What to see in Thailand with kids and which islands and attractions to choose. This is one of the most common questions for those planning their first trip to Thailand or wanting to organize a vacation on their own. Over seven years of traveling in Thailand with kids, we’ve visited many places in the country, returned to our favorite islands, and personally tested which routes work best for families. Most importantly, we learned one essential rule – you shouldn’t try to see all of this huge and diverse country in just one holiday.
We’re sharing our experience – what to see in Thailand with kids, which islands and resorts are worth a visit, how much time to spend in each, and how to combine different destinations. Here you’ll find recommendations on our beloved Koh Tao, family-friendly Koh Samui, the unique Koh Phangan, Phuket, Krabi, Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands Koh Lipe, and of course, Bangkok. We’ve included specific itinerary ideas we’d choose ourselves for a family trip to Thailand – whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for another vacation. After many trips to Thailand, we realized the best journey isn’t always about visiting the most places. Sometimes it’s much more important to choose fewer stops, but have time to truly experience each one, enjoy the beaches, discover your favorite restaurant, take a boat to small islands, and simply feel the unique atmosphere of Thailand.
What to see in Thailand with kids and how to plan your first trip?
What to see in Thailand with kids and how to plan your first trip? This is probably one of the most frequent questions we get from families. Almost always, we see the same mistake – trying to see as much of Thailand as possible in one holiday.
At first glance, the islands seem close to each other, so many plan to change location every two or three days. However, after many trips, we can confidently say – when traveling with kids, that’s not the best decision.
Every transfer in Thailand basically becomes a travel day. In the morning, you need to check out early, go to the port or airport, wait for a ferry or flight, and after arriving at the next place, you often still have to wait for your room to be ready. Add packing, organizing kids’ things, and the move itself.
While distances don’t look big on the map, in reality these days pass very quickly. On vacation, you want to enjoy the sea, beaches, and Thailand’s rhythm of life – not spend time in transit.
Our recommendation is simple – for a three-week trip, choose two or at most three main locations. This way, you’ll have time not only to see different sides of Thailand, but also to truly relax.
What to see in Thailand with kids and which routes we recommend for a family trip around Thailand
Friends often ask which route we recommend for a first trip. There’s no single right answer, but several options have worked best for our family.
Option 1: Bangkok and Gulf of Thailand Islands
If it’s your first time in Thailand, start with Bangkok. Although it’s a huge, chaotic city, it shows a different side of Thailand. Spend two or three days – visit temples, try street food, cruise the canals, and feel big city life.
From Bangkok, it’s easy to fly directly to Koh Samui. We often recommend this island for families because it’s great for relaxing, and from there you can easily reach Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. These three islands are very different, but they complement each other and let you see one of Thailand’s most beautiful regions.
Option 2: Phuket, Khao Sok, and Krabi
If you’re more interested in the Andaman Sea coast, we’d choose a different route.
Start in Phuket, then head to Khao Sok National Park. This is a totally different Thailand – jungles, limestone cliffs, and one of the most stunning natural spots in the country.
After a few days in Khao Sok, continue to Krabi, which is perfect for taking trips to the surrounding islands, visiting the famous Railay Beach, or sailing to the Phi Phi Islands.
Option 3: Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe
If you want a more relaxed holiday and more time on the beach, we love the route through Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe.
Koh Lipe is often called one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. The water here is incredibly clear, and the atmosphere is entirely different from the big resorts. It’s one of those places you’ll always want to return to.
However, even then, we don’t recommend trying to fit all the most popular regions into one trip. After many journeys, we realized the best way to get to know Thailand is slowly. It’s better to really experience one place than to rush through ten.
First trip idea – Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand Islands
One of the most common questions we receive is: which region of Thailand should you choose for your first trip? There isn’t a single right answer, as every destination has its own character. After seven years of traveling around Thailand, we’ve discovered our own favorites. That’s why we’re sharing the places we return to ourselves and confidently recommend for families.
Bangkok – a city everyone should experience at least once
While many travel to Thailand for the islands and beaches, we always recommend spending at least a few days in Bangkok. It’s a huge, noisy, and very contrasting city – some fall in love at first sight, others find it a bit overwhelming. We’re in the first group – every time we visit, we discover something new.
If it’s your first time in Bangkok, we recommend going up to King Power Mahanakhon’s observation deck. The panoramic city view and glass skywalk impress both adults and kids.
Another must-see is ICONSIAM. This is not just one of the most impressive shopping malls in Thailand, but also a place with an authentic Thai market, street food, and a traditional atmosphere. Even if you don’t plan to shop, it’s worth visiting for the experience alone.
We also love Bangkok’s evening markets. You can try all kinds of street food, buy souvenirs, or just enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere. It’s also worth walking through Chinatown, visiting the city’s most impressive temples, and stopping by one of Southeast Asia’s largest aquariums – SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, which always amazes our kids.
In our opinion, two or three days in Bangkok is plenty to feel the city’s spirit and see the main sights. Then you can head off to a totally different Thailand – islands, jungles, and beaches.
Koh Tao – the island where our love for Thailand began
If we had to choose one place that best represents Thailand for our family, it would definitely be Koh Tao.
