12 Best Places to Stay in Thailand: Top Family Picks

We’re a family of four with two daughters and we’ve been living in Thailand since 2019. We’ve called a bunch of places home and traveled all over the country. So when it comes to family travel in Thailand, I’d say we’ve picked up a few solid tips along the way.

In this guide, I’m sharing our personal picks for the best places to stay in Thailand with kids and some family-friendly hotel recommendations. These are spots we’ve either called home or spent proper family holidays in.

By the end of this post, you’ll have all the info you need to figure out which spot is right for your own trip. Let’s go!

Where Are the Best Places to Stay in Thailand with Kids?

The best places to stay in Thailand with kids depend on what kind of holiday you’re after—but these are our top family picks:

1. Bangkok – Great for short stays, with malls, parks, and museums
2. Chiang Mai – Culture, nature, and cooler temperatures
3. Pai – Slow travel and mountain air
4. Phuket – Beach fun, big resorts, and island tours
5. Krabi – Stunning cliffs, caves, and easy island hopping
6. Hua Hin – Calm coastal town close to Bangkok
7. Koh Samui – Our personal favorite: family-friendly beaches and island comforts
8. Koh Phangan – More than Full Moon Parties—great if you stay in the peaceful parts
9. Koh Tao – Snorkeling, beach swings, and chill vibes
10. Koh Yao Yai – Quiet island life between Phuket and Krabi
11. Koh Yao Noi – Small, local, and super relaxed
12. Khao Sok – Floating bungalows and jungle adventure (best for kids 7+)

1. Bangkok – Big, Busy, Full of Surprises

Bangkok was the first place we ever landed in Thailand (probably the same for most travellers). Yes—it’s busy, hot, and chaotic… but also kind of incredible.

The city’s been Thailand’s capital since 1782. Locals call it Krung Thep, meaning “City of Angels.” It’s a wild mix of old and new: golden temples, giant malls, river boats, rooftop bars, and tuk-tuks zipping through traffic like it’s a game.

On the streets of Bangkok you’ll spot $1 noodle stalls next to sleek skyscrapers, monks in orange robes passing a 7-Eleven, and some of the kindest people you’ll meet.

Surprisingly, Bangkok works well for families. There are parks, indoor playgrounds, hands-on museums, and even cafes with play areas. Just be ready for traffic—plan extra time or hop on the BTS Skytrain or river taxi.

Quick facts about Bangkok:

• Population: About 10.7 million people
• Size: Around 606 square miles (1,569 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: Roughly 22 million (before COVID hit)
• Main airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Famous for: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market, Lumpini Park, Khao San Road, Chao Phraya River, rooftop bars, street food

Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok

Hotel Picks in Bangkok

2. Chiang Mai – The Cultural Hub in the North

Chiang Mai sits in northern Thailand, surrounded by jungle hills, waterfalls, and more temples than you can count. Seriously—there are hundreds. But don’t worry, you don’t need to see them all (unless you really want to).

Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, the city still moves at a gentle pace. You feel it in the wooden houses, quiet rituals, and the way life just flows. No beach. No rush. Just night markets, cozy cafés, and the occasional monk strolling by while you eat mango sticky rice.

The weather’s another plus—it’s cooler up here, especially in the dry season. We even wore light jackets some December mornings (yes, really).

But here’s what no one likes to mention: burning season. From late January to April, smoke from field fires fills the air—and it can get seriously unhealthy.

When we lived there, both my husband and daughter had breathing issues before February even hit. If anyone in your family has sensitive lungs, avoid that time. The rest of the year? Chiang Mai’s honestly one of our favorite places in Thailand.

Quick facts about Chiang Mai:

• Population: Around 1.2 million (metro area)
• Size: Around 15 square miles (40 square kilometers) for the city itself
• Tourists per year: Around 2 million
• Main airport: Chiang Mai International Airport
• Famous for: Temples, elephants (go ethical!), khao soi noodles, Sunday night markets, and relaxed mountain vibes, proximity to Chiang Rai

Best Areas to Stay in Chiang Mai

Hotel Picks in Chiang Mai

3. Pai – A Mountain Village That Doesn’t Feel Like Thailand

Pai’s a small town tucked up in the mountains of Northern Thailand—and it’s nothing like the Thailand you see on glossy postcards. No beaches. No palm trees. No full moon parties.

