Thailand is a popular destination known for its tropical sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. On a tour to Thailand, you can enjoy a bit of everything.
But is Thailand a child-friendly destination? What should you do and where should you go if you wish to explore Thailand with your children?
Read our guide to an unforgettable family holiday below.
The short answer is yes. Thailand is a country for the whole family, offering many child-friendly places and experiences.
The country is renowned for its hospitality, and children are often met with smiles and curiosity. There are numerous modern hotels and restaurants with child-friendly amenities and meals.
Moreover, Thailand is a safe and secure place to travel.
With its tropical climate, affordable prices, and endless experiences, Thailand is a destination that easily fulfils most families’ wishes and needs, whether you’re dreaming of relaxation, adventure, culture — or all three.
You can travel all over Thailand with children, but there are certain firm favourites when it comes to child and family-friendly places.
We’ve picked out some of them below.
In Thailand’s capital, there are experiences for all ages, and although Bangkok is known for being a lively big city, it’s certainly ideal for those travelling with kids.
Here, you’ll find a myriad of cultural experiences, such as temples and museums, which can be exciting for children to explore—naturally, the number of temples you visit should match your children’s age. Exploring Bangkok’s charming streets can also be an adventure in itself—for example, with a tuktuk ride or a boat tour in Bangkok’s canals, the klongs.
Bangkok also has several green, tranquil areas where you can take a break from the city hustle, like the Lumpini or Benjakiti parks located in central Bangkok.
Additionally, the city is a true food haven, and the many delicious Thai dishes can often be requested in non-spicy versions suitable for children.
If you dream of exploring more than just beaches with your kids, Chiang Mai is also a great choice.
The laid-back atmosphere of northern Thailand can add a bit of tranquillity to your tour, and Chiang Mai offers numerous child-friendly activities.
For example, visit the ChangChill elephant sanctuary to get up close to these majestic giants or explore the many beautiful monuments around the city.
Khao Sok National Park is a haven for families who love nature and adventure.
The park’s floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake offer a unique experience where kids can wake up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy a swim in the lake’s clear waters.
There’s also the chance for a boat safari, where you can spot wildlife such as elephants.
In the heart of the National Park, those travelling with slightly older children can go on a hike, getting closer to Thailand’s nature and wildlife.
Phuket is a family classic, with its beautiful sandy beaches and numerous family-friendly resorts and hotels, offering beach holidays for children of all ages.
There are also plenty of nature and cultural experiences to be had in Phuket, Thailand’s largest island. You could visit the elephant home, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, where elephants are free to be elephants, or head to the charming Phuket Old Town, which also boasts cosy cafes and restaurants.
Krabi’s natural beauty makes it a fantastic destination for families.
Relax on the shores of Ao Nang Beach or explore the many paradisiacal islands nearby, such as Hong Island and Koh Phi Phi.
Families travelling to Krabi can also easily combine their trip with some of the picturesque Thai islands like Koh Lanta Yai, which, with its calm, shallow waters, is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday with children.
As mentioned, Thailand has something for children of all ages.
However, top activities can vary depending on the children’s ages.
Below you’ll find a selection of activities that are particularly suited to different age groups:
Thailand’s beaches are perfect for the youngest of travel companions.
The shallow and warm waters make it easy and safe to let them splash around at the water’s edge. The gentle waves and soft sand are clear favourites for families travelling with babies.
Young children will love Thailand’s rich wildlife. Visit the ChangChill elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, or explore the stunning National Parks like Khao Sok National Park or Khao Yai National Park.
The many tropical sandy beaches are sure to be a hit with both children and adults.
If you are travelling with slightly older children, Thailand is a fantastic place to let them explore Southeast Asia’s amazing cultural heritage and history.
Visit the ancient temples in Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, feast your way through Bangkok’s lively food markets, or explore the beautiful and charming cities of Northern Thailand, such as Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.
Conclude your tour with a beach holiday to absorb the many cultural impressions, providing the perfect combination of experiences and relaxation.
Travelling with children and giving them insight into the world’s diverse and varied cultures is life-affirming. However, it can be challenging, especially when travelling far away.
The first step on the journey (aside from booking the holiday) is packing.
Check out our packing list for Thailand, which includes a specific list for those travelling with children. This will ensure that you remember all the essentials for the flight and the trip.
Also, take a look at our tips on surviving a long-haul flight with children and advice for enjoying a holiday with kids.
Travelling to Thailand with children is an incredible experience, providing you and your kids with memories for a lifetime.
Whether you dream of a tropical beach holiday, cultural experiences, or nature adventures, there are ample opportunities to take your children on a journey.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our travel specialists.
It should be safe to explore the world – we’re with you all the way!
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
The classic Thailand tour taking in vibrant Bangkok, the lush River Kwai, historic Ayutthaya and charming Chiang Mai. Round it all off on Koh Samui’s lovely beaches.
Visit three of Southern Thailand’s heavenly islands, with views of iconic, vertical limestone cliffs and traditional longboats – giving you that perfect background.
Do you dream of lazing in paradise surroundings while discovering Thai culture and unspoiled island life? Experience 2 islands with everything from picture-postcard beaches to waterfalls and local landmarks.
