Thailand With Kids – In-Depth Travel Guide 2026

If you’re travelling to Thailand with kids in 2026 this article will tell you everything you to know to plan an amazing trip. We have both lived in Thailand with our kids and visited many times over the years. We love Thailand so much we can’t stop coming back! It really is one of the BEST countries in the world for family travel!

There are some challenges if you are planning to travel Thailand with kids. Also there are certain things that you need to know in order to plan and prepare for your trip to Thailand with kids. We have traveled Thailand extensively with two young kids and we are very excited to share our experience and advice with you to enable you to have an awesome trip in Thailand with kids.

Overall Thailand is a wonderful destination for a family holiday. If you’re travelling to Thailand with kids you will find incredible activities, amazing food, and warm welcoming hospitality from the locals. 

Don’t miss our epic guide on THE BEST things to do in Thailand with kids.

Where should you go in Thailand? Find out more about the best family destinations in Thailand

You may also be interested in our guide to Travelling Thailand with a baby

Why travel Thailand with kids?

Thailand really is one of THE BEST countries in the world for family travel (and we have travelled to over 70 countries – many with our kids). Here are some of the main reasons we love Thailand for family travel:

• Affordable – once you get to Thailand it is great value for money. You can afford to splash out a lot in Thailand
• Beautiful – Thailand is packed with natural beauty and wildlife
• Adventurous – There are plenty of adventurous things to do in Thailand for active families
• Varied – Thailand has a wide range of climates and locations to offer – there really is something for every type of traveller
• Easy to travel – Thailand is very well set up for tourism, transportation is simple, affordable & easy. English is widely spoken. There are plenty of laundrettes and food is amazing and readily available.
• Friendly – Thailand has a warm & friendly culture and they are particularly lovely with families. Thai locals are always quick to help. Many times waitresses gave our baby a cuddle whilst we ate.
• Safe – Thailand is a relatively safe and stable country. Crime is pretty low and scams are becoming less common. Families are also less likely to be the targets of scams in Thailand.

The best activities in Thailand with kids

Here is a selection of some of our TOP PICK things to do in Thailand with kids:

• Visit Koh Phangan – there are a lot of great things to do in Koh Phangan with kids (this is an increasingly popular spot for families!)
• Take an island hopping tour of the Phang Nga bay marine park near Phuket. 
• Visit the Bluetree water park and Adventure Village in Phuket. 
• Learn to surf at Kata bay in Phuket. 
• For families with older kids try rock climbing at Tonsai and Railay in Krabi. Also don’t miss the Emerald Pool in Krabi – perfect for adventurous families.
• Take a snorkelling day trip in Koh Tao – they even have slides on the boats.
• If you are in Bangkok you can find a water park on the rooftop of a shopping mall! Bangkok is great with toddlers and younger kids. Also don’t miss the Discovery Museum in Bangkok (it’s EPIC and FREE)
• Many of the big cities have Kidzoona indoor soft play – these are creative play spaces which are ideal for kids from 2 – 12 years old
• If you are travelling to Chiang Mai, check out the Hidden Village dinosaur park
• There are loads of amazing things to do in Chiang Mai with kids, check out the organic ginger Farm or take a horse and cart tour of the Wiang Kum Kam temple complex. Definitely don’t miss Sticky Waterfall
• Near Chiang Mai you can visit the Pong Yang Adventure Park with ziplines, high ropes and a jungle roller coaster (great for teens)
• Don’t miss the amazing Grand Canyon waterpark in Chiang Mai – perfect for adventurous families (especially teens!)
• Make sure you take a visit to the sticky waterfall. Kids will love this amazing unique place near Chiang Mai. 
• For animal lovers check out the Chai Lai Orchid elephant hotel in North Thailand
• Visit the Tham Lod cave near Pai – very memorable experience for kids

What are the best areas in Thailand for families?

There are MANY amazing places to stay in Thailand for families. Here are our 4 top pick places:

Phuket: Very family friendly, loads of hotels, beaches, shops & restaurants. Well connected to the rest of Thailand and lots of great tours and activities. Phuket can be expensive and feels touristy in places.

