Looking for the perfect family Thailand itinerary that actually works for everyone? I know the struggle.
Every family holiday involves a juggling act – keeping teens entertained, toddlers safe and parents sane.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a great itinerary balances downtime, adventure and just enough structure to keep everyone happy.
Thailand is one of those places that naturally lends itself to family travel. Beaches, islands, night markets, temples, and boat trips – there’s something for all ages.
Even with teens, you can still sneak in a little downtime by the pool or beach while everyone recharges.
After a couple of trial-and-error trips, I’ve mapped out a 2-week family Thailand itinerary that keeps chaos low and memories high.
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| Booked It, Loved It: My Thailand Picks Where To Stay: Amari Phuket, Poonsiri Resort Aonang and Somerset Sukhumvit 71 Bangkok Highlights: Four-Island Tour, Phi Phi Islands Tour and Phuket Food Tour Travel Insurance: Safety Wing Stay Connected: Esim |
Thailand At A Glance
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Region | Southeast Asia |
| Country | Thailand |
| Language | Thai (English widely spoken in tourist areas) |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Population | ~70 million |
| Main Airports | Suvarnabhumi (BKK, Bangkok), Don Mueang (DMK, Bangkok), Phuket (HKT), Krabi (KBV), Samui (USM), Chiang Mai (CNX) |
| Time Zone | ICT (UTC +7) |
| Famous For | Stunning beaches, islands, temples, night markets, street food, elephant experiences |
| Best Travel Months | November–February (dry, cooler), March–May (hot), May–October (wet season, mostly west coast) |
| Driving | Optional – recommended only for confident drivers; traffic can be busy in cities |
Getting to Thailand
Most families fly into Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. There are direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, which makes it convenient for international travel. From Bangkok, you can easily hop on domestic flights to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, or Chiang Mai—most are under two hours.
Tip: Book flights as early as possible, especially for school holidays. Thai airports can be busy, so allow extra time if you’re travelling with kids. We always aim for morning flights with teens—they’re easier to manage than evening arrivals after a long haul.
Getting Around Thailand
Thailand is easy to navigate, but moving around with a family requires a bit of planning.
- Cities: In Bangkok or Chiang Mai, we rely on Grab (Asia’s Uber) or taxis. They’re cheap, air-conditioned, and kids love the novelty of tuk-tuks for short rides. Just agree on a price in advance if you go old-school.
- Islands & beaches: Long-tail boats, ferries, and speedboats are common between beaches and islands. Keep an eye on weather conditions; seas can be choppy during monsoon season. We always carry waterproof bags for phones, cameras, and snacks.
- Car or van hire: Only for confident drivers. Traffic in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai can be hectic, and driving on the left might be tricky if you’re not used to it. Renting a van for a family can be handy in Krabi or Chiang Mai countryside though.
Tip: Pack snacks and water for every journey. Even short transfers can turn into small adventures—or meltdowns if someone gets hungry.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Thailand’s weather varies depending on region, but families generally prefer the cooler, dry months from November to February. Days are warm but not unbearable, and it’s perfect for beaches, islands, and outdoor excursions.
The wet season runs roughly May–October, mostly on the west coast (Phuket, Krabi). Showers are usually short and intense, but some days may be too wet for boat trips. Koh Samui tends to have slightly different rains, so always check forecasts for each destination.
Tip: Plan indoor or low-key activities on rainy days. Malls, museums, cooking classes, and hotel pools are lifesavers. We’ve had entire afternoons in Bangkok just exploring Sea Life Ocean World when it rained—it kept the kids entertained and dry.
How Much Will 2 Weeks in Thailand Cost?
| Item | Budget Estimate (Family of 4) | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (UK → Thailand) | £1,800 – £2,500 | Book early for deals |
| Accommodation (per night) | £40 – £150 | Guesthouses to family-friendly resorts |
| Meals (per day) | £25 – £60 | Street food cheap; restaurants more |
| Local transport | £10 – £25 | Tuk-tuks, taxis, Grab, buses |
| Attractions / Activities | £10 – £50 | Snorkeling, elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes |
| Shopping / Souvenirs | £5 – £30 | Markets and local shops |
| Daily total | £90 – £285 | Varies by accommodation and activities |
| 2-week total | £1,260 – £3,990 | Excluding flights |
Overview – Family Thailand Itinerary
Ready to explore Thailand with your family? Here’s an overview…
▶ Click to View: 2-Week Family Thailand Itinerary
Bangkok (Days 1–3)
- Relax at the hotel pool and explore Iconsiam.
- Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and optional Sea Life Aquarium.
- Chatuchak Market or Madame Tussauds, then pool time.
Phuket (Days 4–6)
- Settle into your resort and unwind at Kamala Beach.
- Four Island Tour with snorkelling and beach time.
- Big Buddha, light sightseeing, pool or beach afternoon.
Krabi (Days 7–9)
- Arrive in Ao Nang, relax at the pool or beach.
- Railay Beach and Phra Nang Cave adventure.
- Hong Islands boat trip with snorkelling and viewpoints.
Koh Samui (Days 10–12)
- Check in and enjoy Fisherman’s Village + resort pool.
- Snorkelling trip or short island tour.
- Temple visits, beach time, relaxed pool afternoon.
Chiang Mai – Culture & Temples (Days 13–14)
- Arrive, settle in, riverside walk, night market.
- Visit Wat Chedi Luang or Doi Suthep, then pool time.
2-Week Family Thailand Itinerary
Days 1–3: Bangkok – Culture, Markets & Pools
Where it is: Central Thailand, Bangkok.
Why it’s good for families: Easy access to cultural sites, kid-friendly attractions, shopping, and pools.
1: Arrival & Riverside Fun
- Morning: Arrive and check in at Somerset Sukhumvit 71. Relax and explore the hotel pool.
- Lunch: Riverside café near the hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore Iconsiam – floating market inside, kid-friendly shops.
- Evening: Dinner along the river; optional stroll at Asiatique.
2: Temples & Pools
- Morning: Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Take it slow—temperatures can be hot.
- Lunch: Local noodles or riverside café.
- Afternoon: Pool time or visit Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World. Great for teens and younger kids.
- Evening: Chill dinner near hotel, early night after travel.
3: Markets & Prepping for Phuket
- Morning: Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s a weekend) or Madame Tussauds Bangkok.
- Lunch: Street food – fried rice, mango sticky rice.
- Afternoon: Relax at hotel pool or optional museum visit.
- Evening: Early dinner, prepare for flight to Phuket next day.
Days 4–6: Phuket – Beaches & Island Adventures
Where it is: Southern Thailand, Andaman Sea.
Why it’s good for families: Long beaches, safe swimming, island tours, and resort pools.
4: Arrival & Beach Relaxation
- Morning: Arrive in Phuket, check in at Amari Phuket or Sunwing Kamala Beach.
- Lunch: Beachfront café with kid-friendly meals.
- Afternoon: Pool time and relax on Kamala Beach.
- Evening: Sunset at Kata Beach, ice creams for the kids.
5: Four Islands & Snorkeling
- Morning: Four Island Tour – snorkeling and sandbanks. Teens will love exploring.
- Lunch: Packed lunch or local beachside snacks.
- Afternoon: Continue tour or return to pool for downtime.
- Evening: Dinner near Patong for vibrant street food experience.
6: Big Buddha & Beach Chill
- Morning: Visit Big Buddha and enjoy panoramic views.
- Lunch: Café near Chalong Temple.
- Afternoon: Pool or beach at hotel; optional elephant sanctuary visit.
- Evening: Early evening chill at Kamala or Kata Beach.
Days 7–9: Krabi – Laid-Back Beaches
Where it is: Southern Thailand, east of Phuket
Why it’s good for families: Quieter than Phuket, easy access to islands, caves, and pool-friendly resorts
7: Travel & Pool Time
- Morning: Travel to Krabi, check in at Bluesotel Krabi Ao Nang Beach.
- Lunch: Local café on Ao Nang Beach.
- Afternoon: Pool downtime or beach walk.
- Evening: Relaxed dinner with Thai pancakes or fresh seafood.
8: Railay Beach & Caves
- Morning: Railay Beach walk, Phra Nang Cave exploration.
