Family Holidays in Thailand
The exotic country of Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destination, and provides an ample supply of family fun in a holiday. Whether it’s diving into the crystal clear waters along the coastline that takes your fancy, or simply spending a lazy day on the beach with your children, you will never be disappointed in the many delights that this country has to offer. Of course, Thailand offers the discernible traveller far more than pristine beaches, and a wide variety of attractions are available for the family to enjoy. Plenty of cheap flights to Bangkok can be found at this time of year, and most of the major airlines now offer trips to the country, which is oftentimes referred to as “the Land of Smiles.”
Consider the Age of Your Children
or those of you travelling with younger children, you may want to think about a destination other than Bangkok, since the traffic noise of the busy streets tends to be a bit overwhelming for the little ones. But don’t let this discourage you from planning a trip to Thailand, as there are numerous alternatives to consider. For the most part, you can head in almost any direction and find a province or region that is resplendent with family venues to enjoy.
For instance, travel to the east and visit the coastal area of Pattaya – an area renowned for its colourful and spectacular nightlife. Head north and discover Koh Samui Island, the 3rd largest Thai island and a stunning beach resort. Additionally, the lower northern region is home to the U-Thai Thani province, known for its archaeological excavations and historic sites. Finally, travel to the south and visit Satun, a province filled with amazing beaches and picturesque national parks.
Definite Considerations
Remember that the bottom line where family holidays are concerned is keeping the children interested and occupied throughout the day. Some of the adventures or getaways that you definitely want to consider (depending on the age of your children), include elephant rides, floating markets, jungle treks, theme parks, and water parks. Remember that boat trips and river tours are great daytime adventures, no matter how old your children are.
Personal safety precautions
No matter how you plan your itinerary, your primary consideration should be you and your family’s safety. Always remember that you are travelling in unfamiliar settings and it quickly becomes obvious to the locals that you are a tourist. The following is a list of precautions to take heed of when travelling with your family, and ensuring your safety in the process:
- Make two copies of your passport. Leave one with a family member or a close friend while keeping the other in your luggage.
- Take along a list of credit card emergency phone numbers and account information.
- Educate yourself about the area you are travelling to so that you are fairly familiar with it.
- Stay in open, public places, especially if you venture out at night.
- Don’t wear flashy clothing or jewellery because it will attract unnecessary attention.
Finally, always make sure that you check out the latest guidelines and advise offered by the applicable foreign tourism office, or other government tourist agency.