This small island is where our love for Thailand began. Although Koh Tao is one of the smallest popular islands, it remains our favorite place to return to again and again.
Koh Tao isn’t about luxury hotels or nightlife, but about peace, crystal-clear water, and an amazing underwater world. Even snorkeling from the shore, you can see sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and coral. No wonder Koh Tao is considered one of the best diving spots in the world – most PADI certificates in Thailand are issued here.
The easiest way to get to the island is by catamaran from Koh Samui. We recommend spending at least three days here. This is not a place to hurry – the days are for swimming, diving, boat trips, and peaceful evenings in seaside restaurants.
Our favorite beach is Sairee Beach. If you have time, definitely take a boat trip to Koh Nang Yuan. It’s one of the most beautiful places in all of Thailand – three tiny islands connected by a white sand spit, picture-perfect.
Koh Phangan – the most surprising island
Many first think of the famous Full Moon Party when they hear Koh Phangan. However, in our opinion, this island’s true charm lies elsewhere.
We found Koh Phangan to be peaceful, green, hilly, and incredibly beautiful.
It’s full of yoga studios, wellness centers, cozy cafes, and some of the most stunning beaches in Thailand.
If you’re traveling with kids, we recommend staying at Chaloklum or Mae Haad beaches. We also love Malibu Beach – a small, quiet beach with shallow water.
One of the most beautiful spots on the island is Bottle Beach, but it isn’t easy to reach. We suggest taking a boat trip there, as hiking over the hills with children can be challenging.
Meanwhile, we don’t recommend the Haad Rin area for families. This is where the famous parties take place, so the atmosphere is very different from the rest of the island.
Koh Samui – the island we always love returning to
If we had to recommend one island for a first trip to Thailand with kids, we would seriously consider Koh Samui.
It’s the second largest island in Thailand, very easy to reach by direct flight from Bangkok. It’s perfect for families, as you’ll find everything here – from luxury five-star resorts to cozy apartments, quiet beaches to plenty of activities for children.
Our favorite beach is Chaweng Noi. White sand, clear water, and a gentle entrance to the sea – exactly what we look for when traveling with kids.
We also love Silver Beach, also known as Crystal Beach. It’s small, cozy, and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
If you want more restaurants and nightlife, choose the Bophut area with its lovely Fisherman’s Village. It’s a great place for an evening stroll, and the Friday night market is one of our favorites on Koh Samui.
What to do on Koh Samui with kids?
You’ll never be bored on Koh Samui.
We recommend:
- Take a boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Visit the Big Buddha Temple
- Go to an ethical elephant sanctuary
- Head to Jungle Club for one of the island’s best views
- Visit Capybara World, which left a huge impression on our children
Second trip idea – Phuket, Khao Sok National Park, and Krabi
If you asked us which route we recommend for a family wanting to experience a completely different side of Thailand – not just the beaches – we would definitely suggest Phuket, Khao Sok National Park, and the Krabi region.
This route is perfect for those who want to combine relaxing by the sea, exploring breathtaking nature, and seeing some of the most beautiful views in Thailand.
Phuket – much more than a busy resort
People have very different opinions about Phuket. Some love it, others say it’s too crowded and chaotic. In our experience, everything depends on where you choose to stay.
Phuket is a huge island, and its different regions are very different from each other. If you stay in the busiest areas, you’ll find crowds of tourists. But if you choose quieter beaches, you can enjoy a completely different Phuket.
We would not recommend Patong Beach for families. It’s the island’s main entertainment center – full of bars, nightlife, and people, so it never seemed appealing for us with kids.
Instead, we prefer Kata Noi Beach – a small, cozy beach with clear water and a calm atmosphere. Another favorite is Surin Beach, and for those seeking a longer beach with more space, we recommend Bang Tao Beach.
Phuket isn’t just about beaches. You can visit the Big Buddha, stroll through colorful Old Phuket Town, visit ethical elephant sanctuaries, sail the Andaman Sea, or just rent a car and explore the island at your own pace.
We love that Phuket allows you to combine relaxation with active outings. One day you can spend on the beach, the next – visit the old town or head to one of the nearby islands.
Khao Sok National Park – a place that exceeds every photo
From Phuket, it’s very convenient to head to Khao Sok National Park. This is one place we believe everyone should see at least once.
Even though Khao Sok looks stunning in photos, seeing it in person is even more impressive. Massive limestone cliffs, jungles, and Cheow Lan Lake create the kind of scenery you’ve probably seen in Thai travel ads.
If we had to choose, we’d recommend spending at least one night here. Staying in floating bungalows is one of our most memorable experiences in Thailand. Waking up surrounded by jungle, drinking coffee while looking at misty mountains, and taking a boat out to explore the lake – these are experiences you’ll remember for a long time.
If you can’t stay overnight, at least take a full-day tour of the lake.
Krabi – some of the most beautiful views in Thailand
After Khao Sok, it’s very convenient to continue your trip to Krabi.
In our opinion, this is where you’ll find the views most people imagine when they hear “Thailand” – steep limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise sea.
One of our top tips is to stay by the sea, not in Krabi Town.
