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Your family will find endless adventures in Thailand. Come face to face with elephants in wild jungles, weave through neon-lit markets, snorkel with fish in bright-blue lagoons – there’s something here to thrill every age and energy level.
Ready to start planning? Read on to discover why Thailand should be your next holiday, top tips to keep in mind and trip ideas tailored for all stages of family life.
Why families will love Thailand
Thailand is the perfect gateway to introduce your kids – big or small – to the wonders of the Far East. It’s got all the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday: paradise-like beaches, friendly locals, buzzy cities and luxury resorts that make families feel right at home.
“Thailand offers unbeatable value for a family holiday. Many hotels have family-friendly suites and villas, so you don’t have to go to bed when the kids do! From kayaking through caves to rainforest hikes, the memories you’ll make here will last a lifetime.” – Kelly Ruth, Assistant Manager, Kuoni John Lewis Norwich
When to go
Thailand’s great year-round, but the weather is driest between November and April, making Christmas and the Easter holidays ideal. Don’t rule out summer though – we can plan around the seasons; beach resorts like Koh Samui and Hua Hin are your best bets for sunny days. Read more about the best time to visit.
“Many travellers head to the East Coast islands in summer for less rain, but we wanted to wow the kids with the postcard-perfect scenery of the Andaman Islands. We stayed in Phuket in August and loved it – there were a few pockets of rain, but we were so busy sightseeing, it didn’t matter!”– Heather Flanagan, Marketing Team
How to plan your itinerary
Travelling long-haul with your family can feel daunting, but we’re here to make it easy. We’ll design an itinerary that suits your pace, recommend hotels with fantastic locations (and those all-important pools) organise transfers and suggest fun activities like jeep safaris and cooking classes. Our friendly overseas team will make sure everything runs smoothly, leaving you to relax and make the most of your holiday.
Can you go all-inclusive in Thailand?
While a few resorts offer all-inclusive options, we recommend going bed and breakfast to fully experience Thailand. Eating out is not only cheaper than dining at your hotel, but it also lets you explore the street food scene, enjoy local specialities and be immersed in the culture.
“If you’re looking for a resort-based stay with food, drinks and ice cream on tap, and prefer the ease of an all-inclusive option, The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani is a great choice with its all-inclusive upgrade.”– Ricky Kingwell, Store Manager, Kuoni Milton Keynes
The best itineraries: by age
No two families are the same, and neither are their holidays. If you’ve got babies or toddlers, heading straight for the soft sandy beaches might be your best bet. But for families with curious teens and grown-up kids, a multi-centre trip is the way to go. From baby giggles to teen thrills, these trip ideas span the family timeline.
Quick links
Thailand with Babies and Toddlers
Thailand with School-Age Kids
Thailand with Tweens and Teens
Thailand with Twenty-Somethings
Thailand with Babies and Toddlers
Thailand has plenty of family-friendly spots ideal for those first steps into adventure. You might well be up for navigating the cities with tots in tow (totally doable with some extra planning), but most families head straight for the beach resorts, where crèches keep the kids entertained and the shallow waters are made for dipping tiny toes.
“For families with babies, I suggest a stopover in the Dubai for a night or two. Once in Thailand, staying in one place works best — like Katathani Phuket Beach Resort with swim-up rooms, so you can relax by the pool while the little ones nap.”– Kelly Ruth, Assistant Manager, Kuoni John Lewis Norwich
Where to go
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas – Nestled on tranquil Koh Yao Yai, this stylish family haven is equipped with baby essentials like cots, bottle warmers and high chairs. It also has a fun toddler zone, one of Thailand’s largest kids’ clubs and a family pool with zooming slides.
Santiburi Koh Samui – This luxe beachfront resort is a dream for little wanderers. There’s a soft sandy beach to dig in and a beachside playground, and when you’re ready for a hammock nap or a romantic dinner for two, dedicated babysitters are available to lend a hand.
Good to know
Strollers work well in most cities and beach resorts, but baby carriers will be your best friend for island explorations where the terrain can be uneven.
Thailand with school-age kids
Once your kids are a bit older, you can up the adventure stakes. They’ll love the excitement of boating through colourful floating markets, falling asleep in a tent to the sounds of nature and munching on satay chicken straight off the stick at lively food stalls.
