11 fun and exciting things to do with kids on a Thailand holiday
Thailand has a vast host of fun and exciting places to visit and activities to engage in that’s sure to keep your kids entertained for the entirety of the trip. Packed with plenty of beautiful beaches, cozy hotels, sprawling jungles and other scenic views, Thailand is a gorgeous place to visit on a family vacation or holiday. Your kids will have a thrilling time getting up and close with elephants and other animals, zip-lining, snorkelling, and rock climbing, exploring ancient ruins and having a splash at several different water parks to choose from.
Beautiful beaches to visit in Thailand with kids
1. Having a splash at Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta
Perhaps one of the most kid-friendly beaches to visit is Klong Dao Beach in Koh Lanta and for many great reasons! In addition to being a great spot for your little one to go paddling, there’s plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and bars along the beach that are perfect for having a meal or a drink after a long day of playing in the sand or water. Many locations on the beach have toys that kids can play with and even fun water slides and hoppers. It’s the nearest beach to Ban Saladan village, and due to its convenient location, it’s one of the most developed beaches you can find in Thailand. There are also plenty of spas for adults to enjoy and swimming pools for the family, in addition to the beautiful beach.
2. Diving and Kayaking at Sairee Beach, Koh Tao
Another kid-friendly beach to come visit is Sairee Beach which is also located in Koh Tao. This beach is perfect if your kids are older and interested in scuba diving, kayaking, playing water sports and snorkelling. With a wide host of activities to do, including lessons, tours, land activities such as hiking and rock climbing and art galleries such as Mae Haad, there are plenty of fun activities for your kids to explore at Sairee Beach. From exploring Koh Tao’s beautiful coral reefs to shopping at one of the many stores and restaurants to taking a hike or rock climbing, you’ll be glad you stopped by to see everything this gorgeous beach has to offer.
3. The Calm Waters of Haad Chao Pao, Ko Phangan
The next kid-friendly beach on our list is the Haad Chao Pao beach located in Koh Phangan. One of the main advantages of this beach is that its calm waters are perfect for younger kids who may not have a lot of experience swimming. Koh Phangan is largely known for its full moon parties, and while they are a treat to see if you’re given a chance, the beach offers plenty of other fun attractions as well. Some of these attractions include fishing, kayaking, snorkelling and swimming at the local lake. When it comes to dining, it’s best to visit the restaurants at night because the restaurants will be lit up with candles that add to the atmosphere. Your kids will enjoy a wonderful mix of Thai and Western food with plenty of kids approved menu options.
4. Experience the quiet of Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga Bay
If you’re looking for a quieter, more serene beach that’ll most likely be more to yourself and your kids, then Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga Bay is the perfect spot for you and your family to visit. While one of Thailand’s smaller and less-visited islands, the advantage to this is that you’ll have a greater chance of having nearly all the beach to yourself. You lazily relax on the beach, take a nap in hammocks, build sandcastles, and play with hermit crabs. This island is great for younger children and a more relaxed beach experience with quiet, calm waters. However, if you’re interested in kayaking, rock climbing, snorkelling and diving, these are all options as well. The recommended time to travel is between November and April as in the following months you’re bound to experience rain.
5. A Guided Bike Tour at Bang Tao, Phuket
The last family-friendly beach to visit is Bang Tao, located in Phuket. This 6-kilometre stretch of beautiful, white sandy shores is outfitted with plenty of excellent family hotels to stay. The hotels are gorgeous and offer great beachfront views. The beach is well-known as one of the cleanest beaches in Phuket, and for some more adventure besides swimming, there’s a guided bike tour that will allow you to visit local rubber plantations and villages. The tour will take you to many locations that are popular in Bang Tao for an unforgettable experience. Some other nearby attractions are the Bang Pae waterfall and the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, which rehabilitates mistreated elephants.