Koh Phangan: A more chilled hippy vibe. Lots of custom-designed play places. Lovely beaches and some restaurants and cafes serve a more family friendly western menu.

Bangkok: Packed with cosmo, malls, shops, restaurants & cafes. Also plenty of kids play places to such as Kidzoona and the Bangkok Discovery museum. Some very impressive parks too. Plenty of temples to explore – great for older kids.

Chiang Mai: Amazing location for families. Cooler than the south. Very cheap and lovely culture. Plenty of cafes and restaurants too. And loads of family friendly activities – especially good for teens and older kids!

What are activities like in Thailand for families with kids?

The great news as there are lots of family-friendly activities for kids all around Thailand. We recommend selecting your destination carefully based on your goals and needs as a family. For example, if you have active, adventurous teenage kids we recommend a holiday in North Thailand. The area around Chiang Mai has loads of activities for kids.

Jungle treks, waterfall, elephant sanctuaries, and they even have a theme park with a jungle roller coaster (Pong Yang Adventure Park). North Thailand is a perfect travel destination for a family with adventurous kids and especially good for families with older kids. Don’t miss our itinerary for Chiang Mai.

If you are looking for a more classic family holiday in Thailand with kids, consider Phuket. Phuket is an amazing location for families because of the range of activities such as play spaces, waterparks, beaches and of course there are plenty of great food options especially Western places. The main disadvantage of Phuket is the fact that it is very popular and quite busy. Don’t miss our Phuket holiday itinerary.

If you are looking for somewhere more relaxed and laid back consider a family holiday in Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is a very beautiful and peaceful Island in the south of Thailand. It does have some Western food options and also some coffee shops however it is much less developed than Koh Samui and Phuket. We really enjoyed our time in Koh Phangan and found the balance between developed comfort and rural beauty to be very enjoyable as a family. There is also an abundance of healthy tasty fresh local food available in Koh Phangan.

What kind of things can you buy for kids in Thailand?

Thailand has many convenience stores. The most common type of Convenience store is the Seven eleven. But you can also find large supermarkets such as Tesco Lotus. Small convenience stores like Seven Eleven will sell a range of useful things for families who are travelling Thailand with kids. You can find things like kids shampoo, nappies, formula, and healthy tasty snacks which are packaged and not spicy!

Large supermarkets also sell a wide range of things that are useful to families with kids. For example, you can find a bigger range of products like branded nappies, baby shampoos, snacks and drinks for kids. Prices of products for kids in Thailand are on the high side.

Formula (baby milk powder) can also be quite expensive, costing 300-400 baht for a box (£6 – £8 or $8 – $10). You also need to be aware that you may not find the same brands and quality that you are used to in your home country. So if you are travelling Thailand with kids for a short holiday, we recommend bringing products from home that are useful to you. Also bring a back up pack uncase you spill or lose formula. Always keep the bag well sealed to keep insects away (the ants can be very determined in Thailand!)

Can you buy nappies in Thailand?

Yes – if you’re travelling Thailand with a baby you can indeed buy nappies – literally everywhere including the small remote islands (as long as there is a 7 eleven there are nappies!)

Nappies are also relatively affordable. For example, a small bag of nappies may cost between 70 and 100 baht (£1.40 – £2.00 or $2 – $2.50) The Baby Love brand is affordable and we were impressed with the quality. It is worth noting that nappies are generally Pull-up Pants style in Thailand – even for tiny babies! This takes a little getting used to.

Here is a super-clever savvy insider tip if you’re travelling Thailand with a Baby and you need a BIGGER pack of nappies. Pop in to your nearest 7 Eleven Store (they are literally ALL over Thailand). Ask at the counter if they have any special offers for online nappy orders (big packs). They can order for you then just pay at the till and keep the receipt. You should be able to pick up nappies within a day or two (same 7 Eleven store). This works even on the more remote islands AND it is one of cheapest way to get nappies in Thailand.

For more clever Thailand travel tips – Don’t miss our EPIC GUIDE on How to travel Thailand on a budget

Can you find baby changing rooms in Thailand? 

