Thailand with Kids: Our Epic 3 Week Thailand Road Trip Itinerary for Families
Thailand is one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to explore as a family. But figuring out how to fit Bangkok, ancient temples, jungle, northern Thailand and some much-needed beach time into one road trip, without spending half your holiday in the car, takes a little more planning.
We know because we’ve done it. We’ve traveled to 50+ countries with our kids, and Thailand remains one of our favorite destinations for a family road trip.
This 3 week Thailand road trip itinerary for families is based on the route we’ve tested ourselves. You’ll travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by car, loop through Chiang Rai and Pai, take the night train back to Bangkok and finish with four nights on Koh Samet.
Along the way, I’ll show you where we’d stop, how long we’d stay and which experiences worked best with kids. I’ve also included our driving times, car rental tips and the places we’d skip if you only have 1 or 2 weeks.
The result? Plenty of temples, jungle and adventure, but also enough downtime to actually enjoy traveling Thailand as a family.
No Time to Read?
Save on Pinterest and read this article later!
The Best Thailand Road Trip Itinerary for Your Family
Before we dive into the 3 week route, let’s start with a quick overview of this Thailand with kids itinerary.
3 Weeks in Thailand: The Route We Recommend
If you can, give this route the full 3 weeks. That’s enough time to road trip from Bangkok to Northern Thailand without changing hotels every night, while still leaving 4 nights at the end to do absolutely nothing on Koh Samet.
This itinerary takes you from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by car, loops through Chiang Rai and Pai, and then takes you back to Bangkok on the night train before ending on the beach:
Bangkok → Damnoen Saduak → Nakhon Pathom → Kanchanaburi → Sai Yok National Park → Sukhothai → Lampang → San Kamphaeng → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Pai → Chiang Mai → Bangkok → Koh Samet → Bangkok
You hit the best places to visit with kids in Thailand with this itinerary.
2 Weeks in Thailand: What We Would Skip
With 2 weeks, skip Chiang Rai and Pai. They’re worth a visit, but other destinations are more family-friendly. Drop off your rental car after Chiang Mai and take the night train straight back to Bangkok.
That leaves you with:
Bangkok → Damnoen Saduak → Nakhon Pathom → Kanchanaburi → Sai Yok National Park → Sukhothai → Lampang → San Kamphaeng → Chiang Mai → Bangkok → Koh Samet → Bangkok
1 Week: Northern or Central Thailand
With only 1 week, pick either North or Central Thailand and give it your full attention.
Northern Thailand
For Northern Thailand, the trip starts in Chiang Mai. Skip Lampang, since it’s too far out of the way:
Chiang Mai → San Kamphaeng → Chiang Rai → Pai → Chiang Mai
Central Thailand
For Central Thailand, start in Bangkok and spend a morning at the Damnoen Saduak floating market on your way to Kanchanaburi.
Skip Nakhon Pathom, because the other destinations have more to offer. And skip Sukhothai, because unfortunately it’s too far out of the way:
Bangkok → Kanchanaburi → Sai Yok National Park → Koh Samet → Bangkok
Best Transport for Freedom: Rental Car
This road trip is best done by rental car. It’s the most flexible way, and also the most convenient.
When it’s time to head back south, drop off your rental in Chiang Mai and take the night train to Bangkok. It was one of the highlights of our trip, so don’t skip it.
Get to and from Koh Samet with a private transfer and the ferry.
Thailand with a Baby
Thailand works well with a baby, as long as you keep the pace slow. Explore in the morning before it gets too hot, and pick accommodations with a pool for the hot afternoon hours.
Thailand with a Toddler
For toddlers, getting there is half the fun: a tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok, a longtail boat through the khlongs, and boats bumping into each other at the Damnoen Saduak floating market.
They’ll also love splashing around in the lowest tier of Erawan Falls, watching the artisans paint umbrellas in Bo Sang, and digging in the sand on Koh Samet.
Thailand with Teens
Teens get the most out of the history and the adventure. The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the Death Railway leave a lasting impression.
Bike through the ancient city of Sukhothai, hike to the upper tiers of Erawan Falls, and go zip lining through the jungle or join a cooking class in Chiang Mai.
