Thailand with kids. Your ultimate guide to Thailand family travel

So you’re thinking of visiting Thailand with kids? Maybe you’re halfway through your research and have a head full of questions. I’ve been visiting Thailand on family holidays since my daughter was 2 and now she’s 13 it’s still our favourite destination. There’s so much to discover, stunning islands, vibrant cities and bucket loads of culture all for super cheap prices.

I always book and plan the whole trip myself, that way I know I’m getting the best deals and the perfect itinerary for my family. I know this can seem overwhelming at first but it really is all part of the fun. I’ll hopefully showcase what makes Thailand such a fantastic place for the whole family, things to do in Thailand and where to stay in Thailand with kids. I’ll also cover the more practical side of a visit to Thailand with kids such as how to get there, what to pack and how to stay safe. Read on to learn all my best advice on planning the perfect family trip to Thailand.

thailand family holiday

This post contains a lot of information. If there’s a particular section you’re interested in, you can jump to that part in the table of contents below.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you book through any of them at no extra cost to you. Thanks as always for your support.

How to plan a family trip to Thailand

Thailand family travel can feel overwhelming, it’s a huge country with a completely different culture, climate and way of life to what us Westerners are used to. Firstly, don’t worry, although it’s different, it’s very well set up for tourists and a huge part of the local economy. You will be welcomed all over the Country and it’s easy to find some home comforts for the kids.

Work out your dates and length of trip. Research which areas of Thailand are best for these dates. Check out the best deals for flights on Skyscanner but ook direct with the airline to give yourself a bit more protection. Have a look at hotels on Agoda which is great for accommodation is Asia or Booking if you want the security of free cancellation.

huge golden buddha statue sat crosslegged with a wheel behind his head. The photo is taken from below with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the back ground.

Make sure all your passports have at least 6 months remaining after the date of your return home. Check any visa requirements or vaccinations you might need (more on this further down) and get booked in. Get travel insurance for the whole family and take photocopies and photos on your phones of passports, travel documents and kids birth certificates if travelling with different surnames.

Work out when and for how long you can visit

Start with when you can visit and for how long. The “when” will probably dictate where in the country you want to stay. As a rough guide, Bangkok is a good place year round. It’s best to avoid the North such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai during burning season which is February – April when the air quality is some of the worst in the world. Thailand celebrates Songkran in the first couple of weeks of April which is a great festival, bringing a real party atmosphere. But if you don’t fancy get soaked by buckets and water pistols, you might want to avoid. Have a look at the table below for my monthly recommendations.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Bangkok🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Ko Tao🟥🟥🟨🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟨🟥
Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta🟩🟩🟩🟨🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟨🟩
Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai🟨🟥🟥🟥🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Pattaya, Ko Samet, Ko Chang, Ko Kut🟩🟩🟩🟨🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟨🟩
Cha-Am, Hua Hin🟥🟥🟨🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟨🟥
You know the drill – green means good to go, yellow is caution and red isn’t great.

The above is mainly based on the weather – my red blocks generally mean that it is rainy season. Don’t let it put you off completely. Tropical rain isn’t terrible rain, it doesn’t last long and costs can be way lower. Although it is highly likely you will get drenched at some points and boat trips are likely to be cancelled due to rough seas.

In terms of how long to spend in Thailand I recommend as long as possible! You’ll never run out of places to visit. Flights are pretty expensive but once you’re there accommodation and things to do are super cheap so best to get the most for your money.

If you’re really tight on time or combining a trip to Thailand with somewhere else then you can get a feel for the place in a week – a few days in Bangkok and a few days at the beaches. My recommendation would be two to three weeks. with a rough itinerary of Bangkok – The North – two beach destinations – back to Bangkok.

moored thai long boat at pig island thailand

How to get to Thailand

If you’re arriving from the West you’ll need to fly into Thailand. The easiest route is into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi with many airlines offering this route from all over the UK. You can fly direct from London to Bangkok which takes around 12 hours but most flights will include a short flight change somewhere in the Middle East. Qatar, Emirates, Virgin, BA and Eva Air fly from all major airports.

