Thailand With a Toddler – Real Mom Tips & Survival Guide

Planning a trip to Thailand with a toddler? You’re probably asking yourself: Is it safe? Is it worth it? Will we survive the heat, the food, the flights… and the tantrums?

I get it. We arrived in Thailand in 2019 when Lila was two years old. Our youngest, Ruby, was actually born here in 2021.

So, this survival guide is packed with real-life tips from a mom who’s raising her two little ones in the Land of Smiles.

Let’s get straight to it—because if your toddler is anything like mine, you don’t have time for fluff.

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Is Thailand Toddler-Friendly?

Yes, yes, and yes!

Thai people adore children, especially babies and toddlers. Strangers will smile, offer help, and even try to entertain your little one while you finish your noodles.

That said, it’s not all smooth sailing. You’ll need to adjust your safety radar (car seats are rare), and the sidewalks are… let’s say creative. But overall, it’s a toddler-hugging, fruit-snacking paradise.

Here’s why Thailand works with a toddler:

• You can be outside all day.
• Food is fresh, fast, and easy to adapt.
• Locals go out of their way to make families feel welcome.
• You can travel comfortably on a small budget and can afford family rooms and occasional nannies.

But there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Thais love taking photos and videos of children.
  It’s usually meant in the sweetest way, but these pictures sometimes end up on social media or get sent to extended family. If that’s not okay with you, just let people know gently ahead of time.
• The attention can feel like a lot.
  Toddlers from Western countries aren’t always used to so much love from strangers. If your little one needs space, a kind “She’s tired, not now please” goes a long way.
• Everyone calls kids “baby.”
  In Thailand, the word “baby” is used for kids up to around age 10. So don’t be surprised if someone calls your seven-year-old “baby” while handing over a snack. It’s totally normal and always affectionate.

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Best Time to Visit Thailand With a Toddler

Let’s start with the basics: When’s the best time to travel to Thailand with a toddler?

Timing matters, especially when you’ve got a warm little body clinging to you in a carrier.

• The hot season from late March to May is tough. Temperatures can hit 38°C (100°F), and the heat doesn’t let up. In this time it’s best to book a resort with a nice shady pool and a kids club with AC. Our girls spend most of their time in the pool during this period (and so do we).
• The cooler months, from December to mid March, are much easier with kids. Daytime temperatures stay around 25–30°C (77–86°F), and evenings are breezy. There are also fewer mosquitoes, which is always a win. But it’s also high season in Thailand. Prices are rising and popular places like Phuket, Krabi and Samui are bursting of tourists.
• The rainy season, from June to October (and until mid-december in the Gulf of Thailand), can be a deal breaker, but it doesn’t have to. Rain usually comes in short bursts, and there’s still plenty of sunshine. Prices drop, the crowds thin out, and the air feels fresher. Avoid September in the Andaman Sea and Central Thailand and November in the Gulf of Thailand as these are the wettest months. Then you’ll be fine.

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What to Pack When Traveling to Thailand With a Toddler

This is one of the most asked questions from parents. Before moving to Thailand, I was always ovrpacking. I wanted to be prepared for every surprise, especially when traveling with kids. Today I know: Less is more! You don’t need to bring the entire nursery. You’ll comfortably find most of the basics here. Still, some things are better packed from home—especially the stuff you don’t want to hunt for on day one.

Things You Can Easily Get in Thailand

No need to stress if you forget any of these—they’re widely available in larger cities, shopping malls, pharmacies and even at 7-Eleven:

• Diapers and swim diapers
• Wet wipes
• Baby sunscreen and mosquito spray (I’d always recommend to buy mosquito spray in Thailand, as it’s more effective against local insects)
• Teething gel
• Kids clothing (the ones with elephant and lotus flower print)
• Changing mats
• First-aid basics

Big supermarkets like Big C, Tesco Lotus and Tops usually carry international brands. Pharmacies are everywhere and well-stocked. Just keep in mind—on smaller islands or in rural areas, selection can be limited, and prices might be higher.