Thailand Itinerary Map
On the map below you see all the places you’ll hit as part of this Thailand itinerary for families. Check out all this popular Asian travel destination has to offer!
This is the day by day schedule of this 3 week itinerary:
Day 1: ✈️ Bangkok
Day 2: Bangkok
Day 3: Bangkok – Day trip to Damnoen Saduak
Day 4: Bangkok – Nakhon Pathom – Kanchanaburi
Day 5: Kanchanaburi – Sai Yok NP
Day 6: Sai Yok NP
Day 7: Sai Yok NP – Sukhothai
Day 8: Sukhothai
Day 9: Sukhothai – Lampang – San Kamphaeng – Chiang Mai
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Day 11: Chiang Mai
Day 12: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
Day 13: Chiang Rai
Day 14: Chiang Rai – Pai
Day 15: Pai
Day 16: Pai – Chiang Mai – 🚂 Bangkok
Day 17: Bangkok – Koh Samet
Day 18: Koh Samet
Day 19: Koh Samet
Day 20: Koh Samet
Day 21: Koh Samet – Bangkok ✈️
Now let’s get started and dive into this Thailand family road trip itinerary that will take your family from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai, and back down south to Koh Samet in 3 weeks. It covers all the highlights and leaves you wanting more.
Central Thailand
Your road trip starts in Bangkok, where you shake off the jet lag before hitting the road.
From there, you float through the market at Damnoen Saduak, dive into the history of Kanchanaburi and the Death Railway, sleep on the river in Sai Yok National Park, and bike through the ancient city of Sukhothai.
Central Thailand gives you a bit of everything: city life, temples, jungle and history. This part of the route covers day 1 to the morning of day 9, when you leave Sukhothai and head north.
Day 1-2: Bangkok
There’s no better place to start your family trip than Bangkok. Get over your jet lag and stay somewhere with a pool. Explore Bangkok with kids before it gets too hot and hang by the pool with a drink in the hot hours of the afternoon.
Day 3: Bangkok – Day Trip to Damnoen Saduak
On day 3, take a day trip from Bangkok to the floating market Damnoen Saduak.
It’s very touristy! But honestly, it’s very enjoyable, because it’s nice out on the water and you can buy all kinds of fruit that you can’t get in your own supermarket.
All the while, you can check out all the activity on the docks and on the boats themselves, which keep bumping into each other. A really lively and fun experience.
Stay for 1.5 hours before heading back to Bangkok and explore the capital even more.
Top Things to Do in Bangkok with Kids
What should you see while in Bangkok? We did a lot while we were there, but our highlights were: the Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown and exploring the khlongs (canals) on the Chao Phraya River on a longtail boat.
Top Tours in Bangkok
Top Tours to Damnoen Saduak
Day 4: Bangkok – Nakhon Pathom – Kanchanaburi – Sai Yok National Park
When you’re done exploring Bangkok, pick up your rental and start your road trip through Thailand.
Nakhon Pathom
Drive about 60 km west to the small city Nakhon Pathom to get to a stupa called Phra Pathom Chedi. This stupa is the tallest stupa in Thailand (121 meters tall).
Tourists often overlook this city and stupa, but if you want to get a more realistic angle of Thai life then this is the place for you.
Top Tours in Nakhon Pathom
Kanchanaburi
Most people know Kanchanaburi for its link to the Japanese occupation. There are 3 things to do in Kanchanaburi that you shouldn’t skip.
The 1st is a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. Learn about the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway.
It was sad to notice that they didn’t have much information about the Asian laborers. It was much more about the Allied POWs (prisoners of war). And while that’s very important, it’s sad that there was little info available about the hardships of the Asians themselves.
But still it was a very meaningful experience that we wouldn’t want to miss.
After that, visit the cemetery next to the museum. It’s a sad yet impressive sight to see. The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre is suitable for children ages 8 and up.
Thailand-Burma Railway
Of course these visits lead up to visiting the Thailand-Burma Railway aka Death Railway. People call it the bridge over the River Kwai because of the book and movie. But it’s actually over the Mae Klong River.
