Seven of Thailand’s Best Travel Destinations for Families

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Family fun in buckets and spades awaits you in fabulous Thailand.

With its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, phenomenal food, and warm and friendly people, this Southeast Asian nation is hugely popular with Aussie travellers — and is arguably the best family destination in Asia. The tourism infrastructure is world-class, the resorts are clean and comfortable, there are endless attractions to enjoy, and perhaps most importantly for many parents — Thailand offers no end of opportunities to immerse your tribe in one of the most vibrant cultures on the planet. In general, you’ll also find it a very cost-effective travel option for family groups.

If you’re not sure where to begin, a family tour of Thailand may be the answer. You’ll tick off all the key sights and enjoy the services of a local guide to take care of the logistics. Start your research with this checklist of Thailand’s best family destinations, and away you go!

1. Explore bustling Bangkok

The country’s perennial capital Bangkok is likely to be your entry point, so take this opportunity to explore what is one of the world’s most amazing cities. It blends tradition and modernity with effortless dexterity and is endlessly fascinating for all ages. Marvel at the opulent Grand Palace and the sacred temple of Wat Pho — home to the glittering Reclining Buddha. Take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River and watch the comings/goings on this working waterway. A visit to the floating markets will keep everyone entertained, as will themed attractions like Kidzania (where children can role-play in various professions) and Dinosaur Planet. Bangkok’s green spaces are another boon for families; check out Lumpini Park (with its famous swan boat rides) and Benjakitti Park, which features a skate park and various playgrounds.

2. Splash down in Phuket

Sitting pretty in the Andaman Sea, Phuket Island is probably Thailand’s most popular travel destination with Australians — and for good reason. It boasts amazing beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and a vast array of attractions and activities. Families will love the standard of the resorts here; they’re top notch and there’s always an emphasis on keeping younger visitors entertained. Many of the island’s beaches host multiple water sports, and you’ll find plenty of thrilling adventure-based experiences on offer in the hilly interior.

Phuket also has around ten water and amusement parks, which are reasonably priced and lots of fun. Leave time to do an island-hopping tour of the gorgeous Phi Phi and Koh Yao groups, and don’t miss visiting Phang Nga Bay — the famous ‘James Bond Island’, which featured in the 1974 classic film The Man with the Golden Gun.

3. Explore Chiang Mai’s cultural credentials

Up in the country’s mountainous north, Chiang Mai’s renowned cultural heritage is on full display against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. Home to hundreds of Lanna-era temples, this is the ideal destination for parents wanting to explore the richness of Thai culture with their children. Spend some time navigating the ins and outs of the atmospheric Old City, which holds surprises around every corner. From there, you may want to visit an ethical Asian elephant sanctuary (where you can interact with these gentle giants responsibly) or go river rafting. Chiang Mai is also a hiking hot spot and memorable walks to suit all fitness levels fan out from the city. As the day winds down, visit the lamp-lit Night Bazaar to shop for trinkets and locally made handicrafts.

4. Head for the hills around Chiang Rai

There are few sights in Thailand more intriguing than that of the stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai — 200 kilometres north of Chiang Mai. It’s well worth the effort to visit Thailand’s northernmost city, which sits close to the borders with Laos and Myanmar. The White Temple’s contemporary take on Buddhist culture is likely to be quite a conversation starter amongst older children, but there’s plenty more to see and do around town.

Visit the more traditional sapphire-coloured Blue Temple and take a boat trip along the Mekong River to see where three countries converge in the ‘Golden Triangle’ (as the area was known during the infamous opium trade era). There are hundreds of hill tribe villages dotted around Chiang Rai, and they provide a fascinating insight into a centuries-old way of life. If you decide to do a tour, opt to travel with a local hill tribe guide to ensure that the community benefits from your visit.

5. Savour a stay in sun-drenched Pattaya

Back down in central Thailand, the coastal city of Pattaya beckons with the promise of more fun in the sun. Formerly a small fishing village, this resort hub is an ideal option for families seeking a beach break in relatively close proximity to Bangkok (Pattaya is just on two hours’ drive from the capital). While away your stay building sandcastles on sublime Jomtien and Pattaya beaches, and zenning out in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Set aside some time to explore the 500-acre Nong Nooch Botanical Garden, which hosts regular displays of traditional Thai dance. A snorkelling trip out to Coral Island — seven kilometres off the coast — is another of the area’s must-dos.

6. Soak up the serenity of Krabi

The craggy coastline of the Krabi province is becoming increasingly popular with Aussie travellers — and once you’ve seen the stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise waters that are the hallmarks of this region, you’ll understand why! Krabi blends an unspoilt natural beauty with superb amenities, and families will find its largely uncrowded feel a big bonus. Visit Railay and Ao Nang Bay for relaxed beach days, along with the opportunity to hike and kayak. The picturesque Phi Phi Islands lie just 16 kilometres off Krabi’s coast and are easily done as a day trip. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and spot myriad marine life. Back on the mainland, set aside a day to explore enchanting Thung Teao Forest Natural Park — home to the enticingly and accurately named Emerald Pool.

7. Run to paradise in Koh Samui

Almost seeming to float on the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the quintessential vision of an island paradise — and the ideal spot for all family members to relax at the end of a busy holiday. While it’s the second largest island in Thailand, Samui somehow manages to maintain an intimate feel. You’ll find it utterly charming. Choose from a range of family orientated resorts — all of which offer exceptional amenities and plenty of bespoke activities for children. From there, you can do as little or as much as you like. Delve into a wondrous world of land and sea in the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, marvel at the magnificent Big Buddha Temple, browse among the stalls of the weekly Fisherman’s Village street market, or simply stake your clan’s claim on a patch of sand on Chaweng Beach.

For more travel inspiration, visit www.tourismthailand.org.

This post was published thanks to Royal Vacation.

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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of Thailand’s best travel destinations for families? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Additional images: Envato 

 

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