Dilema- do I take a 5yr & 3yr old to Thialand?

[Tras]

My little sister is so stuck on the idea of getting married in Thialand and the idea sounds beautiful! She came to our wedding when we got married in Cyprus and I know she would love us to go to hers. Only problem is that I will have to kids both 3 & 5 and totally panic at the thought of the flight and heat etc. Dont particularly love the heat myself!

Has anyone else been there with kids and if so, how did it go?

Not sure if I could stand the guilt if I didnt go!

[sleeplessinseatle]

Not been with kids, but I found Thailand a very easy country to visit and would consider taking my children there at pre-school age. My main concern would be the flight times.

There are areas you wouldn't want to travel to, FCO website can advise on that though, and imagine it will be somewhere touristy anyway if its a wedding package.

hth

[Sazisi]

Yes; I went with DD1 when she was 3, and then again when she was 4 and I was 6m pregnant.

Just don't travel around too much. Also, stick to the East coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan etc) where there won't be another tsunami. And fly directly from Bangkok airport to your destination to avoid the current political violence.

[Sazisi]

Sorry, my reply was all about what I would do; if you hate the idea of the long flights and the heat it could be a really bad idea

[lulubooboo]

Hello,
Yes-I would take them. Beautiful beaches where you as a family can relax. They will have a lovely time. I have a 5 year old and a 3year old who have done a few long haul flights to different areas in Thailand. We have booked again to go this year too. We tend to book night flights, let them nap on the way to the airport then get them up and running around the airport, eat on the plane and then hopefully sleep for the majority of the flight. We also take a cheapy dvd player with favourite dvds and the ds to keep the 5year old busy plus lots of snacks.
It really isn't that bad a journey and the fantastic holiday will be worth it. The Thai people love children, they won't get in your way. It is a very laid back country...more child friendly than the UK in my opinion.
But take lots of insect repellant, drink only bottled water and cover up with hats and suncream.
I am sure it will be a lovely experience for them.

[kreecherlivesupstairs]

GO GO GO GO GO GO, can I be more emphatic. We lived in Bangkok for four years, DD had a fantastic time there. The people are lovely, welcoming and adore children. You'll have a fantastic time. I really wouldn't worry about another Tsunami but do cover up anduse mozzie repellant. The health care is second to none in most places. Where and when is she planning to marry?

[WinkyWinkola]

Oooh, glad to hear all the +ve comments on this thread.

We're off to Phuket in August. Everyone keeps pulling long faces when talking about the long flights with three dcs (aged 5, 3 and 9 mos then). I think it'll be fine. Lots of films and dvds, snacks, activities and they'll sleep. And the flight will end at some point!

Very very excited although it will be quite a different experience going as a parent rather than a young, carefree singleton.