Thailand with children

Complete Travel Guide & Route Inspiration

Thailand has long been one of the most popular destinations for families looking to explore the world together – and for good reason. The country is safe, affordable, surprisingly kid-friendly, and offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. From bustling cities and tropical islands to jungles, lakes, and national parks, Thailand is a destination where both parents and children can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the most beautiful places in Thailand for families, share practical tips, and provide inspiration for an unforgettable family trip.

🌞 Find & Book your family vacation to Thailand

✅ Family-friendly hotels, apartments & resorts
💙 Book directly with Booking.com – trusted & easy

View accommodations in Thailand

Rondreis Thailand met gezin - Thailand met kinderen

Why Thailand Is Perfect with Children

Thailand is an ideal destination for families who love to travel far but still want to keep things relaxed. The country has been geared toward tourists for many years, and you really notice this when traveling with children. Thais are notably friendly and welcoming, especially toward families, and children are welcomed with open arms almost everywhere.

When it comes to food, Thailand is also very accessible with children. In addition to rice and noodle dishes, you’ll find fruit, pancakes, and Western options everywhere, meaning even the pickiest eaters usually find something they like. Traveling around the country is also easy: domestic flights, comfortable trains, and private transport make it simple to cover distances without long, exhausting travel days.

On top of that, Thailand is relatively affordable. Accommodation, transportation, and food are often significantly cheaper than in many other long-haul destinations.

Which Ages Is Thailand Suitable For?

Thailand is suitable for all ages, but each stage of life experiences the country in a different way. With babies and toddlers, quiet beaches, resorts with swimming pools, and short travel distances are ideal. For preschoolers and primary school–aged children, Thailand often feels like one big adventure, with boat trips, temples, jungle, animals, and plenty of time outdoors.

Teenagers especially enjoy snorkeling, the islands, street food, and lively cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Thanks to the huge variety of destinations, you can tailor Thailand completely to the pace and interests of your family, making it a great travel destination for almost everyone.

Best Time to Visit Thailand with Children

The best time to visit Thailand with children strongly depends on where you’re going. Thailand is a large country, and the climate varies significantly by region. While it may be the rainy season on one island, travel conditions elsewhere can be perfect. Below, you’ll find what to expect per region.

November to March → the best time to travel for most of Thailand
July & August → great for destinations such as Koh Samui & Koh Phangan
September & October → wetter, but often quieter and greener

Below, you’ll find what to expect per region.

Central Thailand (Bangkok & surroundings)

Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and the surrounding area are most pleasant during the cooler months from November through February. Temperatures are around 25–30°C, and humidity is lower, which is especially more comfortable with children. From March to May it is very hot (35°C+), and from June to October it is the rainy season, with short but sometimes heavy showers.

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai & surroundings)

The best time to visit is from November through February. The north is slightly cooler than the rest of Thailand, making it ideal for families who enjoy nature, culture, and active excursions. From February through April there is a chance of smog caused by agricultural burning, and from May through October it is the rainy season; nature is beautifully green but wetter.

East Coast – Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao)

The best time to visit is from February through September. This region has a different rainy season, which makes it ideal for the summer holidays. July and August are among the best choices with children. In October and November, you have the highest chance of rain and the sea can be rougher. December and January are more changeable, but often still fine.

West Coast – Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi)

The best time to visit Thailand’s west coast is from December through April. This is where you’ll find the classic “Thailand weather”: sunshine, blue seas, and calm beaches. From May to October, it is the rainy season and the sea can be rough (less suitable with children).

National Parks & Nature (Khao Sok, Cheow Lan Lake, Erawan)

National parks can be visited year-round, but with children the drier months from December through April are the most pleasant.

destinations

The Most Beautiful Places in Thailand with Children

Bangkok

Cheow Lan Lake

Kindvriendelijke hotels Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok NP

Koh Samui

itineraries

Inspiration: Thailand Itineraries with Children

The Ultimate Round Trip Through Thailand

4-Week Thailand Itinerary with Children

hotels

Family-Friendly Hotels in Thailand

Family-Friendly Hotels Koh Samui

Family-Friendly Hotels Khao Sok NP

Book your family holiday to Thailand with kids

When planning your trip to Thailand, there are several ways to book your accommodation and activities. If you like to organize everything yourself, you can easily find suitable accommodations on Booking.com. For unique excursions and tours, GetYourGuide is an excellent choice.

Still looking for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thailand with Children

Yes, Thailand is generally a safe and pleasant destination for families. The infrastructure is good, medical care is of a high standard (especially in larger cities and tourist regions), and Thais are notably friendly toward children. Of course, as anywhere, it’s important to use common sense: be cautious in traffic, keep an eye on valuables, and follow local advice. But as a family destination, Thailand feels surprisingly relaxed and carefree to many parents.

Absolutely. Thailand is one of those rare destinations that easily adapts to different ages. With babies and toddlers, quiet beaches, resorts with swimming pools, and short travel distances are ideal. Primary school–aged children enjoy boat trips, temples, jungles, markets, and animals. Teenagers especially love the islands, snorkeling spots, street food, and lively cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. By combining destinations smartly, you can fully tailor the trip to your family.

Thailand is very suitable for traveling around with children. For longer distances, domestic flights are often the most comfortable option: affordable, fast, and well organized. For shorter distances, you can use taxis or private transport.

In cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and on the islands, many families use Grab (similar to Uber). This is safe, clearly priced, and ideal with children, as you don’t have to negotiate and know the cost in advance. Trains are also a fun option, especially night trains, but they require a bit more planning.

No vaccinations are mandatory for Thailand, but several vaccinations are recommended. Which ones apply depends on your travel route, length of stay, and the age of the children. Common examples include DTP and hepatitis A. For personalized advice, it’s wise to contact the GGD or a specialized travel clinic well before departure.

Thailand is large, so less is often more. With children, a relaxed travel pace works best: it’s better to explore a few destinations properly than to move every few days. Many families choose a maximum of 3 to 4 places over three to four weeks. This keeps the trip relaxed and leaves plenty of time for beach days, playgrounds, swimming pools, and spontaneous rest moments.

Yes, compared to many other long-haul destinations, Thailand is very affordable. Accommodation, food, and local transportation are relatively inexpensive, allowing families to travel comfortably without costs becoming excessive. Especially outside the high season, and by smartly combining hotels, resorts, and apartments, Thailand is a great destination for families with different budgets.