A few days in Bangkok with a 6 and 5 year old, any suggestions

[Franniban]

Hi,

I've got the oportunity to go out to Thailand in August this year to stay at my dad house there, but he probably going to have got come out a couple of days after us, any suggestions for what we could do in Bangkok with two children. I was thinking nice hotel with swimming pool to keep them happy, but happy to look at other stuff. Budget not big.

Also, he's got a car, but has already said there is no option for child seats, I was thinking about hiring a car and taking the booster seats. Any thoughts, experiences?

We've been before, but pre children, which puts a completely different angle on it!

TBH, I'd be really reluctant to try to hire and car and drive myself. We lived there for four years and I drove in the city as little as possible due to the maniac driving and the traffic jams. For entertainment the children's museum in Chatuchak is pretty good. Most shopping centres have play areas (varying in safety), the aquarium at Paragon is good but pricey.
I'm not sure if it is still done, but patana school have freelance bus drivers who you can 'hire' for the day. They are great.

Thanks, I do remember the traffic not moving at all in Bangkok. I was more thinking for travelling south, but maybe we should get the bus, or train.

boat trip on the river and feeding the river fish?

Might not have life jackets to fit though.

Ancient city in Samut Prakan, loads of things to see and do and lots of fish to feed. I would avoid public transport like the plague if I were travelling with children. Solo would be fine but with kids..................

No you are right Kreecher.

I was thinking more of the small boats you hire. But as I said, it seems unlilkely they would have life jackets to fit young children (or necessarily be seaworthy in the first place!).

Rama 9 park on Srinakarin is good too. if you get there early in the morning it's cool enough. There's a simple maze and a pretty good play area and if you are feeling energetic a lake with pedalos on. No life jackets of course.

We went last summer with DS, 7, and DD, 6. We stayed at the Marriott Resort/Spa on the river and it was fab, plus they did a very good deal on the room rate (booked direct online) and then upgraded us. It had a ferry boat to take us to the skytrain on the other side of the river, which was an event in itself. We visited markets (great fun), Royal Palace, which was closed but we got to see the Royal family arriving for an event, did a canal tour (bit boring after a while), went to snake farm (dreadful but the kids enjoyed it!), took a commuter river boat ride (great fun), visited some temples, and had lots of fun eating out trying new foods. We used taxis, tuk tuks (they still talk about that!), and the Skytrain. Did a bit of walking but because of the humidity we avoided too much, as the kids found it hard. Don't think I'd contemplate driving. We spent a LOT of time in the pool relaxing! I've heard the trains are fun. We flew to Koh Samui for a week and took a ferry to Koh Pha Ngan and it was lovely. Internal flights can be very reasonable if booked in advance. Have fun.

Hi ya,

I was from Bangkok but have been living in the UK for years.
I wouldn't recommend driving in BKK. The traffic will drive you crazy. If you'll be staying in central of Bkk, getting on the skytrain or subway is the best way otherwise take a taxi.
Don't go for zoos, it's awful and depressing (it's ok, no offend, i'm thai.)Feel sorry for the animals.

I'm thinking where thai kids go on their holiday....

Dream World (theme park) in Pathumthanee, outskirt of Bkk is also good.

Safari World is ok but you might need to take a car and drive around to see animals but they has a tour bus to take you around.

I'd recommend Choke Chai Farm in Saraburi, not far from BKK. It's a huge dairy farm but also arrange Agro tour. There're plenty for kids to see and do there. The surrounding area is superb.
For more info just google it they all have websites.

Have a great have in Thailand. Wish I could go back too

Thanks so much for all your replies. Having spoken to friends and ready everyone's replys I'm feeling a lot more confident about going over there. Will do some more
research, but would welcome any more suggestions.

Thanks again