Joanna James
While the Thai capital may be a popular playground for the young and restless, the city is an equally engaging city for families with children. Whether you are heading to Bangkok for a weekend getaway or a lengthier stay, there are plenty of ways to keep the whole family entertained in this dynamic metropolis. From hitting the city's top theme parks to spending quality time touring iconic cultural attractions, here are the highlights every family should hit during a trip to Bustling Bangkok.
Considered potent enough reasons to choose Bangkok over Kuala Lumpur, the Thai capital's theme parks are some of the most family-friendly activity bases in the region. Start your Bangkok theme park journey with a day at Dreamworld which has often been described as Thailand's own incarnation of Disneyland. Offering children of all ages an array of adrenalin-pumping rollercoasters and other rides, visitors can engage with characters from beloved fairytales and also skate at the venue's indoor snow park. Siam Park City is arguably the second-best theme park in the city and ideal for cooling down on warm days. Divided into 5 zones, the world's biggest wave pool is also part of the landscape of Siam Park City which is reputed to be the country's most expansive theme park.
Families who are familiar with this global icon in family entertainment and education will be happy to find that Bangkok is home to its own Kidzania enclave. This indoor "city within a city" that allows children to role-play over 70 different careers and activities is not only likely to keep your tiny tots engaged for hours but also allows them to pick up valuable life skills. Kidzania is also ideal for those with pre-teens and teens as they will be given the opportunity to find out where their passion lies in terms of a future occupation.
Located inside one of Bangkok's top malls, the Siam Paragon, Bangkok Sealife Aquarium or SeaLife Bangkok Ocean World as it is officially known is another great place to hang out as a family. As one of the most coveted highlights for local families, it is crucial to buy tickets in advance to visit this popular point of interest. Famed for its sea horse and shark population, the 4D cinema and the opportunity to embark on a glass-bottomed boat ride is another compelling reason to head to the aquarium. Ideal for spending rainy days indoors, the fact that there's a Skytrain station right below the shopping complex makes it an easy highlight to visit in Bangkok.
Whether your brood is based at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel or any other family hotel in Bangkok, signing up for a tour of the canals that crisscross the Chao Praya River is another must. In addition to including pit stops at floating markets, the Khlongs as they are locally known offer families an in-depth look at the Thonburi river-dwelling communities. A visit to riverside sites such as the Bangkok Flower Market and the Golden Mount Temple is also part of most tours.
Home to Wat Pho and Bangkok's world-renowned reclining Buddha sculpture, the Grand Palace is a family-friendly cultural attraction in the city. Make sure your family is dressed conservatively for this visit as those who are inappropriately dressed will not be allowed inside the complex. Serving as the city residence of the Thai royal family, this vast compound full of golden roofs and hundreds of Buddha statues will enchant even the most mischievous kids who are likely to get bored in museums and temples.
Give your kids the chance to snap selfies with the likeness of their favourite pop stars, athletes and celebrity crushes at Madame Tussauds Bangkok. The wax figurine museum which boasts an impressive lineup of stars is a fun place to spend an afternoon with the family.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
