10 Day Thailand Itinerary for Families visiting some of the Most Beautiful Destinations in Thailand but away from the Touristy Crowds

Looking to explore Thailand with your family -- away from the crowds? This 10 Day Thailand Itinerary for Families includes hidden gems only us locals know about! Including kid-friendly Bangkok attractions, a mountain escape with a fun train ride and waterfalls, and that tropical island getaway you've been dreaming of!

Contents

Best islands to visit in Thailand with kids
Enjoying a beautiful sunset in this tropical paradise with my little ballerina
Best places to travel in Thailand on a train
Elsie living her best life riding a train across Thailand!

Over the past 16 years of living here, we’ve discovered some incredible off-the-beaten path destinations in Thailand that we’re excited to share with you!

This 10 Day Thailand Itinerary for Families is perfect for those looking to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand (IMHO), but in less touristy, more authentic areas. 

  • First, you’ll get to explore local markets in Bangkok from a fun river taxi
  • Then, take an unforgettable train ride to Kanchanaburi to explore the mountains,  the waterfalls and historical landmarks 
  • Round off your trip on a tropical island paradise like Koh Chang
We want to help your family vacation be as stress-free and smooth as possible, so below we’ll share step-by-step where to go, how to get there, the most family-friendly places to stay, and the best things to do with kids.

Note: this Thailand Itinerary is great for Rainy Season because going to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui or Phi Phi Island during Rainy Season means monsoons, cancelled ferries, and jelly fish. Not fun!

If your family would still rather visit the most famous destinations in Thailand such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi Island, then check out this 3 Week Thailand Itinerary instead.

Day 1-2 : The Urban Oasis of Bangkok

Bangkok Hop on Hop Off River Taxi Views
Exploring Bangkok from the river is a must for any Thailand itinerary
Bangkok One Day Itinerary with Kids
Asiatique is our favorite night market in Bangkok with kids

BANGKOK: the capital has a rich, cultural heritage with a vibrant foodie scene, fun night markets, and lots of kid-friendly attractions. 

Since most international flights land in Bangkok, this is naturally the best place to start and end any Thailand Itinerary.   

But let’s focus on experiences that both the kids and parents can enjoy.  Instead of rushing through crowded attractions, let me help you explore the city at a slower pace.

DAY ONE: TAKE THE BANGKOK HOP ON HOP OFF RIVER TAXI

 

Usually, I’m not a fan of the hop-on-hop-off bus tours, but this being on the river is a game-changer!  Here’s why your whole family will love seeing the best Bangkok sightseeing spots from the hop-on-hop-off Chao Praya River Taxi:

Check out this Bangkok Hotel Guide with the most kid-friendly places to stay for your upcoming family vacation to Thailand! 

BEST FAMILY HOTEL ON THE RIVER:
SHANGRI-LA BANGKOK

  • Forbes voted the Shangri-La Bangkok as the ‘Best Hotel in Bangkok for Families’
  • Get the Family Fun Experience Package that includes airport transfer, a 2 hour sightseeing boat tour on the Chao Praya River, and a family suite.
  • Enjoy the luxurious pool overlooking the Chao Praya River
  • Expansive breakfast buffet
PRICE RANGE: 
From 8100 baht (about $232 USD) for a Deluxe Room with breakfast 
 
LOCATION: 
  • Only 220 meters to Saphan Taksin BTS Sky Train Station
  • Very easy to take the river taxis

 What to visit from the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bangkok River Taxi:

  • Be mesmerized by the stunning architecture at The Grand Palace
  • Dress up in traditional Thai costumes at Wat Arun Temple of the Dawn
  • Siam Museum — an interactive and engaging museum about Thailand’s history, culture, and monarchy
  • See the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
  • Eat Pad Thai and Banana Fritters in the Foodie Paradise on Khao San Road
  • Ride the Ferris Wheel at Asiatique to get the best views of the Bangkok skyline

Check out this detailed Hop on Hop off Bangkok One Day Itinerary with a step-by-step guide of how to get there, what to do for fun at each stop, and 8 of the most iconic places to visit right from the pier.

If you buy tickets in advance, it’s only about $4 USD for the Hop-On-Hop-Off River Taxi All Day Pass. Such a deal!

