Best Resorts for a Family Vacation in Thailand
Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for European families traveling with children. Its appeal lies in the perpetual summer climate, stunning beaches, clean air, and well-developed infrastructure, including easily accessible pharmacies, supermarkets, and even the option to hire a nanny at your hotel.
Criteria for Choosing a Family-Friendly Resort
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Groomed Beaches and Clean Water: Ideal destinations for families with children seeking pristine beaches and clear waters include Krabi province, Phuket Island, and Hua Hin.
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Developed Infrastructure: Look for resorts with 24-hour pharmacies, supermarkets, and entertainment centers. Cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui, Krabi, and Phuket offer such facilities. For more secluded islands like Tao, Mak, Samet, and Kud, it's advisable to stock up on essentials like diapers and food in advance.
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Non-Stop Flights: Phuket and Pattaya are convenient options with non-stop flight options, while Pangan Island is less accessible in this regard.
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Calmer Seas: If you prefer calm seas without big waves, most resorts excel in this aspect except for Phuket during May and September when the waves can be challenging for even experienced swimmers.
Considering all these factors, the best places for a family vacation in Thailand are Phuket and Samui Island. Bangkok can also be recommended for families with children over seven years old. While the sea may not be as pristine, the city offers numerous entertainment centers.
Family-Friendly Hotel Features in Thailand
Thailand is well-prepared to accommodate families with children, and most hotels offer amenities such as cots and high chairs. You can even arrange for a babysitter, and there's no need to worry as Thai culture highly respects children.
Children's Activities in Thailand
Thai resorts like Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya offer a wide range of activities for children, from traditional beach fun to amusement parks. Here are some exciting options:
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Samui: Explore the National Marine Park for a fun-filled day.
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Bangkok: The capital city recommends visiting the Children's Travel Museum, the oceanarium, and the Krungsri Imax Theater at the Siam Center shopping mall. Located 12 km from the city, the Dream World Amusement Park boasts 42 rides, including around 15 suitable for young children.
Additionally, the most popular activities for children in Thailand's resort towns include:
- Elephant and horseback rides.
- Zoo tours, including night tours.
- Water rides at water parks.
- Circus shows featuring elephants, crocodiles, and snakes.
- Exotic snorkeling adventures.
- Water skiing, motorcycle rides, and banana boat rides.
- Paragliding.
- Rock climbing.
- Diving experiences.
- Go-karting.
Typically, the cost for a full day of activities in Thailand's amusement parks is around 800 THB for adults and 600 THB for children. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets for individual attractions. Keep in mind that a taxi ride from the city to the park may cost about 300 THB one way.
Tips for a Great Vacation in Thailand
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Avoid the Beach Between 12:00 and 16:00: It's not recommended to be on the beaches during the hottest hours of the day, especially in spring and summer. Make sure to use sunscreen with an SPF-50 protection index during these times and when going on excursions.
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Explore Sights on Your Own: Parents are advised to visit attractions on their own while leaving their child in the care of a babysitter for a few hours.
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Be Watchful at the Beach: Keep a close eye on your child while they play in the water, as many beaches have a quick drop-off.
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Protect Your Feet: Consider purchasing swim-friendly footwear for the family, as there are sea creatures like coral, shells, and urchins that can cause foot injuries.
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Shop at Supermarkets: It's more practical to buy food for the family at supermarkets rather than markets. Many supermarkets offer a range of products familiar to people from Europe and the CIS.
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Consider Local Kindergartens and Schools: For longer stays, major cities in Thailand have kindergartens and schools with English language instruction. This can be a convenient option for families.
Thailand is an excellent destination for family vacations, offering a wide range of activities and amenities for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you plan to spend a few days or several months in the country, Thailand has something to offer families with children.
