Thailand has been one of the top Southeast Asia destinations for families for many years. The stunning landscapes, friendly people, delicious food, and affordable prices are the main reasons why.
Since 2019, we’ve been living in Thailand with our two little kids. Over the years, we’ve explored every corner of this amazing country as a family and lived in many places for months. So, you’re getting first-hand experience!
In this article, I’ll share with you the best 2-week Thailand family itinerary with small kids. You’ll get to see both North and South Thailand and experience the main attractions. All at a pace that works with younger children.
Let’s start with your perfect family vacation!
The Perfect Thailand Family Itinerary With Young Kids
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
On your first day, you’ll arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you’re coming from within Asia, you might land at Don Mueang Airport instead.
The flight with young children was probably long and tiring, so I recommend booking a taxi directly at the airport’s official counter on Level 1. It’s affordable and definitely the easiest option for families.
Once you arrive and settle into your accommodation in Bangkok City, take your time to relax and adjust. I know arriving in Bangkok can be overwhelming, especially for the first time. But trust me, after 24 hours, you’ll get used to it!
Depending on when you arrive and how much energy you have, you can explore the city a bit. Maybe visit a mall or grab a local bite to eat. If your kids need to burn off some energy after the long flight, check out my guide to the best kids’ activities in Bangkok.
Day 2 & 3: Exploring Bangkok’s Kid-Friendly Gems
Your first full day in Bangkok! Now you can really get to know the city. I recommend downloading the “Grab” app. With it, you can book private taxis at very low prices and even order food. Grab works in all larger cities in Thailand. During rush hour, I recommend using public transport. The MRT will take you to all major places for just a couple of Thai Baht.
Here are some fun activities to try, depending on what you feel like doing:
Morning visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Kids under 120 cm are free).
Take a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River.
Have a Tuk Tuk Ride (It’s more expensive than a regular taxi, but it’s totally worth it, and kids love it).
Visit one of Bangkok’s large malls. My favorites are CentralWorld, IconSiam, and Siam Paragon.
- Take a walk on the rooftop of King Power Mahanakhon Building.
Visit a Floating Market and buy some local specialties (unfortunately, most floating markets are pretty far away from the city center).
End the day with a relaxing stroll in one of the city’s parks.
Just a note: Unlike other blogs, you won’t find recommendations for zoos, SeaWorld, or other places that exploit animals. Unfortunately, there are a lot of those in Bangkok and Thailand.
Bangkok – The City of Angels
Bangkok’s history goes back to 1782 when it became Thailand’s capital. It started as a small trading post along the Chao Phraya River. Today, over 10 million people live here, and it welcomes more than 22 million tourists every year.
Bangkok was once called the “Venice of the East” because of its many canals, though most have now become roads. The city is famous for its 1,000+ delicious street food stalls, where you can try dishes like Pad Thai and mango sticky rice. The city may have changed a lot, but you can still feel its history everywhere you go, mixed with modern life.
Day 4: Arrival in Chiang Mai
Since you’re already in the north, heading to Chiang Mai next makes sense for your Thailand itinerary. It’s the largest city in northern Thailand, and it is just a one-hour flight from Bangkok.
Take a domestic flight to Chiang Mai Airport and grab a taxi to your accommodation. The Grab app works here too, making it easy to get around. I recommend staying in Nimmanhaemin or Old City. Both are great for walking with kids and have lots of sights to see. Here’s a list of my favorite activities for kids in Chiang Mai.
Day 5: Local Culture and Night Markets
Chiang Mai is one of the coolest places in Thailand, making it a great spot to continue adjusting to the weather. The city is a bit more traditional than modern Bangkok, so you’ll get to experience even more Thai culture.
Here are some fun activities for families:
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a beautiful temple on the hill.
Explore the Old City and its many art galleries.
Visit the local night markets in the evening for unique souvenirs and local food. Check out this list of night markets and when they happen.
Chiang Mai – The Gem in the North
Chiang Mai, once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is a charming city with a rich history. Known for its beautiful old city walls and over 300 ancient temples, it attracts about 10 million tourists each year. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples, perched on a mountain with stunning views.
Chiang Mai is also a hub for culture and nature, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside. It’s famous for its unique food, like Khao Soi, a delicious noodle dish, and for its coffee. Not only is coffee grown around the city, but you’ll find stylish cafes on almost every corner. I love the Ristr8to Coffee chain, which you can find all over town.
Day 6: Arrival in Koh Samui
After exploring the north, it’s time to head south and add some beach vibes to your family vacation with kids in Thailand. Koh Samui is a great place to relax and enjoy family-friendly activities.
You can take a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways. It’s only 1 hour and 45 minutes, and you’ll land at a beautiful, small, private airport.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can fly to Surat Thani, but that involves a one-hour bus ride to the pier and a ferry trip. With little kids, I definitely recommend the convenience of flying directly to Koh Samui.
