How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip in Thailand — From Tuk-tuk Food Tours to Rain Forest Hiking

A top travel advisor shares why Thailand has something for everyone.

Thailand is one of the best family destinations in Asia, with opportunities to see elephants, go kayaking, ride in tuk-tuks, stay in floating villas, and relax on palm-shaded beaches. The country's robust tourism, infrastructure, family-friendly hotels, just-for-kids experiences, and widely spoken English are some of the reasons I recommend it for family adventures. Here are some standouts.

Bangkok — Tuk-tuk Food Tour and Klongs

Chances are, you’ll fly into Bangkok, and one of the best ways to explore its electric atmosphere is with a food tour in a tuk-tuk, the capital city’s signature three-wheeled taxis. The tours are offered by numerous companies, and you’ll visit stalls and restaurants that serve specialties like pad Thai and mango sticky rice. I also suggest a tour of Bangkok’s klongs, the narrow canals that have long been the lifeblood of the city. You can travel in a traditional long-tail boat, or, for more energetic children, via bicycle. Either way, you’ll pass tiny noodle shops, wooden houses on high stilts, and fruit orchards.

Chiang Mai — Hikes, Kayaking, and Waterfalls

Chiang Mai is the care-free contrast to Bangkok. The modern city has spilled beyond the ancient walls, but you’ll still see traditional night markets, vendors selling aromatic dishes, and lines of saffron-robed monks walking barefoot through the streets.

In addition to exploring the city’s delights, I suggest taking the time to get out into the surrounding countryside. Just an hour away, Sri Lanna National Park is a jungle-shaded playground where you can cycle through shimmering rice paddies and bamboo groves before kayaking across the tranquil waters of a reservoir.

Elephant Hills — Elephants and Rain Forest

Located in Khao Sok National Park, Elephant Hills is one of my favorite places to recommend, especially to those traveling with children. A four-day adventure here lets your whole family dive into Thailand’s natural world.

You’ll spend time exploring the wilderness, hiking through rain forest, canoeing on the Sok River, and exploring green mangrove thickets on a raft. You can also cruise along Cheow Lan Lake in a traditional long-tail boat.

The highlight, though, is the chance to interact with some of the elephants on the property. This is one of the few places in Thailand that meets rigorous animal welfare standards so your family can enjoy spending time with them, comfortable in the knowledge that they’re well cared for.

East Coast — Golden-sand Beaches and Treasure Hunts

During summer break, you’ll want to visit the Thailand's east coast, which enjoys sunny skies during July and August. Happily, it’s also home to my favorite resort for families: Anantara Bophut on the island of Koh Samui. All the rooms here, including the two-bedroom family suites, are nestled amid placid lily ponds and towering palms. The resort boasts a spa, a golden-sand beach, and a free-form infinity pool, as well as a wide array of eateries for all tastes.

There’s a kids club, too, which offers a variety of activities for all ages, including a treasure hunt across the hotel grounds. While the little ones are occupied, adults can opt to enjoy the various offerings, including yoga, Muay Thai boxing classes, golf, water sports, and land and sea tours. Or, you can simply sit on the beach, sip a cool beverage, and enjoy the sound of the waves.

Jack Tydeman is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Tydeman by contacting him at jack.tydeman@audleytravel.com.

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