Thailand. The land of the everlasting smile. And the destination in South-East Asia where traditions most of all, go hand in hand with the modern world. Travelling is done easily and you can fly there directly. The food is phenomenal and furthermore you can find beaches, nature and culture everywhere. So therefore Thailand with kids is an excellent idea! It’s a good destination for exploring with your kids. If they are young, go at a slower pace (take your time). If your kids are a little older? Then Thailand seems the perfect destination to combine adventure with unique sleeping places. Below you will find the tips of the mothers of RiksjaKids. They’ve been to Thailand with younger and older kids and as a result know how and where to travel better than most.
TOP 5 to do’s in Thailand with kids
#1 Bangkok
You must certainly not miss out on vibrant Bangkok. Alright, so 16 million people live there who all travel by taxi, car, tuk-tuk or scooter. Temples with gold roofs are found next to skyscrapers and you will be absolutely amazed! You can probably watch the sunset best from one of the trendy rooftop bars. Want to avoid heavy traffic? Travel by water taxi over the Chao Praya River, like the Thai do. And what about the famous Thai cuisine? You will find this everywhere. Your kids aren’t too fond of spicy food? Don’t worry, European dishes are served too. So how can one discover Bangkok the best? By foot or by bike. Stroll through the little alleys smelling and experiencing the unknown Bangkok at its best.
#2 River Kwai
If you are travelling to Bangkok, the river Kwai which is about three hours away, should certainly not be missing from your list. Not just because of its rich history but also because of all the green. After busy Bangkok the river Kwai is a big relief. Are you the adventurous type? Try sleeping on a floating raft on the river Kwai and get carried away on the current (in a life jacket). There is no electricity and therefore oil lamps provide a good atmosphere. Take a ride on the famous rail line and take a look at the Hell Fire Pass. Finally, you can relax at the pool with a view of the river.
# 3 Chiang Mai
The second city of Thailand lies in the North, between the green hills. Chiang Mai is a small but delicate city. You can easily travel through town by tuk-tuk and you will bump into many temples, therefore culture lovers are in for a treat. If you have the time, take a hike up to a mountain tribe and enjoy the hospitality of the Thai by spending the night. You eat what is served and you will learn to discover one of your top 10 favourite Thai dishes. Do you have time left? Take a cooking course and learn to make your own Tom Ka Kai. Consequently, Chiang Mai must not be left off your list when you visit Thailand with kids.
Do you have more time in Chiang Mai? Check out this ultimate 6 days guide to Chiang Mai or the most beautiful Chiang Mai temples.
# 4 Khao Sok
As green as it gets. That’s Khao Sok. It’s the largest tropical rainforest in the whole of South-East Asia. Limestone rocks overgrown with bushes, a river swaying through the jungle and also trees that are sky high. Do you want to explore the jungle? You can with a guide of course. You can go kayaking or tubing over the river while the monkeys swing beside you from tree to tree or you can take a mountain bike and go off the beaten track. The most adventurous among us can go for a hike by night. The fireflies steal the show while tiny spider eyes light up in the light of your torch.
# 5 Beach
There’s no shortage of beaches. Are you travelling during our summer? Go and visit the beaches on the East-side of Thailand where you can make your trip as easy going or as adventurous as you like. Diving or snorkelling is done in Kah Tao as opposed to Koh Phangan where you go to check out small bays and enjoy nothing but relaxation, check out this ultimate guide to Koh Phangan. Koh Samui is the largest island. First of all you can rent a jeep or a jet-ski, go for a ride on a quad or mountain bike through the rough outback or, most noteworthy, enjoy the pearly white sands of Chaweng Beach. Koh Samui has an airport too, thus making it easy to fly back home. Are you going during our winter period? Try to combine the outstretched beaches of Koh Lanta with the limestone rocks at Krabi.
For the rookies, check out all these practical tips for first time visitors to Thailand. Can you spend two weeks in Thailand? Check out this 14 days in Thailand itinerary.
This is a guest blog of RiksjaKids’ travelling mums.
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