Direct flights from the US are few and far between plus the flight time is pretty intense at around 18 hours. It’s best to choose a flight with a break on the way for you to stretch your legs and breath some fresh (ish) airport air. These stops will likely be in Hong Kong, Tapai or Tokyo. All great cities to visit if you want to add a few nights to your itinerary.

Have a look at my post on long haul travel with kids for tips on how to cope with the flights and help the whole family with the jet lag.

piper quinn eating at a night market in phuket

Bangkok with kids is a great experience and it’s well worth spending a few days exploring before heading South to Thailands beaches. But if a city break isn’t for you, you can also fly into Phuket’s international airport.

Where to stay in Thailand with kids

I don’t think there in one “best family destination in Thailand”, to get a real feel for the country you’ll need to travel about a bit. As mentioned, I think everyone should spend time in Bangkok at least once and from there explore the rest of the country.

Bangkok

Being the capital of Thailand and a big, bustling city there are plenty of things to do in Bangkok with kids. The temples are stunning, the markets are super fun and the Bangkok family hotels are great value. There’s also a wealth of activities targeted to younger kids such as water parks, museums, theme parks and indoor play areas in the many shopping malls.

two black and white towers at wat arun in bangkok

The Islands

I’m sure part of the reason you want to visit Thailand with kids is to visit the stunning beaches and family friendly Thai islands in the South. These offer some of the best scenery in the world and a whole range of activities to suit all ages.

Phuket is the largest and most developed with a wealth of things to do. It’s easy to reach with it’s own international airport or by car over the bridge connecting the island to the mainland. There are loads of family friendly resorts in Phuket ranging for budget and basic to super luxurious. The beaches are breathtaking and it’s a great starting point for day trips to the surrounding islands.

deserted golden sand next to turquoise sea bordered by narrow trees with visible roots at Nai Yang, phuket

Koh Samui is another popular island for families. It’s well developed with a modern yet traditional feel. It’s slightly more expensive to reach than other beach areas of Thailand as it is only served by one airline but I think it’s well worth a visit. There are some amazing family hotels on Koh Samui and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.

Have a read of my post on Phuket or Koh Samui for families to decide which island will be best for you.

palm trees on a beutiful beach in koh samui

For more stunning beach locations with picture perfect views and relaxed vibes, Krabi is a great choice for kids. Offering brilliant hikes and boat trips to gorgeous Phang Nga Bay. Or you could try Khao Lak on the mainland just North of Phuket which has a more traditional feel and relaxed atmosphere.

Ao Nam Mao beach in Krabi at dusk. There are tables in the sand, cliffs in the background and boats moored in the shallow water

The North

If you’re looking for culture head to the North of Thailand. Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are fantastic cities to explore with kids. Whilst they don’t offer the beaches of the South, they have breathtaking temples, child friendly waterparks, expansive green spaces and super fun museums. Kids will definitely not get bored.

Blonde Mother Carrying Her Child In Knee Deep Mud In Paddy Field In Chiang Mai

Luxury family resorts in Thailand

One of the best things about travelling Thailand with kids is the great value accommodation you can find. 5 star hotels and resorts are incredibly low cost and you can easily find somewhere luxurious for the same price as a 3 star back home. Thailand is super child friendly so most resorts will have kids clubs or family friendly activities. Rooms also tend to be huge so can sleep a family with plenty of space.

limestone cliffs of krabi towering behind jagged shaped white buildings with black roofs and a pool on the ground

Luxury family friendly hotel brands to look out for include Anantara, Banyan Tree, Pullman, Four Seasons and Outrigger. All of which have stunning properties all over Thailand and are very family friendly.

