Why Thailand is ideal for families
LOOKING for an exotic holiday that the children can handle? Thailand has it all — beaches, elephants, colourful night markets and sparkling temples, with something for each age range.
What’s more, in the Land of Smiles, little ones are instant celebrities.
Thai people love them and are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure younger visitors are given the same warm and enthusiastic welcome as grown-ups.
There is a fantastic climate, with temperatures averaging 27c, delicious cuisine (with non-spicy options available for children) and an enviably relaxed attitude.
So weary families can quickly rediscover the art of building sandcastles and sharing special adventures.
Direct flights from the UK to Bangkok link with good connections to popular holiday islands and mainland resorts.
And in each one, there’s an abundance of well-known, familyfriendly hotels and holiday villages to choose from, with kids’ clubs and all-inclusive options rolling up meals, snacks and unlimited local drinks to make budgeting easy.
Traditional Thailand is never far from the resorts — whether in the form of Buddhist temples, guided walks in the jungle, or street, night or floating markets, so the educational factor is high.
Colourful Thai festivals, such as Songkran in April and autumn’s beautiful Half-Moon festival, are captivating experiences, especially for older children, while the shrines, palaces and meditative monasteries make for an intriguing contrast to the resorts.
There are boat trips to explore tropical islands, where you can take the family snorkelling in coral waters that teem with thousands of fish.
And although child-friendly Thailand is one of the planet’s most popular places to visit, it’s still possible to escape completely and find quieter beaches, undiscovered lagoons and pockets of complete peace.
KO SAMUI
KO SAMUI is the brightest gem on the Gulf of Thailand, retaining a sense of romanticism, adventure and charm. Covering almost 125 miles of white-sand beaches, jungle peaks and coconut groves, it’s a brilliant place for families to explore by car. Stop at waterfalls, where you can splash in pools. Snorkel or kayak in an island marine park, visit an elephant sanctuary or learn Thai cookery.
PHUKET
PHUKET has everything from luxury resorts alongside private beaches that are ideal for families, to wired party resorts that are less so. Activities include snorkelling, diving, sea kayaking and spending quality time with elephants. Or take a day trip to Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi, where backpacker film The Beach was made — a great place to see limestone formations.
KRABI
FOR lighter crowds and stunning beaches, complete with limestone cliffs and emerald-green water, head to Krabi, known as Thailand’s beach capital. It offers a sense of exclusivity and serenity that’s perfect for families who seek a slower pace. Excellent for diving and snorkelling, Krabi also offers the chance to kayak among rocky outcrops to see prehistoric cave art.
CHIANG MAI
FAMILIES come in droves to Chiang Mai in the European summer holidays to explore the temples and rich cultural heritage, while surrounded by mountains and rainforest. They can also zipline among the gibbons, cycle about town and encounter elephants — feeding, bathing and brushing them at an ethical sanctuary close to a Karen village.
BANGKOK
STOPPING over in Bangkok? Its malls are a magnet for teens, but there are also fantastic museums and a sophisticated KidZania, where children can play at a choice of careers. The Ancient City, an open-air museum, recreates traditional Thai lifestyles, while the Museum of Siam introduces Thai culture in a child-friendly way. River taxis are a fun way to get around. And there’s also the option to take an overnight train journey from Bangkok — exciting for children who can be assigned a lower berth with views of the stations. Whichever Thai tropical paradise you head to for your family adventure, you’re sure to have an incredibly memorable experience. Warm and welcoming Thailand offers so much more than sun and sand, and will open your children’s eyes to a whole new culture.
FOR a range of great family holiday options, visit travelbag.co.uk/thailand or call 020 7001 5268.