Thailand is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations for families. With the unparalleled natural beauty, rich culture, friendly people and high-quality amenities, Thailand is one of the best ways to explore the Far East with children. From some beauty spots not to miss, and some tips to help you have the best time possible, we’ve compiled a short guide to family holidays in the country.
Be prepared for attention
Thai people love children especially foreign children, and be prepared for your child to become a near celebrity while you’re there. You’ll find even the grumpiest looking local light up into beaming smiles when there are little ones around. While this is a great way to break the ice with the locals the attention might be too much for your children at times, especially in the busy urban area. Though by telling any friendly locals that your child is shy they should happily leave them be.
Be wary of food poisoning
The fastest way to a spoiled family trip is with a sick little one. Food poisoning is the single biggest cause of sickness when travelling abroad, but there are easy ways to avoid it. Make sure your children avoid ice as this can often be made from untreated tap water. Also be sure to avoid salads as you have no way of knowing what they were cleaned with. It is also wise to stay away from buffet-style food as well as street food, and be sure to only drink fizzy juice and water that came in a sealed bottle.
Choose Chang Mai over Bangkok
The Thai capital is one of the most beguiling cities in Asia, with its heady mix of bright lights, nightlife and Thai culture. But in truth this unique city can initially even be overpowering for adults, so your children might find its intense hustle and bustle too much. A perfect alternative is to visit the north city of Chaing Mai. With its compact size and laid back pace of life it makes an ideal alternative. It is also full of historical sites such as the famous golden temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to engage your children.
Visit Khao Sok Natural Park
There is no shortage of beautiful landscapes in the country, but one of the finest to visit is at the Khao Sok Natural Park. The mix of blue waters, dense greenery and stunning limestone karsts is sure to mesmerize your little ones and provide them with lifelong memories. The park is full of flora and fauna and the wildlife includes bears, tapirs, gibbons, elephants and even tigers!
Images by Stefan Magdalinski & Andrea Schaffer used under Creative Commons license