Things You’re Better Off Bringing From Home

There are a few things that are just easier (or more reliable) if you pack them:

• Baby carrier – a must for walks, temples, or broken sidewalks
• Light stroller – great for airports and malls (although we never used one in Thailand)
• Sunhat, sunglasses and swimsuit – better fit and quality from home
• Favorite cuddly toy or book
• Car seat – highly recommended if you plan to rent a car. Taxis and transfers usually don’t have one.

Getting Around Thailand With a Toddler

When we arrived in Thailand, our first stay was three months in Chiang Mai. We used Songtaews (those red group taxis) and rented bicycles with a toddler seat and helmet. It was actually a great way to bring Lila to kindergarten, even through city traffic.

Later, we moved to Koh Phangan and started driving scooters. During rainy season, we always rented a car and bought a car seat online—just to be safe. In big cities like Bangkok, or busy places like Phuket and Koh Samui, I always recommend using public transport, taxis, Grab, or renting a car. On quiet islands like Koh Yao Yai or Koh Phangan during low season, scooters are totally fine—as long as you feel confident riding with a toddler.

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So, how do you get around Thailand with little ones? Here’s the lowdown:

Taxis and Grab
Your best friends in bigger cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket. They’re affordable, air-conditioned, and easy to book—even if you don’t speak Thai. Just keep in mind: most taxis don’t have car seats. Toddlers usually sit on laps. If that’s not your thing, bring your own or arrange a private transfer that includes one.

Tuk-tuks
Fun for a short ride and a quick photo. Not the safest, but an exciting little adventure—like a carnival ride. We usually do it once per trip, just for the memory.

Scooters
Only if you’re really confident. We started riding with Ruby when she was six months old and could wear a baby helmet. It worked for us, but it’s definitely not for everyone—especially on busy roads or during the rainy season.

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Songtaews
These shared pickup taxis are everywhere on islands like Koh Phangan. They’re budget-friendly and fun, but not always practical with a tired toddler and too many bags.

Domestic Flights
Yes, absolutely. They’re quick, cheap, and baby-friendly. Most airlines let kids under two fly free if they sit on your lap. Ruby took her first flight at four weeks old—it was smoother than any car ride we’ve done.

Night Buses and Long Train Rides
Not recommended. Sure, they’re cheap, but they’re often crowded, noisy, and far from toddler-friendly. You’ll arrive tired, stressed, and wondering why you didn’t just book the flight.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Yes, you can absolutely stay in a beautiful hotel with a toddler. But when you’re traveling as a family, style isn’t the only thing that matters.

What really makes a difference is whether your child can nap in peace, play safely, and eat breakfast without sliding off your lap.

Here’s what we usually look for when booking a hotel with a toddler:

• Baby cot or crib: We always ask for one ahead of time. Most are big enough for toddlers up to two or three years old.
• High chair at breakfast: If a hotel doesn’t offer one, we usually look elsewhere.
• Shaded kids pool or a shallow area: A calm spot where your toddler can splash around while you sit nearby.
• Kids club or small indoor play area: A proper supervised Kids Club is a must for us nowadays.
• Close to the beach or a safe place to play: You can exchange a fancy rooftop view with easy access to the sand.
• Kitchenette: Makes it so much easier to prepare a quick snack or to heat up some milk.

Many mid-range and luxury hotels in Thailand are family-friendly. But it’s always worth double-checking. I usually send a quick message before booking to confirm the essentials, like a cot and high chair.

Here are some hotels we personally loved:

Feeding Your Toddler in Thailand

Food in Thailand is fresh, fun, and surprisingly toddler-friendly.

If your toddler’s eating solids, you’ll be fine. Just steer clear of super spicy stuff. Most places will happily make plain rice, boiled veg, or scrambled eggs on request.

• Formula: Easy to find. Every 7-Eleven, Big C, and Tops supermarket has the basics.
• Snacks: Bring some from home, especially if your little one has favorites. Thai snacks are fun, but often sugary or salty. Western baby snacks are available in big supermarkets, like Big C and Tops.
• Fruit: Local bananas (the little ones with seeds), papaya, watermelon, and dragonfruit are perfect toddler snacks. Just always peel them and wash your hands first.

💡 Pro tip: Download the Grab app. You can order baby food, formula, fruit, diapers—basically everything—delivered to your hotel door. Just write “Leave at the lobby” in the notes and it will arrive safely.