Instead, you’ll find misty rice fields, cool mornings, rolling green hills, and wooden houses lining quiet roads. It’s peaceful, simple, and just a little bit magical.

Getting there is part of the experience. The drive from Chiang Mai takes about three hours—and yes, there are 762 curves in the road (someone actually counted). If anyone in your family gets carsick, bring those motion sickness tablets. You’ll need them. (Poor Lila, my eldest, vomited every single time we drove to Pai.)

But once you arrive? Everything slows down.

There’s one little walking street with cafés, smoothie stands, and a few evening food stalls. No malls, no chaos—just enough to keep you fed and happy. It’s the kind of place where “not much going on” is exactly the point.

Quick facts about Pai:

• Population: Around 2,000 in town
• Size: Around 2.3 square miles (6 square kilometers) for the town itself
• Tourists per year: Popular with slow travelers, digital nomads, and families looking to unplug
• Main airport: Pai has a small domestic airport, but most arrive by car from Chiang Mai (3–4 hours via the famously curvy road)
• Famous for: Mountain views, hot springs, waterfalls, Pai Canyon, slow mornings, and simpler living

Best Areas to Stay in Pai

Hotel Picks in Pai

4. Phuket – Thailand’s Most Famous Island

Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island—but don’t worry, you can drive from one end to the other in under two hours (on a good traffic day).

It’s one of the country’s most visited spots, so yes—it can get crowded. But if you stay in the right area, the island of Phuket is actually fantastic for families.

Some beaches (like Patong) are loud and party-heavy. Others? Peaceful, clean, and perfect for kids. Naithon Beach is our personal favorite—quiet, local, and super family-friendly.

There’s loads to do: boat trips to nearby islands, night markets, water parks, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and more food than you could ever eat. From fancy restaurants to roadside noodle stalls with plastic chairs—Phuket has it all.

It’s also got solid infrastructure—big malls, good hospitals, and international grocery stores. If you’re planning a longer stay, you’ll find everything you need. Just a heads-up: traffic is busy, and taxis are pricey. If you’re staying a while, consider renting a car.

Quick facts about Phuket:

• Population: Around 450,000
• Size: About 222 square miles (576 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: Over 10 million
• Main airport: Phuket International Airport
• Famous for: Patong Beach, island-hopping (e.g. to Phi Phi Islands), luxury beach resorts

Best Areas to Stay in Phuket

Hotel Picks in Phuket

5. Krabi – Cliffs, Caves and Calm Beaches

If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Thailand—with longtail boats, turquoise water, and towering cliffs—that’s Krabi. It’s wild, beautiful, and surprisingly chill for a place that shows up on so many bucket lists.

Even though Krabi’s on the mainland, it still gives off that laid-back island vibe. No big cities—just small towns, fishing villages, and quiet beaches. You’ve probably seen pictures of Railay Beach or Phra Nang Cave… and yep, they’re just as stunning in person.

We loved the slower pace here. And if you’re thinking about hopping to nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta? Krabi makes that super easy.

Read my article on the best things to do with kids in Krabi.

Quick facts about Krabi:

• Population: Around 470,000 (including the whole Krabi province)
• Size: Over 1,815 square miles (4,700 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: Around 6 million (in pre-pandemic years)
• Main airport: Krabi International Airport
• Famous for: Limestone cliffs, Railay Beach, island tours, rock climbing, kayaking, laid-back beach towns

Best Areas to Stay in Krabi

Hotel Picks in Krabi

6. Hua Hin: Peaceful Seaside Charm

Hua Hin has been a favorite escape for Thai families for generations—even the royal family used to holiday here. Back in the 1920s, they built a summer palace by the sea, and that kind of set the tone: calm, classic, and a bit old-school in the best way.

Today, Hua Hin is a laid-back coastal town with clean beaches, golf courses, and night markets.

There’s a cute little train station that feels like a movie set, and a vintage-style water park that’s fun without being overwhelming.

Quick facts about Hua Hin:

• Population: Around 65,000
• Size: About 352 square miles (911 square kilometers) (Hua Hin district)
• Tourists per year: Over 1 million domestic and international visitors
• Main airport: Hua Hin Airport (small, limited flights) — most people come by car from Bangkok (about 3 hours)
• Famous for: Royal summer palace, night markets, horse rides on the beach, relaxed resorts, family holidays without the chaos

Best Areas to Stay in Hua Hin

Hotel Picks in Hua Hin

7. Koh Samui: Family-Friendly Island Luxury

Koh Samui is the place we keep coming back to. Actually, we live here now. So maybe I’m a little biased—but there’s a reason this island is such a favorite with families.