Your family could easily see those 8 attractions over a 2 Day Trip in Bangkok. But if you want to see a different side of Bangkok on Day 2, then I highly recommend visiting Ancient City

Side Note: some people ask “Is Bangkok safe to visit?” IMHO, I feel safer here than even my own hometown of Tennessee — which is known for its Southern Hospitality! 

Day 2 in Bangkok at Ancient City

Visiting the kid-friendly temples on our one day in Bangkok itinerary
One of the most kid-friendly cultural places to visit in Thailand is Ancient City
One of the best kid-friendly attractions in Bangkok where my girls could explore and be hands-on
My girls enjoyed buying handmade, Thai-style toys from the Old Market Town at Ancient City

ANCIENT CITY is another great one day Bangkok itinerary for families. 

Ancient City is a huge 320 acre outdoor museum and park that is in the shape of Thailand and has life-size replicas of the most famous architectural and cultural landmarks from each region.  Since there are more than 100 monuments to see at Ancient City, it’s nearly impossible to visit each one.  

What’s worth seeing at Ancient City:

  • The Dusit Maha Prasat Palace (aka the Royal Hall from the Grand Palace) that you can walk inside and explore without waiting in any long lines

  • The Sanphet Prasat Palace from Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, that you can also walk into without worry that the kids are being too loud or touching a relic

  • The Floating Market where you can try homemade Thai treats, Pad Thai noodles, or get some souvenirs from the traditional Thai-style ‘boat vendors’

  • Multiple Ancient Ruins — especially the Prasat Phra Wihan or the Phanom Rung Sanctuary where the kids can climb on the ruins and venture through all the short entrance doors and hallways or even play hide and seek

  • An Old Market Town where you can buy fresh fruit smoothies, old timey Thai style toys, and other traditional souvenirs 

  • Khun Phaen House – this place is fun to explore the different rooms in a traditional Thai house on stilts and also learn how most Thai people live up-country today

  • ‘The Ghost Museum’ — aka Mondop Phra Chaturaprut — which is a 3 story depiction of the buddhist version of heaven and hell (please note: I don’t recommend taking young kids inside because of the scary gory statues)

The reason this is the best one day in Bangkok itinerary is because you literally get to see a life-size version of the most famous monuments and tourist attractions from all over Thailand — all in this one place! 

DISCOUNT TIP:

I recommend getting your Ancient City tickets in advance from Klook to save nearly 50%! 

One of the most kid-friendly attractions Bangkok has to offer is at Ancient City Outdoor Museum
Such a fun time riding Golf Carts whizzing around all the monuments at Ancient City in Bangkok
Best One Day Trip in Bangkok with Kids includes a visit to the Ancient City Muang Boran
Explore inside this life-size Ayutthaya Palace replica at Ancient City

Want an even more epic day in Bangkok with transportation and a local guide, then take this Day Trip Excursion to Ancient City, the Floating Market, and the Railway Market (where the train literally comes through the market). 

**Since the Floating Market and Railway Market are about 2 hours from Bangkok in a more rural area, having a local guide with van transportation are essential!

Where to Stay in Bangkok with Kids

Budget Friendly Hotels in Bangkok with Kids:

Beanstalk Bangkok ~2595 THB/night (about $74 USD) for the Quadruple Room 

  • Quadruple Room has 2 bunk beds with ensuite bathroom (not like most small hostels)
  • Modern, yet a traditional Asian feel with a minimalist style
  • Washing Machines on-site
  • 15 minute walk to Surasak BTS Station
  • Continental Western or Asian Breakfast available

Mid-Range Family Hotel in Bangkok:

Novotel Living Bangkok Sukhumvit ~3400 THB/night (about $97 USD) with 2 kids in a deluxe family studio

  • City center — walking distance to restaurants, cafes, malls, etc
  • Near the BTS Sky Train and MRT Subway 
  • Has a king bed and bunk beds
  • Nice swimming pool with a waterfall and slide as well as a children’s wading area that’s only 50cm (about 1.5′) deep. The older kids would have a blast trying out the Zorb Ball!
  • Kids Club Room – Playtopia – has a ball pit and small toys for the littles as well as board games and a Nintendo Switch video game area for older kids.
  • There’s a cafe, library and co-working space for the parents to hang out or get a little work done right next to the Kids Club
  • They also have rooms with bunk beds, which are great for families
  • Also baby cot / cribs are available upon request
  • Super delish breakfast buffet

Luxury Places to Stay in Bangkok with Kids:

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok~20,268 THB/night (about $580/night USD) 

  • Luxurious 5 star stay in the heart of the city
  • Most rooms have a view of the lush garden and pool area
  • The swimming pool is massive with multiple places for the littles to splash and swim around
  • A great Kids Club with interactive and educational toys and activities 
  • They even have child-sized robes and slippers available for the littlest Kempinski guests
  • The breakfast buffet here is exquisite — so delish! 