Once at the airport, book a taxi to your hotel and take some time to settle in. I recommend staying in Bophut or Lamai if you want somewhere quieter. My all-time favorite family hotel in Samui is the Hyatt Regency—it has a fantastic kids’ club and waterslides.
Day 7: Enjoying the Island Vibes
Koh Samui may not be the most beautiful island in Thailand, but it’s convenient and has some lovely spots for families. It’s also a gateway to other islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Here, you can let the kids play on the beach while you relax with a cool drink.
These are some activities that shouldn’t be missing on your Thailand family itinerary:
Visit Na Muang Waterfalls. The walk is easy, even for small kids, and there’s a shallow pool for a splash.
Stop by Central Festival Samui, a family-friendly mall with two big kids play areas.
Take a stroll through Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. Enjoy beachside walks, little shops, and family-friendly local restaurants.
Watch the sunset at Lipa Noi Beach.
Enjoy a free fire show on the beach—kids love it! These usually start around 7 or 8 pm in front of luxury hotels or popular beaches like Bophut Beach in front of Coco Tam.
Make a half-day family trip to Koh Madsum (Pig Island). This is my absolute favorite thing to do in Samui! You can find my guide on visiting Pig Island here.
Koh Samui – The Gateway Island
Koh Samui is home to around 70,000 residents, giving it a cozy island vibe despite being popular with tourists. Every year, more than 2 million visitors come to enjoy its tropical beaches and charm. It was settled over 1,500 years ago by fishermen and became a haven for backpackers in the 1970s. Today, it’s known for its friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and a mix of traditional and modern attractions.
Day 8: Arrival in Koh Phangan
Just a 30-minute boat ride from Samui, Koh Phangan is another must-visit destination in your Thailand Family Itinerary. This island is our base and my favorite family spot in Thailand.
It may not have the same infrastructure as Koh Samui, and the Grab app doesn’t work here, but it has a lot of charm. It’s the simple, close-to-nature lifestyle that we love. Over the years, many families have moved here, and the island now offers a lot of kid-friendly activities.
Check out my article on the top family activities on the island.
Day 9 & 10: Exploring Koh Phangan
I recommend staying on the west coast of Koh Phangan. The east coast is beautiful but much more remote. For example, if you stay in Thong Nai Pan, it will take at least 30 minutes to get to Thongsala, the main town. And since taxis are rare, it’s best to rent a scooter or car.
Here are some activities in Koh Phangan you shouldn’t miss:
Hike to Bottle Beach, a scenic jungle trail that’s perfect for adventurous families with sporty kids 5 years and older.
Spend the day at Haad Yao, Haad Rin, or Thong Nai Pan beaches. These are all gorgeous spots with shallow waters for kids to play in.
Go snorkeling at Koh Raham, a beautiful spot right next to a restaurant, where fish swim right up to you. A magical experience, especially for younger kids.
Visit the Phangan Elephant Sanctuary, an ethical way to interact with elephants—no rides or shows, just feeding and walking alongside these gentle giants.
Let the kids play at one of the many supervised playgrounds on the island. A great way for parents to relax while the kids run around.
Visit the Chaloklum Night Market on Sundays or Thongsala Night Market on Saturdays. Both markets start around 5 pm.
Koh Phangan – The Crystal Island
Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, covering about 125 square kilometers of lush greenery and beautiful beaches. It’s famous for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning coastline, and the Full Moon Party, which draws thousands of visitors every month.
The island has a population of around 13,000, but during the Full Moon Party, it can host up to 30,000 visitors at once. Over the years, Koh Phangan has developed good infrastructure, with well-maintained roads, reliable internet, and plenty of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts.
The island is also popular with families, digital nomads, and wellness seekers, thanks to its yoga retreats, meditation centers, and natural beauty, including national parks and waterfalls.
Day 11: Arrival in Phuket
Now it’s time to head from Thailand’s east coast to the west coast. Take the ferry back to Samui and catch a domestic flight to Phuket Airport. Phuket is a fantastic addition to your Thailand Itinerary. It’s Thailand’s largest island and one of the most well-known (the Grab app works here, so it’s easy to get around).
I recommend staying in central areas like Rawai, Kata Beach, or Karon. Definitely avoid Patong if you’re traveling with kids—it’s more of a party district.
Day 12 & 13: Explore Phuket and Koh Phi Phi
Phuket can sometimes feel like a big city because it’s so built up, but it also has some truly peaceful and beautiful spots. We regularly visit Phuket to take advantage of its excellent infrastructure for kids.
Here are my top recommendations for family-friendly activities in Phuket:
Explore Phuket’s old town, known for its Portuguese influences.
