The 7 Best Family Destinations in Thailand to Take the Kids in 2023
-- Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Jonesy
If you are considering travelling to Thailand with the kids in tow you’ll certainly find many places that are family-friendly. Yet the best advice when planning a trip with family-oriented Thai destinations in mind is often not to assume that everywhere is family-friendly–at least not without a spot of checking.
The well-known and thus developed destinations are likely to be the best bet for anyone hitting the Land of Smiles with the family, especially if it’s the first time. That generally equates with locals being geared-up for different visitors and a lot of it depends on your actual requirements in terms of amenities, attractions, and preferred cuisine.
Knowing when to keep an eye out for loud and raucous nightlife areas as well as spotting potential safety issues will come in handy, as some aspects of Thailand’s lifestyle and culture are hardly the stuff of dream family vacations. These elements are easily bypassed with a spot of prior planning though, and one of the best ways to approach this is to be specific and selective in where you want to stay and the kind of things you want to do.
Many stressed-out families with frazzled nerves make the mistake of trying to squeeze everything into one trip. The more touristy places that have everything to hand on top of the beaches often make for the best base camps.
The Best Time to Visit
Although many families heading off on their annual summer vacation may be eager to get some fun in the sun, it’s worth knowing that there are certain times of year that might best be avoided in tropical Thailand.
Put it this way–you won’t see many locals out and about once the temperatures begin to creep into the late 30s and early 40s. That’s generally between around the end of March and the end of May–Thai summertime–when the rather oppressive levels of humidity become unbearable. Those who didn’t take this into consideration before booking may spend the majority of the time throughout their holiday in a sweat-stained state of mild aggravation.
On top of that there’s monsoon season to consider which typically occurs between around June and November. With it come a number of potential inconveniences such as instant torrential downpours and flooding.
Have the Right Plan
On top of the right timing, it also pays to have a good idea of which region would best suit your trip. Hitting the mountains up north for instance, followed by 2 days on a beach in the south before heading to Bangkok for the remainder of the trip would take it out of even the most seasoned of travellers.
Bangkok may be popular for particular reasons, but it’s not always a practical or ideal destination for everyone with small kids in tow–at least not when you consider the alternatives. The northern, southern, and central regions are all quite different in their own ways due to the distance between them and they cater to different types of vacation requirements and expectations.
So let’s take a closer look at some ideas for family-friendly spots that might help you to make a decision on the most suitable region to use as a base for the trip.
1. Phuket
Phuket is an island and one of the best options for families when it comes to southern beach holidays in Thailand. It is a popular tourist area which means the best amenities–in fact everything you need is virtually on your doorstep in some resorts and areas.
The beaches are the idyllic southern variety and there are plenty of activities and sights to keep you and the kids busy if that’s your intention. Of course this makes it expensive compared to many other parts of Thailand, but guarantees a great time unless you pick the wrong time of year weather-wise.
It’s also possible to get direct flights into Phuket International Airport with some airlines. You’ll find plenty of resorts as well as beaches here too, and many say whether or not they accommodate families.
In sightseeing terms there are plenty of family-friendly spots and attractions like natural parks, water parks and aquariums. It does have its rowdy nightlife areas as well, namely around the Patong area.
Example Things to Do
- Plenty of kid-friendly activities like water parks, a surf house, kids clubs, and an Elephant Sanctuary
- For the older kids (typically upwards of 8) there are also plenty of zip-lining and wakeboarding-type adventures to hand
- Activities like indoor ice-skating and rock climbing can also be found to name just two
- Western and other non-Thai food & restaurant options are easily found
Getting There and Getting Around
If you aren’t flying directly to the island and instead opt for a transfer from the main airport in the Thai capital there are a couple of things to know. Phuket is less than a 2-hour flight from Bangkok, with numerous operations every day.
There are various other transport options for reaching Phuket by road from Bangkok by car, taxi, and coach. These trips will likely take 12 hours or more and may thus not be an option for many families.
The local transport mafia options have always been a bit overpriced even for locals due to the monopolised operations, but the good news is that Grab is available in Phuket. In our book it is flat-out the best way to ensure the right prices, destination, and service, and will reduce the likelihood of any potential mishaps with local transport etc..
2. Koh Chang
The island of Koh Chang is the third-largest Island in Thailand and contains scenic beaches and lush rainforest regions.
You’ll find plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities here–especially the outdoor and water-based types like hiking, snorkelling, swimming in natural pools with waterfalls, or trying your hand in a jungle adventure course. Many of the hotels and resorts are family-friendly and feature various activities like kids’ clubs to keep the young ‘uns occupied.