Best AirBNB Home in Bangkok for Families

One of the most charming vacation homes in Bangkok! We loved that the playroom had lots of toys for both indoor and outdoor fun, the master suite with soaking tub was so relaxing, the kitchen was fully stocked even with an espresso machine, the laundry room had a washer and dryer, and the private fenced yard had covered parking. For less than the price of a suite at a Marriott, we got this whole family-friendly AirBNB home!

GREAT FAMILY HOTEL IN BANGKOK:
JASMINE GRAND RESIDENCE

This is the hotel we put our family and friends in!

With 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suites that have a living room, dining area, kitchenette, washing machine, etc. for only about $55-$110 USD!
-
The delicious buffet breakfast, the friendly reception who are ready to help you 24 hours a day in a foreign country, and the epic swimming pool with a slide, fountains, and kiddie area make this a great choice!

Days 3-5 : One of the Most Beautiful Destinations in Thailand is the Kanchanaburi Mountains

Thailand Train Travel Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Taking a train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi was such an incredible experience for my family!
Trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi with kids hiking to the best waterfalls in Thailand
What a fun adventure it was riding on this bamboo raft on the River Kwai

As a local mama of 4, we absolutely love taking our family up into the Kanchanaburi Mountains, only 3 hours from Bangkok.

 

Day 3 of your 10 Day Thailand Itinerary:

 

Take a historic train ride on the Death Railway and walk the River Kwai Bridge

  • This railway is famous for many POWs dying under the extremely harsh living conditions during WWII (hence the name ‘Death Railway.’
  • You can even ride this train all the way to/from Bangkok (See more info about that in the ‘How to get to Kanchanaburi’ below)  
  • Walk across the historic River Kwai Bridge. Our kids loved standing on the side platform of the bridge as the train passes by. 
  • Enjoy a meal at the Goodway Restaurant under the shade of a bamboo thatched roof. It is located right on the river and by the bridge.

DAY 4:

 

Walk the Saphan Tham Krasae Railway Bridge and Check out the Sai Yok Noi Sticky Waterfalls

  • Our family enjoyed walking along the top of the elevated railroad tracks. It was quite sobering to remember how this part of the wooden railway bridge was the most dangerous part for the POWs during World War II. 
  • We took the train from the Nam Tok train station to the Lumsum Station. Then, we walked on the elevated railroad tracks back towards the Saphan Tham Krasae train station. Whichever way you are coming from, be sure to ride across the bridge while still on the train. 
  • While waiting for our return train back, we explored inside a small cave called the Krasae cave. It’s not very deep and has high ceilings. 
  • Afterwards, we took the train back to the Nam Tok train station and got a ‘Song Taew pick-up truck taxi’ to take us to Sai Yok Noi Waterfalls, which is just about a 5 minute drive away. You could walk in about 30-40 minutes. 
  • Exploring around the Sai Yok Noi Waterfalls was a lot of fun with the rare non-slippery surface, which was great for our kids

Day 5:

 

Hike Up and Swim in the 7 levels of the Erawan Waterfalls 

  • Erawan Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand and def the best waterfalls in Thailand
  • If you like hiking, I’d recommend exploring all the way up to the top, level 7, where there is a nice view and a cave.  The hike up is actually not too strenuous, but there are a few steep parts and a couple slippery areas after Level 4.  We even took our 2 year old all the way up. 
  • If you don’t like hiking, then I’d recommend just going up to Level 4 of the Erawan Waterfalls. Levels 1-4 are pretty close to each other.
  • You can swim up to and stand on a rock right under the falls at level 3.
  • Bring a life jacket or swim floaties for the little kids. Adults are also required to wear a life jacket if swimming, so don’t forget to rent one for 20 baht (about $.50 cents) at Level 1. 