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Staying Safe and Healthy

We’ve been living and traveling in Thailand with our kids since 2019, and we’ve been really lucky so far. No serious health issues. Still, things happen—especially with little ones. Fevers, coughs, sudden colds… you name it.

Whenever we were concerned, we just went to a local doctor or straight to an international hospital. Communication has never been a problem. Doctors and nurses in international clinics speak English very well, and they’ve always treated us kindly and professionally.

And the cost? Very reasonable. We usually didn’t pay more than €15 (around $16 USD) for a doctor’s visit with the kids. Once, while staying at the Marriott in Khao Lak, Ruby had a fever for days and felt miserable. We had a doctor come directly to our hotel room. It cost 2,000 THB (around €50 / $55 USD), which felt a little high—but it gave us peace of mind knowing she was okay and didn’t need hospital care.

That said, we did have one big exception. Lila once had a serious bronchitis and had to stay in the First Western Hospital in Koh Phangan for four nights. The final bill was a shocking €8,000 (around $8,600 USD). I’m convinced the only reason it was that high was because they saw our insurance provider and knew it would be covered.

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So here’s what I’d recommend:

• Get solid travel insurance that covers the whole family, including worst-case scenarios like hospital stays and emergency transport to the nearest international hospital.
• Do some research before your trip and find out where the closest international or English-speaking hospital is, just in case. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference when something goes wrong.

Thailand’s private hospitals are excellent. Places like Bangkok Hospital (Ruby was born in Bangkok Hospital Samui), Samitivej, or Bumrungrad offer high-quality care and fast service, especially in bigger cities and tourist areas.

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Some general safety tips we follow:

• Only drink bottled water. We brush our teeth with tab water, but if you’re sensitive, use bottled water for this, too.
• Peel fruit and avoid raw salads in small street stalls.
• Buy mosquito spray that’s safe for toddlers.
• Pack a small first-aid kit with basics like fever meds, wound cream, and a thermometer.

And honestly? Don’t panic. Thai people are incredibly helpful. Whether it’s a clinic visit, a pharmacy run, or an emergency, someone will always stop to help.

Best Toddler-Friendly Destinations in Thailand

I wouldn’t recommend all of Thailand for Toddler travel. Here’s where I’d go (and where I’d skip).

Bangkok

Busy? Yes. Overwhelming? Sometimes. But also amazing—if you do it right.
Stay near a park or a mall, use Grab to get around (avoid rush hours!), and keep days short.
Hit IconSiam, take a boat ride on the river, grab fruit smoothies, and chill at Lumphini Park.

• Best for: Short city stays after landing, not longer than 2-3 nights with a toddler
• Avoid: Long walks in midday heat

Chiang Mai

We lived here when Ruby was six months. Cool mornings, mountain views, great coffee, and less chaos than Bangkok.
Use a baby carrier and explore temples, local markets, or hike the Monks Trail (my daily workout to loose the pregnancy weight).

• Best for: Chill parents who love nature
• Avoid: Smoky season (Feb–Apr), my husband and Lila already had respiratory problems in January

Koh Samui

Convenient, easy, lots of options. Supermarkets, hospitals, family resorts, and indoor play areas.
It’s touristy, yes—but that can be a good thing with a toddler.

• Best for: First-time family trips to Thailand
• Avoid: Staying right in Chaweng (noisy)

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Koh Phangan

Peaceful, green, and relaxed. You’ll need a car, though. No taxis, no Grab.
Healthcare is limited, but perfect for slow travel and beach naps.

• Best for: Off-grid nature time
• Avoid: Staying four nights before and after Fullmoon Party (too crowded with the wrong kind of people)

Koh Tao

Cute, scenic, but tiny and rustic. Only go if you’re up for scooters and fewer comforts.

• Best for: Adventurous families
• Avoid: If you want easy stroller days

Phuket

The biggest island. Tons of resorts, malls, water parks, and family-friendly beaches.
If you avoid the party zones (like Patong), it’s super comfortable with a toddler.

• Best for: Resort-style relaxing
• Avoid: Peak-season traffic

Krabi

Not always mentioned, but I like it. Gorgeous cliffs, toddler-friendly beaches, and less touristy than Phuket.
You can take longtail boats to nearby islands or wander around Ao Nang with a stroller.

