Thailand with your family : a practical guide

• Capital: Bangkok
• Political regime: Constitutional monarchy with an authoritarian tendency
• Official language: Thaï
• Currency: Baht
• Cost of living: Quite cheap
• The best time to travel to Bali: December to March
• Where to find all the information: Official website of the National Tourist Office of Thailand

Looking for a destination for a family holiday in Asia? Thailand is one option that offers a unique and memorable experience. With white sandy beaches, majestic Buddhist temples, delicious cuisine and plenty of activities for all ages, Thailand is a popular choice for families looking for adventure and relaxation. Whether you want to explore the bustling city of Bangkok, relax on a beach paradise, discover the wilderness or learn about the local culture, Thailand has it all. Whether you decide to stay in a lodge, a holiday club or an all-inclusive resort, the possibilities for total discovery are endless!

Known as « the Land of Smiles » by the rest of the world, Thailand is distinguished by the warm hospitality of its inhabitants and the great diversity of its landscapes.

Northern Thailand is a region full of charm and mystery, where wild nature meets a rich traditional culture. From majestic mountains and verdant rice paddies to iconic temples and picturesque villages, this part of the country offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Whether you want to explore the bustling streets of Chiang Mai, venture into the jungles around Pai or discover local customs in the hill tribes, Northern Thailand is full of must-sees that will amaze every traveller. Get ready to embark on a fascinating adventure where each corner reveals a new facet of this magnificent country.

Southern Thailand is a paradise for lovers of beaches, stunning scenery and vibrant culture. With its idyllic islands, turquoise waters and delicious cuisine, this region attracts travellers from all over the world in search of relaxation and adventure. Whether you want to explore the bustling beaches of Phuket, discover the serenity of the Phi Phi Islands, or immerse yourself in local life in Krabi, Southern Thailand offers a wealth of treasures to discover. Get ready to experience unforgettable moments in a natural setting of exceptional beauty, and to plunge into the heart of Thai hospitality.

• Benz’s, the flagship restaurant of the Soneva Kiri resort, bears the name of its Chef. His innovative cuisine inspired by the finest local produce delights the taste buds of children and adults, owing to the creative and refined children’s menus. For the most adventurous people, they choose to share their meal around a hanging table just like a bird’s nest in the trees. In short, a unique taste experience! Koh Kood Sub-District, Trat, Thaïland; +66 82 208 8888. Itinerary.

• A mandatory stop at the only street canteen of the country to hold a Michelin star; Jay Fay’s restaurant serves travellers and locals who are hungry for delicious crab omelettes. Without prior reservation, it would be impossible to enjoy! 327 Mahachai Road, Samranras Subdistrict, Phra Nakon District, Bangkok 10200, Thaïlande; +66 2 223 9384. Itinerary.

• Located in Phuket Province, PRU is a starred epicurean address that offers traditional Thai dishes. Chef Jimmy Ophorst celebrates unexpected alliances such as white pepper and pineapple or black crab and Phuket coffee. The gastronomic menu has no less than 8 dishes! 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Trisara Resort, Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110, Thaïland; +66 76 310 100. Itinerary.

Thailand is a paradise for street food lovers: eating on the street is more than a tradition, it’s a way of life! Everywhere, many small shops offer tasty snacks, at any time of the day and at a very affordable price!

Do not miss the meat kebabs, delicious with coconut sticky rice and tasty mango slices. Finish with a « Som Tam », a green papaya salad that has become a true national institution.

Thailand, famous for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture, is also packed with theme parks that promise unforgettable adventures for all the family. Whether you’re a fan of thrills, interactive experiences or breathtaking shows, these parks offer a multitude of captivating activities. From thrilling rollercoasters to exotic animal encounters and traditional shows, each park immerses you in a unique world. Get ready to explore these fun destinations where entertainment and wonder meet in the heart of Thailand!

• In Thailand, the temperature of the sea varies throughout the year between 28 and 30°. Children and adults alike can wander endlessly in the shallow warm waters of its many bays.

• Ranked in the first place among the top 10 of Thailand’s best beaches in 2019, Nai Harn and its warm waters delight surfers visiting the mountainous island of Phuket. On the same spot, there is also Yanui Beach, which is mostly visited by families with younger kids.

• To the northwest, not far from Bangkok, the so-called « royal coast » is home to the discreet beach of Ban Krut, very popular among families seeking tranquillity and healing.