Example Things to Do
- Checking out natural attractions like Klong Plu Waterfall
- Doing some snorkelling at Pearl Beach
- Hiking through Mu Koh Chang National Park
- Spending a few hours at Treetop Adventure Park
Getting There & Getting Around
There are various ways to get to the island. The method you employ will depend to some extent on where you are coming from (i.e. from Bangkok or from your point of origin).
There are several, daily, one-hour flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat–the nearest airport from the ferry terminals at around 30 minutes away by road, which can be done by minibus transfer companies that offer the complete transfer for around 700-1000 baht including the ferry fee.
Either that or you can arrange your own private transfer by the accommodation if the service is offered. Many economy travellers heading to the island from Bangkok are likely to catch the bus from Ekkamai Station, which is the Eastern Bus Terminal. The buses run to both ferry terminals and are the cheapest option for getting to the island (although not the fastest at around 5 hours).
Once on the island it is easy enough to get around by one of the songthaews that run all the main routes. This method of transport is cheap enough with stop fees generally ranging between around 50 and 200 baht. There are also various other taxis and tour operators around common areas like ferry terminals.
3. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is another top place for a total beach holiday which comes along with the option of a spot of adventurous exploration. This may be along the lines of frolicking happily all day on an idyllic beach, or for older kids there’s the opportunity for zip-lining or quad-biking.
There is plenty on this southern Thai island to suit a family itinerary and much of it is fully geared-up for kids and family activities.Western food is readily available including fast food like burgers and pancakes, although you’ll also find healthier options like home-made yoghurts and smoothies etc.
Example Things to Do
- Spending time in Ang Thong Marine Park
- Explore the terrain on ATV and Quad Bike Tours
- Indulge in some cooling water fun with Pink Elephant Samui Water Park
- Elephant Sanctuary & Jungle Tour
Getting There & Getting Around
Your choice for getting to the island will most likely be influenced by the ages of your children, but one of the main routes to the island is by plane from Bangkok to Samui’s own airport.
Another way is to head to Surat Thani where the nearest mainland airport to the island is located. Trains and coaches run there from Bangkok, and after that it’s a 2.5-hour ferry to the island.
Samui is a relatively small island so it’s not so difficult to get around and most journeys are pretty short. The main route circling Songthaews is once again the most common option for jumping from different destinations if that’s part of your plan. There are also taxis if you fancy slightly more comfort and Grab is available although apparently not in great numbers due to lack of drivers.
4. Ao Nang and Railay Beach
This picturesque region of Thailand’s south has scenery that’ll make lasting memories for any family. In many ways it makes a great family vacation destination due to the slow pace, the distinct lack of cars, and the family-friendly hotels and resorts.
It takes something close to a small adventure to get to Railay though, as we’ll touch on later. Partly due to the location and almost cut-off remoteness, this Thai beach destination offers a great range of activities for the adventurous, many of which the landscape is ideal for–like rock climbing.
The town is surrounded by water on 3 sides, which makes getting there a bit more of an expedition that might not be that suitable for anyone with really young kids. Any adventurous families who make it there will find it more than worth the trek though.
Example Things to Do
- Take a tour of a local Elephant Sanctuary
- Try your hand at a spot of leisurely Paddle-Boarding on the beach
- Enjoy the thrill of some Zip-Lining just minutes away from the town and Ao Nang
- Take a trip to a whole host of other nearby islands with their own special features and experience snorkelling in places such as Koh Phi Phi
Getting There & Getting Around
The most common way to clear the main leg of the journey is by flying into Krabi Airport. Special buses and coaches also run from Bangkok if you are coming from the capital and fancy a slightly cheaper (but much longer) trip by road. VIP sleeper coaches take somewhere in the region of 12 hours.
After that it’s a taxi/car to Ao Nang and if you are heading to Railay Beach the final leg is by boat, the only way to access the beach and area. You have four main choices in terms of where to position yourself at Railay Beach by way of Railay Bay West, Railay Bay East, Phra Nang or Tonsai Beach, and it’s best to try and figure the right spot as there are no roads here and thus little along the lines of transportation options.
5. Hua Hin
If you figure the trek down to Thailand’s south doesn’t tick all your boxes for any reason you might consider Hua Hin, a great town on the western coast. It has long been popular with Thai families from the city for short breaks.
In fact this is the kind of seaside resort that would facilitate a day trip or two to Bangkok if you really needed to, as the capital is just a couple of hours away by road. The region has many beaches and is surrounded by mountains, some with their own features and viewpoints.
Hua Hin is a clean and laid-back type of affair with a diverse range of activities and interests such as temples, night markets, and water parks.
