Top 8 family-friendly Thailand holidays

Thailand with Babies and Toddlers

Thailand has plenty of family-friendly spots ideal for those first steps into adventure. You might well be up for navigating the cities with tots in tow (totally doable with some extra planning), but most families head straight for the beach resorts, where crèches keep the kids entertained and the shallow waters are made for dipping tiny toes.

“For families with babies, I suggest a stopover in the Dubai for a night or two. Once in Thailand, staying in one place works best — like Katathani Phuket Beach Resort with swim-up rooms, so you can relax by the pool while the little ones nap.”– Kelly Ruth, Assistant Manager, Kuoni John Lewis Norwich

Where to go

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas – Nestled on tranquil Koh Yao Yai, this stylish family haven is equipped with baby essentials like cots, bottle warmers and high chairs. It also has a fun toddler zone, one of Thailand’s largest kids’ clubs and a family pool with zooming slides.

Santiburi Koh Samui – This luxe beachfront resort is a dream for little wanderers. There’s a soft sandy beach to dig in and a beachside playground, and when you’re ready for a hammock nap or a romantic dinner for two, dedicated babysitters are available to lend a hand.

Good to know

Strollers work well in most cities and beach resorts, but baby carriers will be your best friend for island explorations where the terrain can be uneven.

Thailand with school-age kids

Once your kids are a bit older, you can up the adventure stakes. They’ll love the excitement of boating through colourful floating markets, falling asleep in a tent to the sounds of nature and munching on satay chicken straight off the stick at lively food stalls.

Where to go

Bangkok and Koh Samui  – Begin in the clamorous capital, where the kids can marvel at gold-flecked palaces and run wild in leafy parks. Then, slow things down in Koh Samui with chilled beach days at Bandara Resort & Spa.

Elephant Hills, Khao Lak and Phuket – Spend a few nights glamping at Elephant Hills, an ethical jungle camp in Khao Sok National Park. Little ones will love preparing lunch for the rescued elephants and sharing jokes with the characterful guides. Finish off with beach time in both Khao Lak and Phuket for double the seaside fun.

“Customers rave about Elephant Hills, a wild mini adventure you can tag onto a beach stay. From elephant encounters to hearing howler monkeys and spotting monitor lizards on the riverbanks – it’s a family favourite that makes kids’ feel like true explorers.”– Faye Woodbridge, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Cambridge

Good to know

If you have picky eaters, many restaurants offer familiar Western options alongside Thai dishes to keep everyone happy.

Thailand with tweens and teens

Tweens and teens thrive on activities and novel experiences, which Thailand delivers in spades. Whether it’s energetic Muay Thai masterclasses or exploring islands in a longtail boat, the adventures they have here will stand out in their childhood memories.

“A villa with a private pool is the ultimate treat for kids. At Banyan Tree Phuket, they’ll feel like VIPs, with grand beds to sink into and their own plunge pool.” – Kelly Stewart, Store Manager, Kuoni Chichester

Where to go

Thailand Family Suggested Itinerary – This well-planned itinerary combines culture, beaches and wildlife. Start in Chiang Mai, sleeping in safari-style tents while learning about elephants and the mahouts who care for them. Then, unwind on Koh Samui’s sun-kissed beaches before a grand finale in Bangkok.

Bangkok, River Kwai Highlights & Hua Hin – Start in Bangkok, whizzing around on a tuk-tuk food tour to sample local favourites like mango sticky rice, before heading to rural Kanchanaburi. At the River Kwai, step into history as you ride the haunting Death Railway, built by WWII prisoners of war, and cool off in the turquoise pools of Erawan Waterfall. End with some well-deserved beach time on the royal sands of Hua Hin.

Good to know

Thailand’s Wi-Fi is generally reliable, but in some rural areas, connections can be patchy. Download movies, music or games ahead of time to keep teens entertained during downtime or longer journeys.

Thailand with twenty-somethings

If your kids are all grown up, why not sneak in one last epic family trip before they officially fly the nest? Thailand is a fabulous destination for families with adult children who still want to travel together.

Where to go

Singapore and Phuket – Singapore’s just a hop away, making it a fantastic sidekick to a Thai beach getaway. Expect grown-up fun with shopping in glossy malls, sunset swims in rooftop pools and dining at world-class restaurants. Stay at Village Hotel Sentosa on Sentosa Island, home to Universal Studios Singapore and adrenaline-pumping activities like indoor skydiving. Then, head to Marina Phuket Resort, ideally placed for island-hopping and lively nights out in Kata.

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand – This cross-continent adventure is the perfect way to cap off the family holiday era. Spend three weeks hopping between dynamic cities and stunning beaches across Indochina. Shared moments like stargazing from a junk boat in Halong Bay, watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat and scuba diving around the Phi Phi Islands rainbow reefs, make worthy experiences for your family album.

Good to know

The nightlife in places like Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok is vibrant and varied, with beach clubs, rooftop bars and lively street markets— just the ticket for twenty-somethings looking to enjoy evenings out.

The essentials

Do kids need vaccines for Thailand?

Check with your healthcare provider, but common vaccines recommended for kids travelling to Thailand include Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Make sure routine vaccines like MMR and Tetanus are up to date. You can find the most current recommendations here.

Is Thailand safe for families?

Thailand is generally a safe and friendly country, with locals especially welcoming towards children. Stick to bottled water and be cautious with street food – choose busy spots that look popular and have lots of customers. Read more about the latest Thailand travel advice.

“Always pack a basic first aid kit and book excursions through your hotel or trusted agents like us, not from street vendors. And don’t forget comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind.”– Kelly Ruth, Assistant Manager, Kuoni John Lewis Norwich

This feature was created on 19th September 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.