The Zen Of Family Travel In Thailand And Samujana: 9 Places, Tips And Secrets

Family travel doesn’t traditionally sound like something that would be zen-like. Family travel sounds like it might be a bit of a jumbled headache, trying to keep everyone happy and all reservations and activities going according to plan. In fact, family vacations often bring to mind long car trips, driving around endlessly, stopping to see a tourist sight, take a few photos, and collapse wearily at the hotel at night.

That kind of a family trip is only coming to your mind, though, because you haven’t considered Thailand.

Yes, Thailand. It is a great place to take your family on vacation.

3 MUST-SEE PLACES TO TAKE YOUR FAMILY IN THAILAND

It’s possible you’ve been spending some time researching and reading about Thailand online , trying to decide where, out of all the seemingly endless destinations, you should take your family.

We’ll leave those specifics up to you, but here are three kinds of places that you must get a taste for while in Thailand, no matter which specific destination you choose.

1. The island of your dreams.

Thailand is a nation with several hundred islands.

Phuket and Koh Samui are two of the most popular, but there are many. Each island has its own feel to it, some attracting backpackers and others more friendly towards a family crowd. Everyone who has been to Thailand picks their favorite island for different reasons.

Koh Samui is a large island that has a broad spectrum of sights and activities, but is still very family friendly. There is no shortage of restaurants and clubs for the adults, but don’t worry — there is still plenty for younger family members to safely enjoy, too. It’s become a family favorite for many tourists traveling to Thailand, combining great beaches, fabulous food, and less congestion that many other places in Thailand.

Whichever island you choose to stay on or travel to, find the one that you take home with you in your memory. It’s there, somewhere.

2. Visit the cities.

Bangkok is the most well-known city in Thailand, and if you’re up for traveling in it, you won’t forget the experience. Most travelers to Thailand get at least a bare minimum of Bangkok exposure, as it is the main destination for international flights into the country.

In a city like Bangkok, have your transportation and plans locked in, particularly when traveling with your family. This isn’t the best place to wing it as far as getting everyone to a hotel or other destination, so go into Bangkok with your eyes wide open and solid plans.

Chiang Mai is a northern city which has a much different feel than Bangkok. Surrounded by lush green hills, it’s become a big draw for ex-pat retirees, artists, and seekers. Hiking, historical sights, and temples are just a few of the things to see and do.

Chiang Mai is a great place for the family; it doesn’t have the wild party feel that some of the other backpacker-orientated parts of Thailand do, but is still rich in its own unique culture.

3. Beaches, beaches, beaches.

You cannot say you truly traveled to Thailand without spending a day doing absolutely nothing but staring at the beautiful blue water and soft sand beaches. Thailand is a beach bum’s paradise.

Some beaches are more geared toward an adult crowd, as they are frequented by backpackers and night clubs. But there are so, so many beaches in Thailand — a bit of research will land you a beautiful beach that your family can enjoy safely. Island beaches, deserted beaches, beaches by cities…take your pick.

3 TIPS TO TRAVELING IN THAILAND WITH YOUR FAMILY

The actual nuts-and-bolts of travel and arrangements can be quite exhausting. When traveling with a family, that stress level is increased. What should you do?

1. Do use a professional travel agent.

If this is your first time to Thailand, and you have your family in tow, considering working with a professional travel agent who knows Thailand well. Provide them with the length of your trip, how busy you want to be (tsk tsk), what you’d like to see and do, and where you hope to stay. Ask for several options and choose one as a family.

2. Do have a home base.

Think of a home base as your point of reference in Thailand. Perhaps you’re staying on Koh Samui. You know it has an airport and ferry service, and you can plan your vacation around day trips to and from the island. You can even plan a few trips overnight to a different destination.