The ultimate family trip through Thailand
Itinerary and best things to do
Exploring Thailand with children is like an adventure full of wonders, exploring bustling cities, enchanting beaches and lush nature. Here is a perfect itinerary for an unforgettable tour of Thailand with your family. This “basic itinerary” is ideal for about 3 weeks. But we also list additional spots so you can put together your own 6-week roundtrip.
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The Ultimate Family trip through Thailand – Koh Samui
Begin your trip with an oasis of relaxation on the lush island of Koh Samui. While most travelers start their Thailand adventure in the busy and hot streets of Bangkok, Koh Samui offers a quieter and more relaxing introduction, especially for families. It is the perfect place to beat jet lag and unwind after the long journey.
Beaches and so much more
Koh Samui welcomes you with sprawling beaches and an array of activities for children. Explore the enchanting Night Market Fishermans Village, where colorful stalls and local delicacies awaken the senses. Visit the majestic Wat Plai Laem & Big Buddha Temple and make unforgettable memories at Lipa Noi Beach. Marvel at the enchanting Tarnim Magic Garden and admire the magnificent elephants at the Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary.
The best tours on Koh Samui are easily booked online through GetYourGuide. Below you will find some inspiration.
Beautiful beach clubs and hotels
For the ultimate in relaxation, the numerous beach clubs such as Coco Tam’s, Elephant Beach Club and Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui perfect for relaxing while the kids enjoy beach activities. Staying overnight on this beautiful island is a delight, with a variety of child-friendly hotels guaranteeing a comfortable stay. Here are the most child-friendly hotels on Koh Samui.
Stay: 7 nights (+4 optional)
We stayed a full week on the enchanting island of Koh Samui, which was the perfect duration for us to experience the magic of this destination.
For those interested in exploring more nearby islands, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao are great options for day trips or even multi-day adventures. If you are considering visiting these additional islands, we recommend extending your stay by at least half a week. That way, you can fully enjoy the unique experiences and discover the diversity of each destination without rushing.
The Ultimate Family trip through Thailand – The Krabi region
Time for the next stop on this wonderful tour of Thailand with the family. From Koh Samui, fly or take a boat to Krabi, an incredible region that enchants you with its stunning beaches and breathtaking natural beauty. Krabi, with its base at Ao Nang Beach, offers a plethora of options for adventurous family outings.
The most beautiful beaches in Thailand
A highlight of Krabi is a visit to pristine Railay Beach, a jewel accessible only by boat that enchants you with its limestone cliffs and azure waters. Be sure to set out early so you can have the beach mostly to yourself. During the afternoon, the crowds increase due to the arrival of several boats. Highly recommended is lunch at Summer Fresh @ Railay Beach.
Explore other enchanting beaches and islands that are easily accessible as day trips from Ao Nang Beach, such as Hong Island, Koh Gai, and Koh Poda.
Nice restaurants
Along the promenade of Ao Nang Beach, there are several eateries worth visiting. For lunch and dinner, REEVE Beach Club Krabi and Nang An Beach Bar are good choices, while for a tasty breakfast, consider the coffee time and THE COFFEE CLUB – Ao Nang.
Stay: 4 nights (+3 optional)
Stay at least four nights in Krabi to fully experience the beauty of the area. The Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi is an excellent recommendation, especially for families with children. The resort offers an ideal setting with a pool including a water slide and a kids club. Although breakfast is a little less elaborate, the surrounding area offers plenty of options for a delicious breakfast out of doors.
Also consider visiting the famous Phi Phi Islands, where an overnight stay on the main island of Koh Phi Phi is definitely preferable to a cursory day trip. This way you add two or three nights to your tour. Look further below for complete tour to Koh Phi Phi.
The Ultimate Family trip through Thailand – Khao Sok National Park
After Thailand’s beaches, it’s time to dive into the jungle at the breathtaking Kao Sok National Park. From Krabi, travel easily by cab (we paid about 65 euros in 2023) to Kao Sok National Park. This park offers a wealth of adventures for the whole family.
Monkey watching
Fun activities for families in Kao Sok National Park include a visit to the Monkey Temple, where you can buy a ticket from the monks for a few cents. This temple is small and located in quiet grounds, but the highlight is undoubtedly the interaction with the curious monkeys that come to eat out of your hand. At the entrance you receive a bunch of bananas and as soon as you walk towards the temple, the monkeys will catch the scent of the bananas and emerge en masse from the jungle. It is a wonderful spectacle to watch them gather. For my daughter Lizzy, this was the absolute highlight of our visit to Khao Sok National Park.
A walk through the jungle
Another must is a hike through the National Park, which you can easily do yourself from the visitor center. There are several hiking trails with different distances available. We chose a walk of one kilometer out and one kilometer back, seeing monkeys, lizards, beautiful butterflies, large fish, turtles and even a snake along the way. Another fun experience is taking a bamboo raft ride across the Khao Sok River.
The highlight: Cheow Lan Lake
A highlight of the national park is a visit to the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake, an enchanting water-rich area where you can read more in our blog Cheow Lan Lake with children.
Stay: 4 nights(+7 optional)
To really enjoy all these wonderful activities, it is recommended that you stay at least four nights in Khao Sok National Park. This will give you enough time to explore the diversity of the park and enjoy the enchanting nature with your family. Enjoy staying in accommodations such as Khaosok Rainforest Resort, Rock and Tree House Resort, Our Jungle House, Our Jungle Camp and Khao Sok Morning Mist Resort which offer you a true jungle experience.
You may choose to go to Chaing Mai first after Kao Sok National Park before heading back to Bangkok. Read more about this in Ramona’s blog: Thailand with kids – itinerary. This way you add a week to the itinerary.
The Ultimate Family trip through Thailand – Bangkok
After the natural splendor of Kao Sok National Park, it’s time to head toward bustling Bangkok. The last stop of the tour of Thailand with the family. This metropolis enchants you with its contrasts and cultural riches.
The most beautiful temples and palaces
Explore the stunning architecture of The Grand Palace, admire the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and enjoy the breathtaking views from Wat Arun.
Also visiting Chinatown, King Power Mahanakhon and ICONSIAM should be on your list if you are in Bangkok with kids. Also, be sure to read Gosia’s insider tips for Bangkok with kids.
The Other Side of Bangkok
A boat tour of Bangkok’s klongs gives you a unique perspective of daily life along the river and is an experience that is both educational and fascinating for the kids. Read all about it in our blog Boat trip Klongs Bangkok with kids.
Stay: 4 nights
Stay a minimum of 4 nights in Bangkok. We stay in Royal Princess Larn Luang.
A trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Did you know that you can extend your tour of Thailand with a visit of about 5 days to Siem Reap and the famous temples of Angkor Wat? Read all about it in our article about Siem Reap with children for an unforgettable addition to your trip.
Do you want to start planning your trip to Thailand right away?
When planning your trip to Thailand, there are various ways to book your accommodation and activities. If you prefer to arrange everything yourself, you can easily find accommodations that suit your needs through Booking.com. For unique excursions and tours, GetYourGuide is an excellent choice. Would you rather have everything arranged at once? Then TUI offers complete packages for a hassle-free vacation. If you’re looking for more flexibility and want to customize your trip, take a look at Riksja, where you can build your ideal journey with building blocks.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
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The most child-friendly Hotels in Koh Samui