It’s Thailand’s second-largest island, but it still feels cozy. You can drive around it in under two hours. The beaches are beautiful. The roads are decent. And there’s a good mix of quiet corners and places with stuff to do.

Back in the day, Ko Samui was mostly coconut farms and fishing villages. You can still see that local side in places like Mae Nam and the back roads near the mountains. But now there are also big supermarkets, fancy resorts, international schools, and a beautiful and big mall.

What we love most? It’s that sweet spot between fun and peace. You’ve got everything here—kids’ activities, beach clubs, great restaurants, decent hospitals (Ruby was born here). 

But it still feels like an island. We can drive ten minutes and be on a quiet beach with nobody else around. Then head back and watch a movie in the cinema.

Ah, and did you know that most of The White Lotus Season 3 was shot here?!

Quick facts about Koh Samui:

• Population: Around 70,000
• Size: About 88 square miles (228 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: Around 2.5 million (before COVID)
• Main airport: Samui Airport
• Famous for: Beautiful beaches, relaxed family resorts, coconut trees, Big Buddha, and day trips to nearby islands

Best Areas to Stay in Koh Samui

Hotel Picks in Koh Samui

8. Koh Phangan: Beyond the Full Moon Parties

When you say “Koh Phangan,” most people think of the Full Moon Party. Buckets of booze, loud music, glowing body paint… all that. But here’s the thing: that’s one tiny part of the island. And if you’re a parent, you’ll probably never even see it.

We stayed on Ko Phangan for about five years, on and off. So we got to see both sides of the island: the party crowd and the family life. And while it’s definitely not the quiet little hippie escape it used to be, it still has calm corners—especially during low season.

It’s a small island, but you’ve got jungle hikes, waterfalls, little cafés, and beaches that are still peaceful if you know where to go.

Kid-wise, don’t expect amusement parks or endless entertainment. But there’s enough. A few great swimming spots, and the occasional drop-in activity or kids’ craft class. It’s not much, but it works for a week or two.

I’ve put together the best kids activities in Koh Phangan in this blog.

Quick facts about Koh Phangan:

• Population: Around 13,000 (most foreigners are from Israel)
• Size: About 48 square miles (125 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: Between 700,000 and 1 million
• Main transport: No airport—most people arrive by ferry from Koh Samui or the mainland
• Famous for: Full Moon Party, beaches, yoga, vegan food, and spiritual workshops

Best Areas to Stay in Koh Phangan

Hotel Picks in Koh Phangan

9. Koh Tao – Swings, Snorkels, and a Lot of Teenagers

We lived on Koh Tao twice, each time for a couple of months. And to this day, my eldest, Lila, swears it’s her favorite place in Thailand. When I ask her why, she says, “Because of the swings.” And honestly, fair enough. Almost every beach has one hanging from a palm tree—and she tried them all.

Koh Tao is tiny and hilly and surrounded by some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. It’s a snorkel paradise. You don’t need a boat trip—just grab goggles, walk to the nearest rocks, and peek in.

The beaches are beautiful, the sea is calm, and everything feels pretty easy with young kids—as long as you’re not pushing a stroller up a hill.

Now, fair warning—Koh Tao has a young crowd. Most visitors are in their early 20s, here to dive, hang out, and enjoy their first big trip without parents. If you’re over 30, you might feel like the oldest person at the beach bar. We definitely did. Every day.

Quick facts about Koh Tao:

• Population: Around 1,500
• Size: Just 8 square miles (21 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: About 300,000–400,000
• Main transport: No airport—get there by boat from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or the mainland
• Famous for: Diving schools, snorkeling, palm tree swings, backpackers, and clear blue water

Best Areas to Stay in Koh Tao

Hotel Picks in Koh Tao

10. Koh Yao Yai – Between Phuket and Krabi, But a World Away

Koh Yao Yai sits right between Phuket and Krabi in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. It takes less than 30 minutes by speedboat to get there—but once you arrive, it feels like a completely different world.

Just a few resorts. No traffic. No loud beach clubs. Just quiet roads, peaceful beaches (you have to visit Laem Haad – it’s my favorite beach in Thailand!), and everyday island life going on around you.