Nature Reserves and Parks in Thailand to visit with kids
6. Meeting New Friends at the Elephant Rescue Park
If your kids are big animal lovers then you’ll definitely want to take them to visit the Elephant Rescue Park in Northern Thailand. Not only will they be able to get up close to these majestic and gentle creatures, but they will also learn how to make a difference in the world when it comes to ecosystems. There are many different activities and events available, including guided tours where you and your kids will be able to experience the elephants in their natural habitats. There are also overnight stays as well. Additionally, there’s a shop which allows you to buy fruit packages for the elephants.
7. Watching Monkeys Swing From Trees at Prachuap Khiri Kha
Another must-see place to visit if your kids love animals is Prachuap Khiri Kha. This tourist attraction will give you and your kids the wonderful opportunity to interact with wild monkeys as well as taking in the beautiful sights the seaside town of Hua Hint has to offer. Both you and your kids are sure to have a blast at Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle and Black Mountain Water Park. Of course, the main attraction is the monkeys themselves at Ao Manao, a beach where you and your kids will be able to interact with dusky leaf monkeys at Khao Lommuak. While wild, the monkeys are used to being around humans and will even gladly take food out of your hands. You can also take a boat ride to Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park or go elephant watching at the safari of Kui Buri National Park.
8. Gardens, Zoos, and Petting Zoos at Chonburi
The last animal-themed attraction in our list is the destination Chon Buri. Although this site is most commonly associated with the nightlife of Pattaya, there’s plenty of fun places to go for kids, many of which are animal-themed. Your child will have a blast observing the animals at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. They will have fun ziplining at Chonburi Flight of the Gibbon. Also, make sure they see Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, which among all the colourful, beautiful flowers also includes a petting zoo and a bird zone. There are plenty of other activities to engage in when you visit, from spending the day on the beach or going to nearby islands to seeing carved artwork at The Sanctuary of Truth. You can discover mysteries at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not or learn more about the ocean at Underwater World Pattaya.
9. Exploring Nature’s Beauty at Nakhon Ratchasima
The next attraction on our list is Nakhon Ratchasima . Located in Isan, Nakhon is famous for being the home of the country’s first national park, Khao Yai National Park. When you come to visit, you can take your kids on a magnificent trip through the jungle where they’ll be able to see all the beautiful flora and fauna that occupies the land. This is a must-see location, with many different accessible trails, gorgeous waterfalls and plenty of places to experience scenic, panoramic landscapes. Other attractions in the area include the working Farm Chokchai, which is centred around a cowboy-style theme, the countryside adventure park of Thongsomboon Club and Wang Nam Khiao and the ancient ruins of Phimai. With such a diverse line-up of different activities you and your kids can engage in, Nakhon Ratchasima is another wonderful place to visit.
10. The Wonders of Kanchanaburi
For even more beautiful, sprawling jungle sites there’s Kanchanaburi located in western Thailand. This site combines magnificent nature with ancient history and is a treat to learn more about. Although your youngest kids may not be so keen to learn all the ins and outs of this place’s history, a train ride along the scenic Death Railway is sure to hold their attention as they gaze at all the scenic sites. You’ll have the chance to admire waterfalls Sai Yok Noi and Erawan, explore various caves with wonderful and unique rock formations, and gaze at the huge raintree at Dan Makham Tia District. Trekking through jungles, meeting elephants, spending a few nights on a floating raft house, the Wat Tham Sua temple, and water parks are some additional attractions that you and your kids can experience in Thailand.
11. Explore a Different Side of Bangkok
Although not typically advertised as a kid-friendly place to visit, Bangkok has lots of wonderful family sites to see. By taking your kids to see some of these sites the city offers, you’ll be able to see a whole different side of Bangkok that’s not commonly advertised. Places like Dream World and Safari World will keep your young ones entertained for days. While the city doesn’t have any beaches, there are plenty of waterparks to visit. You can take your little ones on a ride on a long-tail boat along the khlongs (canals) of Thonburi, where you’ll pass shimmering palaces and temples. Older kids will have fun exploring their creativity at the Children’s Discovery Museum and the Museum of Siam, while younger kids can have fun playing at Kidzania and Imaginia Playground. For food, there are plenty of dining options which also includes delicious street food.