Firmly on the map as a destination that’s especially beloved by independent travellers, culture vultures, sun-seekers and divers, Thailand also has a whole lot to offer families. Read on to discover the best Thailand family tours that’ll deliver unforgettable experiences for all ages.
When it comes to taking a family tour of Thailand, you’re spoiled for choice.
How about enjoying an exhilarating elephant safari in the Chiang Mai region? Or blissing out on the beautiful beaches of Phuket or Krabi? Then there are all those floating markets to tour on a boat trip.
Before booking your dream holidays, check when is the best time to visit Thailand and don't forget to apply for Thailand visa. Our Thailand travel tips may also come handy.
To xperience the diversity of what Thailand has to offer without the hassle of planning and booking, browse our inspirational Thailand itineraries, or contact our Thailand travel experts.
Phuket island, Thailand — often a highlight of Thailand family tours © Shutterstock
A firm favourite with visitors of ages, but especially so with wildlife-mad kids, going on an elephant safari in Chiang Mai is utterly unforgettable.
During your visit to this ethical, sustainable enterprise, you’ll feed, bathe and play with the elephants, and discover everything you need to know about elephants and their welfare.
It’s not for nothing that Thailand’s best beaches are oft hailed as some of the best in the world. And beaches scarcely come better than those of Phuket and Krabi.
In general, Krabi is better suited to more chilled-out experiences, with child-friendly resorts, a quieter vibe and some secluded beaches. Add to that the possibility of enjoying outdoor adventure activities, and it amounts to an all-around pleaser.
Meanwhile, Phuket is more developed, with livelier beach action and nightlife.
A hands-down highlight of many a Thailand family tour, Safari World in Bangkok covers a whopping 200 acres. As such, it’s one of Asia’s largest open-air zoos.
Explorable on foot or in a car, it boasts a safari park and marine park and enables visitors to see the likes of tigers, lions and zebras.
Pattaya’s Paradise Museum is an innovative, child-pleasing art illusion museum, one of our recommended best things to do in Thailand for families.
It features ten themed exhibitions, among them Underwater World Hall, Wildlife Hall, Dinosaur Hall and Waterfall Hall. Each area comprises 3D art pieces that offer opportunities to interact while being amazed.
Taking a hands-on Thai cooking class is a great option if you’re looking to book a Thailand family tour with older kids.
Fun, informative — and available around the country — there’s no better way to get to grips with an incredible aspect of Thai culture. It’s also another activity that crosses generation boundaries. Read up on eating and drinking in Thailand.
One of the most unique experiences in Thailand, taking a boat tour of a floating market offers insights into local culture and landscapes in one fell swoop. As such, the experience is exhilarating, informative and utterly unforgettable.
Taking a Thai cooking class is one of the best family activities in Thailand © gowithsotck/Shutterstock
From exploring Bangkok city to encountering elephants in the verdant Chiang Mai region to blissing out at Khao Lak beach resort, our Family Time in Thailand trip delivers a range of experiences.
This itinerary kicks off in Bangkok, where you’ll spend a few days exploring the likes of Wat Trimitr temple and Wat Pho.
From Bangkok, take a train tour to Mahachai, a lesser-visited fishing village. Along the way, you’ll see incredible scenery and visit the Wongwain Yai market.
In Mahachai, you’ll visit the largest fresh seafood market in Thailand, and savour lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the market before taking a boat trip.
Next up, on transferring to Chiang Mai City, incredible Buddhist temples await, and a huge market. After exploring the city’s highlights, you’ll take a trip through lush landscapes to Sanpatong and Mae Win.
Here the Tong Bai Foundation offers visitors the chance to get up close to elephants in small group tours. Truly unforgettable.
Elephants in Chiang Mai's Elephant Nature Park, Thailand © Shutterstock
Demon Guardian in Wat Phra Kaew Grand Palace, Bangkok © Shutterstock
From discovering exciting Bangkok, to jungle treks, rafting adventures and encounters with remarkable wildlife, our customisable Bangkok-Pattaya Safari Adventure sure packs plenty of punch as a Thailand family tour.