Other Highlights on our Trip to Kanchanaburi:

One of the best waterfalls in Thailand is Erawan Waterfalls! Hiking in Thailand to the 7 Layers was such an epic adventure!
One of the best waterfalls in Thailand is Erawan Waterfalls in Kanchanaburi
Weekend Trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Such a memorable trip to Kanchanaburi Mountains

Where to Stay with Kids in Kanchanaburi

Budget-friendly Place to Stay in Kanchanaburi:

Petchamaneekan Beach Resort in the Mountains ~1250 THB/night (about $35 USD)

  • Beautiful mountain and river views everywhere
  • Nice, peaceful getaway
  • A large standard room (no frills here) with a king bed and a lounging chair that can easily sleep 1 child  
  • No extra beds are available here, so if you have more than 1 child, simply book 2 rooms with a connecting door (that’s what we did!)
  • It’s called a ‘beach resort’ because it has a nice sandy beach right on the river which is great for building sand castles, dipping your feet in the water, or fishing alongside the banks
  • Nice swimming pool overlooking the mountains 
  • 4 large swings overlooking the river and mountains 
  • A tennis court (or pickleball court!) and ping pong table
  • We rode the bamboo raft down the river which was soooo fun (even with our 1 and 3 year old, it still felt safe since we had brought their swimming floaties)!
  • Simple Western style breakfast with white bread, fried eggs, ham, hot dogs, and watermelon or Thai rice porridge breakfast
  • Small convenience store on-site with snacks, drinks, toothbrushes, etc.
  • Near Hellfire Pass and not far from Sai Yok Noi Waterfalls 

Mid-Range Place to Stay in Kanchanaburi:

The Modeva Hotel Kanchanaburi~2900 THB/night (about $83 USD) with 2 kids in a family suite

  • Separate bedroom with a queen, twin, and baby cot as well as a living room area 
  • Nice swimming pool  and garden area with playground
  • Just a 15 minute walk from the River Kwai Bridge and Train Station so it’s a good option to stay here if coming by train
  • Can book tours here easily 
  • No breakfast available here but the 7-11 is a 2 minute walk away or Cinnamon Coffee is a great brunch spot that’s just a 10 minute walk away

Luxury Place to Stay in Kanchanaburi:

The Float House River Kwai ~11,770 THB/night (about $336 USD) for a floating villa 

  • If rustic luxury right in the middle of the mountains and literally right on the river, then this is your perfect escape
  • I recommend staying here if you have older kids who are good swimmers since you are literally on top of the river
  • large 89 square meter floating villa  (about 1000 sf)
  • Private deck with porch swing right on the river 
  • Both breakfast AND dinner are included in this rate
  • Mountain Bikes available
  • Can ride down the river in a long tail boat or on a bamboo raft 
Riding the train in Thailand
Riding the oldest train in Thailand was a really neat experience

How to Get to Kanchanaburi

BEST WAY TO GET TO KANCHANABURI:

  • RENT A CAR – If you’re brave enough to drive in a foreign country, then I’d recommend renting a car to get to Kanchanaburi.  A rental car would give you the most flexibility.  It’s about $60 USD/day plus gas.
  • BY TRAIN – If you’re up for an adventure, and you’re flexible on time, then I’d recommend taking the open-air train from Bangkok’s Thonburi Train Station to Kanchanaburi. The cost is only about $3 USD per person, but there are only 2 departure times. The train ride is about 3 hours to Kanchanburi (where the River Kwai Bridge is) or 5 hours to Nam Tok (where the Sai Yok Noi Waterfalls is). Here’s the timetables.
  • BY BUS – If you’re on  a tight budget, but you prefer to have an air-conditioned ride and more departure times, then a bus is a good fit. 
  • By PRIVATE VAN HIRE – If budget is not a factor, then I would highly recommend booking a private taxi or van. This Private Car or Van Hire from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi includes the driver for 12 hours each day at about $115/day. What a great deal!
Check out this post for a step-by-step detailed guide to spending up to 5 days in Kanchanaburi with your family as well as other unique places to stay. Like in a train car. 

Hey there, we're Brittany and Witt!

