Bangkok with kids: 10 fun things to do + insider tips
Bangkok with kids? Absolutely do it. We visited Bangkok with children during our trip through Thailand and were surprised by how fun this city is for families. You might not immediately think of Bangkok as a child-friendly destination, but there’s actually so much to do here. From impressive temples and boat tours to playgrounds, swimming pools, and street food markets: the activities in Bangkok with kids are endless.
In this blog, we share our best tips for Bangkok with kids: what to do, including insider tips from a local mom who lived here for years.
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Is Bangkok fun with kids
We absolutely loved Bangkok with kids! The city may be busy and chaotic, but that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating for children. There’s something to see everywhere: colorful temples, boats on the river, street food, and huge shopping malls. What makes Bangkok especially great with kids is the friendliness of the locals. Children are truly welcome here and often get extra attention — from a smile to a small joke or a helping hand.
Getting around is also surprisingly easy. With the Skytrain (BTS), river boats, and apps like Grab, you can travel quickly and affordably anywhere. Bangkok is therefore perfect as the start of your Thailand trip, allowing you to dive straight into the culture. But honestly? We also think it’s a great place to end your trip, as you can enjoy comfort, great food, and fun activities before heading home.
What to do in Bangkok with kids
Boat tour through the klongs of Bangkok with kids
One of the most fun (and most relaxing) things to do in Bangkok with kids is a boat tour through the klongs. These canals show a completely different side of the city — शांत, green, and surprisingly local. You’ll pass wooden houses on stilts, see daily life on the water, and spot fish, birds, and sometimes even monkeys along the way. For children, it’s extra fun because they often get to feed the fish during the trip. Tip: depart from the quieter Tha Tian Pier and choose a longtail boat. Avoid drivers who try to take you to another pier — they often earn commission.
👉 Read all about our experience with a boat tour through the klongs of Bangkok with kids
Mahanakhon SkyWalk with kids
Do your kids dare to stand on a glass floor 310 meters high? The Mahanakhon SkyWalk is one of the most spectacular outings in Bangkok. Even the elevator ride is an experience, but the highlight is, of course, the glass platform (“Glass Tray”) where you can literally look straight down. Exciting, but above all incredibly cool — especially for slightly older kids. Extra fun: on the 74th floor, you’ll find interactive screens where children can fully enjoy themselves.
👉 Check out all tips for the Mahanakhon SkyWalk with kids here
Grand Palace & Wat Pho with kids
The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most famous highlights — and absolutely impressive, even with children. The golden temples, colorful details, and the enormous reclining Buddha at Wat Pho make this a special experience. Do keep in mind that it can be crowded and hot here. Tip: go early in the morning and combine your visit with Wat Arun across the river.
Chinatown Bangkok with kids
Chinatown is an experience in itself — especially at the end of the day. As soon as the sun sets, the neighborhood comes to life with neon lights, street food stalls, and bustling streets. Kids will be amazed, and you can enjoy delicious (and affordable) food here. Perfect for an evening soaking up the atmosphere.
Cycling tour through Bangkok (Co van Kessel)
Want to discover Bangkok in a completely different way? Then a cycling tour is highly recommended. The tours by Co van Kessel are especially popular among Dutch families and take you through narrow streets, local neighborhoods, and hidden spots you would never find otherwise. Also very doable with children — which makes it even more fun. Book your tour here.
Wat Arun & IconSiam
A visit to Wat Arun is a must during your stay in Bangkok with kids. This temple, located by the river, is perhaps the most beautiful in the city. Tip: go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Combine your visit with IconSiam, a modern shopping mall where you can cool off. The food court is an attraction in itself, featuring a kind of indoor floating market.
Lumpini Park
Want to escape the crowds for a bit? Head to Lumpini Park. Here you’ll see locals exercising, children playing, and… huge monitor lizards roaming around (always a hit with kids). There’s a playground and you can rent paddle boats — perfect for a relaxing break.
Day trip to Ayutthaya with kids
Looking to get out of the city? Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Here you’ll find impressive temple ruins, large Buddha statues, and plenty of space to explore — which is much more enjoyable with kids than the busy streets of Bangkok. You can get there by train, taxi, or an organized tour.
