Top 5 Best areas for Traveling in Thailand with kids
Best areas for Traveling in Thailand with kids
Thailand is an excellent destination for family trips with little ones. However, don’t forget that Thailand is a vast and diverse country with different and distant regions. So, in preparation for your family trip to Thailand, we’ve gathered the top five best areas for traveling in Thailand with kids, including their advantages and disadvantages, transportation methods, recommendations for what to do with kids there, and a lot more useful information.
The Islands
Thailand’s islands are undoubtedly an excellent and highly sought-after destination for young families. If your initial instinct is to avoid them due to their reputation as party places or havens for beach bums and massages, let us change your mind. Hint: There are various regions within the islands, some are ideal for a family stay while others may not be… In short, the islands are fantastic for a family stay—don’t miss out!!
1. 
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
How to get there?
How to get there?Direct flight from Bangkok.
Benefits?
Wow, there are so many advantages to traveling to Koh Samui with kids. Koh Samui is a relatively small island with a calm and pleasant atmosphere. There are several cozy areas for families to stay, and they are not far from the central area of the island, making it very convenient for stocking up. In terms of transportation, it’s easy to reach Koh Samui (direct flight with Bangkok Airways), and moving around the island is simple, especially by taxis.
The island has a very pleasant character—touristy enough to be straightforward, convenient, and tailored to travellers, yet still calm and not overly commercialized. For those who prioritize safer nutrition and a combination of imported and organic food, such options are readily available in the island’s center (Central), and as mentioned, everything is relatively close. There are quite a few nice and relaxed activities for kids in the island’s stunning natural surroundings.
Downsides?
There isn’t one specific area on the island that is the perfect place to stay with kids.
How long to stay?
A week or two should be just right.
Key recommendations:
Feeding elephants, Paradise Park Farm, a trial lesson in Jiu-Jitsu, a day at the picturesque Choengmon Beach.
For all recommendations and information about Koh Samui with kids
2. Koh Phangan
How to get there?
Getting to Koh Phangan is more complicated. There’s no direct flight, so you need to reach it by ferry – either from the neighbouring Koh Samui or the mainland city, Surat Thani, both of which have direct flights.
Click here for all the tips and directions on getting to Koh Phangan
Benefits?
Well, Koh Phangan may have the trickiest full moon party reputation among the islands. However, keep in mind that it’s a very specific area on the island and during a very specific time (when even many locals prefer to spend a quiet evening at home). But don’t let that confuse you—Koh Phangan is a beautiful island with a serene and relaxed atmosphere (in the most New Age sense of the word). You can find yoga classes in every corner, indicating the overall vibe of the place. The island attracts many communities of expats who have chosen to settle there, including quite a few young families.
By the way, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience a full moon party, it’s entirely possible, even with kids (here you can get information on how to do it).
Downsides?
Transportation is more complicated, not just the arrival—there are no taxis or straightforward public transportation on the island (only public taxis without seat belts or any safety measures). So, the island is suitable for families who prefer to rent a car and drive. And if you’re looking for attractions, this might not be the place for you—here is where you can relax, explore nature, and experience a different way of life.
How long to stay?
Relaxation enthusiasts can easily come and settle in. Those looking for a taste – a few days to a week should suffice.
Key recommendations:
A day at one of the beautiful beaches – koh ma or Haad Yao, relaxed and healthy time (including kids’ yoga) at Orion Healing, have a drink at Zoo Cafe.
For all recommendations and information about Koh Samui with kids
3. Phuket
How to get there?
Flight! Getting here is the simplest among all the islands – the island has an international airport with direct flights from various countries.
Benefits?
This is a very touristy island with everything – attractions for the whole family, a variety of accommodation and dining options, and good taxi services and healthcare facilities.
Downsides?
Being such a touristy island, the atmosphere is less authentic and more “commercialized,” with large and busy roads, and it’s a relatively large island, so there are considerable distances within it.
How long to stay?
One to three weeks. It depends on how much you want to move around within the island.
Key recommendations:
A day at one of the water parks – Andamanda or Blue Tree (or both), feeding elephants, a full day (including sunset and a fire show) at one of the beaches such as Kata Beach.
For all recommendations and information about Phuket with kids
Other Islands
True, there are many other charming and interesting islands in Thailand. Among them:
Koh Phi Phi
with breath-taking views, famous photos, and monkeys – suitable for families not afraid to be one of thousands of tourists.
Koh Tao
More remote (arriving by ferry from Koh Samui – station after Koh Phangan) – for diving or snorkelling enthusiasts.