Example Things to Do
- Spending the day at the Black Mountain Water Park
- Venturing up to Wat Khao Takiab where you’ll encounter both monkeys and some great views
- Enjoying the clean-looking beaches and the seasonal activities like water sports and pony riding
- Heading for Kaeng Krachan National Park and Pala-U Waterfall
Getting There & Getting Around
Hua Hin is about 200 km/125 miles from Bangkok–just over 2 hours by road. If you are looking for travel experience though there are other options, including taxi/Grab, buses, and trains from the capital or you may organise a private car transfer from your accommodation if offered.
Getting around Hua Hin itself is easy enough as it’s a pretty small beach town. You might consider bicycle hire depending on where you are staying or again the trusty local songthaew is the best way to go a bit further like down to Khao Takiab or beyond.
6. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is another island with idyllic and pristine beaches in Thailand’s south. It offers a somewhat quieter option than places like Samui and Phuket though, and is much less developed.
That said this beautiful part of the south also has plenty of outdoor-type activities to hand that are ideal for families.
Example Things to Do
- Head to Koh Lanta National Park and its natural rainforest landscape permeated by plenty of monkeys
- Walk the length of Long Beach, the longest in the region
- Check out Klong Dao Beach with its strip of restaurants and bars that are very kid-friendly–many have small playground areas and the sea is shallow and gentle
- Book yourself on a scuba, snorkelling, or kayaking tour
Getting There
One option is to fly into Phuket International Airport, where you can book a ferry ticket then transfer to Rassada Pier (preferably in the morning) by taxi. The ferry operates between 8.30 am and 10.00pm.
Some visitors book a private minivan transfer from Phuket Airport to Lanta which takes around 4 hours and Phuket bus station also has a decent minibus service to Koh Lanta throughout the high season. This is very cheap compared to other methods at around 250 baht per person.
You can also fly into Krabi Airport and organise a transfer to Lanta easily enough. If you are coming in from elsewhere you can also fly in Trang Airport and then get a similar minivan transfer to Koh Lanta that works out a bit cheaper than the one from Phuket.
7. Chiang Mai
The northern regions of Thailand are great for those seeking culture, adventure, and breathtaking natural scenarios. The more outdoor-type families will enjoy Chiang Mai which offers way more outdoor activities than the more urbanised regions.
Here you can find yourself surrounded by a backdrop of northern Thai mountains, and there are a few cultural touches unlike anywhere else in the country. Local Lanna Buddhist temples and their 700-year long history is a completely different experience than doing a Bangkok ‘temple tour’ for instance.
The weather is cooler up north, the pace is slower, and the people seem quite a bit more friendly than somewhere like the capital. The open landscapes and more spread-out terrain lend themselves well to the Thailand experience, and the weather makes for a more comfortable experience for any little ones.
Example Things to Do
- Visit one of the Elephant Sanctuaries
- Go jungle trekking in the surrounding northern terrain
- Spend a day at Doi Inthanon National Park and see waterfalls and peaks, including Doi Suthep, the highest in Thailand
- Check out Kampan Rafting for an afternoon of white water fun
Getting There & Getting Around
Bangkok to Chiang Mai is travelled by various routes in Thailand including train and bus. These are budget-friendly but probably too slow for a family, often taking up to 12 hours. So flying in from Bangkok is the quickest method.
The 1.5 hr flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai has the added expense of getting from the airport as no public transport is available. Luckily the airport is only about 20 minutes away from the city by car or taxi, and prices are usually fixed for the transfer unless the service is offered by your accommodation.
Once in the town itself you’ll find once again the songthaew is once again the main means of getting around if you want to do some sightseeing.Taxis are available but not always so easy to find, and Grab is also available in the region.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, there is never going to be one ideal destination in Thailand that suits all families. Much of the enjoyment factor depends on things like how well you travel as a family, what kind of environment best suits your stay, and of course the kind of activities and amenities to hand that you might like.
So these destinations are our top choices based on various factors to suit a range of family interests. Keep in mind that there are lots of great experiences to be had in Thailand on family vacations, but the right prior planning will help you no end to maximise the enjoyment.
Mark Philip is a writer and lifestyle enthusiast from the Midlands in the U.K. With a background in martial arts and fitness, Mark upped sticks and headed out to Bangkok to delve a bit deeper into the art of Thai Boxing way back in the 2000s, starting to write initially to fund his daily training and escape the rigours of ESL teaching. Since then Mark has authored e-books, articles, and blogs across a wide range of topics for commercial, educational, factual, health & fitness, lifestyle, wellness, and leisure-based purposes.