Kids will also be interested. Maybe they’re too young for a history lesson about war, but they will enjoy walking over this bridge and will surely remember this place.
My friends from Stamped Moments wrote a very informative article about their visit to the Death Railway, as people also call the Thailand-Burma Railway. Check it out if you want to have more background info about this place.
The bridge is still very much in use. While my husband drove the car to our next destination, my son and I boarded the train that took us over the bridge and through the beautiful Three Pagodas Pass and brought us to one of our all-time favorite hotels.
Top Tours in Kanchanaburi
Sai Yok National Park
That all-time favorite hotel I mentioned is actually a floatel and you can find it in Sai Yok NP.
After we left the train, a bus drove us to Phutakien Pier in 45 minutes. We had arrived in the middle of Sai Yok National Park, and from the pier a longtail boat brought us to River Kwai Jungle Rafts. An epic experience I highly recommend.
Day 5-6: Sai Yok National Park (including a visit to Erawan NP)
We had 2 great nights in this eco friendly floatel. No electricity and no hot water. If you want to use electronics then bring a powerbank.
We just enjoyed the peace and quiet. Only the sounds of the jungle and laughter of children floating down the river in their life jackets.
And the food was great.
Erawan National Park
While staying in the floatel we ventured out to Erawan National Park. The biggest attraction is Erawan Falls with its emerald green ponds. The falls take their name from the 3-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology.
The falls have 7 major tiers and some small ones. People say the top tier looks like the head of an elephant. Since we spent lots of time in the water at the lowest tier, we didn’t get to check out the other ones, which is a pity.
I’ve seen the pictures and if you have the time: hike on. It will be worth it and you’ll leave most of the tourist train behind at the bottom tiers.
Top Tours in Sai Yok National Park & Erawan National Park
Day 7: Sai Yok National Park – Sukhothai
Check out early in the morning to catch the boat back to the pier, where your rental car is parked. From there, drive on to Sukhothai. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, relax after the drive and hop into the hotel pool.
Day 8-9: Sukhothai
No Thailand itinerary is complete without a visit to one of the 2 old cities. You can visit the ancient city of Ayutthaya or Sukhothai.
Sukhothai is more fun with kids, because you can rent bikes and ride through the ancient city of Sukhothai. It’s not just a fun way, but also a convenient way to explore all that this ancient place has to offer.
Of course you should explore the center of Sukhothai Historical Park. But if you have time, you should also check out some of the smaller sites in the city.
Our tip is to visit Wat Sorasak. This is a cute chedi in the shape of a bell with elephants all around it.
The maintenance of the place was impeccable. The staff kept the grass very short, and we didn’t find any litter. Our favorite temples were Wat Mahathat and Wat Sa Si.
On the morning of day 9, check out and hit the road again. It’s time to leave Central Thailand behind and head north.
Top Tours in Sukhothai
Planning This Part of Your Route
With 3 nights in Bangkok, 1 night in Kanchanaburi, 2 nights in Sai Yok National Park and 2 nights in Sukhothai, this part of the route mixes city life, history and jungle.
The drive on day 7 is the most demanding one. At 7 to 8 hours, it’s the longest drive of the trip. Leave early, plan plenty of breaks and keep the hotel pool in Sukhothai in mind as your reward.
Book River Kwai Jungle Rafts ahead of time, so they can arrange your boat transfer from Phutakien Pier. Boats to the floatel leave in the afternoon, and boats back to the pier leave in the morning.
|
Route |
Approx. distance |
Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
|
Bangkok → Damnoen Saduak (day trip) |
100 km (62 mi) |
1 hr 30 min |
|
Bangkok → Nakhon Pathom |
60 km (37 mi) |
1 hr |
|
Nakhon Pathom → Kanchanaburi |
70 km (43 mi) |
1 hr 00 min |
|
Kanchanaburi → Phutakien Pier |
80 km (50 mi) |
1 hr 30 min |
|
Phutakien Pier → River Kwai Jungle Rafts |
by boat |
15 min |
|
Phutakien Pier → Erawan National Park (day trip) |
120 km (75 mi) |
2 hrs |
|
Phutakien Pier → Sukhothai |
500 km (311 mi) |
7 hrs 30 min |
Northern Thailand
On the morning of day 9, you leave Sukhothai and drive north. Along the way, you stop at an elephant hospital in Lampang and the umbrella makers of Bo Sang, before you reach Chiang Mai.
