The Best Places in Thailand for a Family Trip

Are you planning a family trip? Thailand offers a perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and cultural discovery for families. From the grandeur palace of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket, and the cultural charm of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers a diverse array of experiences for families.

Join us as we unveil the ultimate guide to planning an unforgettable family trip to the Land of Smiles.

1. Bangkok- Thailand's History, Culture, and Modern Fun

There's no doubt that Bangkok is a must-visit city in Thailand for family. You could explore history through its stunning temples and experience markets like nowhere else. Whether you're traveling with kids or adults, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In Bangkok, the Grand Palace and its iconic temples should be on your first list. Introduce your kids to the magic of Thai culture at the Grand Palace. Its golden spires and intricate details tell stories of the past. Your children will be amazed by the incredible 46-meter-long reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.

For breathtaking views, head to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, where its shimmering porcelain-covered spires and riverside setting create a picture-perfect moment for the whole family.

Another popular activity in Bangkok to delight your kids is visiting local markets. Head to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where you could glide through canals lined with vendors selling colorful goods on boat. And the Maeklong Railway Market to see vendors swiftly clear their stalls as the train passes—an unforgettable experience that will leave your family wide-eyed.

If you kids love museum, consider taking them to the Museum Siam, where they can dress up in traditional Thai costumes, play games, and explore life-sized replicas of historical settings. Read more about top things to do with kids in Bangkok. 

2. Chiang Mai- Ethical Elephant Encounters

If your kids love elephants, Chiang Mai is the place to be! Imagine feeding them, bathing with them, or even making paper from elephant poop—it's a fun and unforgettable experience. We've handpicked the most family-friendly elephant sanctuaries for you.

Want to see a real-life Tangled moment? Then don't miss the Yi Peng Festival in November, where thousands of lanterns light up the sky. If November doesn't work, the New Year countdown in Chiang Mai is just as magical, with countless lanterns floating into the night.

And there's more—take a gentle hike through Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon, or join a cooking class, where your little ones can have fun making their own Thai dishes.

3. Phuket-Beautiful Beaches and Water Adventure

If you are seeking a perfect beach destination or a warm holiday to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Thailand with your family, look no further than Phuket.

Phuket's beaches are an excellent choice for families with kids, providing gentle waves and family-friendly amenities such as beachfront hotels, restaurants, and water sports rentals. Top family-friendly beaches like Kata Beach and Karon Beach offer spacious settings with fewer crowds. For a more serene experience, visit Nai Harn Beach, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a calming day by the sea.

Phuket is not just beautiful beaches. You could explore nearby islands like the stunning Phi Phi Islands and the scenic James Bond Island by private boat. Enjoy activities like snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and kayaking through sea caves.

Keep in mind that Phuket's rainy season runs from June to September, so the best time to visit is between October and March. If your children's holiday falls during Phuket's rainy season, consider planning a trip to Koh Samui instead, as its ideal travel period is from June to September. Read more about Phuket vs Koh Samui.

4. Ayutthaya - Thailand's Ancient Temples and History

Got little history buffs at home? Consider spend a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. This gem of a former capital is a treasure trove for families, with its ancient temples and historical ambiance.

Ayutthaya's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical park is a must-visit for families. The park features stunning temple ruins like Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, known for its iconic row of chedis. To keep kids engaged, turn the visit into a treasure hunt by challenging them to spot unique carvings or count the Buddha statues.

For museum lovers, head to Baan Hollanda, a museum showcasing the Dutch-Thai connection, where kids can participate in workshops or enjoy a snack at the riverside café.

5. Kanchanaburi - Waterfall, Floating House, and History

Seeking a quick getaway packed with history, nature, and adventure near Bangkok (3 hours' drive)? Look no further than Kanchanaburi!

A visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai is a must for families. This iconic landmark, part of the Death Railway built during World War II, offers a chance to learn about history in an engaging way. Walk across the bridge, take a ride on the historic train, or visit the JEATH War Museum to understand the region's past. For kids, the train ride along the scenic route is both thrilling and educational.

If you kids love nature, spend a day at Erawan National Park, famous for its seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall. The lower tiers are perfect for families, with shallow pools where kids can splash and play.

To avoid a rushed tour in a day, consider staying overnight on a floating raft house to experience the unique accommodation, while kids can enjoy swimming or kayaking on the river.

6. Khao Yai National Park - Wildlife and Outdoor Adventures

Searching for a place in Thailand where your kids can hike and commune with nature? Look no further than Khao Yai National Park! It's the perfect choice for getting in touch with the great outdoors.

The park features a variety of hiking trails suitable for all ages. For younger children, the Kong Kaew Nature Trail is an easy, well-marked path that offers opportunities to spot wildlife and learn about the park's diverse flora. For a more adventurous trek, try the Nong Pak Chi Trail, which leads to a scenic viewpoint and a chance to see wild elephants.

For wildlife lovers, join our immersive night safari tour to spot animals in their natural habitat and watch thousands of bats emerging from caves at sunset.

Our Classic 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday

If you have enough time (15-18 days), you could explore all the destinations mentioned above. For shorter trips, we recommend focusing on Thailand's top three must-see locations, as outlined in the following itinerary:

This classic Thailand itinerary includes the stunning Grand Palace and temples of Bangkok, the unforgettable elephant encounters in Chiang Mai, and the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket. Perfect for families dreaming of an unforgettable Thai adventure!

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok and Relax at the hotel or take a tuk-tuk ride to explore the city
• Day 2: The Grand Place and the iconic temples in Bangkok
• Day 3: Visit Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, then transfer to Kanchanaburi and visit the famous bridge over the river Kwai, as well as live in floating house.
• Day 4: A full day tour in Erawan Waterfalls. Enjoy some gentle trekking in the forest, splashing around in the water, and relaxing.
• Day 5: Drive for about 4 hours to Bangkok airport and take a flight to Chiang Mai.
• Day 6: Visit Doi Suthep mountain and Wat Phra That
• Day 7: Elephant encounters at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and visit a Karen village.
• Day 8: Explore Chiang Mai's artisanal heritage: San Kamphaeng and Bo Sang villages
• Day 9: Get up late and take flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket, relax at the beautiful hotel by the beach.
• Day 10-11: Enjoy beach time and island exploration activities in Phuket.
• Day 12: Depart Phuket.

Note: This itinerary is especially good for families traveling during Christmas and New Year holiday. If your trip falls during summer holidays, we will substitute Phuket with Koh Samui due to Phuket's monsoon season in the summer. Ready to book？Tailor-made your trip to Thailand now. 

Planning a Stress-free Family Trip with Asia Highlights

We specialize in tailor-made family tours, ensuring a seamless and fun experience for you and your kids. Whether you need a private guide, kid-friendly hotels, or customized family activities, we've got you covered. Contact us to start planning your dream trip now!