2 Week Thailand Itinerary with Kids Overview
Dreaming of the Ultimate Tropical Getaway with your Family? These are some of the most kid-friendly and beautiful destinations in Thailand:
This 2 week Thailand Itinerary with kids offers the best of island hopping — from lively Phuket to peaceful Koh Lipe, with unforgettable stops at Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, and Maya Bay. Whether you’re snorkeling with your kids, hiking to viewpoints, or simply watching the waves roll in, this adventure is packed with magic, memories, and sunshine.
Get ready to explore some of the best beaches in Thailand including:
- 3 Nights in Phuket
- 4 Nights in Krabi
- 3 Nights on Koh Phi Phi Island
- 4 Nights on Koh Lipe Island
This 2 Week Thailand Itinerary with Kids will give you all the details you need to plan the Ultimate Island Hopping Adventure in Thailand for your family:
- Family-friendly Activities in Each City
- Great Family Resorts for all Budgets
- How to Get from Place to Place
- Helpful Thailand Travel Tips from this Local Mama of 3
With turquoise waters, palm tree-lined beaches, jungle adventures, and colorful coral reefs, Thailand’s islands are a dream come true for families traveling with little ones or adventurous teens.
Week 1: Phuket and Krabi
Our Favorite Travel Resources for Exploring Asia
- The Best Deals on Hotels in Thailand: Agoda.com
- Most Family-friendly Airline: Qatar Airlines
- Renting a Car: EconomyBookings.com
- Getting around (ferry, train, flights, bus, transfers): 12go.com
- Booking an Activity or Tour in Asia: Klook.com
- Travel Insurance: VisitorsCoverage.com
- Internet and Cell Phone Service: Airalo
DAYS 1-3: PHUKET -- A FAMILY-FRIENDLY GATEWAY TO ISLAND LIFE
Let your journey begin in Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most famous island. It is home to some of the most coveted seaside escapes in the world making it a great launching point for your family’s Island Getaway.
With numerous International Flights coming in hourly, Phuket is an ideal place to recover from jet lag and ease into vacation mode.
This island has beautiful beaches along the sapphire colored Andaman Coast and the most fun kid-friendly attractions in Thailand. Not to mention, the family resorts in Phuket are amongst the best in the world.
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Phuket with Kids
Jump into Vacation Mode with these Fun, Family-friendly Activities in Phuket:
- Cool off at a water park: Splash around at the Blue Tree Water Park
- Enjoy a stunning sunset at the Promthep Viewpoint
- Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary that is both ethical and educational
- Explore colorful Phuket Town for tasty food, the best coffee shops and cool street art — extra great if you can go on a Sunday to enjoy the Walking Street Market
- Go zip lining through the jungle at Hanuman World
- Adventure Playground: Let the kids work off some energy at Adventure Playground at Rawai Park
- Learn how to make Pad Thai Noodles: How fun would it be to join in a Thai Cooking Class letting the kids learn how to make Pad Thai Noodles or Mango Sticky Rice Dessert in a hands-on way
- Get a $10 Massage right on the beach: Many of the restaurants or resorts have a massage pavilion on the beach. You can get a Thai Massage or Foot Massage , sometimes for less than $10 USD/hour. Sooooo relaxing with the waves gently rolling in the background.
- Sunset Dinner on the Sand: Around 5pm, most restaurants will bring their tables out to the beach where you can literally have a lovely sunset dinner with your toes in the sand. It’s heavenly!
- Impressive Fire Shows: Grab a drink and watch one of the free Fire Shows along the coastline nearly every night.
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Top Family Resorts in Phuket
Budget-friendly Family Hotel in Phuket:
The Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach Resort
- Perfect for families who want to be walking distance to restaurants, convenience stores, massage shops, and kid-friendly activities
- This resort is right on the beach (kind of rare in Phuket!)
- Kids age 16 and under stay free if using existing bedding
- The breakfast buffet and pool area give you those stunning sea views
- The resort is showing some signs of wear and tear — hence being more budget-friendly
Mid-range Family Resorts in Phuket:
Le Meridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
- Perfect for families that want to be near the International Airport and are okay to not be walking distance to shops
- The large lagoon pool, with a kids splash pool, feels like you stepped into a lush tropical oasis
- The Kids Club Room is open til 8pm (rare in Thailand as most close between 4-6pm).
- The Family Suites are top notch — especially love the one with bunk beds!
JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa
- Super kid-friendly with every activity under the sun: tennis, badminton, chess, jenga, biking, a spa, fitness, and even free cooking classes!
- A large beachfront pool as well as another more kid-friendly pool with slide and splash pad
- A Great Kids Club Room — perfect for rainy days or escaping the mid-day sun
- Kids up to age 17 stay free if using existing bedding
- Also very close to the International Airport
Luxury Phuket Family Resorts:
Banyan Tree Phuket Resort
- Perfect for families that want a luxurious tropical escape
- Enjoy your own beautifully designed villa with a private swimming pool
- The concierge service is truly a 5 star experience!
- Enjoy the exquisite buffet breakfast
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
- This stunning beachfront resort is on the longest stretch of white sand in Phuket — Bang Tao Beach
- Perfect for families who wish to have every luxury and amenity at their fingertips
- This resort is so large, you’ll never even have to leave!
- You’ll love the Breakfast Buffet with its different stations that allow you to have a fully-customizable breakfast spread
DAYS 4-7: EXPLORE KRABI'S CLIFFS, CAVES & CALM WATERS
Krabi is one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand — and surprisingly kid-friendly!
If you’ve been dreaming of a one-of-a kind beach experience, where you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise, then Railay Beach is truly one of those magical places. With its dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald green waters, and pristine white sand beaches, Railay offers a peaceful, tropical escape that feels like a private island paradise.
Ao Nang is a neat beach town in Krabi as well, but most of the resorts are across the street or even down the street. Plus, there’s quite a bit of traffic on that main beach road, so IMHO, it has lost its quintessential paradise vibe for those two reasons.
Why our family loves Railay Beach:
- Only accessible by boat making it feel like a private oasis on the mainland
- Safe, walkable beach town
- Caves, jungle hikes, and the friendliest monkeys ever
- Calm waters perfect for swimming or kayaking
- A perfect blend of stunning landscapes and natural beauty mixed with fun and adventure
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Krabi with Kids
The Most Kid-friendly Activities to Do in Krabi:
- Ride a long-tail boat to get to Railay Beach in lieu of a speed boat — the long-tail boat is slow and steady and lets you enjoy the impressive scenery all the more!
- Explore Phra Nang Cave: To get to its towering cave entrance, you’ll first climb up some bouldering rocks, walk over bamboo bridges, and climb a couple ladders. Plus, the viewpoint from the top is stunning!
- Rent a kayak to paddle between hidden beaches
- Railay Viewpoint:The hike up to this viewpoint is a bit more strenuous than the hike to the Phra Nang Cave Viewpoint, so it’s probably better for older kids. And if you get to the viewpoint, you’ll get a peak at the secret lagoon. The climb down into the lagoon is for advanced level climbers though.
- Experience a one-of-a-kind glow in the dark experience swimming with the Bioluminescent Plankton
- Go kayaking in the mangrove forests of Krabi: This is back on the mainland, but you can easily get back there with a 15 minute boat ride to Ao Nang. Then about an hour drive from Ao Nang.
- Limestone Rock Climbing: Feeling adventurous? Railay has some of the best rock climbing in the world for both beginners and expert levels
- Get a $10 Massage right on the beach: Many of the restaurants or resorts have a massage pavilion on the beach. You can get a Thai Massage or Foot Massage , sometimes for less than $10 USD/hour. Sooooo relaxing with the waves gently rolling in the background.
- Sunset Dinner on the Sand: Around 5pm, most restaurants will bring their tables out to the beach where you can literally have a lovely sunset dinner with your toes in the sand. It’s heavenly!
- Impressive Fire Shows: Grab a drink and watch one of the free Fire Shows along the coastline nearly every night.
Top Family Resorts in Krabi
Sand Sea Resort – a Mid-range Family Resort in Krabi on Railay Beach West:
Cost: Only 3,500 THB/night (about $100 USD) with 2 kids in a Deluxe Pavillion
- Family-friendly where kids stay free if using existing bedding! This was perfect for our family of 5
- Very charming Thai-style bungalows as well as newly-built modern rooms
- Direct beach access to Railay Beach West and East
- The first hotel off the pier where the long-tail boats drop you off
- Enjoy a buffet breakfast with stunning ocean views!