Have fun at Blue Tree Waterpark with plenty of slides and splash zones for little ones. There’s also a Kids Zone, my favorite supervised indoor play area in Thailand.
Head over to Kidzoona for indoor play—slides, ball pits, and role-playing areas.
Visit the Selfie Experience for funny family photos in different settings.
Play a round at Dino Park Mini Golf—the dinosaur-themed course is a big hit with kids.
Take a day trip to Koh Phi Phi for its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches (a great family adventure). The ferry ride to Phi Phi takes about an hour.
Enjoy my favorite beach: Naithon Beach, located in the northwest part of the island. You’ll have a great time at this quiet, non-commercial beach.
Phuket and Koh Phi Phi
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, covering around 540 square kilometers, and a favorite among tourists. It’s known for its beautiful beaches like Naithon and Kata, vibrant nightlife, and cultural spots like the Big Buddha. With around 420,000 people living here, Phuket attracts millions of visitors every year.
The island has great infrastructure, including an international airport, good roads, and all the amenities you need. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, local markets, or exciting adventures like island hopping, Phuket has something for everyone.
Koh Phi Phi, on the other hand, is much smaller—only 12 square kilometers—but it’s one of the most stunning islands in Thailand. Its clear water, dramatic cliffs, and excellent spots for snorkeling and diving make it a paradise for nature lovers.
There are no cars on Koh Phi Phi, so it feels incredibly peaceful. Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, is a must-see here. Even though it’s smaller and quieter, Koh Phi Phi still attracts lots of visitors every year, perfect for anyone looking for a little slice of paradise.
Day 14: Departure from Bangkok
Your two weeks are coming to an end. I recommend flying from Phuket to Bangkok and catching your international flight home right away. It’s too tiring to go back into the city for another night at this point.
Allow at least 2.5 hours for your layover in Bangkok, as you’ll need to transfer from the domestic to the international terminal, which can get busy. The good news is that Bangkok Airport has plenty of restaurants and space for the kids to run around before your flight.
Modifying Options for the 2-Week Thailand Family Itinerary with Small Kids
I admit, my 2-week Thailand family itinerary is pretty packed. It’s designed for those wanting to see as much Thailand as possible.
Of course, there are ways to make it less stressful. Here’s an alternative:
Day 1-3: Bangkok
Day 4-6: Koh Samui
Day 7-10: Koh Phangan
Day 11-13: Phuket & Phi Phi
Day 14: Departure from Bangkok
As you can see, I’ve left out Chiang Mai. While the city is lovely, it’s still a city. When traveling with little ones, relaxing, safe places where kids can just be kids are much more appealing.
If you want an even slower pace, you can choose either the west coast (Phuket and Phi Phi) or the east coast (Koh Samui and Koh Phangan) after Bangkok. You can easily spend a week or more in one of these spots alone.
Best Time to Visit Thailand with Family
When planning your family vacation with kids in Thailand, it’s important to consider the weather. Thailand has three main seasons:
Cool Season (High Season): December to February, with dry and pleasant weather.
Hot Season: March to May, with rising temperatures. April is the hottest month.
Rainy Season: June to November, with warm, heavy showers that are often short. Despite the rain, there are still sunny days to enjoy. The heaviest rain comes in November in the southwest, while the northern and western regions experience it a bit earlier.
I wouldn’t recommend coming between October and mid-December. My favorite time to visit Thailand is the shoulder season, from mid-February to the end of March. The temperatures are still cool, but the peak tourist crowds have already left.
Final Tips for Families Visiting Thailand
What to Pack: Sunscreen, hats, and comfy slippers that can get wet are a must! Don’t forget swimsuits and lightweight clothes for the hot weather.
Getting Around: Tuk-tuks are fun for kids, but taxis and Grab (the local Uber) are often more comfortable. On small islands like Koh Phangan, I recommend renting a scooter if you’re an experienced driver.
Eating Out with Kids: My two girls are picky eaters. When ordering Thai food for kids, always ask for “mai ped” (not spicy). Even a little spicy (“ped nid noi”) can sometimes be too much for adults.
Traveling with Toddlers: Most places in Thailand aren’t stroller-friendly. For smaller kids, I recommend using a baby carrier.
Temple Visits: Pack lightweight long sleeves and pants for temple visits. Temples usually require covered shoulders and knees for everyone. In popular tourist spots, you can borrow long clothes at the site.
Final Thoughts on a 2-Week Family Vacation with Kids in Thailand
It’s a fantastic idea to plan a family vacation with kids in Thailand. You’ll love the Thai people, how kid-friendly everything is, and how life just feels a bit easier here. Sabai sabai, go with the flow, and everything will work out!
I hope my 2-week Thailand family itinerary for small children was helpful.
Which place do you want to visit the most? Do you have any questions on this Thailand itinerary? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you so much for reading and for letting me be part of your day! Yours, Lulu
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