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.
Travel ideas for Thailand
Created by local experts
How to plan a family tour of Thailand
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
Best family activities in Thailand
Go on an elephant safari in Chiang Mai
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.
Explore the beautiful beaches of Phuket or Krabi
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.
Spend a day at Safari World in Bangkok
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.
Rough Guides tips: As you plan your trip to Bangkok, make sure to choose the ideal place to stay in the city.
Discover the Paradise Museum in Pattaya
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.
Take an authentic Thai cooking class
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.
Boat tour the floating market
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.
If you're planning a trip to Thailand, don't miss the information on how to get there.
Taking a Thai cooking class is one of the best family activities in Thailand © gowithsotck/Shutterstock
Tour #1: Family Time in Thailand
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.
Itinerary overview
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
Day 1
- Tour Buddhist temples and the Grand Palace
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 2
- Train tour to Mahachai
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 3
- Day of leisure in Bangkok
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 4
- Transfer to Chiang Mai
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 5
- Tour Chiang Mai temples and visit the market
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 6
- Encounter elephants at the Tong Bai Foundation in Mae Win
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 7
- Hmong Hilltribe tour
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 8
- Transfer to Khao Lak
- Overnight in Khao Lak
Day 9
- Visit Wat Tam Nakarat, the Pagoda Temple Wat Bang Riang and Phung Chang Cave
- Overnight in Khao Lak
Day 10
- Trek Sri Phang National Park and tour the mangrove forest on a canoe
- Overnight in Khao Lak
Day 11
- Day of leisure in Khao Lak
- Overnight in Khao Lak
Day 12
- Leisure time in Khao Lak before transferring to Bangkok
Demon Guardian in Wat Phra Kaew Grand Palace, Bangkok © Shutterstock
Tour #2: Bangkok-Pattaya Safari Adventure
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.
Itinerary overview
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
Day 1
- Tour Bangkok’s Grand Palace
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 2
- Visit Siam Ocean World
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 3
- Transfer to Pattaya
- Take a Pattaya Discovery Tour
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 4
- Boat trip to Coral Island
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 5
- Jungle trek and rafting tour
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 6
- Visit Samet Island
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 7
- Day of leisure in Pattaya
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 8
- Tour Sapphire Mines
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 9
- Return to Bangkok ready to depart
Fire dance, Koh Samet, Thailand © Shutterstock
Tour #3: Best of Thailand with Phuket
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.
Itinerary overview
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
Day 1
- Arrival in Bangkok and private transfer to hotel
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 2
- Morning visit to a local flower and vegetable market
- Insider's tour around the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
- Longtail boat tour on the Chao Phraya River
- Afternoon stop at Wat Arun
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 3
- Exploration of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market on a boat
- Visit to the unusual Maeklong Railway Market
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 4
- Flight rom Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- Private transfer and check-in to your hotel
- Guided tour of Wat Chedi Luang & Wat Phra Sing
- Visit to the tunnel temple (Wat Umong)
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 5
- Group tour of the Baan Chang Elephant Park
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 6
- All-day visit to a Lanna Family
- Authentic Thai culinary class
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 7
- Free time in the morning
- Afternoon flight and chek in to your hotel in Phuket
- Overnight in Phuket
Day 8
- Day at leisure in Phuket
- Possibility of island-hopping tour
- Overnight in Phuket
Day 9
- Morning relax at the Beach
- Exploration of the Phuket Town
- Visit to a night market after sunset
- Overnight in Phuket
Day 10
- Transfer to Bangkok and departure
Marble temple, Bangkok © Shutterstock
Tour #4: Krabi Discovery
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.
Itinerary overview
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
Day 1
- Arrival and check in to your hotel
- Island-hopping tour
Day 2
- speedboat tour of the 4 islands
Day 3
- Nature tour of Khao Sok
- River trip
Day 4
- Waree Raksa hot springs spa day
Day 5
- Boat trip to the Phi Phi islands, Bamboo Bay and Maya Bay.
- Visit Viking Cave.
Day 6
- Visit a local marine animal breeding centre
- Visit Wat Kaew Govararam temple
- Visit Koh Klang island
Krabi, Thailand © Shutterstock
Tour #5: Thailand Explorer
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.
Itinerary overview
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
Day 1
- Arrive in Bangkok and enjoy a dinner cruise
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 2
- Tour Ayuthaya and take a boat trip to Bang-Pa-In
- Overnight in Bangkok
Day 3
- Transfer to Pattaya, see a show at Alangkarn
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 4
- Visit Nong Nooch Village to tour a garden and see cultural performances
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 5
- Visit Coral Island
- Overnight in Pattaya
Day 6
- Transfer to Chiang Mai and tour the temples
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 7
- Visit Hmong Nong hill tribe village
- Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 8
- Full-day tour to the River Kwai, with rafting
- Transfer to Bangkok ready for your return
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand © Shutterstock
Planning your Thailand family tour
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.