You can find baby changing rooms in Thailand in some places. For example, you often find baby changing rooms with changing mats and sinks available in larger malls and shopping centres. Some upmarket restaurants and cafes or coffee shops may also have toilets with baby changing facilities. In some very rare cases you can find toilets that actually have special kids seats and small toilets for little ones.

What is food like if you are travelling Thailand with kids? 

Thailand has a reputation for amazing, tasty, healthy food. However, many of the Thai street food dishes are quite spicy. Even if you order food requesting no spice, it may still come with a lot of spice in it. We found that when we asked for food for a baby and said that we didn’t want it to be spicy, the locals generally understood and made it less spicy. They do seem to understand that young children cannot eat spice. However, it is likely that children will still find the Thai food unusual, unfamiliar and strange. So it’s always worth planning and preparing to find food that’s good for kids to eat in Thailand.

One way to find kid friendly food in Thailand is to go to convenience stores like Seven eleven. In Seven Eleven shops you will find food like packaged bread, rice dishes like sushi, snacks like nuts and dried fruit, crisps, biscuits and crackers. In some Seven Eleven stores they also have a fresh bakery section.

If you are travelling Thailand with kids and you are on a small budget, another way to find good kid friendly food is to order rice and egg or rice and omelet at streetside cafes. This will typically Cost around 30 to 50 baht. The advantage of eating this way is that it is healthy and not too expensive. Also rice with egg or with an omelette will not be spicy and will be fairly familiar to kids.

Another great way to keep kids healthy in Thailand is to buy lots of lovely fresh fruit. Fresh fruit is available widely around Thailand and you can often buy it at streatside stalls and markets. Fruit stores typically have a wide range of fruit including bananas, oranges, mango, papaya, pineapple and fresh coconuts.

If you are on holiday in Thailand with kids, another way to find kid friendly food is to watch out for Western food places. Most of the popular tourist destinations in Thailand have plenty of Western options for food. This is especially true in places like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, large cities, and the islands in the south of Thailand such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Western food in Thailand is generally a bit more expensive. Western food dishes normally cost around 150 baht or more.

There is normally a wide range of Western food available, such as burgers, pastas, Middle Eastern food and pizza. In most places you can find Western brand restaurants such as McDonald and Pizza Hut. If you are struggling to find Western food places we recommend trying to find large shopping malls. Alternatively look out for Tesco Lotus stores, where you will often find restaurant chains in the same complex. 

Top tip: It is rare to find baby chairs in Thailand. Even in western restaurants and cafes you will often asked for a baby chair and they will say they do not have one. It is possible to buy portable baby chairs for travel, but these can be expensive and a little bit bulky. You may need to get used to not having one.

What are family hotels like in Thailand?

Most places around Thailand have a very good range of accommodation. Whatever your budget is, it is likely that you will be able to find something that is reasonably comfortable for you and your family. However you do need to be aware that you may have to compromise on certain aspects of your accommodation, especially if you are travelling on a budget with your family. For example some hotels and guesthouses may not have cots available. In other situations you may need to share beds or your kids may need to share a bed in order to fit in a room that is within your budget range.

If you are looking for a very comfortable and nice experience, we recommend looking at 4 star hotel or a 5 star hotel, especially if they have good ratings for family groups. It is important to consider having a room with air conditioning if you are in Thailand with kids. It can’t be a very big adjustment for children to get used to the hot and humid climate in Thailand. Some of the more comfortable luxurious hotels will have additional services and facilities available to families. For example, they may offer babysitting services, environmental control in rooms, blackout blinds, in the restaurants they may also have things like baby chairs and kids menus. Some of the bigger hotels and resorts may also offer services like holiday clubs and kids activities.