👉 Read our tips for Ayutthaya with kids here.
Where to stay in Bangkok with kids
Bangkok is a huge city, so the location of your hotel really makes a difference — especially with children. Traffic can be quite busy, which means you can easily spend a long time getting around. That’s why it’s best to choose a hotel:
- close to a BTS Skytrain station
- or by the river (Riverside) with boat connections
The Skytrain is fast, affordable, and ideal with kids. Staying by the river is not only beautiful but also practical: many sights are easily accessible by boat. Our tip: if you stay somewhere in between (Skytrain + main highlights), you’re usually in a great spot.
Recommended hotels for families in Bangkok
Royal Princess Larn Luang (where we stayed)
A comfortable and affordable hotel with spacious rooms and a swimming pool. It’s located in a slightly quieter area, but still easily accessible. We got around everywhere by tuk-tuk. More info and booking.
Chatrium Residence Sathon
Perfect for families: quit, spacious, a great breakfast, and a lovely swimming pool. Ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. More info and booking.
Anantara Riverside Resort & Spa
Looking for something truly special? This resort is beautifully located by the river and feels like an oasis in the middle of Bangkok. A bit more expensive, but truly an experience in itself. More info and booking.
Ayathorn Bangkok
A stylish and centrally located hotel with a beautiful swimming pool. Ideal if you’re looking for luxury while staying right in the heart of the city. More info and booking.
CASA 17 Hotel Bangkok
Small-scale, modern, and charming. A great option if you’re looking for something unique and prefer not to stay in a large hotel (with a pool, of course!). More info and booking.
➡️ Check out all family-friendly hotels in Bangkok here.
Practical tips for Bangkok with kids
Best time to visit Bangkok with kids
The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to March. The weather is slightly cooler and there’s little rain. Visiting during other months is no problem (we were there in June) — just be prepared for heat and tropical showers.
Getting around in Bangkok
Fortunately, getting around Bangkok is very well organized.
- Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) → ideal with kids, cheap and convenient. Avoid taxis without a meter — Grab is simply the easiest.
- TukTuks → you simply have to ride a tuk-tuk at least once in Bangkok; it’s fantastic with kids. You can hail them anywhere on the street, but agree on a fixed price beforehand.
Dealing with the heat
Bangkok is hot. Especially with kids, it’s smart to plan your day carefully. Head out early (before 11:00) and schedule a long break in the middle of the day (hotel / pool / mall). Go out again in the late afternoon, when it’s a bit cooler. Always bring water and sun protection. Tip: combine outdoor activities with air-conditioned places like malls or museums.
itineraries
Inspiration: Thailand Itineraries with Children
Frequently Asked Questions – Bangkok with kids
Yes! Bangkok is surprisingly child-friendly. There’s plenty to see and do, getting around is easy, and the locals are incredibly kind to children.
For most families, 2 to 3 days is perfect. This gives you enough time to see the highlights without it becoming too overwhelming.
Yes, Bangkok is generally a safe city. Just be careful with traffic and keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas — as you would in any big city.
The Riverside is ideal: close to temples and boat rides. Sukhumvit is also popular due to its good connections (BTS) and nice hotels.
Yes, definitely! Quinn was 2 years old when we visited Bangkok. Just be mindful of the heat and plan plenty of rest breaks. Choose a hotel with a pool and avoid an overly packed schedule.
About Gosia
This blog was written in collaboration with Gosia from @wandermama.diaries. She lived in Thailand for 4 years, and her two children were born in Bangkok! Tip: for even more great tips, check out Yvonne’s blog: Bangkok with kids – what to see and do with your family in Bangkok.
Wil je je rondreis naar Thailand meteen gaan plannen?
Bij het plannen van je reis naar Thailand zijn er verschillende manieren om je verblijf en activiteiten te boeken. Als je graag zelf alles regelt, kun je via Booking.com eenvoudig accommodaties vinden die passen bij jouw wensen. Voor unieke excursies en tours is GetYourGuide een uitstekende keuze. Wil je deze reis naar Thailand liever op maat samenstellen voor jouw gezin? Via YourTravel helpt persoonlijk reisadviseur Lianne Bloem je graag met een goed doordachte reis, afgestemd op jullie wensen.
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