From there, you loop through Chiang Rai and Pai, and then head back to Chiang Mai to drop off your rental car and board the night train to Bangkok.
This part of the route is a lot more laid-back than Bangkok. Expect temples, rice fields, jungle and lots of great food.
Day 9: Lampang – San Kamphaeng – Chiang Mai
Lampang
After you check out and drive out of Sukhothai in the morning, it’s time for a short pit stop in Lampang, your 1st stop in Northern Thailand. Visit the FAE Elephant Hospital, run by the Friends of the Asian Elephant foundation. Entrance is free, but the hospital relies on donations.
No signs of animal tourism abuse here. Riding, feeding or bathing elephants thankfully ain’t an option. It’s very important to us that we only visit sanctuaries that are ethical. Here they truly tend to wounded elephants.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you end up at the right place. Right next door is the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, also known as the National Elephant Institute. It has its own elephant hospital, but it also runs elephant shows, so that’s NOT the one you’re looking for.
A great cause. But sometimes a place can fool you. Although I’ve heard good things about this hospital, things could be very different behind the scenes.
If you read this and you know about any kind of harm they might cause these beautiful animals, please reach out to me and I’ll investigate it further and update this blog post accordingly.
San Kamphaeng
A definite tourist trap, but one that’s really fun for kids is Umbrella Village. You can find this umbrella heaven in Bo Sang, a small village in San Kamphaeng.
Here you can let craftspeople paint umbrellas, but also other items. I got my iPhone case painted, for instance. Pick a design and the size and color of your umbrella. A fun souvenir for the entire family!
From Bo Sang, it’s a short drive to Chiang Mai, where you spend the next 3 nights.
Day 10-11: Chiang Mai
Our favorite place in Thailand is definitely Chiang Mai. There’s lots to do and see and it’s as lively as Bangkok, but much more laid-back.
You can also do lots of fun activities in Chiang Mai with kids, like hiking through rice fields, zip lining through the jungle and enjoying a bike tour.
Chiang Mai is a foodie haven, so if you want to learn how to cook some Thai dishes, save the cooking class for Chiang Mai.
And if you’re into a hike and temple visit in one, walk up to Doi Suthep. Go as early as possible on hot days, because it’s quite a climb up and that’s no fun in the heat.
Day 12: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
Saying goodbye to Chiang Mai is hard. But Chiang Rai is only a 3 hour drive north, and it’s so worth it.
Chiang Rai is smaller and quieter than Chiang Mai. Less traffic, less hustle and a lot easier to get around with kids. So check into your hotel, grab some lunch and take it easy for the rest of the afternoon.
Then wait until it gets dark. Every night at 7, 8 and 9 p.m., the golden clock tower in the city center puts on a light show. It changes colors to music, and yes, it’s as over the top as it sounds!
It only lasts a few minutes, but it’s free and the perfect way to end a travel day.
Fun fact: the same artist who created the White Temple designed this tower.
Top Tours in Chiang Mai
Day 13: Chiang Rai
No trip to Chiang Rai is complete without a visit to Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. It looks like a giant wedding cake straight out of a fairytale.
It’s also very, very popular. So set your alarm and be there when the gates open at 8 a.m., before the tour buses from Chiang Mai roll in. Oh, and cover your shoulders and knees, or they won’t let you in. A scarf will do.
Want to keep the kids busy? Tell them to look closely at the paintings in the main hall. Superman and Neo from The Matrix are hiding in there!
After all that white, it’s time for blue. Drive on to Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, which is bright blue inside and out. It’s free to visit, so drop a few coins in the donation box by the door.
Still got energy left? Then add Wat Huay Pla Kang, also known as the Big Buddha Temple. Also free! If not, there’s no shame in heading back to the pool. You’ve got a long and winding drive to Pai tomorrow.