Make sure you check out Tripadvisor for the most up to date reviews. You can filter the reviews to show those by families which offers up some great insights.

Things to do in Thailand with kids

There are so many things to do in Thailand with kids there is pretty much no chance of anyone getting bored. Thailand is obviously huge so child friendly activities will vary from place to place. The below is a general overview of how you might spend you time in Thailand with kids. You can dig a bit deeper when you’ve decided which areas you want to visit.

Beaches

The beaches in the South are our family’s favourite things to do. Whatever style of beach holiday your after, you’ll find it in Thailand. For busy, facility packed beaches with watersports beach clubs head to Phuket or Koh Samui. Or if you’re after deserted stretches of sand with tiny beach bars and soft sand, try Khao Lak or Koh Lanta.

white sand in front of turquoise sea of varying shades. bordered by the jungle at Taling Ngam

Temples

Thai temples are absolutely stunning. 95% of Thais identify as Buddhists and there are Wats (temples) all over the country. Although little kids may not feel particularly drawn to the religious significance of these buildings, they’ll love the many statues, glittery walls and mounds of gold. Bangkok is home to the most famous with Wat Arun being the prettiest. You can also find temples with huge Buddha statues on several of the islands. Wat Phra Yai in Koh Samui is an absolute must visit if you’re on the island. Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in the North of the country are probably the best places to head to for a great combination of Thai Culture and Tourist facilities.

wat arun black and white towers of the temple infront of a blue sky with white clouds

Shopping

Shopping is a big deal in Thailand and you can literally find whatever you want. The big cities have luxurious malls such as Iconsiam in Bangkok or Jungceylon in Patong. Many of these malls have kid friendly activities such as play areas, cinemas and even ice rinks. But don’t restrict yourselves to Mall, Thailand markets are fantastic places to visit with kids. They’re lively, offer fantastic value and often sell the best food in the area. Plus you can get your kids to try negotiating with stall holders, they love a good haggle! Try the Khao San Road in Bangkok or the fishermans village walking street in Koh Samui.

Read next: Shopping for kids in Bangkok

inside iconsiam shopping mall
Iconsiam Bangkok

Boat Rides

If you’re visiting popular beach resorts then I’m sure you’ll want to take various boat rides to explore deserted islands and tropical snorkelling. Basically in Thailand, anywhere there is a beach, there is an opportunity for a boat ride. They’re pretty much all gorgeous and kids will love flying through the waves. Just be warned, the speedboats can be noisy. Our favourite was from Koh Samui to Koh Mudsun to visit the pigs that live on the island. But there are heaps of other options. Koh Phi Phi, Maya Bay, James Bond Island and the Similan Islands are some of the most popular. Companies like Get Your Guide and Viator will let you prebook your boat trips so you can easily plan your itinerary.

During rainy season some boat trips won’t operate due to dangerous waves and not being able to dock. Make sure you can cancel your booking and never take a boat trip in dangerous weather.

piper quinn looking extremely happy on a thail long boat wearing an orange life jacket

Hiking

Depending on the age of your kids and how well you’re all coping with the heat, a jungle hike is a great way to spend time in Thailand. Thailand is home to almost 150 National Parks, many of which offer excellent hiking options of all lengths and difficulties. Most kids will love a short hike for a dip in a waterfall or navigating treacherous bridges surrounded by monkeys. If you’re staying in Koh Samui then try the short hike out to waterfall one in the middle of the island. For those staying in Krabi, the Monkey Trail is super fun although the path is perhaps a bit too tricky for toddlers.

monkey jumping into the sea from a bamboo path

The best Thai food for kids

Thai food is amazing and menus are always extensive offering something to suit the whole family. You do need to be aware however that some Thai dishes are known for their spiciness so probably not suitable for kids.