An American-Thai couple with 4 littles who have been based in Thailand for 16 years. On the weekends, we enjoy visiting all the kid-friendly attractions Bangkok has to offer. On holiday breaks, we explore the most beautiful destinations in Thailand -- many are hidden gems! Then, we share all the tips and itineraries to help you plan a memorable and stress-free family vacay of your own.

Day 6-10 : Some of the Best Beaches in Thailand are on Koh Chang Island

Thailand Itinerary for families
We had so much fun building sand castles on Koh Chang Island
Best Time to Visit Koh Chang Thailand
Koh Chang Island is a true hidden gem here in Thailand!

The last few days of this 10 Day Thailand Itinerary for families will have you relaxing and exploring some of the best beaches in Thailand on Koh Chang Island. 

What we personally love about Koh Chang:

  • Koh Chang is one of the most well-preserved islands — making it easily one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand
  • 70% is still unspoiled rainforest
  • Clear blue seas
  • Pristine white sandy beaches
  • A car ferry makes it nice to bring our family van with us (or rent one in Bangkok)
  • They have some really incredible family-friendly resorts with waterparks and kids clubs

Day 6 of Thailand Itinerary on Koh Chang Island

After getting checked in, take some time to explore your resort, lounge on the beach chairs while the kids build sand castles, and grab a Pina Colada during Happy Hour.  

End the night with an authentic Thai dinner and a really cool Fire Show on the beach at Koh Chang Seafood Restaurant.

Day 7 on Koh Chang Island

In the Morning:

  • Enjoy the buffet breakfast at your resort
  • Let the kids burn off some energy in the Kids Club room before heading to the pool
In the Afternoon: Hike to some Waterfalls
  • Whether you have younger or older kids, we always enjoy a good little hike.  
  • Hiking to the Khlong Chao and Khlong Nonsi Waterfalls is a perfect little outing to add to your island itinerary.
  • These particular two waterfalls aren’t too difficult, but for time sake, I would choose one or the other.
  • Our family chose the Khlong Nonsi Waterfall because it has free entrance, is less touristy, and has good parking.  
In the Evening: Street Food Dinner Experience
  • On the way back from the waterfalls, stop over in the White Sand Beach area to try some authentic street food.  
TIPS:
  • To find it, simply type in ‘Street Food Market’ into Google Maps.  

Day 8 on Koh Chang Island


If you’re feeling adventurous, then we highly recommend kayaking through the protected mangrove forests

  • First, enjoy walking along the 500 meter Mangrove Forest boardwalk.
  • Take in the impressive views from the Observation Deck.
  • Hopefully you have already pre-booked your Mangrove Forest kayaking from Klook.com (it’s actually the only place I could find to book this activity). 
  • On this adventure, you’ll get to kayak to a century old fishing village called Baan Salak Kok
  • Explore the winding mangrove forests and see numerous wildlife such as exotic birds, tropical fish, and maybe even monkeys!
  • Kayaking out to the sea and ending on a white sandy beach where the kids can swim for a bit.

COST: 300 THB/person (about $9 USD)

 

TIPS:

  • If you have smaller kids, be sure to bring along their life jacket or swim floats just to be safe. They do have regular-sized life jackets. 
  • Take a waterproof bag to store phones, wallets, etc. 
  • Also, bring along some snacks and water just in case anyone gets hungry or thirsty. Our go-to snacks are: granola bars, fruit leather strips, peanuts, cashews, green pea chips, and Cocomax Coconut water for good electrolytes.
  • We also pack extra clothes in our car so that we can change afterwards

Day 9 of Thailand Itinerary on Koh Chang Island

Morning-Afternoon: Snorkeling

On your last full day of this 10 Day Thailand Itinerary, we recommend going on a personally guided snorkeling tour

 

WHAT TO DO:

  • Enjoy riding the boat out into the gulf 
  • Snorkel with Experienced divers from the PADI Dive Center
  • Discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life
  • Enjoy exploring the crystal clear waters and diverse underwater ecosystem

HOW TO GET THERE:   Hotel pick-up is included if you book through Klook.com

 
COST: 848 THB/person (about $28 USD) including lunch 

TIPS:

  • Kids must be age 5 or older to go on this snorkeling trip
  • Masks, snorkels, open-heeled fins, and life jackets are included. But if you have smaller kids, be sure to bring along their own life jacket or swim floats just to be safe.
  • Pack towels, sunblock, snacks, water, and extra clothes 
In the Evening: Enjoy an Authentic Italian Dinner
 
After expending all that energy snorkeling, we highly recommend trying this authentic Italian restaurant called Babylon Ristorante Pizzeria near the very family-friendly Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort, which we have enjoyed staying at twice! 