- The pool had gorgeous sea views as well
- There was also another pool near Railay East — it was never crowded
Railay Bay Resort & Spa — another mid-range Family Resort in Krabi on Railay Beach West:
Cost: About 3,500 baht ($100 USD) before adding the extra costs for an extra bed for kids age 5+
- Lovely Thai-style cottages
- Oceanfront Dining including a breakfast buffet
- Stunning views of the limestone cliffs and ocean from the pool
- Sadly only kids age 4 and under stay for free if using existing bedding. Kids age 5+ will have to have an extra bed, which incurs an extra charge. You can only have one child age 5+ per room.
**Important Tip: Since these are the only 2 resorts on Railay Beach West, they book up fast! Don’t wait! All the other hotels are on the Railay East side, which is mostly Mangrove forests and not an actual ‘beach.’
Luxury Family Resort in Krabi on Phra Nang Beach within a 10 minute walk of Railay Beach:
Cost: 12,500 THB/night (about $380 USD) with 2 kids in a Deluxe Pavillion
- Family-friendly luxury
- Unique 2 story bungalows
- Direct beach access to Phra Nang Beach
- Oceanfront dining
- One of the most unique restaurants in the world: The Grotto — tucked away inside a limestone cliff and only available to hotel guests and
Luxury 3 Bedroom Family Villa in Krabi on Phra Nang Beach:
Cost: 81,000 THB/night ($2,380 USD)
- 3 Bedrooms
- Breakfast Included
- Direct Beach Access
- Private Pool
- Lovely outdoor lounge area and dining table
Hey there, we're Brittany and Witt!
How to Get to Krabi from Phuket
Depending on your budget and travel style, there are a few different ways to get to Krabi from Phuket:
From Phuket to Krabi is pretty easy to reach within 1-3 hours depending on what mode of transportation you choose. The KBV Krabi International Airport also makes this coast side province super accessible if you are coming straight from Bangkok or another hub.
By Speedboat:
- The quickest route
- Duration: about 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Cost: about 1,000 THB ($32 USD)/pp
- You can safely and easily book this on 12go.com
By Ferry:
- A popular choice with scenic ocean views along the way
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Cost: about 850 THB ($26 USD)/pp
- Ferries depart 2x per day from the Phuket’s Rassada Pier to Krabi’s Ao Nang Pier
- You can easily and safely book your ferry tickets here
By Taxi:
- A cheaper option if you have multiple people
- Duration: about 2.5 hours
- Cost: about 2,000-3,000 baht ($60-$90 USD/taxi) depending on the size of the vehicle
- You can book a taxi, SUV or even a Van in the Grab App or on the 12go.com site
Van Transfer:
- A cheaper option
- Duration: about 4 hours
- Cost: about 350-600 THB (about $10-18 USD)/pp
- You can book at a travel agent stall at the main beach areas or here on 12go.com
By Airplane:
- This is probably not the best way to get from Phuket to Krabi because there are no direct flights between the two provinces since they are so close in proximity.
- You’d have to take a flight from Phuket to Bangkok, then another flight from Bangkok to Krabi.
- Duration: about 4 hours
- Cost: about 2000-4000 THB ($65-$130 USD)/pp
BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN RAILAY: SAND SEA RESORT
Week 2: Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe Islands
DAYS 8-10: VISIT THE POSTCARD WORTHY SITES OF PHI PHI ISLAND
Known for its stunning turquoise waters and home of the best beaches in Thailand, Phi Phi Island offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, kid-friendly activities, and tropical island charm.
While the main village of Koh Phi Phi Island has a reputation for its lively atmosphere and loud parties, there are some quiet, more family-friendly beaches on the outer edges of the island.
Koh Phi Phi Island ended up being a perfect place for our family to go on some snorkeling adventures and scenic boat trips, and visiting Phi Phi Island with kids is an experience our family will never forget!
12 Best Things to Do on Phi Phi Island with Kids
Get ready to explore, relax, and make unforgettable memories:
- Long-tail Boat Ride: One of the most popular activities is island hopping on a long-tail boat. This is for sure one of my most favorite memories of our trip!
- Visit Maya Bay: Our long-tail boat took us to the iconic Maya Bay — made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach.” But we instantly fell in love with the powdery soft sand and the stunning views of the cliffs surrounding the bay! Do note: there are now marine protection laws in effect, so you can’t swim. You can go in the water to about waist-deep, so that was perfect for our girls! Also, it gets very crowded! At first, I thought I’m going to not like this tourist trap, but then we walked all the way down to the very end of the beach (about a 7 minute leisurely walk in the sand), and we felt like we had a little slice of heaven to ourselves.
