5 reasons families should visit Thailand
Bali, Fiji and the Gold Coast have long been on the must-visit list for families, but have you considered a vacation to the land of smiles?
On a recent trip to Thailand – the first with our two young daughters – we found it to be a great family destination.
Here are five reasons you should put it on your must-visit list.
1. Bustling Bangkok
When you think of family destinations, you’re probably not considering Bangkok, but it’s a great place to kick off your holiday in Thailand.
There are family attractions galore in this metropolis, from the Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum where the littlies can try plenty of hands-on activities, to a Dream World theme park which will keep older kids entertained for hours.
It’s also a great base location for day trips to the Maeklong Railway Market, Ayutthaya’s ruins or one of the many floating markets close to Bangkok.
Known as the Venice of the east, families can enjoy a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River or Bangkok’s many khlongs (canals). It’s a trip that will give the kids great insight into how many of this city’s residents live day-to-day.
Want to escape the heat? Bangkok is full of world-class malls with plenty of entertainment that’s usually half the price that it is back home. Places like Siam Paragon have indoor theme parks, aquariums, ten-pin bowling alleys and ice rinks.
2. Tours kids and adults will both enjoy
On our trip to Phuket in the south of Thailand, we were surprised at how accommodating the tours were for families. On a kayaking tour in Phang Nga Bay we were treated to an entire day of activities, with plenty of time to rest on the boat as well.
Our guide (who did hard work kayaking for us) navigated his way through caves before coming to an opening, and as we entered a tropical lagoon surrounded by sheer cliff faces, my two children let out “ooohs” and “ahhhs” at the awe-inspiring sight before them. A snake slithered across a branch, small fish flittered and jumped above the water before diving back underneath, and birds darted down to the surface in search of food.
As the sun set, we entered the water one last time to see one of the best bioluminescent plankton displays in Thailand. We swished the water with our hands and blue and green spark-like patterns appeared. The girls shouted with glee and their eyes widened in amazement. It was a mesmerising experience, and one that my children will remember forever.
3. Family-friendly resorts
You’ll be spoilt for choice when booking a place for the family to stay in Thailand. There are plenty of resorts that cater to families. Giant Kids’ clubs, with supervised activities, will keep the young ones entertained for hours. Many have multiple pools, water play spaces for varying ages and even water slides and wave pools. Your kids can splash around and play while you supervise with a cool drink in hand.
Many family-friendly resorts also provide in-room or connecting family suites, or even villas with a private plunge pool. Some are even themed for kids. The hotel room during our most recent visit to Thailand had an underwater theme. Coral, fish, dolphin and jellyfish murals were painted across the walls, and the lighting gave it a playful, aquarium-like glow. When we arrived, the girls were so excited they spent 20 minutes exploring every nook of the room.
4. Kid-friendly food
Spicy cuisine is the first thought most people have when Thai food is mentioned. While some food will make you rush to a 7-Eleven for some milk to cool your mouth, there are plenty of tasty options for the littlies.
Phuket’s Old Town is a cornucopia of delicious cuisine, particularly each Sunday when dozens of market stalls line the roads. Kids and adults alike will love slurping on freshly made mango smoothies as they wander the markets looking for the next delicious snack. Vendors fry up small batches of the popular pad Thai in multiple woks, offering different spice levels depending on your tolerance.
Kids will demolish aromatic pork and chicken satays served with sticky rice, and there are a range of stalls selling Thai desserts the whole family will devour. Khanom bueang – crispy Thai crepes folded over sweet coconut and meringue filling – are a fan favourite you’ll easily find being made by many traders.
There are thousands of these markets across Thailand, and in many cities and towns you’ll find stalls lining the streets selling all sorts of fare the whole family will enjoy.
5. Cultural activities for curious kids
There are plenty of opportunities to experience Thailand’s culture, from the thousands of ornate temples to fruit carving or Muay Thai. You’ll even find cooking classes that cater to families.
On our kayaking tour in Phang Nga Bay, the guide spent an hour with our two children creating Thai Krathong offerings – a handmade raft made from a banana leaf trunk and decorated with leaves, yellow marigolds, purple orchids and white plumeria flowers. The craft session wasn’t just fun for the littlies; it also gave them a chance to learn more about the Thai people’s beliefs.
Want to take a family trip to Thailand?
Speak to an RAA travel agent.
Or call 8202 4589