Dishes such as chicken satay, Pad Thai, spring rolls and vegetable fried rice are my go to dishes when travelling to Thailand with kids. And of course to finish …. most kids will love a plate of mango sticky rice. You can easily introduce these flavours to the kids before you leave by cooking your own.

plate of thai spring rolls

Western options

If your kids are struggling with Thai food, many restaurants in Thailand offer western dishes that kids will recognise from home. You can normally find spaghetti bolognaise, burgers and pizzas with high end and hotel restaurants offering even more choice. In most of the big cities and shopping malls you’ll find specific non-Thai themed restaurants restaurants and can get everything from Italian to Greek to US burger bars. All tourist areas will have a Macdonalds, burger King, Pizza Hut or KFC. Often all four! 7-Eleven’s are another great place for some kid friendly comfort food. They sell crisps, chocolate and the most amazing toasted cheese sandwiches you’ll find.

Street Food

Don’t be afraid of the street food in Thailand. It’s one of the cheapest and tastiest ways to eat. You’ll find street food stalls all over on the sides of roads, beaches and outside hotels. We tend to eat at the street food markets which always have a wide selection. Plus there are normally places to sit and rub shoulders with the locals. Child friendly options include fried potato skewers, barbecued corn, spring rolls and sweet pancakes are all good options for kids.

ten year old Piper Quinn eating a pancake with nutella off a napkin from a street food seller

Shopping for kids in Thailand

You don’t have to worry too much about forgetting something when travelling to Thailand with kids, you can buy most things over there. The only caveat being that if you’re headed somewhere remote as soon as you land, you probably won’t come across any large department stores.

Markets

My daughter loves shopping in the markets for low cost T shirts and bracelets for her friends. She also loves trawling the knock off trainer stalls, commenting on the quality. You can find outfits, sunglasses and accessories incredibly cheaply although they might not be the best quality. Make sure you negotiate a bit the price stated is never the actual price.

piper quinn shopping for trainers in Patong

High End Malls

It may be Thailand but they do still have authentic designer stores. These are mainly found in Bangkok, Siam Paragon and Iconsiam are good. We also found one in Patong although they are less common out of the cities. Prices will be comparable or even higher than those at home.

luxurious exterior of the IsonSiam Bangkok shopping mall taken from the river

Shopping centres

For a happy medium between designer and knock off, Thailand has some brilliant mid range shopping malls. All will have a few kids clothing stores and places to buy toys, book etc. Asiatique in Bangkok is one of my favourite places for toys, also any branch of Kids Planet or MBK for kids clothes. Some Malls will have shops you recognise such as Havianas, American Eagle and even Marks and Spencers.

father and daughter staning under a pretty light trail at asiatique bangkok

Shopping for essentials in Thailand

7-Eleven is your best friend for all those essentials you may have forgotten to bring. They sell toiletries, sun cream, mosquito repellent and drinks and snacks. They may not always stock the brands you like but we always find the local brands to be pretty good. There are also several Boots Pharmacies dotted around Thailand which always have great brands and any make up you may have forgotten.

Whilst I recommend 7-Eleven as they seem to be on every street corner, Family Mart and Tesco Lotus also sell everything mentioned above.

7-eleven shop front in khao lak

Shopping for baby essentials in Thailand

I do recommend packing plenty of nappies and baby formula if you’re visiting Thailand with a baby. But don’t worry too much about it, you can buy these from most 7-Elevens which you’ll find all over. If your baby is fussy and only drinks a certain brand of formula, bring a supply to cover you. There’s no guarantee you’ll find a specific brand.

You can also buy baby safe medicine from most Thai pharmacies but again, it’s best to have your baby first aid kit packed so you don’t have to worry about finding a pharmacy or understanding a pharmacist.

If your baby is starting on solid food you can get bananas from street food stalls, mango and sticky rice almost everywhere, boiled eggs in 7-Eleven and rice cakes and bread sticks in grocery stores.