Look forward to relaxing at Thailand’s No. 1 beach holiday destination, Phuket, and experiencing the country’s most scenic national park, Khao Sok. Round off your tour in the quiet, authentic beach paradise that is Khao Lak.
Look forward to combining the absolute highlights of Thailand in Bangkok, the River Kwai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai with a fantastic beach holiday in the holiday paradise that is Phuket.
Look forward to experiences and relaxation on the coconut island of Koh Samui and head out on an adventure in Thailand’s most beautiful national park, Khao Sok. Round it all off in the authentic holiday paradise of Khao Lak.
Come and experience Thailand from north to south with charming Chiang Mai, vibrant Bangkok and the lush Khao Sok National Park. Round it all off on Phuket’s fabulous sandy beaches.
Discover Krabi’s beautiful beaches and look forward to island-hopping adventures in the Andaman Sea. Enjoy Koh Lanta’s laid-back atmosphere and unwind completely on Koh Ngai’s paradisiacal beaches.
Look forward to city life in Bangkok, a lively island vibe in Phuket and wind right down on the charming, peaceful island of Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay.
Experience Bangkok’s vibrant city life with an exciting street food excursion in tuk tuk, explore untouched nature and wild elephants in Khao Yai and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday on Koh Samet’s white beaches.
Discover all the shades of Thailand: the lively streets and delectable street food of Bangkok, the calming atmosphere and ancient temples of Chiang Mai, and the adventures in the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai.
Explore the vibrant city of Bangkok and its culinary delights on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Conclude with an adventurous island hop between the tranquil serenity of Koh Kood and the lively atmosphere of Koh Chang.
Look forward to experiencing the wonder of the world, Angkor Wat, enjoy the view over Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi, and fall in love with the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Join us in Northern Thailand and experience Chiang Mai and the picturesque Mae Hong Son loop. The tour is for those who have explored Thailand’s highlights and are now looking for new adventures off the beaten track.
Experience Bangkok’s striking contrasts and fantastic food scene, while diving into history by the River Kwai. Explore the impressive temple ruins of Ayutthaya and conclude your journey on the beautiful beaches of Koh Samet.
Experience the contrasts of Bangkok, the jungle of Khao Sok, and the emerald-green Cheow Lan Lake. Conclude your tour on Krabi’s delightful sandy beaches with opportunities for relaxation and exciting excursions.
The classic Thailand tour taking in vibrant Bangkok, the lush River Kwai, historic Ayutthaya and charming Chiang Mai. Round it all off on Koh Samui’s lovely beaches.
Visit three of Southern Thailand’s heavenly islands, with views of iconic, vertical limestone cliffs and traditional longboats – giving you that perfect background.
Do you dream of lazing in paradise surroundings while discovering Thai culture and unspoiled island life? Experience 2 islands with everything from picture-postcard beaches to waterfalls and local landmarks.
Look forward to relaxing at Thailand’s No. 1 beach holiday destination, Phuket, and experiencing the country’s most scenic national park, Khao Sok. Round off your tour in the quiet, authentic beach paradise that is Khao Lak.
Look forward to combining the absolute highlights of Thailand in Bangkok, the River Kwai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai with a fantastic beach holiday in the holiday paradise that is Phuket.
Look forward to experiences and relaxation on the coconut island of Koh Samui and head out on an adventure in Thailand’s most beautiful national park, Khao Sok. Round it all off in the authentic holiday paradise of Khao Lak.
Come and experience Thailand from north to south with charming Chiang Mai, vibrant Bangkok and the lush Khao Sok National Park. Round it all off on Phuket’s fabulous sandy beaches.
Discover Krabi’s beautiful beaches and look forward to island-hopping adventures in the Andaman Sea. Enjoy Koh Lanta’s laid-back atmosphere and unwind completely on Koh Ngai’s paradisiacal beaches.
Look forward to city life in Bangkok, a lively island vibe in Phuket and wind right down on the charming, peaceful island of Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay.
Experience Bangkok’s vibrant city life with an exciting street food excursion in tuk tuk, explore untouched nature and wild elephants in Khao Yai and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday on Koh Samet’s white beaches.
Discover all the shades of Thailand: the lively streets and delectable street food of Bangkok, the calming atmosphere and ancient temples of Chiang Mai, and the adventures in the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai.
Explore the vibrant city of Bangkok and its culinary delights on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Conclude with an adventurous island hop between the tranquil serenity of Koh Kood and the lively atmosphere of Koh Chang.
Look forward to experiencing the wonder of the world, Angkor Wat, enjoy the view over Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi, and fall in love with the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Join us in Northern Thailand and experience Chiang Mai and the picturesque Mae Hong Son loop. The tour is for those who have explored Thailand’s highlights and are now looking for new adventures off the beaten track.
Experience Bangkok’s striking contrasts and fantastic food scene, while diving into history by the River Kwai. Explore the impressive temple ruins of Ayutthaya and conclude your journey on the beautiful beaches of Koh Samet.
Experience the contrasts of Bangkok, the jungle of Khao Sok, and the emerald-green Cheow Lan Lake. Conclude your tour on Krabi’s delightful sandy beaches with opportunities for relaxation and exciting excursions.