Where to go
Bangkok and Koh Samui – Begin in the clamorous capital, where the kids can marvel at gold-flecked palaces and run wild in leafy parks. Then, slow things down in Koh Samui with chilled beach days at Bandara Resort & Spa.
Elephant Hills, Khao Lak and Phuket – Spend a few nights glamping at Elephant Hills, an ethical jungle camp in Khao Sok National Park. Little ones will love preparing lunch for the rescued elephants and sharing jokes with the characterful guides. Finish off with beach time in both Khao Lak and Phuket for double the seaside fun.
“Customers rave about Elephant Hills, a wild mini adventure you can tag onto a beach stay. From elephant encounters to hearing howler monkeys and spotting monitor lizards on the riverbanks – it’s a family favourite that makes kids’ feel like true explorers.”– Faye Woodbridge, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Cambridge
Good to know
If you have picky eaters, many restaurants offer familiar Western options alongside Thai dishes to keep everyone happy.
Thailand with tweens and teens
Tweens and teens thrive on activities and novel experiences, which Thailand delivers in spades. Whether it’s energetic Muay Thai masterclasses or exploring islands in a longtail boat, the adventures they have here will stand out in their childhood memories.
“A villa with a private pool is the ultimate treat for kids. At Banyan Tree Phuket, they’ll feel like VIPs, with grand beds to sink into and their own plunge pool.” – Kelly Stewart, Store Manager, Kuoni Chichester
Where to go
Thailand Family Suggested Itinerary – This well-planned itinerary combines culture, beaches and wildlife. Start in Chiang Mai, sleeping in safari-style tents while learning about elephants and the mahouts who care for them. Then, unwind on Koh Samui’s sun-kissed beaches before a grand finale in Bangkok.
Bangkok, River Kwai Highlights & Hua Hin – Start in Bangkok, whizzing around on a tuk-tuk food tour to sample local favourites like mango sticky rice, before heading to rural Kanchanaburi. At the River Kwai, step into history as you ride the haunting Death Railway, built by WWII prisoners of war, and cool off in the turquoise pools of Erawan Waterfall. End with some well-deserved beach time on the royal sands of Hua Hin.
Good to know
Thailand’s Wi-Fi is generally reliable, but in some rural areas, connections can be patchy. Download movies, music or games ahead of time to keep teens entertained during downtime or longer journeys.
Thailand with twenty-somethings
If your kids are all grown up, why not sneak in one last epic family trip before they officially fly the nest? Thailand is a fabulous destination for families with adult children who still want to travel together.
Where to go
Singapore and Phuket – Singapore’s just a hop away, making it a fantastic sidekick to a Thai beach getaway. Expect grown-up fun with shopping in glossy malls, sunset swims in rooftop pools and dining at world-class restaurants. Stay at Village Hotel Sentosa on Sentosa Island, home to Universal Studios Singapore and adrenaline-pumping activities like indoor skydiving. Then, head to Marina Phuket Resort, ideally placed for island-hopping and lively nights out in Kata.
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand – This cross-continent adventure is the perfect way to cap off the family holiday era. Spend three weeks hopping between dynamic cities and stunning beaches across Indochina. Shared moments like stargazing from a junk boat in Halong Bay, watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat and scuba diving around the Phi Phi Islands rainbow reefs, make worthy experiences for your family album.
Good to know
The nightlife in places like Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok is vibrant and varied, with beach clubs, rooftop bars and lively street markets— just the ticket for twenty-somethings looking to enjoy evenings out.
The essentials
Do kids need vaccines for Thailand?
Check with your healthcare provider, but common vaccines recommended for kids travelling to Thailand include Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Make sure routine vaccines like MMR and Tetanus are up to date. You can find the most current recommendations here.
Is Thailand safe for families?
Thailand is generally a safe and friendly country, with locals especially welcoming towards children. Stick to bottled water and be cautious with street food – choose busy spots that look popular and have lots of customers. Read more about the latest Thailand travel advice.
“Always pack a basic first aid kit and book excursions through your hotel or trusted agents like us, not from street vendors. And don’t forget comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind.”– Kelly Ruth, Assistant Manager, Kuoni John Lewis Norwich
Inspired?
Whether travelling with toddlers, teens or grown-up kids, our Personal Travel Experts will help you shape a tailor-made itinerary that everyone will love. Get in touch to start planning an unforgettable holiday in Thailand.
This feature was created on 19th September 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.
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