Getting around Thailand with kids

Getting around the tourist hotspots of Thailand is fairly easy and good value. You can get low cost flights to the North, Phuket and Koh Samui several times a day. There are also overnight trains North to Chang Mai and South to Surat Thani which is then a short ferry ride to Koh Samui. Ferries to the islands are also regular and cheap but they are a little more complex to navigate with all the baby equipment. There is limited local public transport outside of Bangkok but Songthaews, Taxis and Grab cars are pretty cheap and plentiful.

row of red songthaew taxi in bangkok

I always use the website 12 Go to research travel times and book tickets to get around Thailand. I research cheap internal flight options on Skyscanner. We also hire a car when we know we’ll be staying somewhere for more than a few days. The main roads through Thailand are pretty good although you will have to deal with the many motorbikes and erratic traffic which are seemingly everywhere.

Getting into the centre of Bangkok can be a nightmare due to the seemingly endless traffic around the centre. If you are just transitioning through Bangkok or have an early flight then a night at one of the airport hotels is a good idea. We loved the Amaranth Suvarnabhumi hotel near Suvarnabhumi airport.

The public transport system in Bangkok is excellent the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway trains connect you easily and cheaply to most parts of the city. The rest can be reached by the tourist boat along the Chao Phraya River.

day ticket for the Chao Phraya tourist boat

What to pack for a family trip to Thailand

Firstly laundry services all over Thailand are super cheap and very quick. I promise you you do not need to take as many clothes as you think you do. The vibe pretty much everywhere is very chill. There are only a few rooftop bars and beach clubs that require smarter dress so pack for comfort rather than glamour. That said, throw in a few of your favourite pieces for when you feel like getting fancy.

Long sleeve shirts and light trousers are ideal to protect you and the kids from the sun and mosquitoes. Just make sure they’re a light material to keep you cool. You will all probably be in and out of the hotel pool several times a day so plenty of swimwear and rash vests are a must. Hiking sandals are a good idea for the days you’re out exploring as are water shoes as the sea bed can be rocky. Flip Flops or crocs are good for days at the hotel or beach.

piper quinn stood on a large boulder on a beach wearing a white t shirt

A packable waterproof layer is recommended it you’re visiting Thailand during Rainy Season but you can leave big coats and jumpers at home. You really won’t need them. Although my daughter always insists on a few of her favourite hoodies which keep her warm on flights and can also be used as a pillow during travel days.

If you can fit it in your case, bring plenty of suncream. Especially if your kids (or you) are allergic to any ingredients. Buying it in Thailand can be very expensive. This is the same for aftersun.

For Babies

If you’re packing for a trip to Thailand with a baby pack a foldable changing mat. Changing tables are very rare in Thai restaurants and attractions so best to come prepared.

Medication

Don’t forget any prescription medicine and have a small kids first aid kit with child friendly painkiller, allergy medicine, plasters, medical tape, Dioralyte and bite relief.

Electronics

I always travel with a few extra power banks so I can keep all our devices charged and to make sure I can navigate during travel days. Travel adapters with USB portsand plenty of charging cables are a must to keep everyone happy and fully connected. My daughter now only brings her iPad which she uses to read books and watch netflix but we also used to travel with her Nintendo Switch. Plus waterproof phone cases for boat trips and a pack of UNO and cards for nights on the balcony or days around the pool.

If you’re going to be travelling by ferry a lot then I recommend backpacks rather than suitcases as they are easier to lug on and off the boats.

Is Thailand safe for families?

Thai people are incredibly friendly and crime rates are low. They look out for each other, especially kids. Safety issues you mainly need to consider when your visiting with kids are mainly environmental.

The Sea

As mentioned, you’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach in Thailand. Whilst I don’t want you to put you off taking your kids for a swim in the sea there are a few things you need to do to keep everyone safe. Waves and currents can be very strong, especially during rainy season. Popular beaches will have life guards. If you see a red beach on the sand it means that it is not safe to swim at all.

