The Ultimate Guide to a Family Vacation in Thailand

In Thailand, the year is divided into three seasons: rainy (June – October), cool (November to March) and hot (March – June). Each one has its pros and cons; temperatures soar in the hot season, but it’s also full of fun festivals. The rainy season brings monsoons, as well as lush green landscapes.

The cool season is generally considered the best time to visit Thailand, as the weather is less extreme – so everyone in your family will be comfortable. We also recommend travelling during the shoulder season from April to June (when it’s less rainy) or September to October (for fewer visitors).

For family trips to Thailand, we recommend spending at least a few days in each place – so the length of your trip will depend on how many places you want to visit. To start with, our travel designers suggest spending two nights in Bangkok to enjoy its food, culture and history.

Then you can head north to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, where the whole family will be enthralled with ancient temples, local traditions and thrilling outdoor adventures. You’ll need at least three nights here to fully experience it.

Finally, we suggest spending up to five nights in one of Thailand’s top coastal destinations, like Phuket or Koh Samui. Travellers of all ages will love the sandy beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed vibe – not to mention some of the best family resorts in Thailand.

If your family is interested in history, you can also tack on time in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, for breathtaking vistas of towering limestone karsts, mangrove forests and tropical waters, head to the Andaman coast for a few days in Krabi.

Every region of Thailand offers an endless array of activities, whether you’re looking for a deep dive into local culture or a meaningful experience with wildlife. No matter where you are, you’ll find something to entertain and amaze each member of your family.

That said, different parts of Thailand are ideal for certain interests. In this section we’ll share the most family-friendly aspects of each destination, with suggestions for what to do and see in some of our favourite cities and regions.

There’s nothing else quite like Thai cuisine, and there’s no better place to learn about it than Chiang Mai. Here your family can take a Thai cooking class to discover the secrets of local dishes. You’ll visit the market or browse an organic farm for ingredients, prepare a traditional meal and enjoy the fruits of your labour together. We recommend staying at the Anantara Chiang Mai, where serviced suites make the perfect family-friendly space.

If you want to taste as much Thai food as possible, Bangkok is the place for you. This lively city is chock-full of street food stalls and local markets where you’ll find authentic cuisine – teenagers will love trying adventurous foods and tongue-tingling spices. Make sure to check out the fascinating floating markets and explore the city on an exciting tuk tuk tour.

Offering an engaging perspective on traditional Thai culture, Chiang Rai has much more to offer than just museums. Here you can tour the magical White Temple or visit local villages to get a glimpse into regional culture and customs. We guarantee that these excursions will hold the attention of children and adults alike. The luxurious Pa Sak Tong private villa is ideal for bigger families, offering an abundance of space in which to unwind.

Phuket is an ideal destination for adventurous families, especially those with older children. Hop in a kayak to discover hidden caves, go ziplining through the forest, hike to a waterfall or arrange a private boat trip to go island hopping. After all the exploring, parents can enjoy some much-deserved relaxation on the beaches of Phang Nga Bay.

At Kui Buri community village you can experience some local activities like making paper from pineapple, a rubber tapping demonstration, beekeeping and wooden products making. After lunch, set off to Kui Buri National Park, a haven for observing wild animals in their natural habitat. Here, witness elephants, bulls and other animals as they roam freely through the forest.

If you want to discover Thailand’s brilliant underwater world, Koh Samui is hard to beat. This beautiful island offers some of the country’s best snorkelling, which your family can enjoy on a private boat expedition. In Ang Thong Marine Park you can expect to see coral reefs, tropical fish and even whale sharks.