- Lunch: Beach picnic.
- Afternoon: Relax at pool or explore nearby caves.
- Evening: Sunset on the beach, ice creams for kids.
9: Hong Islands Adventure
- Morning: Hong Islands boat trip.
- Lunch: Onboard picnic or packed snacks.
- Afternoon: Snorkeling, swimming, cliff viewpoints.
- Evening: Return to hotel and chill.
Days 10–12: Koh Samui – Beaches & Pools
Where it is: Gulf of Thailand, east coast.
Why it’s good for families: Combination of beach and resort pools, calm waters, family-friendly villages.
10: Arrival & Resort Chill
Morning: Travel to Koh Samui, check in at Anantara Bophut or Centara Grand Beach Resort.
Lunch: Café in Fisherman’s Village.
Afternoon: Pool time at hotel.
Evening: Sunset stroll on Chaweng Beach.
11: Snorkeling & Relaxation
Morning: Snorkeling trip or short island tour.
Lunch: Beachside restaurant.
Afternoon: Relax at resort pool.
Evening: Early dinner, family movie night in hotel room.
12: Temples & Jungle Walk
Morning: Explore local temples or jungle walk.
Lunch: Riverside café or street food market.
Afternoon: Pool or beach.
Evening: Sunset cocktails (for parents!) and ice creams for kids.
Days 13–14: Chiang Mai – Culture & Temples
Where it is: Northern Thailand.
Why it’s good for families: Temples, night markets, cultural experiences, and relaxed family-friendly activities.
13: Arrival & Riverside Stroll
Morning: Travel to Chiang Mai, check in at Four Seasons Chiang Mai or Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.
Lunch: Riverside café.
Afternoon: Explore the hotel pool or take a gentle walk along the river.
Evening: Night market stroll for souvenirs and snacks.
14: Temples & Pool Time
Morning: Visit Wat Chedi Luang or Doi Suthep.
Lunch: Local café.
Afternoon: Pool time at hotel.
Evening: Pack, relax, and prepare for departure.
| Discover The Best Places To Stay in Koh Samui and Chiang Mai |
Practical Tips for Families in Thailand
What to Pack: Light clothes, swimwear, rash vests, reusable water bottles, hats, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Getting Around: Use Grab or taxis in cities. Long-tail boats and ferries are great for beach towns. Avoid scooters unless confident.
Downtime Matters: Plan chill days—beach mornings, lazy lunches, or pool time. Pools are lifesavers. Check out my guide on family-friendly hotels with a pool in Thailand for ideas.
Food: Street food is cheap and tasty, but stick to busy stalls. Most places have plain rice or noodles for fussy eaters.
FAQs – Family Thailand Itinerary
What part of Thailand is best for families?
Thailand has something for everyone. Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are great for beaches. Chiang Mai is perfect for culture and wildlife. Bangkok works if you love shopping and museums.
Is Phuket or Krabi better for kids?
Both are family-friendly. Phuket is bigger with more attractions. Krabi is quieter and perfect for relaxed beach days.
Which is better for families: Bangkok or Phuket?
It depends. Bangkok is busy and full of culture. Phuket is more chilled with beaches and resorts. Many families do both.
Is Thailand budget-friendly for families?
Yes. Street food, markets, and guesthouses make it easy. Luxury resorts are an option if you want to splurge. If you’re planning a family trip, check out my guide to Thailand for families on a budget — full of tips on saving money without missing out.
Are family-friendly resorts available throughout Thailand?
Absolutely. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique stays, plenty have kids’ clubs and pools.
What activities are best for kids in Thailand?
Snorkeling, boat trips, elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes, and water parks—there’s always something fun. For more inspiration, see my guide on 19 must-see experiences in Thailand.
Thailand works brilliantly for families. Beaches, temples, markets, islands, and pools – everyone stays happy. Teens stayed off phones, we got downtime, and we made memories that’ll stick.
Mix high-energy days with pool or beach downtime. Balance Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai for city, culture, and island life.
Start your planning right here with 9 family-friendly places in Thailand and 19 must-see experiences in Thailand.
Thailand keeps pulling us back, and I’m already planning our next adventure.
