Where Should You Travel in Southeast Asia With Kids?
Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia are all amazing spots to visit with kids. They’re pretty easy to get around, and won’t break the bank (well, apart from Singapore). I’ve traveled here with my two girls, and these 6 picks are the ones I’d recommend to a friend.
The 6 Best Places In Southeast Asia For Families
We’ve been living in Thailand since 2019, but we’ve also spent a lot of time exploring other parts of Southeast Asia with our two girls.
Here’s a detailed guide to our favorite family travel ideas in Southeast Asia, including the most family-friendly destinations and resorts.
Our Quick Picks
🌴 Planning your trip? Check my Southeast Asia Weather Guide and my Packing List.
1. Thailand – Easy, Safe, and Fun for All Ages
Thailand is one of the most family-friendly countries in Asia. It’s safe, clean, and easy to travel with kids. People love children here. Whether you go to restaurants, markets, or hotels, Thais will interact with them and offer gifts. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. You’ll find family-sized villas, kids’ clubs, and international hospitals almost everywhere.
I may be a bit biased, as Thailand has been our home base since 2019. But that’s for good reason! Read about our experience of living in Thailand with kids here.
Best time to go:
- Dry season: November to March (Gulf of Thailand December to March)
- Avoid March and April in the north (Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) due to air pollution (burning season)
Top Places for Families:
Koh Samui
- Family-friendly beaches like Bophut and Choeng Mon
- Great resorts with kids’ clubs and pools (Hyatt Regency, Anantara Bophut)
- Easy to rent a car with car seats
- Direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur
Bangkok
- Activities: KidZania, tuk tuk rides, boat tours
- Malls with indoor playgrounds (IconSiam, Siam Paragon)
- Airport rail link, skytrain, and Grab app make it easy to get around
Chiang Mai
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries (Elephant Nature Park or Elephant Steps)
- Jungle treks, ziplining, night markets
- Cooler temperatures, especially in the mountains
Krabi
- Access to Railay Beach, kayaking tours, boat trips to nearby islands
- Less crowded than Phuket, easier for families seeking calm
Phuket
- Fun beaches with calm waters (try Kata, Kamala or Naithon)
- Huge choice of family resorts (Hyatt Regency, Pullman)
- Water parks, indoor playgrounds, and animal-free attractions like The Selfie Experience
- Easy airport access
2. Vietnam – Affordable, Cultural, and Surprisingly Kid-Friendly
Vietnam is ideal for families who want adventure and local culture. It’s very budget-friendly, and transportation between cities is easy with domestic flights and sleeper trains. Street food is cheap and often kid-approved.
The last time we were in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City), we were truly impressed by the architecture and history (we visited a war museum). The prices were also much lower than what we’re used to on the popular Thai islands.
Best time to go:
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An/Da Nang): March to August
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi/Ninh Binh): October to April
Top Places for Families:
Hoi An
- Safe, walkable old town
- Try lantern-making workshops, cycling through rice fields
- An Bang Beach is just 15 minutes away
- Family-friendly resorts like Little Riverside or beachfront homestays
Da Nang
- Modern city with long beaches and indoor play areas
- Visit Ba Na Hills (cable car + fantasy park)
- Close to Hoi An (30-minute drive)
Ninh Binh
- Boat rides through limestone cliffs and rice paddies
- Easy day trips from Hanoi
- Quiet, rural vibe, ideal for nature-loving families
Hanoi
- Water puppet shows, Hoan Kiem Lake, parks
- Walking street on weekends (no traffic!)
- Local cafés and Vietnamese egg coffee for parents
3. Bali, Indonesia – Best for Longer Family Stays
Bali is great for families who want a mix of nature, wellness, and modern comforts. You’ll find lots of family-friendly restaurants, Western-style villas with pools, and international hospitals in Ubud, Canggu, and Denpasar. Long-stay families love the strong worldschooling community here.
We lived in Bali for three months, and it was one of the most amazing places ever for kids. The Balinese people are incredibly warm, and the nannies were the best we’ve ever had. Also I loved the affordable luxury. We went fine dining every week.
The two biggest downsides for us were the traffic and the trash. But if you’re just visiting, avoid rush hours and head for the cleaner beaches in the south — then Bali is a fantastic choice for a family holiday!
