Explore Thailand with the Thailand travel guide that promises a journey filled with excitement and adventure. Whether you're on a Thailand tour or planning a family vacations in Thailand, this enchanting destination has it all. Dive into the bustling cities, embark on culinary adventures with cooking classes, or paddle through the pristine national parks that dot the country.
Thailand's fantastic value for money makes it even more enticing for families. You'll find cozy three-star hotels here that often surpass the quality of four-star accommodations in your home country. This is where My Way Travel can help you craft the perfect family escape.
Thai people have a genuine affection for children and hold them in the highest regard. It's common for locals to warmly usher you and your little ones to the front of queues, eager to shower them with affection.
Exploring Thailand with your family is a breeze, whether hopping on an internal flight or embarking on an adventurous train journey. Tailoring your activities to suit your children's ages is a piece of cake. Thailand truly has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for unforgettable family adventures.
Elephant Hills Tented Camp
Elephant experiences for families in Thailand
In Thailand, families embarking on vacation adventures are often drawn to the magnificent presence of elephants. Among the lush landscapes, various initiatives emerge, each echoing the heartfelt commitment to conservation.
One exceptional organization, the Elephant Nature Foundation, awaits just a short journey from the northern city of Chiang Mai. Their primary ethos revolves around the welfare of these gentle giants, and they are fervently dedicated to imparting this significance to their cherished visitors.
Thai seafood dishes
Cooking lessons in Thailand
Chiang Mai, a city celebrated for its culinary delights, invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Thai for a day experience.
Embark on a half-day adventure alongside Mr. Prapat and his welcoming, English-speaking family. Begin by exploring the vibrant local market, where you'll select the freshest ingredients for your culinary journey. Then, step into their warm and inviting home, where the secrets of traditional Thai cooking will be unveiled.
Together, you'll craft a delectable home-cooked lunch, the menu tailored to the season's offerings and the market's treasures. This hands-on experience will introduce you to the intricate art of blending spices and herbs into flavorful pastes that define northern Thai cuisine.
Yet, this adventure offers more than just culinary insight; it provides an authentic glimpse into the daily life of a Thai family, allowing you to forge a deeper connection with the rich tapestry of their traditions.
Akha women of northern Thailand
Staying with a local hill tribe
Immersing oneself within the heart of a traditional tribe, delving deep into the essence of rural life in Thailand, is an experience that leaves a lasting imprint. Two choices that resonate with families seeking this authentic adventure are Lanjia Lodge, perched on the banks of the majestic Mekong River at the convergence of Laos and Thailand, just a mere hour and forty-five-minute flight from bustling Bangkok, and Lisu Lodge, nestled amidst a scenic hour and a half's drive from the vibrant city of Chiang Mai.
At the core of both lodges lies a profound commitment to safeguarding the time-honored customs of the local tribal communities while inviting visitors to engage with their way of life meaningfully and harmoniously.
Your gracious hosts are none other than the indigenous hill tribe, and your nights are spent beneath the sheltering canopy of a traditional stilted dwelling. There are no menus, but instead your hosts will gladly seat you on the floor in front of a spread fit for a king.
Within the community, children of all ages frolic and play, offering a splendid opportunity for visiting youngsters to forge connections and share moments.
For an ideal introduction, I recommend a single night at Lisu Lodge, where various outdoor pursuits beckons, from exhilarating mountain biking to serene river rafting along gentle currents. As dusk descends, you'll find yourself in the company of the tribe's shaman, a sage who imparts the rich tapestry of the tribe's culture and traditions to you and your family.
While this adventure embraces a rustic charm, it doesn't forsake a few cherished conveniences, including the presence of Western-style toilets.
Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp
Camping at Elephant Hills in the rainforest
Nestled within the lush embrace of Khao Sok National Park, deep in the heart of southern Thailand, Elephant Hills beckons as the ultimate family "camping" adventure.
The lovely rainforest, complete with swaying coconut mangroves and majestic limestone karsts, is sure to reawaken your appreciation for nature's melodies. In the daylight hours, the resonating howls of gibbons fill the air, while the night brings forth the musical chorus of cicadas and the soothing ribbits of frogs.
The central camp, comprising safari-style tents, offers a comfortable haven for families with youngsters aged four and above. For those with older children aged seven and beyond, an additional thrill awaits – spending a night or two in the floating tents of the Rainforest Camp. Embark on a captivating journey aboard a traditional longtail boat aboard the emerald wilderness, meandering through the labyrinthine tributaries of Cheow Larn Lake until it unveils a mesmerizing row of 20 floating tents.
With its unfathomable 98-foot depth, the lake rests in tranquil serenity, inviting you to take a refreshing plunge from your tent's private deck. Here, the vibrant wildlife flourishes, offering glimpses of their untamed world, although encountering wild elephants remains a rare and cherished encounter.
