Tower
- White Buddhist Temple
- Blue Temple
- Kanchanaburi
- Hill Tribe Encounters
Other Family-Oriented Activities in Thailand
You may choose to go off the beaten track and find some fun adventures on your trip. You can book things to do through your hotel. Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong here.
Other Things to Do in Thailand:
- Cooking Classes
- Indoor Playgrounds
- Theme Parks
- Food Tours
- Markets
- Cycling
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- National Parks
Thailand Welcomes Every Family with Open Arms
If you decide to pack your family up and fly to Thailand, you won’t be disappointed. You are sure to find something to delight even the pickiest members of your family. Thailand is family-friendly and just waiting for you.
Whether you prefer to spend a week laying on the beach and diving in the water, or you prefer going off the beaten path to explore, Thailand has what you need.
You can interact with wildlife, spend a day playing, and even fit in some education all on the same trip. It can all be found in Thailand if you take the chance to look for it.
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