- Snorkel or Diving Trip: Go on a hunt “Finding Nemo” while snorkeling or diving at one of the colorful reefs such as at Loh Samah Bay or Hin Klang
- Swim with Sharks: If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip with the non-aggressive reef sharks at Shark Point right off the far end of Long Beach. Our girls were not up for that! But they did have fun chasing crabs and finding star fish when the tide went out in the late afternoon.
- Go night swimming with the bioluminescent plankton: What an unforgettable glow-in-the-dark experience!
- Visit Monkey Beach: Wouldn’t it be neat to watch animals in their own natural habitat. In just a short boat ride, you’ll come to a small cove that is home to wild monkeys. I recommend to enjoy the view from the safety of the boat.
- Enjoy the soft white sand of Long Beach: Sip a fresh Mango smoothie in a lounge chair as your little ones build sand castles on the quiet and calm stretch of Long Beach.
- Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint: About a 20-30 minute ‘hike’ up the — mostly stairs — for a postcard worthy snapshot and quite possibly the best sunset in Thailand
- Try some Street Food & Souvenir Shopping at Tonsai Walking Street: If you’re feeling up for the lively atmosphere, head to the main village for some souvenir shopping and street food. You can’t go wrong with Pad Thai, Pork Skewers with Sticky Rice, freshly cut watermelon, and Roti pancakes with Nutella (yummm!)
- Get a $10 Massage right on the beach: Many of the restaurants or resorts have a massage pavilion on the beach. You can get a Thai Massage or Foot Massage , sometimes for less than $10 USD/hour. Sooooo relaxing with the waves gently rolling in the background.
- Sunset Dinner on the Sand: Around 5pm, most restaurants will bring their tables out to the beach where you can literally have a lovely sunset dinner with your toes in the sand. It’s heavenly!
- Impressive Fire Shows: Grab a drink and watch one of the free Fire Shows along the coastline nearly every night.
Best Family Resorts on Phi Phi Island
Budget-friendly Family Resort on Phi Phi Island:
A nice budget-friendly family resort on Phi Phi Island is Phi Phi The Beach Resort.
Cost: About 2,200 THB/night (~$67 USD) in a Superior Villa
- Feels like a private beachside paradise nestled amongst the lush tropical trees
- Every balcony has incredible sea views
- Charming hillside bungalows
- Direct beach access onto Long Beach
- Nearby Shark Point where you can snorkel with the “human-friendly” reef sharks
- 5 and under stay free
Another Budget-friendly Family Hotel on Phi Phi Island
Cost: About 3,100 baht ($95 USD) for up to 3 adults
- Beautiful Thai-style bungalows
- Oceanfront Dining
- Stunning views of the Andaman Sea
- Kids age 5 and under stay free
- No swimming pool though — boo
A Mid-range Family Resort on Phi Phi Islands
Even though this one is not on Long Beach, our family really enjoyed staying at the Phi Phi Villa Resort on Ton Sai Bay.
Cost: about 7,500 THB/night (about $200 USD)
- We enjoyed the quaint bungalows with large bathroom
- Kids age 5 and under stay free and it’s only 1,000 THB (about $30 USD) for an extra bed for the older kids
- The buffet breakfast had incredible sea views — this room was on the 2nd floor so not stroller or wheelchair friendly
- The pool was really nice, oceanfront, and had a kiddie pool. The sea views were partially blocked by a restaurant though.
- The beach was just across a small sidewalk. The seas were still rough in the morning. By late afternoon, the tide had gone down, and our girls loved finding sea critters like crabs, star fish, etc.
A Luxury Family Resort on Phi Phi Island:
If you’re seeking all the modern comforts of home with world class service, then Saii Phi Phi Island Village is a top choice.
Cost: About 15,000 THB/night (~$450 USD) in a Deluxe Garden Bungalow
- A private beachfront resort
- 5 star beautifully designed bungalows
- Surrounded by the glorious sapphire waters of the Andaman Sea
- Lush tropical landscaping all around
- Two swimming pools
- Exquisite breakfast buffet
How to Get to Phi Phi Island from Krabi or Phuket
The Best Way to Get from Phuket to Phi Phi Island or from Krabi to Phi Phi Island is by ferry or speedboat:
By Speedboat:
- The fastest way to Phi Phi Island
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Cost: from 830 THB (about $26 USD/pp)
- I recommend you book with 12go.com to be able to read reviews of the different vendors and compare prices.
