Taking your children to Thailand? Yes! Thailand is a fantastic destination for the entire family. It’s one of the least expensive destinations in the world and getting around is convenient and easy. There is so much to discover that we managed to compile this list of the 10 sights in Thailand that are the most fun for children and adults. Here we go!
1. Erawan National Park near Kanchanaburi
Imagine dozens, no, hundreds of splashing waterfalls in the middle of the jungle, with water so clear it’s possible to spot fishes with the naked eye. There are lots of different natural pools in which to go for a nice swim. What makes it even more fun is the slippery rock that, because of its shape and the effect the water has had on it, has turned into the perfect waterslide. It doesn’t get any more awesome than this!
The Erawan Falls consists of seven tiers; each accessible by a jungle trail from which you can regularly spot monkeys. Make no mistake, however, it can get pretty slippery. If you’re with children, we strongly advise not to go any higher than the fifth tier. Besides, it’s not really necessary to walk all that way; along the way, you’ll come across dozens of lovely natural pools and cascades in which to take a fresh dip!
Entrance fee: 300 Thai Baht for adults, 200 Thai Baht for children
Location: Erawan National Park is 60 kilometers from Kanchanaburi
Opening hours: every day from 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
2. SEA LIFE Ocean World in Bangkok
The SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, located in the basement of the high-end Siam Paragon Mall, is one of the best days out to be had in Bangkok. From impressive sharks to tiny little clown fishes, there’s so much to see. With their hands against the glass, all the children were mesmerized by the fishes swimming around inside. Also, go for a walk through the Ocean Tunnel. Super cool! A great day out for when it’s raining.
Entrance fee: 990 Thai Baht for adults, 790 Thai Baht for children
Location: B1-B2 Floor, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Opening hours: every day from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Photo credit: Aapo Haapanen
Photo credit: Stephen Lai
3. Railay Beach, Krabi
One of the absolute highlights, if you’re traveling through Thailand with children, is gorgeous Railay Beach. Start your day at the beach with a boat ride from Krabi or Ao Nang. Thanks to its spectacular limestone cliffs, Railay boasts one of Thailand’s most beautiful coastlines. The beach itself is long and wide – with an ever so gently sloping seabed, making it possible for your children to play in the clear water to their heart’s content. Older children can go kayaking, snorkeling or even rock climbing. Railay has the perfect blend of calm, nature and adventure!
Entrance fee: A one-way boat ride is 100 Thai Baht per person
Location: Leave from Ao Nang or Krabi Town
Photo credit: Connie
4. Thailand’s evening markets
Thailand is known for its many markets which, especially in the evening, are a treat for the eyes. Your children won’t know where to look first. There are bright lights, music, toys, dog hairdressing stalls in the middle of the street, fresh food, nice snacks, barbequed meat and handmade souvenirs. Chiang Mai in particular hosts a lot of evening markets, such the Saturday and Sunday Walking Street and the Anusan Night Market.
If you’re traveling with children, visit the markets in the early evening. They can get pretty busy between the hours of 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM.
Entrance fee: free
Location: Sunday Walking Street: Rachadamnoen Rd, old city center
Opening hours: Sundays from 4:00 PM – midnight
Photo credit: Filipe Fortes
5. Biking in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is great option for a day out if you’re staying Bangkok. It’s also the ideal layover town if you’re on your way to the north of Thailand. Stay overnight so you can hop a bike in the early morning and marvel at all the old temples. Don’t miss the famous Buddha head in the bodhi tree: Wat Phra Mahathat. Remarkably beautiful!
For the kids and a nice change of pace, we recommend the Million Toy Museum. This museum exhibits thousands of different types of toys and it has a play area for children.
Entrance fee: Million Toy Museum: 50 Thai Baht for adults, 20 Thai Baht for children
Location: 45 Moo 2, U-Thong Road | Wasukri, Ayutthaya
Opening hours: every day from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
6. Vana Nava Water Jungle in Hua Hin
Ready for Thailand’s most awesome waterslide? Then visit the Vana Nava Water Jungle near Hua Hin, just a couple of hours south of Bangkok, with the entire family!
The park has 19 different water slides, of which the Abyss is the absolute highlight. The Abyss allows a maximum of six people to slide down a 28-meter high ramp and be tossed around inside this park’s blue-green eye-catcher at a speed of almost 50 kilometers an hour. It’s good for hours and hours of fun. That also goes for adults!
Entrance fee: 1,000 Thai Baht for adults, 600 Thai Baht for children, free for children shorter than 91 cm
Location: 129/99 Soi Moo Baan Nong Kae, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, 77110
Opening hours: every day from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Photo credit: Vana Nava Hua Hin
Photo credit: Vana Nava Hua Hin
7. Open-air museum of palaces in Nakhon Pathom
Though you won’t read a lot about it in your average travel guide, Nakhon Pathom is a good option for a day out if you’re staying in Bangkok. It’s only a short 3rd class train ride away, which will cost less than a dollar!
The carriages aren’t air-conditioned but the open windows allow for a good view of the landscape and you can wave at passersby. In Nakhon Pathom itself, your attention is immediately caught by Thailand’s highest stupa. A little further down the road is Sanam Chandra Park, which resembles an open-air museum except it has lots of palaces. A great place to go for a walk and spot animals, such as the huge lizards that call it home.
Entrance fee: Train ride from Bangkok: 14 Thai Baht per person
Location: 56 kilometers west of Bangkok
Opening hours: Trains leave from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok from 8:05 AM
8. Koh Phangan’s quiet side
Koh Phangan is known as Thailand’s party island. Hardly surprising of course: it’s the home of the Full Moon Party. But Koh Phangan has another side as well. Visiting its quieter western and northern bays, with their relaxing atmosphere, you’ll come to know it as much more of a family island. You won’t notice any of the parties here.
There are quiet beaches, beach bungalows, hammocks, enough sand for building sand castles all day and big restaurants. Feel like being a little more active? Go on a snorkeling trip, rent a kayak or go explore the inland jungle with its many spectacular waterfalls!
9. Khao Yai National Park
Want to go on a jungle adventure with the entire family and spot the wildlife? Then pack some good quality shoes and come to Khao Yai National Park! Relax at one of the many waterfalls and hot springs and spot wild animals such as monkeys, elephants, water monitors, crocodiles, bats, insects or hornbills (see image). You can book a well-organized jungle tour, with an English speaking tour guide, on the spot. Some of them won’t last longer than two hours. Perfect for kids!
Read more about our experiences with, and tips for, jungle tours through Khao Yai National Park.
Entrance fee two-day tour: for adults 1,500 Thai Baht and 800 Thai Baht for children
Location: Pak Chong two or three hours from Bangkok
Photo credit: tontantravel
Photo credit: tontantravel
10. Wat Pho in Bangkok
If there’s one temple that you shouldn’t miss, it’s the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok.
The 46 meter Buddha statue will definitely leave an impression. Buy a bag of coins and drop one in each of the bowls for a ringing sound. Children love that! Besides the enormous Buddha statue, there are lots of other worthwhile temples, Buddhas, and stupas on this complex.
Entrance fee: 100 Thai Baht per person
Location: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: every day from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Photo credit: Thomas Ballandras