Koh Chang
An amazing island in its beauty, quiet and remote with a serene and unique atmosphere – suitable for true adventurers, as reaching it is not easy at all.
Bangkok Area
Who hasn’t heard of Bangkok? The large and bustling city isn’t exactly the first destination that comes to mind for a family vacation. But we were surprised to discover that not far from Bangkok, you can find amazing places that are highly recommended for traveling with kids. The highlight of our last trip was the charming coastal town of Hua Hin.
4. Hua Hin
How to get there?
The “direct” way to Hua Hin is by traveling from Bangkok. Locals prefer buses and generally avoid trains. There used to be a ferry from Pattaya, but it has been cancelled.
We recommend finding a taxi that suits the whole family (and the suitcases, of course) and making the journey this way, with interesting and fun stops along the way to make the somewhat long trip (about 3 hours) easier for the kids. Another option is flying to Hua Hin from Chiang Mai – if you’re coming from the north.
Benefits?
A charming seaside town, sufficiently large and tourist-friendly, where everything is within a short distance. It’s not overly touristy, so not everything is commercialized. Nowadays, possibly because it’s becoming more challenging to reach, the atmosphere is very pleasant, and you can find family-friendly accommodation close to the beach and in central areas at quite reasonable prices.
Downsides?
Although a small town, it’s still a town. If you’re looking for complete tranquillity, your place is probably more in the islands.
How long to stay?
About a week.
Key recommendations:
The main attraction here is undoubtedly horseback riding on the beach. Other recommendations include the lovely and unique Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, the Night Market, and a bit to the north – Malai Farm Cha-am.
For all recommendations and information about Hua Hin with kids (including recommended stops on the way to Bangkok)
Traveling with Kids in Bangkok itself?
Well, chances are you’ll need to pass through this city, if not only because your flight arrives or departs from here (unless you’re traveling via Phuket).
On the other hand, it’s not highly recommended to arrive with little ones intentionally – it’s big, crowded, busy, polluted, and there are large distances within it. So if you are flying through, it’s recommended, if possible, to continue directly to your chosen destination. But on the way back, you can definitely experience some of the city (for a day or two) – it’s a giant city, and it certainly has something to offer for kids.
For all recommendations and information about Bangkok with kids
The North
Looking for a slightly different experience? Something more authentic, with nature, culture, and a local atmosphere? North Thailand could be the perfect place for you. Slightly more remote, surrounded by lush greenery, with temples, monks, and a relaxed vibe—this region captivates many families with children. And don’t worry, there’s plenty to do here too!
5. Chiang Mai
How to get there?
The simplest way – by flight from Bangkok.
Benefits?
Chiang Mai is a relatively inexpensive town – with pleasant and reasonably priced accommodation options (depending on the area, the Old City can be quite expensive), nice and affordable (or free) attractions, and overall affordable living. The atmosphere is that of a small town – everything is relatively close and accessible. Despite this, it maintains a calm and authentic atmosphere, offering a glimpse into less commercialized Thai culture.
Downsides?
The weather is hot, sometimes even hotter than in southern Thailand, but unlike the south, there’s no sea to cool off in (which might be a downside for beach and wave enthusiasts). Another significant drawback is that the town and the entire region are very polluted during certain months (around December-April)….. So, if you plan to visit, pay attention to pollution levels, and if you come during the wrong season, it’s advisable to reconsider.
How long to stay?
A week easily suffices.
Key recommendations:
Don’t miss the night markets, especially the Sunday Night market. For additional family fun, explore the Night Safari, Hidden Village, and Block & Play Cafe.
For all recommendations and information about Hua Hin with kids (including recommended stops on the way to Bangkok)
Thinking about Pai? Good question!
The small, charming, and remote town reached through Chiang Mai is a dilemma for many families. On one hand, the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful nature are appealing. On the other, it’s not a place for attractions (suitable for families and kids who love nature and hiking, mainly for relaxation), and a major drawback is the journey – a lengthy and winding drive of about three and a half hours. So, definitely consider your priorities (if you’re seeking an atmosphere like this and are willing to stay for a few weeks, the journey is likely worthwhile) – if you decide to go for it, our recommendation is to hire a private driver (with a sufficiently large car for all of you and the luggage, of course) and tailor the journey to you, with stops adapted along the way to ease the trip for the kids – for example, at Mok Fa Waterfall and Pong Duet Geyser.
And there you have it! Our best areas for traveling in Thailand kids!
Now that you’re all full of options – all you have to do is decide and go for it, and good luck on your family Thai adventure!
You could also be interested in
The ultimate travel guide
Everything you should know before you go!
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