Thailand with kids: our family guide to stages, Bangkok and elephants

Plan fewer stages, and make them work

With small children, the number of travel days matters more than the number of places. Our Thailand family travel notes explain how we approached the night train towards Koh Samui, shorter train trips and everyday arrangements.

For two weeks, two or three bases, such as Bangkok, the north around Chiang Mai and one island or beach area, is a comfortable pace for many families.

Start slowly in Bangkok

Bangkok can be overwhelming after a long flight. In our first days in Bangkok we describe how we gave the city time, and suggest a simple three-day plan around the river, parks and markets.

For accommodation, read where we stayed in Bangkok and Ayutthaya with kids, from a garden hostel near Khao San Road to a riverside apartment in Ayutthaya.

Seeing elephants responsibly

Many children dream of meeting elephants. On Koh Samui we chose an observation-only visit, and in our elephant sanctuary journal we explain why we did not ride or bathe the elephants and what to look for in an ethical sanctuary.

When to go, and staying healthy

For much of Thailand, the cooler and drier months are roughly November to February. The Gulf islands, including Koh Samui, follow a different pattern and are often wetter towards the end of the year, so check the weather for each region on your route.

Plan for heat, sun and mosquitoes, use shade and water generously, and get health advice for each traveller from a doctor or travel clinic before you go.