Most people choose Ao Nang because almost all the most popular tours leave from here. It’s convenient, but the Ao Nang beach itself isn’t our favorite for swimming. We usually took boats to the nearby islands or other beaches.
If you want something special, we recommend Railay Beach. You can only reach it by boat, so it remains much quieter. Next door is one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen – Phra Nang Beach, surrounded by impressive cliffs.
What’s worth seeing in the Krabi region?
Krabi region offers plenty to do. Besides the famous beaches, visit hot springs, waterfalls, ethical elephant sanctuaries, or cozy cafes with amazing views.
The biggest advantage of Krabi is the chance to visit a new island every day.
Our favorite is Hong Island. We recommend renting a private longtail boat to visit. This gives you freedom to stop where you want, stay longer on the beaches, and avoid big tourist groups.
The Phi Phi Islands are also impressive. If you don’t have much time, a one-day tour is enough – you’ll visit the famous Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and snorkel among coral reefs.
If you want a quieter experience, stay on the island for at least two nights. Our favorite spot is Shark Bay, where you can see colorful fish and sometimes small reef sharks just swimming from the shore.
After a few days in Krabi, it’s easy to return to Phuket or fly out from Krabi Airport. We’ve recommended this route to many friends, and no one has ever been disappointed.
Third trip idea – Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe
If you’re visiting Thailand for the second time and want to discover a quieter, less touristy side of the country, we recommend a route through Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe.
The first part of this itinerary is similar to the previous option – you start your journey in the Krabi region and then move on to the more peaceful island of Koh Lanta. However, the real gem of this route is found at the next stop.
Koh Lipe – the island worth the journey
If you’re heading to Thailand not for the first time and want to discover a calmer, less touristy side, we recommend the route through Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe.
Koh Lipe is often called one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, and we completely agree.
Its only drawback – it’s not easy to reach.
From Krabi, you first travel about four hours by car to Pak Bara pier, then another four hours by catamaran or speedboat to the island. Because of this, we don’t recommend this route for short holidays – set aside two days just for the journey there and back.
But as soon as you arrive, you’ll see why people return to Koh Lipe again and again.
One of the first things that surprised us about Koh Lipe is its completely different pace of life. The island is so small that there are practically no cars. Locals ride scooters, and visitors usually walk everywhere. Even if you stay farther from the pier, most hotels arrange transfers in small vehicles.
Even more interesting, big boats can’t dock at the island. Coral reefs surround Koh Lipe, so all passengers finish the trip to shore in small pontoon boats. This is how all food, building supplies, and other necessities arrive as well.
From the first minutes, you’ll feel everything moves much more slowly here. In our opinion, Koh Lipe’s real charm is in slow mornings, swimming in crystal-clear water, walks between different beaches, and evenings just watching the sunset.
Visit Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, and Pattaya Beach. Each has its own charm.
We also love the cozy pedestrian street, Walking Street. In the evenings, it fills with restaurants, cafes, and shops, but even then the island remains peaceful.
What to Do on Koh Lipe?
Most people come to Koh Lipe for one main reason – the sea.
From here, you can join a variety of trips to nearby islands, rent a private longtail boat, go snorkeling among coral reefs, or visit small uninhabited islands.
We always recommend spending at least one day on a private boat trip. This gives you the freedom to stop at the most beautiful spots, enjoy the beaches longer, and avoid big tourist crowds.
The underwater world of Koh Lipe is also impressive. Even when snorkeling with just a mask, you can see plenty of colorful fish and corals, making this island perfect for anyone who loves the sea.
Where to stay on Koh Lipe?
The great thing about Koh Lipe is that no matter which part of the island you choose, you can walk to the beach.
You’ll find all kinds of hotels – from simple family bungalows to luxury resorts.
If we had one tip, it would be to stay as close to the sea as possible. We love hotels where you can wake up, open your door, and step straight onto soft white sand and toward turquoise water.
Because the journey to the island takes quite a while, we recommend staying at least four or five days. Only then will you truly experience the island’s rhythm, visit different beaches, explore nearby islands, and spend at least one evening leisurely watching the sunset.
For sunset, our favorite is Zodiac Beach Bar. Sitting barefoot in the sand with a drink in hand and watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea is one of those moments that makes you want to return to Koh Lipe.
Why we keep coming back to Thailand
We could talk about Thailand’s beautiful beaches, islands, temples, national parks, or amazing food. However, the hardest thing to explain is what keeps drawing us back.
For us, Thailand is warmth in the middle of winter, mangoes for breakfast, dinners by the sea, children running barefoot on the beach, and people’s smiles. It’s a place where you can experience a lot, but also take things slow.
That’s why, for us, a trip to Thailand with kids isn’t just another family holiday. It’s a chance to discover a different world together, spend more time with each other, and bring back not only beautiful photos, but memories the family will talk about for a long time.
If Thailand has seemed too far or too exotic for a trip with kids, maybe it’s time to look at it differently. From our experience, it’s one of those destinations that it’s easy to understand why so many families return again and again.
This article, What to see in Thailand with kids, was prepared in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Copying or using it without permission is strictly prohibited.
