Joanna James
As a popular family holiday destination, Thailand welcomes visitors with children from around the world. Here are 5 simple tips that can help families simplify their vacation experience in the country.
When it comes to cutting down stress and boredom on the way to Thailand, the many benefits of flying direct will seem well worth the extra cost for those with children. Non-stop or direct flights not only help families reach the destination faster but also cut out the stress-inducing waiting periods at various airports which are part and parcel of most transit flights to the country. They may be cheaper but the children will be excessively fussy and difficult to control during long haul flights with hours of waiting in between so shelling out a little extra to arrive directly in Thailand will prove to be the best choice for families.
Whether it's upon arriving in the country or at one's base hotel or during the course of the entire holiday, rest and relaxation should feature heavily in one's travel itinerary. Taking a few hours every day to enjoy breaks in between sightseeing tours and allowing the kids to have a nap during the day will make the excursions a far more enjoyable experience for all involved. This is crucial to remember when creating a travel itinerary as families tend to pack a lot into a day due to the short holiday period or the cost of staying longer in the country. But scheduling too many activities will only backfire as cranky children will put a damper on whatever holiday wonder one can experience.
Although Bangkok is the country's most dynamic and vibrant city, putting off visiting the capital until the end of the holiday is a great idea for those with children. Starting the holiday in Pattaya or Chiang Rai or any of the less congested areas of Thailand will let the children acclimatize to the local culture and food while preparing them for the sensory overload that awaits them in Bangkok. If Bangkok is the only city on the itinerary, leave shopping excursions and similar activities for the last day as walking around with shopping bags and encountering hoards of locals and visitors may discourage kids from venturing out.
The many perks of staying in a rest that is conducive to families cannot be overstated especially when one is based in Bangkok for the duration of the vacation. Whether it's the Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok or any similar executive apartments Bangkok and other Thai cities have to offer, make sure the venue is a peaceful setting with family-friendly amenities and services. Hotels with kids clubs, babysitting services and on-site swimming pools are ideal for families with children as these elements will help keep children engaged during downtime.
While all children have food preferences, sampling local treats and delicacies should be a part of every Thai holiday. Read up on Thai street food and other local dishes to determine which are safe or too spicy for one's family and plan meals in child-friendly restaurants.
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