Other Highlights of Koh Chang Island:

  • Many long stretches of white sand beaches — our favorite being Khlong Prao Beach — def one of the best beaches in Thailand
  • Crystal clear, emerald blue waters that are calm and shallow enough for the kids to splash around 
  • Ban Bang Ban fishing village of interconnected piers that jut out into the gulf of Thailand. This is a fun place to eat lunch and buy souvenirs. 
  • Hiking to the Khlong Chao and Khlong Nonsi Waterfalls 
  • Swimming with the elephants at Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp 
  • Watching the sun fade into the horizon at the Kai Bae Viewpoint
Best Family Resort in Koh Chang Island Thailand
We loved this family friendly resort on Koh Chang that even had its own waterpark on-site!

Where to Stay on Koh Chang with Kids

Budget-friendly Places to Stay on Koh Chang: 

Siam Bay Resort ~2800 THB/night (about $80 USD) with 2 kids in a family bungalow with seaviews

  • Dreamy sea views right from your own private bungalow
  • Loft area with twin or queen bed for the kids to sleep 
  • Large balcony to sit outside and enjoy the views
  • 2 swimming pools on-site
  • Small private beach area with crystal clear water and nice, fine sand
  • You can rent kayaks or paddle boards to go to a small, private island nearby and great for snorkeling
  • Good breakfast included too

Affordable Luxury Stay on Koh Chang Island with Family:

The Splash Koh Chang ~5200 THB/night  (about $150 USD) with 2 kids in a ‘Family Room’  

  • Modern and luxurious rooms and facilities
  • The Family Room has bunk beds and a sofa
  • an awesome waterpark on-site that is only for hotel guests
  • private beach
  • a nice spa for the parents
  • great buffet breakfast

The Best Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Thailand on Koh Chang Island:

 

Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa ~8100 THB/night (about $235 USD)

  • Located on one of the best beaches in Thailand: Klong Prao Beach
  • Choose between a modern, luxurious beachfront bungalow or a villa with its own private pool 
  • This resort is one of our all-time favorites because of the huge on-site Waterpark that is for hotel guests only. The waterpark has splash pad for little swimmers, a pirate ship play area for preschoolers and also 7 large slides for the big kids and adults to enjoy!
  • Great indoor kids club with ball pit, slides, and a trampoline
  • Awesome international breakfast buffet with so many choices 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you buy something through them, we earn a small commission. But at no extra cost to you!  This helps enable us to keep sharing helpful travel content. Thank you for your support! 

How to Get to Koh Chang Island

BEST WAY TO GET TO KOH CHANG:

  • RENT A CAR – I’d highly recommend renting a car to go to Elephant Island.  From Bangkok, it’s only about a 4.5 hour ride to the Ao Thammachat Car Ferry. A rental car would also give you the ability to explore all the places around the island. It’s about $60 USD/day plus gas to rent a car or SUV.
  • BY PRIVATE VAN TRANSFER – If you only plan to relax and enjoy the pristine beaches and your resort’s infinity pool, then I’d recommend booking a private taxi or van transfer. It would be about $175/one way from Bangkok. 
  • BY PRIVATE VAN HIRE – If budget is not a factor, then I would highly recommend booking a private van hire to be your driver everyday on the trip (it’s about $90/day plus gas including the driver). 
  • BY PLANE THEN TAXI – You can fly from Bangkok to Trat Province in less than an hour for about $70 USD per person.  Then you could rent a car or hire a taxi to take you to the island for another $50 USD. 
  • BY BUS – A very budget friendly way to get to Elephant Island is to take a tour bus from the Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal (right near the Ekkamai BTS Sky Train Station). You’ll then need to take a Song Taew (a pick-up truck taxi with two seating rows in the bed of the truck) to the Ao Thammachat pier and ride the ferry over to the island, Then you’ll need to ride another Song Taew truck taxi to the beach that your hotel or resort is located. I’ve done this a couple times, but not with kids in tow.  But to each his own! 
  • Note : No trains go to Trat province 
Check out this post for a step-by-step guide and 5 Day Itinerary to Koh Chang Island.  This island is one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand and still a hidden gem not yet overcrowded with tourists. 