Add to that spending time in the captivating coastal resort of Pattaya, and this amounts to a sure-fire winner of a trip for all ages.
Spend your first day touring Bangkok’s Grand Palace. One of the most stunning examples of an ancient Siamese court, this was once the residence of the Kings of Thailand.
Next morning, head to Siam Ocean World for face-to-face encounters with the likes of giant sharks and stingrays.
After transferring to Pattaya, a full day of discovery awaits on the third day of this epic Thailand family tour, when you’ll explore Chonburi Province. After taking in the buzz of the local market, kids will love visiting the Marine Aquarium.
More animal magic awaits on the afternoon, when you’ll head to “Monkey Cliff” to see the cheeky creatures at play. En route back to Pattaya, you’ll get to visit a local stonemason village.
Another highlight of this trip is sailing the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Thailand to Coral Island (Koh Lan). On arrival, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe and lunch in the most stunning surroundings.
Sichang Island, Pattaya. Chonburi. Thailand © Shutterstock
Fire dance, Koh Samet, Thailand © Shutterstock
Beginning in Bangkok, our Best of Thailand with Phuket itinerary will see you enjoy a Thailand family tour that takes in temples, markets, wonderful wildlife and fun beach time in Phuket.
On day one you will arrive in bustling Bangkok. Day two is an introduction to the city, starting with a local market and ending with a tour of the Grand Palace.
On the third day, you will head outside Bangkok to see the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the charming Maeklong Railway Market. On the fourth day, you'll head north to Chiang Mai.
Day five is a delightful immersion into the world of elephants at Baan Chang Elephant Park. Day six is a visit to the Lanna family in the suburbs of Chiang Mai. Day seven begins with a leisurely morning in Chiang Mai before flying to Phuket.
Day eight is dedicated to travelling around the islands and exploring hidden gems. Day nine invites you to explore Phuket's old town. On the tenth day, you will board your flight to Bangkok. From there, you easily transfer to your international flight home.
Yao Noi, Phuket, Thailand © Shutterstock
Marble temple, Bangkok © Shutterstock
Fancy a Thailand family tour that’ll keep fans of secluded beaches and active types equally happy? You’ll love our Krabi Discovery trip.
Blending adventuring around the Andaman Coast with opportunities to chill out, slow down and generally live the good life — think fine food and rejuvenating spa treatments — this customisable trip has it all.
On the first day, you will arrive in Krabi where you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel. The second day is an island tour of the 4 Islands by Speedboat excursion. You will visit Phra Nang Cave, Tub Island, Chicken Island and Poda Island.
On the third day, you will go on a nature tour to Khao Sok. Day four is a rejuvenating retreat at the Waree Raksa Hot Spring Spa, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and natural hot springs.
Day five will tak you to Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands on a speed boat. Day six concludes your Krabi trip with a sightseeing tour.
Long tail boat on a tropical beach in Krabi @ Shutterstock
Krabi, Thailand © Shutterstock
Our multi-destination Thailand Explorer trip will see you and your family uncover a host of Thailand’s most celebrated sights.
From lively Bangkok, to the beach resort of Pattaya, to the fresher climate of Chiang Mai, incredible culture and outdoor activities all play a part in this super-special trip.
You’ll begin your adventure with a dinner cruise in Bangkok, passing shimmering temples and skyscrapers while enjoying sensational Thai food.
River Kwai, Thailand © banjongseal324/Shutterstock
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand © Shutterstock
Before embarking on your adventure, check if you need a Thailand visa and how to apply for one. Also make sure to read about 20 best things to do in Thailand.
Inspired to go? Browse our customisable Thailand itineraries or contact our Thailand travel experts and let them prepare a perfect trip for you,
Prefer to do it alone? Get yourself The Rough Guide to Thailand and make the most of your vacation.
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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 28.11.2023