By Ferry:
- The cheapest way to Phi Phi Island
- Duration: 1hr 45 min
- Cost: 650 THB (about $20 USD/pp)
- You can easily compare the different Ferry Companies on 12go.com and book with confidence on that site
*Do note: there is no airport on Phi Phi Island
DAYS 11-14: THE IDYLLIC KOH LIPE ISLAND, ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS IN THAILAND
Dubbed the Maldives of Thailand for a reason, Koh Lipe Island is the perfect tropical island oasis to spend your last few days of your 2 Week Thailand Itinerary with Kids.
Some of the best beaches in Thailand are found on Koh Lipe Island including: Northpoint Beach, Sunrise Beach, Pattaya Beach, Sunset Beach, and even a secret beach called Pantai Gala.
Why your family will love Koh Lipe Island:
- This place is dubbed the Maldives of Thailand for a reason — I mean every corner is a tropical paradise!
- For now, Koh Lipe Island is still a hidden gem and not yet on the radar for most tourists.
- Calm, clear waters that you can snorkel right from shore
- At just 3km wide, you can walk everywhere (cause I mean who wants to worry about renting a car in a foreign country or worse — explaining to a taxi driver who doesn’t speak English where you want to go)
- This means no roads or traffic too — perfect for little feet
- We love Walking Street with all its food vendors, massage shops, and souvenir stalls
- Multiple beaches to venture to — each with its own vibe
Best Things to Do on Koh Lipe Island
Top 10 Most Family-friendly Activities to Do on Koh Lipe Island during your 2 Week Thailand Itinerary with Kids:
- Snorkeling: Bring your own goggles and snorkel the colorful coral reefs right off Sunrise Beach
- Family Kayak Trip to a Nearby Island: From your stay on Sunrise Beach, you could easily kayak or paddle board (SUP) to the nearby island of Koh Kla island. Most kayak rentals on Koh Lipe Island come with the life jacket and snorkel gear. The depth of the water is only like 1-2 meters to get there, so my girls were not too scared. There are so many coral and beautiful fish around this small island. The kids will easily be entertained ‘Finding Nemo’ along the shoreline.
- Watch a Golden Sunset: Grab a lounge chair and a cocktail while the kids play in the sand and catch the glorious sunset from Sunset Beach
- Long-tail Boat Ride: You can’t come to Thailand without taking one of these quintessential wooden long-tail boats around to the smaller islands for a day trip.
Koh Lipe is the most beautiful place to snorkel in Thailand. The purple, pink and orange coral reef and vibrant marine life right off the coast of Koh Lipe is mesmerizing! The kids will easily spot many ‘Nemo nests’ along the shore too. The black rock beach at Koh Hin Ngam is a neat place to visit on an island hopping tour in Koh Lipe.
Jabang is the best place to snorkel and dive off the coast of Koh Lipe Island. - Stroll along Walking Street: With its cute shops, family-friendly restaurants, Thai pancake stands, and beauty souvenirs, this is a great place to spend the evening
- Beach Yoga: Many places offer drop-in yoga sessions right on the beach. You can even start your day with a sunrise meditation at the Castaway Beach Resort, which has classes Monday to Saturday at 7am, 9am, and 4:30pm. The kids may even enjoy it amongst the impressive scenery.
- Get a Beach Massage: Before jumping on that long international flight again, relax those muscles while taking in the hypnotic blues of the sea and sky
- Watch a Fire Show: If you want an island vibe with cushions, reggae music, and candles, then heading to Reggae Bar on Pattaya Beach is the place to be.
- If you chose a resort without a pool, you can still take a dip in the pool at the Art Beach Club.
- Hike Koh Adang for a Panoramic View of Koh Lipe Island: Thankfully, it’s not not a strenuous hike and takes just about an hour to get to the top. There are 3 look-outs to stop for a photo op along the way, with the 3rd look-out having the best views!
THAILAND TRAVEL TIPS WITH KIDS: Bring child-size life vests or swim floats as well as kids swim goggles from home.
Best Family Resorts in Thailand on Koh Lipe Island
For Luxury Stays: Irene Pool Villa Resort on Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe Island
Irene Pool Villa Resort on Koh Lipe is a luxurious boutique resort where each villa has its own private pool!