This off-the-beaten path 10 Day Thailand Itinerary is ideal for families who want meaningful travel experiences, fewer crowds, and unforgettable memories.

Below are some more Thailand Travel Tips to make your trip to Thailand with kids stress-free, smooth and unforgettable!

Best Time to Visit Thailand

According to the locals, Thailand has 3 seasons: hot, hotter, and rainy… haha! Thailand is a tropical climate with high humidity most all-year long.

March-April are by far the hottest months of the year with mostly sunny days, temps usually in the mid-90, and high humidity. 

Rainy season is June-September with tropical thunderstorms scattered throughout the day. But don’t let the rainy season scare you from coming to Thailand altogether though. If there is a torrential downpour, then it usually doesn’t last much longer than an hour, and it also helps cool down the heat of day. 

May and October are shoulder seasons. May could be hot since its close to the summer season, and October could be rainy. It’s a bit of a gamble. 

If your schedule is flexible, I’d highly recommend traveling to Thailand with your family sometime between November to February. The tropical thunderstorms are rare during these months, and the hot weather feels pretty manageable with some ‘cooler’ days in the 70s and 80s. 

More good resources to read before traveling to Bangkok with your family: 

TRANSPORTATION TIP FOR BANGKOK: 

Get a BTS Sky Train Pass called a ‘Rabbit Card‘. 

This card has multiple benefits:

  • It’s pre-loaded with 200 Thai Baht (about $7 USD)
  • Saves time
  • No queueing for individual tickets
  • Automatically deducts the trip fare from the card
  • Can easily top up
  • Use for long-term or multi-day trips around Bangkok

*Recommended: Buy 1 Rabbit Card per person above 90cm tall (3 feet). Kids under 90 cm ride for free. 

Phone and Internet Service

You’ll need to stay connected while traveling in Thailand — for GPS Maps, researching the best island hopping tour packages, or letting the kids have some downtime watching Bluey on YouTube. 

Don’t do the T-Mobile or AT&T International Roaming plans for about $10 per day — save that money for a nice restaurant or fun activity!

E-SIM: I highly recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo to have great internet service all over Thailand. They are actually using the same local providers that AT&T, T-mobile and Verizon will use.

I have personally used Airalo many times traveling all over the world, and it works great and is SUPER easy to install.

To use your Airalo eSIM, you simply buy a package then scan the QR code from your email to install and activate the eSIM.

The packages run from only $4.50 for 1 GB of data to $35 USD for Unlimited Data in Thailand. 

TIPS FOR TRAVELING THAILAND WITH KIDS: If you let your kids watch YouTube, Netflix, etc, then I recommend getting the Unlimited Data. But if you’re not video streaming, then 50 GB of data is enough to browse the internet, use Google Maps, and stay in touch with friends back home.  

PHYSICAL SIM CARD: You could also pick up a physical SIM card at the airport upon arrival, at any mall, which would have a TRUE shop, DTAC shop, and/or AIS shop, or even some 7-Elevens have them. Just ask!   You would need your passport on hand.  The physical SIM + a prepaid service card would cost about 999 baht (~$30 USD),  but it usually comes with 30GB of Data. So Airalo is a much better deal. 

TIP #2: If you plan to use a physical SIM card, then be sure to contact your local phone provider (such as AT&T or Verizon) before traveling overseas to check that your phone is already unlocked. They can usually do this for you over the phone. 

Most Kid-friendly Airline to Fly to Thailand

FLIGHT TIP: We’ve personally had the best experience flying to Thailand with our family on Qatar Airlines and also Japan Airlines.    Both were child-friendly airline options.

  • Families with small children could board early
  • Automatically got bulk-head seating when we traveled with an infant 
  • Could pre-select kid-friendly meals 
  • They have great entertainment options for the littles
  • They had ‘grab-n-go’ snacks available throughout the whole flight
  • The best part : more legroom than the other international flights for families that we’ve taken

From the history, the culture, the food, the fun attractions, the awesome kid-centric resorts, and how friendly the locals are, we can’t say enough good things about the reasons why you’ll love this Thailand Itinerary with your family. 

Comment below with which of these hidden gems you are most excited to visit next?

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