• To the north-west of Koh Pha Ngan Atoll, we love Haad Salad Beach, which has a small coral reef that is a great snorkel spot.

• Relaxation time is not lacking on the sublime Choeng Mon Beach, a pleasant bay shaped like a crescent moon covered with golden sand.

• Surrounded by incredible limestone cliffs, Rai Leh Beach (Railay) is only accessible by boat. After swimming, adventurous people can visit and impregnate legends of the surprising « princess cave ». Its neighbouring, Phra Nang beach, is distinguished by the softness of its sand and emerald waters. Sports enthusiasts complete their trip with a kayak ride.
• Mom and Dad do not fail to provide their toddlers with beach shoes to avoid sea urchin stings, which sometimes hide in the coral.

 

The plane is the ideal option for families wishing to travel to Thailand from North to South. Domestic flights can save you valuable time, especially in reaching the southern islands. Ticket prices are rather cheap, provided you reserve them a few months beforehand. Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) serves the city of the same name. It is the main airport of the northern provinces. The Bangkok capital has two airports: the very recent Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and the Don Mueang Airport (DMK) reserved for internal flights and low cost. It is also possible to reach the islands by air through Phuket Airport (HKT) or Samui Airport (USM) serving the islands of the same name. The extreme south of the country is finally equipped Hat Yai Airport (HDY).

Train trips have something magical, but also fun for kids who love to watch the scenery unfold before their eyes. In Thailand, travelling by train is generally cheap but rather long. Trains run on average at 40km/h. More information in English or French

• Thailand has a tropical climate. The weather varies according to seasons and regions. The country faces a hot season, a rainy season, but also a dry season every year. However, in the northern mountains, it is generally cool, while in the southern islands, temperatures are less likely to fall.

• From November to February, we talk about a « dry and cool season ». A coolness, to say the least, since temperatures usually peak between 28°C and 34°C! During the night, the mercury sometimes drops below 0. Travelers praise the dry season as the best time to visit the whole country under a clear sky.

• Brief but intense, the hot season runs from March to mid-May. The thermometer rises and the heat reaches the limit of bearable for young children, especially in town.

• The rainy season, also known as the « green season », runs from June to October. As its name indicates, nature is visibly unfolding during this period. In general, the weather is sunny but you can expect heavy, unpredictable and brief storms during the day. It rains on average between 1 and 3 hours a day and usually at the end of the day. The green season peaks in September and ends in late October. 

• As we can imagine, the dry season, like the rainy season, is less abundant in the North than in the South of the country.

• Exotic destination means immunization notebook up to date! For Thailand, no vaccination is mandatory, but some vaccinations or updates are strongly recommended. The very complete the website of the Institut Pasteur details all the precautions to take before leaving.

• Avoid drinking tap water, prefer bottled water! It is found everywhere and at low cost, especially in the stalls of street vendors.

• There are many mosquitoes in Thailand, remember to bring effective mosquito repellents to protect your tribe.

• The local spices are full of surprises, as good as they are bad, especially for your little blond heads, unaccustomed to spicy cooking and whose stomach is fragile. Be careful about the choices of their catering and remember that the taste buds of children are more sensitive than those of adults. Pad Thai, fried rice skewers and grilled meat are usually less spicy!

• The tropical sun is sometimes deceptive for the whole family. The UV rays are virulent and the sun cream with the maximum protection index (SPF 50+) is essential for both children and adults. Do not forget the hats, sunglasses and anti-UV clothing of your young kids. Our articles on organic sun protection for babies, as well as our comparison of the best pairs of glasses for babies, will undoubtedly help you to make the best choice.

• To keep your bags safe, Mom and Dad check our travel checklists for babies of 1 day to 3 years old, toddlers from 3 to 6 years old and children from 6 to 12 years old: pyjamas, toys, band-aids, mosquito repellent, swimsuits, armbands, after-sun care… Everything is there!

• Finally, here are some basic expressions in Thai that can be of great service to you. First, the magic words: Hello: Sawat dii khrap [sa-wat-die-krap] (if you are a man) Sawat dii khaa [sa-wat-die-ka] (if you are a woman) and thanks Khop khoun khrap [kop-koun-krap] (if you are a man) Khop khoun khaa [kop-koun-ka] (if you are a woman). In the restaurant, Maï Pét [Mai Pét] (literally « not spicy ») and Maï Saï prik [Maï Saï prik] (without spice) can save your palate!