Thai people love children, especially out-of-towners, so don’t be surprised if the locals want to treat your child to a sweet mango or ask if they can take a souvenir photo. Although such amenities as baby changing tables, high chairs and play areas are not always available, Thailand creates perfect conditions for a carefree holiday with children, after all.
Where to go in Thailand with a child.
Phang Nga Bay in the Andaman Sea.
This place has exceptional natural and landscape values. You can go canoeing, charter a private yacht cruise, explore James Bond island (this is where one of the key scenes of ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, directed by Guy Hamilton, was shot) or even try fresh fish in a picturesque fishing village built on piles stuck in the bay bottom. Phang Nga is also famous for limestone caves, which you can explore at will.
The island of Phuket has an airport from which you can get to Bangkok and other cities of Thailand, Asia and Europe. One of the local attractions is Flying Hanuman – an unusual rope park, where you can not only climb the trees and admire the spectacular views, but also treat yourself and your loved ones to an exciting zip-lining experience. Ticket prices start at THB 2300 per person. Flying Hanuman is suitable for adults and children over 4 years old.
Kok Chang Safari Elephant Trekking in Phuket Province
Every kid (and not only) will enjoy an unusual elephant trek, surrounded by unspoilt nature. Kok Chang Safari is an extraordinary elephant sanctuary where the animals are taken particular care of. You can feed them, give them a stroke and even swim together! Everything takes place under the watchful eye of a friendly guide. Prices of elephant trekking start at THB 1200 per person, children under 4 year old are allowed to join free of charge.
Water parks and amusement parks
One of the largest water parks in Asia, Ramayana Water Park, located in a beautiful scenery surrounded by green hills, is just 20 minutes from Pattaya and 1.5 hours from Bangkok. You can get there by bus, minivan or car. Entry fees start at THB 1,440 per adult and THB 890 per child. In addition to water slides and many other attractions for the whole family, there are also comfortable ‘cabana’ cabins with bathroom facilities and Internet connection.
The Black Mountain Water Park in Huan Hin, which is well connected to the city centre, is located within 200 km from Bangkok. Slides, pools, a golf course and tennis courts are just some of many attractions that this place offers. You can work out at the gym, let your hair down in the spa, or join a relaxing yoga session. Entry fees are: THB 600 per adult, THB 300 per child (children up to 110 cm tall can enter for free).
Places such as Splash Jungle Waterpark or the Football Crazy Golf amusement park at the foot of Kathu Patong hill are worth coming to with your children during when staying in Phuket. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try your hand at sport which is a combination of football and golf! Colorful shows featuring animals, acrobats and magicians in the unusual FantaSea entertainment park will make your time at Kamala beach extra special.
Although such amenities as baby changing tables, high chairs, and play areas are not always available, Thailand creates perfect conditions for a carefree holiday with children, after all.
Thailand with children – when is it the best time to go
Between March and June, the temperature in Bangkok often exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, which can be very uncomfortable for young children. When it’s summer holiday in our native Poland, Thailand experiences the rainy season – it’s hot, but humid. The best time for holiday with children is between October and February, when the average air temperature fluctuates between 25-30 degrees Celsius. It’s also important to make sure that the place you will stay at is equipped with air-conditioning.
What to pack?
Children’s safety comes first, that is why sunscreen, a hat to protect the head from sunburn, sticking plaster and mosquito repellents are parents’ travel must-haves when travelling in Thailand with a child. Anti-diarrhoeal drugs and painkillers will also come in useful. Disposable diapers, juices and infant formula milk are widely available in Thai shops. However, the range of products may be limited in some regions of the country.
Travel by plane
Many parents lose sleep over the thought of a lengthy flight with a few-month or several-year-old child. However, the devil is not as black as he is painted. More than a dozen hours on a plane with a toddler curious about the world is quite a challenge. But thanks to the special amenities and preparations, the flight will be over sooner than you think. Checking-in with children is also much shorter. During the flight, babies can travel in a special playpen, and on-board toilets are equipped with changing tables. Your child’s favorite toy or book will make time more enjoyable.
When planning a holiday with a small child, it is good to buy a lightweight, compact stroller to be able to easily maneuver through narrow, crowded streets. Ergonomic baby carriers or slings will work too, though. In Thailand, you can easily rent a bike or scooter with a small trailer to carry children – an unforgettable experience guaranteed!
What to watch out for
First of all, the sun, mosquitoes and hygiene. Even a short exposure to sunlight at the beach can cause burns to the child’s delicate skin. Dengue fever is one of the most common viral infections in Thailand and throughout Asia. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, which is why it is so important to use mosquito repellents and wear appropriate protective clothing.
Make sure that children wash their hands regularly. The more often, the better. You also need to keep an eye on what they consume and avoid eateries that seem doubtful at first glance.
Dreaming of holiday in Thailand with your family? As you can see, it is not impossible at all! Start planning your dream trip and enjoy the time with your loved ones in the magical Thai scenery!