Top Tours in Chiang Rai
Day 14: Chiang Rai – Pai
Get ready for the longest drive of the north. From Chiang Rai to Pai, you’re looking at about 5 to 6 hours behind the wheel.
Pai is a small, laid-back mountain town surrounded by rice fields, jungle and green hills. After a long day in the car, stroll along the walking street, where the food stalls open every single night.
Day 15: Pai
Start the day at Sai Ngam Hot Spring, just north of town. It’s less hot than the better-known Tha Pai Hot Springs, which makes it a much better choice with kids.
Or, head to Mor Paeng Waterfall, where you can slide down a natural rock slide into the pool.
Then drive to the Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge. This 800 meter long bridge winds over the rice fields all the way to a temple in the forest.
On your way back, stop at the Pai Memorial Bridge. Remember the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi? Japanese soldiers used this bridge during World War II too, on their way to Myanmar. A nice little history link for older kids.
End your day at Pai Canyon for sunset. It’s free and the views are incredible. But please keep a close eye on your kids here. The paths run along narrow ridges with steep drops, so keep that in mind when heading out here with younger kids.
Top Tours in Pai
Day 16: Pai – Chiang Mai
Time to say goodbye to Pai, and to your rental car. Check out in the morning and drive the curvy road back to Chiang Mai.
Back in Chiang Mai, drop off your rental car and take the night train back to Bangkok. This is something we highly recommend as it was one of the highlights of our trip.
The night trains to Bangkok leave Chiang Mai between 5 and 6 p.m., so don’t leave Pai too late.
Kids will love climbing into their own little bunk bed. Grab some dinner and snacks to take on board, and let the train rock you all to sleep. When you wake up, you’re back in Bangkok.
Planning This Part of Your Route
With 3 nights in Chiang Mai, 2 nights in Chiang Rai, 2 nights in Pai and 1 night on the train, this part of the route gives you time to slow down.
Bo Sang’s umbrella painters and the superheroes hiding in the White Temple work for all ages. Zip lining, the cooking class and the hike up to Doi Suthep are best with older kids.
In Pai, Sai Ngam Hot Spring is the easy choice with little ones, while Mor Paeng’s rock slide is for the adventurous ones. And at Pai Canyon, hold little hands tight.
The drive from Chiang Rai to Pai on day 14 is the toughest part. It takes 5 to 6 hours, with 762 curves at the end. If anyone in your family gets carsick easily, chances are very high it’ll happen here.
Book your tickets as soon as you can on the official SRT D-Ticket website, because they sell out fast.
|
Route |
Approx. distance |
Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
|
Sukhothai → FAE Elephant Hospital (Lampang) |
230 km (143 mi) |
3 hrs 45 min |
|
FAE Elephant Hospital → Bo Sang (San Kamphaeng) |
70 km (43 mi) |
1 hr |
|
Bo Sang → Chiang Mai |
10 km (6 mi) |
20 min |
|
Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai |
190 km (118 mi) |
3 hrs |
|
Chiang Rai → Pai |
300 km (186 mi) |
5 hr 10 min |
|
Pai → Chiang Mai |
134 km (83 mi) |
3 hrs |
|
Chiang Mai → Bangkok |
by night train |
12 hrs 30 min |
Southern Thailand
The last chapter of your road trip is all about the beach. The night train brings you back to Bangkok, and from there you head straight to the coast and hop on a boat to Koh Samet.
You get 4 nights of sunbeds, swimming and seafood, before you fly home from Bangkok on day 21.
Day 17: Bangkok – Koh Samet
After more than two weeks of temples, jungle, cities and long driving days, this is exactly where we’d want the pace of the trip to change.
The night train gets you back to Bangkok early in the morning. From there, take a private transfer to Ban Phe Pier and catch the ferry to Koh Samet.
We could’ve picked other beach destinations, but we chose Koh Samet for this itinerary because it’s easy to reach from Bangkok without adding another flight or a huge detour.
That makes it a practical place to end a road trip like this, and after 16 busy days, 4 nights on the beach feels very well earned.
Once you’re on the island, check into your hotel, kick off your shoes and head straight for the beach. You’ve earned it!