There are no playgrounds or splash parks here, but there are special experiences. Kayaking through mangroves. Learning to make batik art. Walking through rubber plantations while someone explains how the trees are tapped. Nothing fancy—but full of heart.

Tourism is still low-key here, and people are genuinely warm. Schoolkids wave as you ride past. Locals stop for a chat. Once, a local family stopped with their scooter and helped us at a gas machine that wouldn’t accept our wrinkled 20 THB note—that was so sweet.

Check out my guide on the best things to do with kids in Koh Yao Yai.

Quick facts about Koh Yao Yai:

• Population: Around 8,000
• Size: About 55 square miles (142 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: Still relatively low
• Main transport: Short ferry ride from Phuket or Krabi
• Famous for: Local village life, quiet beaches, scooter rides, and simple island living

Best Areas to Stay in Koh Yao Yai

Hotel Picks in Koh Yao Yai

11. Koh Yao Noi: Authentic Island Life

Koh Yao Noi sits just across the bay from Koh Yao Yai, but the feel is slightly different. We first visited before having kids, back when it felt like one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. Things have changed a little—there are more cafés now, and a few boutique stays—but it’s still calm, friendly, and wonderfully low-key.

It’s a small island with flat roads, and gentle beaches. You can ride a scooter from one end to the other in under an hour. Most of the accommodation is made up of family-run guesthouses and relaxed resorts—with sea views, hammocks, and that quiet kind of comfort that doesn’t try too hard.

The beaches here won’t win awards for drama, but they’re peaceful, clean, and never crowded.

Quick facts about Koh Yao Noi:

• Population: Around 4,000
• Size: About 19 square miles (50 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: Still much lower than Phuket or Koh Samui
• Main transport: 10-minute ferry from Koh Yao Yai or 30–40 minutes by speedboat from Phuket or Krabi
• Famous for: Quiet roads, peaceful beaches, sea-view cafés, and a calm, authentic atmosphere

Best Areas to Stay in Koh Yao Noi

Hotel Picks in Koh Yao Noi

12. Khao Sok – Jungle Magic and Floating Bungalows

Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s most stunning national parks. It’s where you’ll find Cheow Lan Lake—a man-made lake created back in the ’80s when they built a dam in the middle of the rainforest. But don’t let the word “artificial” fool you—this place feels wild, ancient, and completely untouched.

You’ll cruise past limestone cliffs rising straight from the water, sleep in floating bungalows, and wake up to the sound of gibbons echoing through the jungle. It’s one of the most breathtaking places we’ve been in Thailand—and it’s nothing like the beachy south.

That said, it’s not ideal for very young kids. Between longtail boat transfers, steep steps, and no fences on most floating rooms, I’d only recommend it if your children are around 7 or older. It’s better suited for adventurous families who don’t mind getting a little wet, muddy, or mosquito-bitten.

Quick facts about Khao Sok:

• Population: Very small—mostly small villages and eco-resorts
• Size: The national park covers around 285 square miles (739 square kilometers)
• Tourists per year: Still relatively low
•  Main transport: Drive from Surat Thani, Khao Lak, Krabi, or Phuket
•  Famous for: Cheow Lan Lake, floating bungalows, jungle hikes, wildlife, and epic scenery

Best Areas to Stay in Khao Sok

Hotel Picks in Khao Sok

Key Takeaways: Best Places in Thailand for Families

• Koh Samui and Phuket are great for beach lovers with young kids
• Chiang Mai and Pai are perfect for a slower pace and nature
• Khao Sok is an unforgettable jungle trip for older kids
• Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi offer quiet island escapes without crowds
• Every place in this list is based on our personal experience—no fluff, just real family travel

👉 You might also like my other Thailand articles:
– How to Celebrate Songkran with Kids
– When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Thailand?
– What to Wear in Thailand? 20 Do’s and Don’ts
– Thailand Family Itinerary: 2 Weeks with Young Kids

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Thailand

So there you have it—our personal picks for the best places to stay in Thailand with kids. From floating bungalows in Khao Sok to the peaceful beaches of Koh Yao Yai, every spot in this guide has something special to offer.

There’s no single “best” spot. It depends on your kids’ ages, how much adventure you want, and how long you’re staying. But after years of living and traveling here, we can honestly say: Thailand is one of the most fun and easiest places to travel with kids.

Which one feels like the perfect fit for your crew? Do you have any questions? Please let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu

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