• Best for: Beach + nature combo
• Avoid: Remote areas without proper baby facilities

Koh Yao Yai (for Pros)

We spent a week here with our girls and loved the peace. Fewer tourists, calm beaches, and no party noise.
You’ll need to rent scooters, as there’s no Grab or easy taxis. Playgrounds? No. Chaos? Also no. It’s quiet, safe, and slow.

• Best for: Families who’ve done Thailand before and want peace
• Avoid: If you need daily entertainment or kids’ activities

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Fun & Easy Activities With Toddlers in Thailand

Toddlers don’t need a packed itinerary. Here are some of our favorite activities that always worked with our girls:

• Beach mornings before it gets too hot
• Night market strolls in a stroller or baby carrier—plenty to see, hear, and snack on
• Short boat rides to nearby beaches (calmer waters are best), check out my review of Pig Island near Samui
• Playgrounds, both indoor and outdoor
• Visits to malls for the air-conditioning, and clean bathrooms
• Hotel pools, especially those with shallow areas or shaded corners
• Feeding fish at temples, which is surprisingly fun, just buy a bag of bread on-site for 10 THB

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How to Handle Jet Lag With a Toddler

Jet lag and toddlers are not best friends. But you’ll survive.

What helped us:

• Start shifting bedtime a few days before your flight
• Get outside in the sun ASAP after landing
• Stick to bedtime routines (bath, cuddles, same book)
• Bring comfort items from home (blanket, sleep sack, music)
• Keep naps short on the first couple of days

It might take 2–3 nights to adjust. Just be patient—and nap when you can! 

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Budgeting Tips for a Thailand Trip With a Toddler

Good news: Thailand is way more affordable than most family destinations. Especially for our American friends who are used to Mexico prices.

Here’s a quick idea of what you’ll spend:

Accommodation

• Budget guesthouse: $30–$50 (around €28–€47)
• Mid-range family hotel: $60–$120 (around €56–€112)
• Luxury resort with baby perks: $150+ (around €140+)

Food

• Local Thai meals: $2–$5 per dish (around €1.85–€4.65)
• Western meals or “plain” toddler food: $5–$10 (around €4.65–€9.30)
• Snacks and fruit: cheap and everywhere

Transport

• Grab rides in cities: $2–$8 (around €1.85–€7.45)
• Private transfers: $20–$50 (around €18.50–€47)
• Domestic flights: Free for kids under 2 (lap baby), $25–$50 (around €23–€47) for toddler seats

Essentials

• Diapers: 200 THB ($5.50 / around €5) for a large pack
• Baby food jars or pouches: 50–120 THB ($1.50–$3.50 / around €1.40–€3.25)
• Sunscreen and mosquito spray: Slightly more expensive than at home, but easy to find

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Key Takeaways

• Thailand is toddler-friendly, safe, and affordable
• Best time to visit: December to March
• Avoid the Gulf in November and the Andaman Sea in September
• Toddler supplies are easy to find—just pack meds and your must-haves
• Grab, flights, Songtaews, and scooters (on quiet islands) are your best transport options
• Pick hotels with cribs, shaded pools, and high chairs
• Travel light, plan around naps, and don’t overthink

👉 You might also like:
– How to Celebrate Songkran with Kids
– The 5 Best Airplane Beds for Toddlers and Babies
– How to Entertain a Toddler on a Plane
– Eating Out with Kids in Thailand
– 31 Healthy Travel Snacks for Kids

Final Thoughts

So, is Thailand a good idea with a toddler?
A million times yes.

It’s warm, welcoming, and filled with people who will help you carry your bags, open a door, or distract your screaming child with a smile and a wave.

Sure, there are bumps. You’ll sweat. Your kid might melt down in the middle of a 7-Eleven. But honestly? That could happen at home, too.

Whether you’re dreaming of jungle hikes or baby’s first beach day, Thailand is a beautiful (and surprisingly easy) place to do it.

You’ve got this. And if you need help planning? Please let me know in the comments! I’m happy to answer your questions!

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

FAQ – Thailand With a Toddler

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