Jellyfish encounters are also likely in Thailand. If you see one avoid it, even if you think it is dead. Most will just deliver a nettle like sting but some can be lethal. Rashguards or wetsuits for kids can help protect you. If you do get stung, head straight for the nearest lifeguard station or pharmacy.

piper quinn wearing a life jacket on a speed boat

You also need to be very careful when taking boat rides. Never get on a boat if the weather is bad or if they don’t give you and the kids life vests. Always wear these when onboard even if you are a strong swimmer.

The Weather

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate. Rainy season can mean heavy storms and occasional localised flooding. The rest of the time it can be very hot so it’s important to protect the whole family from sunburn, heatstroke and dehydration. Wear long clothes (sleeves and trousers) hats and slather on the SPF. Stay in the shade as much as possible and drink way more water than you normally would at home.

Mother And Daughter Watching The Rain On The Khao San Road, Bangkok

The Roads

At least 20,000 people die on Thailand’s roads each year. I cannot stress enough that you need to stay very vigilant when travelling on or walking across the roads. There’s traffic, motorbikes, mopeds and many overloaded vehicles. Whilst there are rules, they are not always adhered to. I’ve seen moped drive down pavements to weave through traffic and dangerous overtaking on blind bends. Even if your kids have good road safety at home, always keep a hold of them near roads in Thailand.

We often hire rental cars and have never had any problems, just be very careful and aware. Don’t feel pressurised to drive fast, allow people to overtake you. If you are in a taxi that you feel is going too fast, ask them to slow down or stop and get out.

I don’t ever recommend hiring a motorbike or scooter with kids in Thailand.

dogs on the back of a songthaew

Most taxis do not have child seats so if required you will either need to bring your own or hire one in Thailand from a car hire service or baby rental facility.

The Food

Thai food is amazing, especially the street food but stomach upsets are regularly reported. The street food stalls are generally clean and hygienic. To be extra safe order from stalls that seem popular with the Thai locals, don’t be tempted by the absence of queues. Order food that is cooked fresh to order in front of you and if it’s not piping hot, take it back. Make sure you have hand sanitiser and use it regularly.

street food market in lamai

Do not drink tap water in Thailand. We even brush our teeth with bottled water. Ice from most places tends to be ok but if you’re nervous, just avoid it. Always use bottled water for cleaning babies bottles and soothers. Even if you are going to boil it, it’s best to be safe rather than sorry.

Thailand with young kids and babies

Thais LOVE babies, they may want to hold yours, touch them, talk to you about them. This is normal, they are not trying to steal them but if you feel uncomfortable just say NO or ask them to stop. It can actually give parents a nice break when you’re sitting down to grab dinner.

Travel With Kids Piper Whine With Braided Hair In Thailand

Most five star hotels will have baby friendly amenities such as high chairs, black out blinds, cots and playgrounds. But you may struggle to find these elsewhere. Yes you will often be stuck with a baby on your lap whilst you’re eating your dinner.

How to prepare for a family trip to Thailand

Whilst undoubtedly amazing, Thailand is a completely different world to what your kids will be used to. It’s a good idea to pre warn them about a few things so they know what to expect on arrival.

The heat

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate which means it’s pretty hot year round. This can be almost unbearably so during hot season. Talk to your kids about staying hydrated, sun cream, staying in the shade and taking it easy. Heatstroke can easily ruin a family holiday. Consider buying a couple of neck fans to keep the kids cool and avoid the hottest parts of the day – save your hiking and Muay Thai lessons for first thing in the morning.

two thai men from behind pulling up the anchor of a boat at the end of a trip to the khai islands

The smells

There’s nothing quite like the smell of the Thailands streets, Bangkok is especially pungent. I don’t even know how to begin to describe it. It’s sewers, food, fumes and goodness knows what else. It’s not everywhere, get out to the coast and it’s a lot easier on the nose. Trust me, after a few days you won’t even notice but a dab of tiger balm under the nose definitely helps. 