Reaching Elephant Hills is an adventure in itself, with the option of a one-hour flight from bustling Bangkok to Phuket followed by a scenic three-hour drive. Alternatively, for the more intrepid souls, an overnight train journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani, on the park's border, promises an unforgettable experience.
Railay Beach in Krabi
Thailand's best beaches for families
Thailand's stunning beaches beckon visitors throughout the year and the choices for accommodations are virtually limitless. If you plan a trip between November and March, the Khao Lak region on the Andaman Coast, Thailand's western shoreline, promises an exceptional experience. However, for families seeking a delightful getaway in July and August, the Gulf of Thailand on the eastern side is the place to be.
Starting your journey from bustling Bangkok, a mere 90-minute flight transports you to the tropical paradises of Krabi, Phuket, or Koh Samui, serving as the gateways to Thailand's mesmerizing southern coastal treasures.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak
On Thailand's enchanting west coast lies Khao Lak, a personal gem among destinations. Located just an hour and a half's drive north of bustling Phuket, Khao Lak beckons with its serene and unspoiled charm, where the crowds thin, and tranquility reigns.
Life unfolds unhurriedly, and the azure seas lap gently against the shore. Nestled within this coastal haven is the Ramada, a hidden jewel among chain hotels. While it bears the name of a global brand, its intimate size is tailor-made for families seeking respite by the sea. It's a haven for parents and youngsters alike with a prime beachfront location, a dedicated kids' club, and attentive babysitting services.
The allure of this property extends beyond its boundaries, as a stroll leads you to Khao Lak town. Here, amidst the town's quaint streets, many local restaurants await, promising delectable and authentic Thai cuisine that will surely delight your palate.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
When choosing the perfect family getaway, look no further than the enchanting Vacation to Koh Samui. While the island's bustling main resorts may seem a tad commercialized and crowded, a serene escape awaits you in the tranquil north.
Just a brief 40-minute car ride from Koh Samui Airport, you'll discover the pristine shores of Bophut Beach, a mesmerizing stretch of golden sand. This place is separated because every resort is nestled right along the beachfront. The gently sloping shoreline beckons children of all ages, inviting them to romp and swim in the crystal-clear waters with utmost safety.
Among the many options, allow me to steer you towards Anantara Bophut, a gem I wholeheartedly recommend for families. Exuding to the timeless elegance of true Thai architecture, the suites boast generous proportions, ensuring that every member of your family enjoys their own space. As a bonus, the hotel offers a dedicated kids' club, tantalizing cookery classes, and impeccable service that will elevate your vacation to unforgettable heights.
The Napasai on Koh Samui
A little luxury
Maenam Beach, located north of Koh Samui, would be my recommendation if you want a little family vacations in Thailand. The five-star Belmond Napasai is noteworthy. The hillside is dotted with distinct stilted houses that provide unobstructed ocean views.
Depending on your budget, outstanding lodging choices include garden villas, ocean pool homes with their own pool and cooking space, and four-bedroom villas.
Feeding the family
Along with serving traditional Thai cuisine, most hotels also provide Western alternatives. The wait staff at restaurants will always inquire about your tolerance for spice. If you like, you may ask for absolutely no spice.
Best time to visit Thailand with your family
Thailand beckons travelers with a year-round embrace, offering a tapestry of microclimates that defy the constraints of traditional peak seasons. While the zenith of activity graces the nation from November through March, when the skies adorn themselves with their driest attire, the allure of Thailand transcends temporal boundaries.
Venture east during the sultry embrace of July and August, and you'll find the coast draped in a cloak of arid serenity. While tempestuous rains may descend in heavy sheets elsewhere, the east coast remains an oasis of sunny refuge, beckoning explorers to defy the raindrops.
However, don't let a brief downpour deter you because the abundant beaches along the southern shores remain steadfast as an evergreen haven from the commotion of the city. Their sandy embrace welcomes you at any moment, promising solace and tranquility amidst the vibrant tapestry of Thailand.
Delve deeper into the best time to visit Thailand in our comprehensive guide.
Best ways to travel to Thailand for families
There are direct and indirect flights from the UK to Thailand. Direct flights often leave from London and last around 12 hours.
When traveling with a Middle Eastern airline, like Etihad, you can break up your trip if the 12-hour continuous flight duration is shorter. Take a break in Dubai for a few hours before continuing your adventure. Many of the smaller airports in the UK provide indirect flights.
Since most trips to Thailand are nighttime, jet lag is reduced. Your afternoon arrival will give you time to settle into your hotel and prepare for supper.
Start planning your trip to Thailand
Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.
