The best things to do in Thailand with kids

Thailand might just be the most family-friendly travel destination in Southeast Asia. With vast stretches of coastline, more than 100 national parks, and a flashy capital city, Thailand is a breeze for families. From taking a dip in the waterfalls of Erawan National Park to finding new flavours in Chiang Mai’s nightly food market, here’s a list of the best things to do in Thailand with children.

Visit buzzing Bangkok with children

Thailand’s captivating capital is well set up for families. If you’re flying into Bangkok, jumping on the Skytrain from the airport is like stepping on a rollercoaster. It whisks you into downtown in no time, and most stations are well equipped to handle the unfathomable amount of luggage you inevitably need with a small child. The best part is that kids get discounted fares. Many of Bangkok’s shopping malls have play areas for small children, as well as bowling alleys and movie theatres for older kids. The capital has an indoor amusement park called YoYo Land with arcade games and rides.

Experience it for yourself on: Bangkok Day Tour

Unwind on Thailand’s beaches

Thailand is blessed with almost 3,220 km (2,000 mi) of coastline, so the country has more than a few nice spots to soak up the sun on the sands. The best beaches in Thailand that are the most child-friendly are in the more touristy areas of Phuket, Ko PhaNgan, Railay, and Ko Samet. Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach in Ko PhaNgan is far away from the full moon parties and boasts crystal-clear shallow waters. If you need a midday smoothie, the village is just a short distance away, making it ideal if you have small kids. If you're travelling with a baby, choose the quietest beach with shade and take a well-earned nap.

For older kids, Thailand is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling. The shallow waters around Ao Nang are home to stunning coral reefs, so you won’t have to work too hard to see some sparkly swimmers.

Experience it for yourself on: Thailand Island Hopping – West Coast

Go wild in Thailand’s national parks

Khao Sok National Park is one of the most popular spots in southern Thailand, and the jungle is huge. Within the borders of this ancient rainforest live tigers, elephants, gibbons, and an array of beautiful birdlife. Guided treks will get your kids tracking animal prints. The park's easy accessibility makes it ideal for travelling families. When you get there, you can choose different treks, visit caves, sail Cheow Lan Lake, go river tubing, or take part in a range of workshops. It's possible to stay in the park, and the restaurants have everything you need after a day of being in the jungle.

Thailand has tons more national parks, but the more remote you go, the trickier it gets with a stroller. If you’re planning to hike or visit smaller islands, bring a carrier and snacks for the little ones.

Experience it for yourself on: Journeys: Iconic Thailand

Splash in Thailand’s waterfalls

Another park with good accessibility is Erawan National Park, best known for Erawan Falls — a series of tiered waterfalls that collect in turquoise pools, perfect for cooling off from the jungle heat. Erawan National Park is also packed with wildlife. If you follow the forest trails, you might see wild elephants, crab-eating macaques, and muntjacs (barking deer). You could also be treated to a pedicure in the pools if the little fish come over and have a nibble.

Experience it for yourself on: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express

Eat lots of Thai food

Thailand's best dishes offer a mouthwatering world of flavours, from sweet and sour to spicy. Do your research and pick some milder options to start with. Khao pad gai is a mix of rice, chicken, egg, and vegetables and is a favourite with Thai children. If you have an adventurous eater in the family, street food in Thailand is worth seeking out. Opt for busy stalls and try simple, non-spicy foods like fried bananas and sweet potato balls to start.

Want some helpers in the kitchen when you get home? Expand your kid’s repertoire with a Thai cooking class. After this lesson, they’ll be rustling up spicy lemongrass noodles in no time.

Experience it for yourself on: Thailand Family Adventure

Discover Thailand’s markets

Night bazaars in Thailand are cheap and cheerful. Whether you’re there for dinner, dessert, or late-night shopping, they always bring the energy. Chiang Mai’s night markets are great places to try northern Thailand's specialty street food. They’re also full of souvenir-worthy treasures, but nothing has a displayed price, so you need to haggle.

Make time for Thailand’s floating markets, too. Amphawa is a day trip from Bangkok and best visited in the morning. The neat canalside shacks sell everything from souvenirs to sweets. Thailand’s largest flower market, Pak Khlong Talat, is also close to Bangkok. Discover miles of fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Experience it for yourself on: Classic Thailand & Island Hopping - East Coast

Stay overnight with Thailand’s hill tribes

Overnight stays in the hills of Chiang Mai can be an unforgettable experience for children. Sleep in traditional bamboo-stilt huts and learn about the culture of the villages.

Roam the ruins of Ayutthaya

Dating from 1350, the temples of Ayutthaya are even older than your kids think you are. Once one of the world’s wealthiest cities, Ayutthaya is now in ruins, and the towering stupas are all that’s left of its gilded temples and treasure-trove palaces.

Experience it for yourself on: Classic Thailand - West Coast

Fly through the jungle on a zip line

If your kids like the swings in your neighbourhood park, they’re going to lose their minds on a Thailand zip line that speeds through the jungle. Let them channel their inner monkey and act like they're jumping from branch to branch in the canopy.

Top tips for travelling with kids in Thailand

– Thailand's rainy season is between May and October, and it can be very wet. Monsoons put a damper on beach days.
– On the flip side, March and April are hot and could be stressful with little ones, so plan weather-appropriate activities.
– Baby products are generally easy to find in Thailand, especially in big cities.
– Pharmacists are well stocked and can advise on medicines if your child gets sick.
– Roads can be dangerous in Thailand, so make sure your kids understand street safety. Cross only when it’s safe, don’t take any risks and avoid scooters.