The people

Thai people are super friendly, they are incredibly kind and incredibly inquisitive. They absolutely love children. As with many other Asian countries they may want to touch or take photos with Western children. Whilst this is definitely non threatening, it can feel strange or even a bit scary to Western children who are used to their own personal space. Do not feel rude asking someone to stop, tey wont be offended. And tell the kids to say no, if they don’t want a picture taken, they don’t have to.

Piper Quinn Having Har Photo Taken With A Chinese Family In A Pretty Garden Setting

The jet lag

I’m not going to lie, it’s a killer. You can try to reduce the impact by taking an overnight flight, getting sunlight on your arrival in Thailand. Try to eat and sleep in line with your new timezone. And drink as much water as possible. My blog on long haul travel with kids has lots more advice.

The traffic

It’s so important I’ve mentioned it twice! Yes the traffic in Thailand can be awful, especially in cities and built up tourist hot spots. Even if your kids have good road safety skills at home, it’s just different in Thailand. Make sure they know not to cross roads without holding your hands (even older kids should follow this rule) and to always look for mopeds, tuk tuks and scooters, not just cars.

heavy traffic in Patong

Thai words to learn before your trip

It’s always a good idea to learn a few Thai words before you arrive, the locals will really appreciate it and it doesn’t matter if you get the pronunciation wrong! Don’t worry about becoming fluent, English is taught in Thai schools so most people will be able to help you. Road signs (and other pieces of information) are mainly in both Thai and English.

In the Thai language females end sentences with the word ka/kap and males with Khrup/krap.

HELLO – Sa Wat Dee ka/khrup – pronounced sa-wat-dee ka/khrup. Teach the kids this one and you’ll be met with nothing but smiles!

THANK YOU – Kawp Koon ka/khrup – pronounced kop-koon ka/khrup. Accompany this with the “Wai” which is small bow.

NO – Mai Chai – pronounced my-chai. This is a good one to know for any hagglers in the markets or over enthusiastic taxi drivers.

TOO EXPENSIVE – Phaeng Mark Pai – pronounced feng-mak-pie. Definitely one you’ll need for market days.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand

The tourist visa system in Thailand means most people will not need a visa to visit as long as their stay is under 45 days. It’s always worth double checking on the Thai Embassy website before you travel.

Vaccinations for Thailand for kids

Firstly please make sure you consult your GP at least three months before travelling overseas. They will have the most up to date information about health issues and potential vaccinations needed. Generally vaccinations are not needed and unless you’re visiting from a country with a recent yellow fever outbreak there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter the Country.

I always find the NHS website Fit For Travel really helpful to research what we may need. Also checking the risk for malaria, there is no risk in the usual tourist destinations in Thailand but if you are visiting areas around the international borders you might want to consider anti malarials. Covering skin and using mosquito spray is a good idea wherever you are in the country.

view of phang na bay with islets jutting out of the turquoise sea

Thai emergency numbers

Whilst you’re unlikely to need them and your hotel will of course help you with any problems that arise it’s a good idea to memorise the following numbers:

Tourist Police – 1155

Emergency Police – 191

Ambulance – 1554

British Embassy – 02 305 8333

USA Embassy – 02 205 4000

Kids Books to read before your trip to Thailand

There are plenty of kids books available to get you excited about your visit. You could even take a couple on the flight with you if your little ones like a story to settle them. Aya & Bobby Discover Thailand is a great picture book to help prepare younger kids for their visit to Thailand. B is for Bangkok follows a day in the life of a Thai Child. For older readers have a look at Bangkok Wakes to Rain or try The Glass Kingdom which is set in the city. If you’re after some non-fiction informational guides then you can’t go wrong with Lonely Planets guide to Bangkok.

I’ve covered a lot in this Thailand family travel guide so feel free to either bookmark this page or Pin this post to Pinterest to help you with all your research.