Planning a Family Trip to Thailand
Focus on a maximum of two regions—Bangkok and one island or northern city—to avoid travel fatigue with children. Use domestic flights for long distances and hire private drivers for day trips to maintain a flexible schedule for naps and meals.
- Choose your hubs. Stick to family-friendly areas. Choose Koh Samui or Phuket for beaches, as they have hospitals and supermarkets. Choose Chiang Mai for culture and nature without the intense humidity of the south.
- Book internal travel. Use AirAsia or Thai Airways for internal flights between Bangkok and the islands. Book these at least 3 weeks in advance to secure seats together.
- Arrange airport transfers. Do not navigate public buses with luggage and children. Use the 'Grab' app to book private cars with pre-installed car seats, or pre-book hotel transfers to avoid negotiation stress upon arrival.
- Sync with the heat. Plan outdoor activities for 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Spend the 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM block in the hotel pool or a nap, then head back out for early dinner.
- Do I need to pack a car seat?
- Rental cars rarely provide them. Use the Grab app and select 'GrabFamily' to ensure a vehicle comes equipped with a proper seat.
- Is the water safe for kids?
- Never drink tap water. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth to avoid 'Bangkok belly'.