Guide to Planning a Family Trip to Thailand

Last Updated on May 15, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Thailand with your family and feeling a little overwhelmed with all the logistics? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Planning a family vacation can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of planning and organization, it can also be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience.

Thailand is a great destination for a family trip, with its beautiful beaches, rich culture, delicious food, and friendly people. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go on a cultural adventure, or enjoy some water sports, Thailand has something for everyone.

Here’s a guide to help you plan the perfect family trip to Thailand:

Step 1: Choose your destination

The first thing to consider when planning a trip to Thailand is where you want to go. Thailand is a large country with many different regions and attractions, so it’s important to decide what kind of vacation you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation, popular destinations include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Phuket. These islands offer beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports.

If you’re interested in experiencing Thailand’s culture and history, consider visiting the ancient city of Ayutthaya or the capital city of Bangkok. Ayutthaya is home to many ancient temples and ruins, and Bangkok is a vibrant city with a mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional markets and temples.

Step 2: Plan your accommodations

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When it comes to accommodations, Thailand has a range of options to suit every budget and preference. If you’re looking for something affordable and convenient, consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse. These can be a great option for families with children, as they often have shared dorm rooms and private rooms at a lower cost.

If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, there are many hotels and resorts to choose from. Many of these offer family-friendly amenities such as pools, kids’ clubs, and babysitting services.

For instance, there are affordable family rooms in Patong Phuket at a child-friendly resort, where they operate a child-care service, which lets you and your partner have a few hours to yourselves. Family holiday accommodation can be found with an online search and they have the resources you need onsite to enjoy your downtime without having to leave the resort. If you prefer lounging by the pool to being on the beach, the resort has the perfect area and there are toddler groups if you need some alone time. Resorts that are designed for families are safe and there are many in-house activities, keeping your kids engaged.

If you are thinking about where to stay in Koh Samui, this tropical paradise offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to every traveler’s preferences and budget. Whether you’re seeking luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly guesthouses, Koh Samui has it all. For those looking for ultimate indulgence, the upscale areas of Chaweng and Lamai boast stunning beachfront resorts with private pools, spa facilities, and breathtaking ocean views. If you prefer a quieter and more secluded stay, head to the serene beaches of Maenam or Bophut, where you’ll find charming boutique hotels nestled amidst lush greenery. For budget-conscious travelers, the Fisherman’s Village in Bophut and the bustling town of Chaweng offer a variety of affordable guesthouses and hostels within walking distance of the beach. No matter where you choose to stay in Koh Samui, the island’s natural beauty and warm hospitality ensure an unforgettable vacation experience.

Step 3: Decide on your mode of transportation

There are several options for getting around Thailand, including planes, trains, buses, and cars. The most convenient and fastest option is to fly, but it can also be the most expensive. If you’re willing to trade speed for cost, you can take the train or a bus.

If you’re planning to stay in one area for most of your trip, you might want to consider renting a car. This can give you more flexibility and control over your itinerary, but it’s important to keep in mind that traffic in Thailand can be chaotic and driving can be a bit of a challenge.

Step 4: Plan your itinerary

Now it’s time to start thinking about what you want to do during your trip. Thailand has a wide range of activities and attractions to choose from, so it’s important to decide what interests you and your family the most.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation, consider activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports. There are also many beautiful temples and temples to visit, such as the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok and the Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple in Ayutthaya.

If you’re interested in nature, consider visiting national parks such as Khao Yai National Park or the Erawan National Park. These parks offer a chance to see a wide range of flora and fauna, including elephants, monkeys, and birds.

Step 5: Consider the weather

Thailand has a tropical climate, with three main seasons: hot and dry (March to May), rainy (June to October), and cool and dry (November to February).

The hot and dry season is characterized by high temperatures and little rainfall. This is the peak tourist season and is a great time to visit if you’re looking to spend time on the beach.

The rainy season brings more frequent and heavy rainfall, but it can still be a good time to visit as the rain is often limited to short afternoon showers. Prices for accommodations and flights are generally lower during this time, and the crowds are thinner.

The cool and dry season is the most pleasant time to visit, with cooler temperatures and little rain. This is also the peak tourist season, so prices for accommodations and flights may be higher.

Overall, Thailand has a warm and humid climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. It’s important to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and to stay hydrated while visiting Thailand. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat, as showers can pop up at any time.

Step 6: Things to do in Thailand with kids

Visit the beaches

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Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear water and soft white sand. Take your kids for a swim or let them build sandcastles while you relax on the beach.

Go on a cultural tour

Thailand has a rich culture and history, and there are many temples and cultural sites to visit. Take your kids to the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok to see the giant reclining Buddha, or visit the ancient city of Ayutthaya to see the ruins of ancient temples.

Visit an elephant sanctuary

Thailand is home to many elephant sanctuaries, where you can learn about these majestic animals and even feed and bathe them. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about conservation and animal welfare.

Take a boat tour

Thailand has many beautiful islands and beaches that can only be accessed by boat. Take a boat tour to visit some of these remote places and see the beauty of Thailand from the water.

Go snorkeling or diving

Thailand has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, with crystal clear water and a wide variety of marine life. This is a great activity for kids, as it allows them to explore the underwater world and see the beauty of the ocean.

Visit a water park

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Thailand has many water parks with slides, pools, and other water attractions that are perfect for kids. Spend a day splashing around and having fun in the water.

Try Thai food

Thailand is famous for its delicious food, and it’s a great opportunity for kids to try new flavors and dishes. Take them to a local market or street food vendor to try some traditional Thai food.

Step 7: Other things to consider to be well prepared

Health insurance

Search online for cheap holiday health insurance and take out a comprehensive policy that covers the entire family while you are away. Hospital treatment can be very expensive in Thailand and for the little it costs, you will have peace of mind with medical cover. If your budget is tight, only include medical emergencies, which will save you some money.

Sun protection

If you are coming from a cold European country to a beach in Thailand, you need to be very careful about sunburn; pack some effective sunscreen and apply this to your kids before they go out in the sun. This is especially important when swimming in the sea; wearing a T-shirt when snorkeling and keep an eye on the kids regarding exposure to the sun. If you are looking to buy a smart TV, here are a few tips.

Summer clothing

If you are coming from a cold country, resist the urge to bring all your summer clothing, as T-shirts and shorts are very cheap in Thailand. There will likely be vendors walking up and down the beach and even at their top prices, it is still cheap when compared to home. The local people have had a hard time over the past few years due to covid and buying from the street sellers helps support the local community.

Rent an SUV

This allows you to plan day trips around southern Thailand and the hotel receptionist can arrange this on your behalf; the car will be delivered to the foyer for as many days as you wish. There’s much to see and do in this part of Thailand and the kids will love seeing the awesome jungle.

Check for entry requirements in Thailand

Before you visit The Land of Smiles, you might wan to check out the official Tourism Authority website of the where you can find out the current entry requirements, which can change at any time. Depending on your nationality, you can receive a 30-day visa on arrival. So make sure you check with your Thai embassy regarding eligibility.