What makes a family holiday special? Above everything else, going somewhere together where you can all have fun no matter what your age. This is why we love Thailand for both parents and kids. If you’re looking for a family adventure where you can wow your taste buds, get close to nature, explore beautiful beaches and meet the friendliest local people, then check out the following for some Thai inspiration and to discover where to go on a Thailand family holiday!
Best Places For Family Holidays in Thailand
One of the best locations for a family holiday in Thailand is the country’s capital Bangkok. Take the kids on a Klongs river cruise by longtail boat (or even kayak down the klong), where you get a fascinating insight into how local Thai people live. The kids will love seeing local schoolchildren running by the riverbank, spotting temples in the distance and exploring the local markets. The ancient city of Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle region in the north are the perfect base from which to discover Thailand’s rich culture, which, when combined with forested mountain treks, elephant encounters and cycle rides through remote, authentic hill tribe villages, will forge lasting memories for your children to cherish on your family holiday. The Four Seasons in Chiang Mai has the perfect set up for kids with plenty of family activities from rice planting to kiddy yoga or up in the Golden Triangle the Anantara Golden Triangle children can learn what it takes to be an elephant mahout – just imagine their little faces as they feed a banana to a baby elephant!
Staying by the beach in Thailand? – Krabi and Koh Samui are both wonderful areas for snorkelling and nature. If the kids are old enough- take them on a kayaking adventure to the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park or explore the beautiful area of Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi.
If you’re looking for even more adventure- then you can’t beat the dramatic sight of Khao Sok national park and its friendly inhabitants- the wonderful Asian elephant. A journey to Thailand isn’t complete without learning about the country’s oldest residents. Making a day trip to Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, or Elephant World outside of Bangkok, or top it all off with an overnight stay at Elephant Hills which will put a smile on any child’s face!
The Flavours of Thailand
Fresh and spicy Thai Green curry, comforting and coconutty Massamun and the amazing sweet and sour flavours of Pad Thai. Get your kids to try something new and introduce to them to the heart of Thai family life – the kitchen!
Chiang Mai is one of the best places for the kids to learn some cooking skills- we love Khum Lanna where you can spend two days learning all about how to use fresh Thai ingredients, exploring the countryside by bike, visiting a food market and sitting down at the end to eat everything you have cooked together! Guests can overnight in a traditional Thai house.
Best Luxury Family Resorts Thailand
Our dedicated team has picked the best luxury family resorts and hotels for your Thailand family holiday. Each one of them has been visited by us and we are available to answer any questions you may have.
Siam Kempinski, Bangkok
With a fantastically central location, the sky train, shopping and plenty of restaurants on the doorstep, this resort is not only convenient but also boasts a beautiful resort style pool with plenty of space for kids to run around, whilst parents relax after a busy day exploring the city. There is a kids club and an indoor playground with plenty of activities for kids. Rooms connect or families can book a suite, which comes complete with child-size robes, slippers and toiletries.
Four Seasons, Chiang Mai
The Four Seasons in Chiang Mai has the perfect set up for kids with plenty of activities from rice-planting to kiddy yoga. The setting is beautiful with heavenly views of the surrounding verdant mountains. A perfect base to explore the national parks and elephant camps in the area.
Anantara Layan, Phuket
Occupying an unspoilt corner of Bang Tao Bay, this resort boats a gorgeous beach, back by a sensational swimming pool. There are plenty of activities on offer here, from Muay Thai Kick boxing, Chang Club for children, cooking school and an indoor games room with pool and ping pong. Outside they also have a climbing wall and skate park.
Rayavadee, Krabi
Set in a film worthy bay off the coast of Krabi, The Rayavadee boasts 3 beaches and a huge amount of space for kids to play. Whilst parents can relax by the beautiful main pool area, kids can splash in the shallow pool or run around on the beautiful beach. At busy times of year, activities like football and nature trails can be organised for children- and they’re sure to love spotting wildlife around the resort.
Santiburi Resort & Spa, Koh Samui
Santiburi offers a vast array of activities including a complimentary kids club with sleep, movie and gaming room, along with a handicraft centre and beach babysitters. Kids can enjoy billiards, petanque, ping-pong, kayaks, windsurfing and sailing with free coaching. Other family facilities include a Thai boxing ring, a watersports centre, tennis courts, a football pitch and even a jogging track. Kids also have free use of bicycles. If that doesn’t make for a good nights’ sleep, nothing will!
There is also a daily programme of creative activities, such as crafting lotus flowers, weaving with palm fronds, batik and painting on cotton. Beyond the resort discover the natural beauty of the island in the south with tropical mountain walks, hidden waterfalls and even a butterfly farm. Don’t miss the Big Buddha statue – a must see symbol of the island.
Elephant Hills, Khao Sok National Park
An incredible family experience open for children aged 4 and up (7 in the Lake Camp). The beautiful scenery of Khao Sok national park is breath-taking. Stay in the luxury tented camp of Elephant Hills and switch off from the outside world. There’s no Wi-Fi or phone signal here and it’s the best opportunity for kids to learn all about the surrounding nature. Children can get up close to the elephants-wash, feed and spend time learning about these wonderful animals.
Best time to Visit Thailand on a Family Holiday
One of our favourite things about Thailand is that whatever time of year you are looking to go on holiday, there will be a beach swathed in sunshine awaiting your arrival. During the British summer months, we would suggest the Gulf of Thailand on the East Coast, whereas if you are looking for sunnier climes during our winter months the weather is a lot more reliable on the Andaman, West Coast.
Another consideration when planning what time to travel is the number of exciting festivals Thailand celebrates throughout the year. The specific dates can change year on year but a few not to miss are Songkran festival which takes place mid-April and celebrates a traditional New Year’s Day. The celebrations are quite animated with many tourist joining in as streets are filled with people soaking one another – expect to get very wet whilst also observing a joyous tradition.
Mid November brings Loy Krathong (The Moon Festival) when Thai people give thanks and ask for wishes to be granted. Believers decorate small boats with flowers, coins, and candles, and then release them into the water as an offering to Khongha, the water goddess – a wonderful spectacle for the children to witness.
Thailand offers a fantastic blend of fascinating culture, exquisite cuisine, unforgettable jungle and wildlife experiences and breathtaking paradise islands, all topped off with some of the best services in the world. Sunshine, scenery and ever-smiling locals will always guarantee Thailand to be a feel-good destination for the whole family. We hope we helped you to find where to go during your next family holiday to Thailand! Get in touch with our holiday experts to learn more or click below.
TAKE US TO THAILAND
For a bespoke holiday quote, or more information on Thailand holidays, please contact our team of specialists today. Call 01494 678400 or fill in our enquiry form.