Here are a few amazing family hotels in different locations around Thailand:

• In Phuket don’t miss the amazing Ozo Hotel at Kata Bay (also the perfect spot for surfing)
• In Chiang Mai don’t miss the impressive Shangri La Hotel (luxurious family hotel)
• In Pai check out the Oia Pai Kayaking hotel
• Near Chiang Mai don’t miss the Chai Lai Orchid elephant hotel (remote but amazing!)
• If you’re staying in Koh Tao don’t miss the amazing Paradise Zone family suite with a hot tub

A few common hotel challenges for families in Thailand

Thailand does offer som outstanding family hotels. Especially at the luxury end the facilities, amenities and safety is amazing. But at the cheap end you need to be aware of some potential risks and challenges (especially if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler)

• Windows may have broken latches or locks (if you have a curious climbing tot always check the windows – especially if you’re high up in a building)
• Always supervise kids carefully on hotel grounds – there are snakes in Thailand and they can find their way on to hotel grounds from time to time (don’t have nightmares about this! We have lived in Thailand for a long time and rarely see snakes. Just be vigilant, that’s all)
• Be aware of tile floors – many budget hotels have tile floors – this can be risky for babies and tumbling tots
• Some hotels have stairs and baby gates are rare – be aware of this when you open your door
• Many hotels in Thailand have outdoor swimming pools. If your kids are no swimmers make sure they are aware of the pool and supervise them carefully on the hotel grounds
• Hotels in Thailand rarely have baths – so consider how you will wash your kids (it can be a little tricky to shower a baby or young toddler if you haven’t practiced!)

Getting around Thailand with kids

What is the best way to do long distance journeys in Thailand with kids?

There are various ways to travel between towns and cities in Thailand. The cheapest way to get around Thailand with kids is to take a bus. However long-distance bus journeys are not particularly comfortable or enjoyable even if you are doing them without kids. Thailand does have some night buses with seats that recline quite far back and they’re pretty spacious. However we would not recommend a journey on a night but with kids unless your kids are much older. Another way to travel around Thailand is to use the trains. The night trains are actually surprisingly comfortable.

If you take a first-class night train you will be given a private lockable cabin and two beds. The are also air conditioned. One thing to be aware of if you are taking a night train in Thailand with kids, is they do not have any food options on the train. Make sure you are prepared before the journey with plenty of snacks, drinks and sufficient food for you and your family.

Overall this is probably our favourite way to travel around Thailand with kids. However, if you only have a short trip in Thailand and you are hoping to travel around the country, the other option is to take a domestic flight. There are plenty of domestic flights connecting the main cities in Thailand and they are also not too expensive. Domestic flights are pretty regular, convenient and a very good way to get around Thailand with kids, especially if your time is limited. 

What are the best ways to make local journeys in Thailand with kids? 

1 Taxis

The best way to get around on small local journeys in Thailand with kids, is to use a taxi or car rental. The cheapest way to find taxis in Thailand is using app called Bolt. There is also an app called Grab, but grab is a little bit more expensive than Bolt. Expect to pay around 50 baht for a short local journey using a taxi app in Thailand. If you are travelling a little further it may cost you around 200 baht  up to about 500 baht. Taxis are readily available and pretty cheap.

Taxis are a convenient way of getting around small local journeys in Thailand with kids. Be aware, however, taxis do not generally have baby seats or booster seats available. So if you are using a taxi in Thailand with kids and you need a booster seat or baby seat, you will need to find a way to arrange a special service. The best way to do this is to speak to your Resort or hotel for help.

2 Rent a car

Another way to get around Thailand with kids is to rent a car. Most towns and cities in Thailand have car rental shops. Car rental price and availability depends massively on the location and season. If you are very keen to travel around Thailand with a car, we recommend making sure you arrange your rental in advance. Car rental anything between 500 and 1000 baht per day depending on the car location and season.

It is very important to recognise that you need to be appropriately qualified and insured to drive in Thailand. Obtain an international licence if possible. Furthermore, car rental places will often ask for a deposit which can be up to 5,000 baht in cash. They may also ask for deposit such as identification. Some car rental companies may ask you to leave a passport with them. We do not generally recommend this because it is important to travel with your passport in Thailand. 

3 Tuk Tuks

Another way to get around in Thailand with kids is by using small vehicles called tuk tuks. These small vehicles are pulled around by a motorbike. Tuk-tuks are very common in Bangkok. They tend to be a little bit more expensive than taxis in Thailand. You can often find small shared buses in Thailand too, these are called songthaews. These small shaired buses are generally very cheap and excellent for local journeys. You can find a lot of these around Chiang Mai. A short journey in a Songthaew in Thailand should cost around 20 or 30 Baht. Always check before you get on!

