Me + 3 kids.... 5 weeks in Asia? Or Europ

[Ohladedah]

I'm in the lucky position of being able to take the whole next summer holiday off and go traveling with 3 kids. They'll be 7 9 and 12 at the time. It'll be just me for most of the time, my husband will likely join us for a couple of weeks.

I love the idea of travelling around Asia, but need some advice. Is it practical? Where to go or not go? What to think about? I backpacked around Asia pre kids do I'm pretty familiar. The kids are good travellers.

Europe is probably a more sensible option, but isn't as exciting. Especially as we won't get a chance like this again...

I think if you have 5 weeks it makes sense to do a destination further away and you seem to prefer Asia and have experience so go for it. I would book and plan things in advance with kids.

Lots of Asian countries are very child friendly so I would definitely consider that. The downside is internal transport can be a bit chaotic but if you have a reasonable budget you should be able to get round that. Hiring a driver is often very reasonable. Thailand would be my first choice with kids, you can do Thailand/Malaysia/Singapore fairly easily if you want different countries although Singapore is expensive.

I think you could have an amazing time for 5 weeks in Thailand. You could look to go to Cambodia, Laos or Malaysia too but check the malaria status etc. it’s a very safe and family friendly place yet feels very different to Europe.

I recently spent 3 weeks in Thailand and it absolutely wasn’t enough time! There is so much to do and see. I would rather stay there than travel across to Vietnam or Cambodia with younger children. Older kids, yes. Mine are 13 and 15.

Won't it be ridiculously hot?

5 weeks is perfect for Thailand and Laos. Its very kid friendly. Have a lovely time

Personally I LOVE Asia! Id so a stop over in Singapore to get your kids used to the heat and humidity then move on to Malaysia Langkawi And Kota Kinabalu (Orangutans) are particular favourite of mine! It's a trip the kids will never forget and likely spark Wanderlustin them!

If you do go down that route id recommend Singapore airlines for the flight out the staff are incredible and will do there most to make your kids comfortable!

Do Asia. Five weeks gives you time to do two or three countries.
Fly into one country and out of another so you are not backtracking.Air Asia have great bargains. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore do not require visas.
I'll be travelling to Thailand next year with a 7 year old although dad will be in tow.We've done Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in the past.

Sri Lanka - you can combine so many experiences from Safaris to hiking to beaches to rafting to camping etc and via via old style trains - get really immersed in the culture. West coast best during July / August. V authentic - not too westernised or adapted to tourists.

Check the weather first if going long haul as it's rainy/monsoon season in a lot of SE Asian countries.

Eg Koh Samui is better than Phuket, north east Sri Lanka is better than south west and north Vietnam is better than the south. By better I mean weather and not attractions. Borneo will have good weather.

Europe. Asia is not child friendly. Think food posioning, diseases etc