Day 18-20: Koh Samet
Sunbeds, cocktails, seafood, snorkeling and swimming. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Oh, and the adventurous will also enjoy parasailing. You won’t run out of fun things to do in Koh Samet!
Day 21: Koh Samet – Bangkok (Departure)
And then it’s time to say goodbye. Squeeze in 1 last swim in the morning, check out and take the boat back to Ban Phe Pier. From there, your private transfer takes you back to Bangkok and to the airport.
Planning This Part of Your Route
With 4 nights on Koh Samet, this is the easy part of the trip.
Book your private transfers ahead of time: from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Ban Phe Pier on day 17, and from Ban Phe Pier to the airport on day 21. You can buy your boat tickets at the pier.
Plan this day around your flight. Getting from the island to the airport takes a good part of the day, and Bangkok traffic can be unpredictable.
So take a morning boat, book an afternoon or evening flight and give yourself plenty of buffer time.
Most international flights leave from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), so double-check your ticket and tell your driver which airport you need.
|
Route |
Approx. distance |
Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
|
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal → Ban Phe Pier |
200 km (124 mi) |
3 hrs |
|
Ban Phe Pier → Koh Samet |
by ferry |
40 min |
|
Ban Phe Pier → Suvarnabhumi Airport |
170 km (106 mi) |
2 hrs 30 min |
What a trip! 3 weeks, from the temples of Bangkok to the jungle of Sai Yok, the curves of Pai and the beaches of Koh Samet. Thailand truly is a great destination for a family road trip.
How to Get Around Thailand
Driving a vehicle through Thailand has its obstacles. The Thai tend to follow their own rules. In other words, they don’t always abide by the traffic rules.
So is Thailand safe for families in a car? Absolutely! It gives you the freedom to stop wherever you please.
Just take it slow, stay alert and let the co-pilot keep an extra eye on the road.
Can You Do This Thailand Itinerary Without a Rental Car?
Yes, but we wouldn’t choose to.
You can connect most of the stops on this itinerary by train, bus or minivan, but you’ll lose the flexibility that makes this route work so well as a family road trip.
Having your own car means you can stop when the kids need a break, leave when you’re ready and easily add places like Nakhon Pathom, Lampang and Bo Sang along the way.
We would rent a car in Bangkok, drive it as far as Chiang Mai, and return it there. That’s exactly how this itinerary is designed.
The one exception is the journey south. Instead of driving all the way back to Bangkok, take the Chiang Mai night train. It was one of the highlights of our trip and it gives everyone a break from the car.
We always use Discover Cars to rent cars all over the world.
Bus and Train
Don’t want to rent a car? That’s OK. You’ll have no trouble getting from A to B.
The State Railway of Thailand connects Bangkok with Kanchanaburi and Chiang Mai. And the train ride from Kanchanaburi over the bridge to Nam Tok is an experience in itself.
From Nam Tok, a bus takes you to the pier for River Kwai Jungle Rafts. Oh, and don’t miss the night train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. It was one of the highlights of our trip!
Long-distance buses, private transfers and minivans connect all the other stops on this itinerary. To get to Pai, you’ll most likely end up in a minivan, so keep those carsickness tips in mind.
And for short trips, a Grab or a tuk-tuk does the job. Your kids will surely love the tuk-tuk!
Best Time to Visit Thailand
Generally, the best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season, which runs from November to early April. But for this road trip, there’s one big catch: the north.
From around February to April, farmers in Northern Thailand burn their fields, and forest fires add to the smoke. Locals call it the burning season, and it hits Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai hard.
On the worst days, Chiang Mai ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. Not what you want with kids in the backseat.
If it’s an option for your family, plan this road trip between November and January. It’s dry, not too hot and the air in the north is clear. It’s also peak season, so book your accommodations and night train tickets early.
From March to May, it gets really hot. Explore in the morning and spend the hot afternoon hours by the pool.
From June to October, it’s the rainy season. Expect heavy showers, greener landscapes and fewer tourists, but also the occasional washed-out day.