4 Rent a motorbike

The cheapest way to get around in Thailand for short local journeys is to use a rented motorbike. You can find motorbike rental for around 100 – 150 baht. It is very easy to find many bike rental places around, especially in tourist areas. If you plan to do a longer rental you can normally negotiate a better rental cost. Although you are allowed to share a bike with kids in Thailand, this is the best way to get around Thailand with kids due to safety concerns. Some families do choose to use motorbike rental to get around with kids, however, this is risky.

Some of the main safety concerns of using a motorbike to get around Thailand with kids is other road users. This is especially true when foreigners are using the road and do not understand the conventions and systems of road usage in Thailand. Also, bikes are more vulnerable on the road, and many roads have bumps and potholes. Be aware of sand and grit which can make Road surfaces slippery. Many bike rental places will include bike helmets with bike rental and they can often include small sizes for children. However, we do not recommend bike rental as a good way to get around Thailand with kids due to the safety concerns we have mentioned.

Is Thailand safe to travel with kids?

1 Ocean risks

If you are travelling Thailand with kids it is worth being aware of a range of risks. Here are a few things to help you plan. Firstly if you are planning to visit a beach destination, it is very important to be aware of unique risks in Thailand. For example, in certain areas of Thailand, there are some very dangerous venomous jellyfish around (e.g. box jellyfish and Portuguese Man O’war). It is very important to consider the risk of encountering jellyfish before you go in the water in Thailand with kids. One way to reduce the risk is to talk to local hotels and resorts about the frequency of jellyfish in counters in the area. 

Some places may have jellyfish nets. We also recommend considering the season that you are swimming. In general there is a higher risk of encountering a jellyfish in the rainy season or during periods of wet weather. Jellyfish are also more common at cooler times of the day such as early morning or late afternoon and into the evening. It is also very important to know what to do if you or a family member is stung by a jellyfish. The general advice is to find vinegar as quickly as possible and wash the affected area with vinegar.

The advice is also to you something like a firm credit card remove any barbs from the jellyfish wound. You should also notify the emergency services as quickly as possible and make sure the person gets to hospital as soon as possible. Another risk in the waters in Thailand are strong currents and waves. Again this depends on season, certain locations are prone to strong rip currents and large waves. Many beaches are patrolled by lifeguards however this is no guarantee of safety on the beach. In some places they may use red flags to indicate that the water is not safe for bathing, paddling or swimming. 

2 Climatic risks

Another risk in Thailand is the heat. Thailand is a topical climate and the temperature and humidity is very high on average. During the day the temperature can reach 35 -40 degrees Celsius. The sun in Thailand can be very intense and hot, especially around midday. It is important to drink plenty of water and make sure you have sufficient sun protection in Thailand. We recommend a high Factor sunscreen SPF 50 is ideal. It is worth staying in the shade or staying indoors during the hottest time of the day.

3 Snakes and insects

If you plan to trek in the jungles of Thailand you also need to be aware of the risk of dangerous animals. In particular, be aware that there are venomous animals like snakes and venomous insects in the jungles of Thailand.

4 Tropical diseases

And finally, if we haven’t scared you off already! You also need to consider the risk of tropical diseases in Thailand. Malaria is a risk and some areas so we recommend considering antimalarial medication. We would also encourage you to look at the Nathnac website to find out about other risks and diseases and medical precautions for Thailand. The standard of healthcare in Thailand is actually pretty good. In larger cities like Bangkok,Phuket city and Chiang Mai, you will find large international hospitals offering an international standard of healthcare. As ever, make sure you and your family are fully insured for your trip. In Thailand you can also find lots of small Pharmacies offering a range of over the counter medication for very reasonable prices.

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on safe family travel in Thailand

Summary what’s it like to travel in Thailand with kids?

Overall, Thailand is an amazing destination for a family holiday. If you are coming to travel to Thailand with kids, taking a few precautions and planning and preparing for your trip carefully will enable you to have a fun, enjoyable and smooth experience.

AND finally, considering Malaysia. You may be interested in our guide…

Which is better for FAMILY TRAVEL Malaysia vs Thailand?