Check out this guide on the best family resorts in Bali!
Best time to go:
- Dry season: April to October
- Avoid December to February (rainy season)
Top Places for Families:
Ubud
- Monkey Forest, Campuhan Ridge Walk, jungle swings
- Organic cafés with kids’ corners
- Yoga studios
- Good for ages 4+
- Check out the best Kids activities in Ubud
Canggu
- Indoor play cafés (e.g. Mai Main, Parklife)
- Beach clubs with kid-friendly pools
- Surf lessons for kids and teens
Sanur
- Paved seafront walk (ideal for strollers)
- Quieter than Canggu or Seminyak
- Family resorts like Hyatt Regency Sanur
Lombok
- Just east of Bali, but much quieter
- Fewer tourists, stunning beaches, waterfalls, and family-friendly hikes
- Perfect for families looking for nature, calm, and fewer crowds
4. Malaysia – Great Mix of City Life and Island Relaxation
Malaysia is clean, modern, and culturally diverse. English is an official language, which makes things easier for adults and kids. The infrastructure is excellent, and it’s easy to combine big cities with beach or rainforest escapes. Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in Indian eateries.
We had a great week in Kuala Lumpur with the kids (check out our personal KL with kids itinerary here). Even though Malaysians can feel a bit less friendly than Thais or Balinese, you can still have an amazing time here. The indoor playgrounds are insane (we saw rollercoasters in shopping malls!), and just an hour’s drive outside the city, you’re suddenly in beautiful nature — rolling tea hills and adventure parks.
Malaysia is also incredibly affordable. We stayed at the W Kuala Lumpur (right next to the Petronas Towers) during high season and paid just €150 ($160) for the whole family.
Best time to go:
- West Coast (Langkawi, Penang): November to April
- Avoid the East Coast during monsoon (Nov–Feb)
Top Places for Families:
Kuala Lumpur
- Petrosains Discovery Centre, playgrounds in malls
- Use Grab app for taxis
- W Hotel KL: family-friendly, breakfast buffet with veg options
Langkawi
- Cable car ride to Gunung Mat Cincang
- Mangrove tours, beautiful night markets
- Kid-friendly resorts: Berjaya Langkawi, Pelangi Beach Resort
Penang
- George Town street art trail
- Interactive museums (Wonderfood Museum, Tech Dome)
- Unique colonial buildings and colorful shophouses
5. Cambodia – Culture and History for Older Kids
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations and works well for families with older kids (I’d say 7+). The infrastructure isn’t as polished as in Thailand or Malaysia, but it’s easy enough to get around by tuk-tuk, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Siem Reap is the best base for families. You’ll find a mix of cultural activities, local markets, and child-friendly resorts with pools. The temples of Angkor are the main attraction. They’re huge, ancient, and full of carvings and hidden corners to explore.
But there’s more: bike rides through rice paddies, floating villages, craft workshops, and one of the best circus shows in Asia (with no animals involved, how cool is that?!).
Best time to go:
- Dry season: November to March
Top Places for Families:
Siem Reap
- Angkor Wat (do sunrise only if your kids wake early)
- Phare Cambodian Circus (kid-friendly, cultural, no animals)
- Angkor Eye Ferris Wheel, puppet-making workshops
- Many hotels with pools and big family rooms
Kampot
- Quiet riverside town
- Rent bikes, visit local farms, do a sunset boat tour
- Good place to slow down for a few days
Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloem
- Basic infrastructure but beautiful beaches
- Limited medical access, only go if your kids are healthy
- Small eco-resorts with beach bungalows
6. Singapore – Clean, Easy, and Packed With Kid-Friendly Attractions
Singapore is probably the easiest entry point to Southeast Asia for families. It’s clean, safe, and super efficient. Public transport is excellent, English is widely spoken, and the city is full of parks, museums, and interactive attractions designed with kids in mind. Prices are much higher than in neighboring countries, but the quality is top-notch.
We spent 5 days in Singapore with the kids (here’s our itinerary) and were impressed — in both good and bad ways. Positively impressed by what the city has to offer, but shocked by the prices. Our hotel (Pan Pacific) had by far the worst value for money we’ve ever experienced.
In general, food and activities were very expensive.
