Although Thailand is often thought of as catering more to an adult crowd, there are plenty of reasons to take the kids with you for a fantastic fun-filled family vacation. Of course, as with everywhere, there are places that you should skip when you have children with you, but these spots are few and far between and are also very easy to avoid.
The diverse landscapes will keep everyone happy, from the beautiful beaches and islands in the south, through the central flats, and up to the soaring mountains of the north. There are heaps of outdoor adventures for all … swimming in the sea, watching colourful aquatic life with a snorkelling trip, spotting loads of wildlife in the forests and jungles, riding an elephant through lush scenery, hiking, biking, and more!
And that’s before you even add in cultural and historic destinations! Ancient temples abound and kids are often fascinated to see saffron-clad monks roaming the streets collecting early morning alms. There are several hill tribe villages that add something unique to your vacation and even a trip to the local street market is full of colours and action. Museums, theme parks, and shows are just a few more child friendly attractions in Thailand, and many have lower admission costs for children.
Thai people are known for being warm and welcoming – there’s a reason the country’s nickname is The Land of Smiles! Children are loved all across the country and you will be made to feel welcome in hotels and restaurants wherever you go. And don’t worry about spicy Thai cuisine and little ones – many tourist hotspots have western menus and are used to taming down traditional dishes for younger members of the family. Getting around Thailand by domestic flight, train, and bus, is easy – even with the kids in tow. Indeed, a scenic train journey or bus ride can really add to the whole Thai package.
5 Reasons Why to Take the Kids With You to Thailand:
- Friendly people will make a fuss of your kids and make them feel really special.
- Thai kids learn English from a very early age in school, so it is pretty easy for your children to make new friends.
- There really is something for everyone in Thailand – the whole family can have a holiday to remember.
- The different culture gives kids as much of an education as it does a fun vacation.
- Many attractions offer reduced rates for youngsters.
Our 3 Top Recommendations:
Monkey Mad Lopburi
An easy day trip from Bangkok, or an overnight stay if you want to fit more in, Lopburi is a great place for all the family. A former Siamese capital city, there are ancient ruins all around the old part of the city. Interestingly, many are in the Khmer style, so are likely to be a little different to those that you’ve seen in other parts of the country.
A major reason to visit Lopburi, however, is the many macaques that roam freely around the old town. Children often love seeing the baby monkeys especially. A good place to see the monkeys is at the central Wat Prang Sam Yot. Visitors can go inside the ancient temple and watch the monkeys safely through the mesh – it is kind of like a reverse zoo where the monkeys are running around freely outside and the people are behind bars! Guides are available to help you explore the grounds without fear of the pesky monkeys coming too close – whilst they are not generally aggressive unless provoked, they can be a bit inquisitive!
Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:
- Make sure nobody is carrying any visible food or drink – these are magnets for the monkeys who will try and snatch things.
- Hats and sunglasses are also appealing to the monkeys – pop them in your bag before going into the temple grounds.
If you do decide to stay for the night (or even longer!), Ang Sub Lek is a pretty lake just a short way outside of the town centre. There are several cute restaurants over the water that can be quite unusual for children, although many don’t have good guard rails, so check out a few before deciding which to visit. There is also a nice resort with a restaurant and a number of ways to enjoy the lake – the water slides and peddle boats are often a big hit with kids, and older kids will enjoy the ATV track over the road. Just before dusk head to the nearby mountain to watch hundreds of bats flying out of the cave for their nightly expeditions. If you go earlier on you can also visit the cave temple.
Siam Niramit, Phuket
A magical show for the whole family to enjoy, there are also plenty of things to do before the show even starts! It is a terrific cultural experience and allows guests to enjoy the story of Thailand with an impressive stage production that features brilliant costumes, hundreds of actors and actresses, traditional singing and dancing, and fabulous colourful sets.
Although the show starts at 8.30pm, the gates open at 5.30pm to allow visitors chance to enjoy the many pre-show activities, demonstrations, and games. Stroll around the interesting traditional Thai village and show your kids how people lived in the different parts of Thailand in the past. You can all feed buffalos and fish, ride an elephant, watch painting, silk making, and cookery demonstrations, play traditional games, see exciting Muay Thai matches, be dazzled by a light, laser, and fountain show, see a traditional elephant war parade, watch short outdoor dances … and more! Adventurous kids can take to the ring and have a go of (gentle!) Thai boxing! There are plenty of unique photo opportunities and you can let your kids pick a nice Thai souvenir from one of the excellent shops and stalls.
Different priced tickets are available, depending on seat preferences and whether or not you want to have a delicious buffet meal. The buffet includes both Thai and international dishes, so really does have something to suit all tastes.
Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:
- The show is 80 minutes long, without a break.
- The buffet is open between 5.30pm and 8.15pm.
- Many special effects are used in the show, and it can be quite loud.
- The best deals can be found when booking tickets online.
- Hotels transfers can be added on for complete convenience.
- There is also a Siam Niramit show in Bangkok if you don’t have time to go in Phuket.
Khaomao Khaofang: Great Restaurant for Kids in Chiang Mai
Located on Ratchapuak Road, Khaomau Khaofang Restaurant (http://www.khaomaokhaofang.com/) is like dining right in the heart of the jungle! It can be reached from the city centre with a short taxi rude, but the trip really is worth it. The whole family will be impressed with the magical setting.
The restaurant markets itself as the “Imaginary Jungle”, and you’ll quickly see why! A large cascading waterfall, sparkling lake, pond filled with large fish, cute flower gardens, interesting rocks, hanging vines, lush greenery, and small bridges that cross over babbling streams are all part of the décor. Ambient sounds enhance the atmosphere, and there is soft music in the evenings.
The food is delicious and there are plenty of options for even the fussiest eaters. Serving up traditional national Thai food, there are also some tasty regional favourites. The cooks use fresh ingredients, adding lots of goodness to your plate.
Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:
- Take insect repellent – the outdoor setting can make the family a target for mosquitoes and other biting insects.
- The restaurant is open for lunch between 11am and 3pm, and for dinner between 5pm and 10pm.
- You can make a reservation in advance by calling the restaurant – 053-838444 / 053-838838.
- The prices are reasonable, with most dishes costing between 100 and 200 Baht.
- Members of staff can speak English.
http://www.khaomaokhaofang.com/
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