This is when we visited Thailand most. Because we take our longer trips in July and August, when school’s out. The heavy showers don’t take too long and we actually welcome them so we can cool off.
So if your only option is the summer holiday, you can absolutely opt for Thailand as a destination.
FAQ
Is Thailand Good for Families with Kids?
Yes, Thailand is considered a great destination for families with kids. The country offers a variety of family-friendly activities, beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and wildlife encounters. Thai people are known for their hospitality and love for children, making it a welcoming place for families.
Is Thailand a Good Travel Destination with a Baby?
Yes, Thailand can be a good destination with a baby, but it requires careful planning. Choose destinations with good healthcare facilities, stay in comfortable and safe accommodations, and plan a relaxed itinerary to accommodate your baby’s needs.
And opt for a baby carrier instead of a stroller.
Is Thailand a Good Travel Destination with a Toddler?
Yes, Thailand is suitable for traveling with a toddler. Many attractions cater to young children, and the friendly nature of Thai people makes it a stress-free experience. Ensure you have access to child-friendly amenities and activities.
Is Thailand Safe to Travel with Family?
Yes, Thailand is generally safe for families. Like any travel destination, it’s important to take standard safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding risky areas, and keeping an eye on your belongings.
Is Thailand a Family Friendly Destination?
Yes, Thailand is family-friendly. It offers a range of activities suitable for all ages, from theme parks and zoos to cultural sites and beach resorts. Many hotels and restaurants provide amenities and services tailored to families.
Thailand is a great option for families traveling to Asia for the first time.
How Many Days Do We Need to See All of the Highlights of Thailand?
To see the major highlights of Thailand, a minimum of 14-21 days is recommended. This allows time to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and a few beach destinations like Koh Samet, Phuket or Krabi, while also including some cultural and natural attractions like Sukhothai Historical Park, Sai Yok NP and the Bridge over the River Kwai.
Do I Need an International Driving Permit in Thailand?
Yes. To rent and drive a car in Thailand, you need an International Driving Permit next to your national driver’s license. Without it, your insurance may not cover you if something happens.
What Is the Best Time to Travel to Thailand?
The best time to travel to Thailand depends on the regions you plan to visit and the type of weather you prefer. Ultimately, the best time to travel to Thailand depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Generally, the best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season, which runs from November to early April.
Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai: Which Is Better for Families?
If you can only pick 1, go for Chiang Mai. It’s our favorite place in Thailand, with lots to do with kids. Chiang Rai is smaller and quieter, and its biggest draw is the White Temple. With 3 weeks, you don’t have to choose, because this itinerary includes both.
Ready to Plan Your Thailand Family Road Trip?
And that’s the route! Three weeks from the temples of Bangkok to the jungle around Kanchanaburi, the ancient ruins of Sukhothai, the mountains of Northern Thailand and, finally, a few well-earned days on the beach at Koh Samet.
If this itinerary feels right for your family, the next step is turning the route into your trip.
Want to plan it yourself? My free Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Family Road Trip walks you through the planning process step by step, so you can start turning this itinerary into actual dates, bookings and plans.
Get my FREE ebook >> The Ultimate Beginners Guide: Planning a Family Road Trip
And if you love the idea of a Thailand road trip but don’t have the time to figure out all the details yourself, I can do that part for you.
Tell me your travel dates, your kids’ ages and what your family loves doing, and I’ll create a custom itinerary around your family, your pace and your budget.
👉Let me plan your family trip!
Planned for you, booked by you.
TRAVEL PLANNING SERVICES
Want more help planning your family trip? Do you know where you want to go, but don’t have the time or energy to create an itinerary, find things to do and places to stay? Or are you ready for the trip of a lifetime and you need help creating the best travel experience.
I can help you plan your family trip and create an itinerary that checks off your boxes and fits your travel style.
Visit my travel planning services page for more info about what a travel planner does and doesn’t do and find more info about all our packages.
If you just want to pick my brain about family travel or about a destination you can also opt for email consultation or a 1:1 family travel coaching call.
Did you enjoy the Ultimate Thailand Family Road Trip Itinerary?
If so, read more about family travel in Thailand:
Pin for Later