But Singapore also offers top-notch safety, cleanliness, and perfection when it comes to things like traffic and public infrastructure. Universal Studios and the giant Ferris wheel (Singapore Flyer) were our absolute highlights. The kids loved it. I’d say 5 days is more than enough for a family holiday in Singapore.
Best time to go:
- All year round (tropical climate)
- Expect some rain almost every afternoon, but it usually passes quickly
Top Places for Families:
Universal Studios Singapore
- Located on Sentosa Island
- Great for kids 4+, with rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets (so many minions!)
- Avoid weekends and school holidays for shorter lines and buy priority passes
Gardens by the Bay
- Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome
- The Children’s Garden has free water play areas which our girls loved
- Tip: Go around 5 PM, watch the light show after sunset
Jewel Changi Airport
- You don’t need to fly to enjoy it
- Rain Vortex (world’s tallest indoor waterfall), Sky Nets, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze
- Good for a half-day indoor activity, especially during hot or rainy weather (but it’s busy, don’t expect a chill experience)
- Find out more info in this official guide to Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore Science Centre
- Science exhibits, interactive experiments, and a hands-on kids’ zone
Where to stay:
- Harbourfront/Sentosa: Easy access to theme parks and beach
- Orchard/City Centre: Close to shopping malls and MRT lines
- Good family hotels: Shangri-La Singapore (massive indoor playroom), Village Hotel Sentosa
Packing Tips for Southeast Asia With Kids
- Bring lightweight clothes (but carry one jacket or sweater per person for AC rooms)
- Water shoes, sun hats, swimwear
- Mosquito repellent (essential, but buy it in the country you’re traveling to)
- Travel-sized medicines and electrolyte powders
- A compact stroller or baby carrier if traveling with a toddler or baby
👉 You might also like:
– 12 Best Places to Stay in Thailand – Top Family Picks
– 15 Most Iconic Landmarks in Thailand You Shouldn’t Miss
Final Thoughts on Family Travel Ideas for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is one of the best regions to explore as a family. You can get world-class hotels for half the price of Europe, your kids will be treated like royalty, and you’ll experience real adventures, not just theme parks (but if there are any, they’re pretty cool!)
My favorite, as you know, is Thailand. I just feel like this place has everything that makes us happy as a family. Whether it’s for living or just for a holiday.
Let me know in the comments which place your family loved most, or where you’re heading next!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQs – Family Travel in Southeast Asia
Is Southeast Asia safe for family travel?
Yes, in most tourist areas it’s very safe. Use normal city common sense, choose reputable transport, and stay somewhere central. Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia feel especially easy with kids.
What’s the best country in Southeast Asia for a family holiday?
Thailand is my top pick. It’s easy to get around, family-friendly, and you’ll find great hospitals and kid-friendly hotels almost everywhere.
When is the best time to visit Southeast Asia with kids?
For most families, November to March is the sweet spot. It’s less humid and easier for little kids. (Exact weather still varies by region and island.)
Is Bali or Thailand better for kids?
Thailand is easier for a first trip. Bali can be amazing for longer stays (villas, nannies, café culture), but traffic and trash can be a downside depending on where you stay.
Is Singapore worth visiting with kids?
Yes, if you want a short, clean, stress-free city break with big-ticket attractions. It’s expensive, so I treat it as a 3–5 day stop.
What are the cheapest family destinations in Southeast Asia?
Vietnam and Cambodia are usually the best value. Thailand can be cheap too, but island resorts can push the budget up fast.
How many days do you need in each place?
Here’s a rough guide:
- Thailand: 10–21 days (mix of city + islands)
- Vietnam: 10–14 days (Hanoi, Hoi An, Ninh Binh)
- Bali: 7–30 days (slow travel heaven)
- Malaysia: 7–10 days (KL + Langkawi or Penang)
- Cambodia: 4–7 days (mainly Siem Reap)
- Singapore: 3–5 days max
Do I need vaccines or malaria pills for Southeast Asia?
It depends on the country, your route, season, and your kids’ age. I always check a travel clinic advice for our exact itinerary (especially for rural areas).
Here’s my guide on necessary vaccinations.
What should I pack for traveling to Southeast Asia with kids?
Light clothes, one warmer layer for AC, sun protection, mosquito repellent, water shoes, and a basic kid medicine kit. You can buy most baby items locally in bigger cities.