Cost: 8,500 THB/night (about $250 USD) in the Tree Pool Villa
- Immaculately decorated 5 star boutique resort
- Each villa has its own pool
- A uniquely designed resort pool on the beachfront has a swim-up bar — but no kiddie pool
- The rooms automatically sleep 3 ‘adults’ and then if you have a second child over 4+, they would need an extra bed with surcharge
- Breakfast Buffet with stunning views of the Andaman Sea
For Mid-range Budgets Seeking Tropical Thai Style: Mali Resort on Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe Island
Cost: About 5,700 baht ($175 USD) for a Bungalow with Garden View
- Set in a tropical lush setting right on the beachfront
- Buffet Breakfast Included
For Mid-range Budgets Seeking a Modern Stay: Akira Lipe Resort on Koh Lipe Island
Cost: About 5,500 THB/night (about $165 USD) in a Standard Room with Pool access
- A 4 Star Family-friendly Resort where kids 6 and under stay free if using existing bedding!
- Kids 7+ must get an extra bed, which has a surcharge
- Very modern and new rooms
- One pool is beachfront and has stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Plus, it has a kiddie pool.
- Two other pools are near the rooms.
- Excellent Breakfast Buffet
- Kids Club Room is great for rainy days
For Families Seeking a Budget-friendly Stay: Hideaway Resort on Sunrise Beach
The Hideaway Resort on Sunrise Beach is a super budget-friendly option with the cutest wooden bungalows nestled right on Sunrise Beach.
Cost: Only 1,050 THB/night (about $30 USD) for a regular bungalow where 3 adults and 1 child under 12 stays free!
- These are the highest rated budget-friendly bungalows on the island at 8.6 Reviews on Agoda.com
- The Family Bungalow is under $50/night and sleeps up to 5! Wow!
How to Get to Koh Lipe Island
How to get to Koh Lipe Island from Koh Phi Phi Island:
By Speedboat:
- This is actually the only way you can get directly from Phi Phi Island to Lipe Island
- Duration:
- Cost: 1750 THB/pp (~$55 USD)
- Compare speedboat operators to find the best deal with the highest ratings on 12go.com then book safely on their site!
How to go from Krabi to Koh Lipe Island
By ferry:
- Probably the most efficient and cost-effective way to get to Koh Lipe from Railay Beach — Plus, you get the beautiful ocean views along the way!
- Duration: 5-7 hours
- Departures daily at 10:30am or 11:15am
- Cost: 1200-2750 baht per person (~$40 – $75 USD)
- It’s best to book this ferry ride from Railay to Koh Lipe in advance.
By plane + taxi + ferry:
- If you’d rather not be on a ferry for that long, then you could do a plane, taxi, ferry combo.
- Duration: about 10 hours
- Cost: about 4,000 THB/pp (about $120 USD)
- Unfortunately, there are NO direct flights to Hat Yai from Krabi — they all have a stopover back in Bangkok.
- Check out domestic flight deals here
By van + ferry:
- The cheapest and most time efficient way to get to Koh Lipe from Krabi
- Duration: 4 hour shared van ride from Ao Nang Beach to Pak Bara Pier + a 2 hour ferry ride to Koh Lipe.
- Cost: 920 THB (~$27 USD) per person.
- The best place to pre-purchase this van + ferry combo is at 12go.com
THAILAND TRAVEL TIP: Pak Bara Pier is open year round even during monsoon season when other piers close down.
Most Family-friendly Airline for International Trips
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
When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand
Thailand has a tropical climate, which means it is mostly hot and humid year round.
Temps range from about 75’F (22’C) to 100’F (40’C), but mostly stay in the high 80s (low 30’Cs).
Thailand generally has two seasons: wet and dry.
The Wet Season
- heavily influenced by the monsoon winds
- typically lands between June to September
- Doesn’t typically rain all day
- Short bursts of heavy rainfall
INSIDER TIPS FOR TRAVELING THAILAND DURING RAINY SEASON:
- Pack shoes that can get wet, quick drying clothes, and a poncho or umbrella.
- Wear mosquito spray at dusk because of the small risk of Dengue Fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
The Dry Season
- generally between November to April
- Has mostly clear, sunny days
- Can be quite hot
- This is also ‘Burning Season’ for local farmers, and the air pollution can be quite high in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other farming towns.
*Do note that May and October are shoulder months. The days could be either dry or wet. It just depends if the monsoon season comes early that year or late.
That being said, the very best time to visit Thailand with kids is between December to February. But our family lives here year-round and love every season!
The Best Internet Service in Thailand
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.
*PLEASE NOTE : the price ranges are up-to-date as of the date of publishing this post. They may vary from season to season.
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