Thailand with kids

[SweetPeas13]

Hi, we are looking at going to Thailand in October/ November with kids. Have been looking at Phuket and Khoa Lak. Most probably as a package maybe a week in each or the full 2 weeks in one place. Any advice/ tips? Thanks.

Khao Lak is amazing, spend the money to go to Surin and Similan islands.

It's in a national park. It's not late night entertainment central but it's beautiful and wonderful and with kids it's just brilliant.

Where are you been? Any recommendations on hotels? Thanks

I can't help with your locations, but we did Bangkok and Koh Tao with our kids when they were 3/8/13 and absolutely loved it. The Thais adore children which makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable and relaxing, the island part was especially good - we found a driver on the first day that we used for the rest of the trip, our 3yo adored him and cried when we said goodbye!

I am here right now with my three children. We did Bangkok for two nights then Phuket for nine nights. It’s our last night tomorrow. It’s been AMAZING! We’ve visited an elephant sanctuary and did a fantastic private boat trip around phi phi islands. Message me if I can help

I am of to Phuket in six weeks - sounds like you had an amazing time @Thischarmlessgirl! Any tips much appreciated - we are staying on the west side. Really interested in how easy it is to get aobut and see places! Thankfully the girls are 9 & 11 so car seats no longer an issue......

We've been to both and jn Khao Lak recommend the X10 or Sands Khao Lak.
We also stayed at what's now the Seaview in Khao Lak when run by Centara and likes it though don't know what it is like now

Is it best to go all inclusive or is there enough places to eat?

Ao Nang in Krabi is very family oriented. Took my DD when she was 2,4 and 5 and she absolutely loves Thailand.

ALWAYS pre agree your taxi price and stick firm. If not you will get hustled at the end.
When exchanging money don't be fooled by "this note is fake" just take your money back and go elsewhere. We used a revolut card and drew out or transferred as we spent. Same with any services in hairdressers and such agree price beforehand. Buy your SIM card (they have loads of data ) after you leave the airport, you get better offers. The sim is handy for the taxi apps and maps. There are huge supermarkets with all familiar brands so don't worry you don't have to pack the kitchen sink. There's is a taxi app very similar to grab (Uber) you select your destination and drivers bid for the fare by stating an amount they would charge and you choose. It shows the details of vehicle, size and driver as well as rating. We hired a driver for a few hours and they took us around the main sites in Phuket in comfort and leisurely.

Please only visit elephants at a trusted sanctuary. Don't go to the tiger places. The animals are that doped up to be touched.

Food choices are great, lots of outlets with all variety, night markets have a whole range of food and western favourites for fussy eaters. We didn't experience any funny bellies x2 adults x2 teens and a baby.

I used a travel buggy for my baby, for south east Asia I would say Thailand has the best pavements. When visiting temples we used a baby back pack with a fan attached and sun shade to climb all the stairs.

@emilyant you’ll have the best time, we stayed in the quieter part of Phuket closer to the airport which was perfect for us (kids are 13, 10, 9) hotel is out of this world and there’s a strip of restaurants and street food vendors just down the beach to visit. We spent a long time trying to look for the most ethical elephant sanctuary (no riding etc) and had a really good experience at Green Elephant Sanctuary. The private boat charter was with five star marine. My kids haven’t stopped talking about snorkelling and meeting monkeys on that trip.

We're going to Khao Lak in 3 weeks, after a week in Bangkok.

We're staying at La Flora, can update after the trip how it was, but looks like a good location.

I've been hearing stories how Phuket is overrun with Russian 'refugees', does not sound appealing.

Do most of you book through a tour operator like Tui. With it being our first time I think I would be nervous to book it all independently.

We’ve done all ours separately but we’ve always done that. I wouldn’t go all inclusive there are so many food options. Agree with the taxi thing, official ones and meter on. If you are on your way to visit somewhere you may get told it’s not open, happens more in Bangkok probably. The place is open, it’s a ruse to get you to visit their relations shop or go on a tour. Don’t point with your thumb it’s rude, don’t touch a monk if female (sometimes difficult in swaying public transport) and don’t point your feet at anyone.

Thanks for all the great tips. It's exciting but nerving at the same time. I think I worry more as going with children. Is it relatively cheap to eat out there?

You can pretty much spend as much or as little as you like eating out - but generally much cheaper than uk prices. Definitely wouldn't go all inclusive, food and the variety of it is one of the best bits about Thailand! We've taken the kids there many times since they were tiny and never had any problems.

Hi, I've just seen your message on the post about trips to Thailand. May I ask if you travelled in and out of Bangkok? We are planning to go next Xmas for two weeks. Many thanks.