The 13 BEST destinations in Southeast Asia for families

1. Penang, Malaysia

READ: Penang with kids travel guide

Even though I said that this list was in no particular order, Penang, of course, has to take the number one spot as it’s where we live and is one of our favourite places in the world, not just Southeast Asia.

Penang might look like a small island from afar, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on things to do and places to see. From dense tropical rainforest covering much of the island, to the glorious tropical views over the Straits of Malacca from Penang National Park, or the famous UNESCO city of George Town with its fusion of cultures, people, architecture and religions, and its colourful street art, a visit to Penang offers more to the visitor than many other entire countries manage.

And if you’re visiting Penang with kids, then a visit to ESCAPE, a waterpark and adventure park that boasts the longest tube water slide in the world is an absolute must, whereas younger children will enjoy a trip to the Tropical Spice Garden.

2. Bangkok, Thailand

READ: Bangkok with kids travel guide

We always seem to return to Bangkok, whether it’s as a destination in its own right, or as part of a stopover during a longer journey.

We first visited Bangkok with toddlers (age 1 and 3) and have returned with our boys time and time again, and each time we return, we find new things to do in Bangkok with kids; it’s that kind of city, with something always going on and everything changing around you.

However, Bangkok is a huge, bustling city, and after three days you will probably have had enough. Pick your activities wisely. There are temples and markets galore, but exploring them in the suffocating heat with little ones may start to feel rather… well, suffocating.

Our top tips are to use the local boats along the river and tuk-tuks to get around (the novelty value and breeze will be in your favour) and visit the more manageable Wat Arun and the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, rather than the Grand Palace. A visit to Pororo Aquapark, a small waterpark on the rooftop of the CentralPlaza mall, will very much be enjoyed by the kids.

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia

READ: Siem Reap with kids travel guide

It’s difficult to think of Siem Reap without mentioning the temples of Angkor just down the road, but the city itself would count as a must-see destination in its own right, even if one of the wonders of the world wasn’t nearby. This laidback place has markets, museums, theatre, ziplines and mini-golf to keep kids entertained, alongside perhaps the most family-friendly and accessible pub street in the whole of Southeast Asia.

There are also numerous excellent and affordable accommodation options, in particular mid-range hotels with swimming pools and restaurants that are ideal for travelling families.

Finally, of course, there is Angkor. Only twenty minutes drive away in a tuk-tuk, the temples are staggering and awe-inspiring, especially Angkor Wat which is immensely popular with kids of all ages. If you’re here for a few days, take advantage of the multi-day ticket options that allow you to break up temple time with days chilling by the pool.

4. Sapa, Vietnam

READ: Sapa with kids travel guide

After 6 weeks backpacking through Vietnam, Sapa was a breath of fresh air. Literally. The temperature drops a good few degrees in the mountains here.

Vietnam has become a massively popular tourist destination favoured by Asian tour groups, particularly from China and Korea. Almost everywhere we visited was exceptionally busy and much effort had to be made to avoid the crowds.

That’s not to say Sapa isn’t busy with tourists. It undoubtedly is, with the town centre and tourist village of Cat Cat processing a steady stream of visitors, most of whom stay in hotels near the lake. But, once you step away from the crowds and venture into the surrounding countryside, the pace of life slows down dramatically, with rice paddies, mountain ranges and water buffalo replacing tour buses and crowds.

3-4 days is the perfect length of time in Sapa with kids. Spend 1 or 2 days trekking through the countryside (you don’t need a guide, just follow our route), 1 day exploring further afield on a motorbike tour, and 1 day to ride the cable car to Mount Fansipan and trek to the summit.

However, it was really our accommodation in Sapa, Stone Paradise Homestay, that made our visit to this region of Vietnam. After hearing stories of how many tour buses roll into Sapa each day, we booked a homestay we found on booking.com fifteen mins drive away from the main town and what a gem we found. It’s a beautifully remote location boasting stunning views down the valley and up to Mt Fansipan.

5. Kuching, Malaysia

READ: Kuching with kids travel guide

For many adventurous travelling families, Borneo is a standout destination in it’s own right in Southeast Asia, a place where guidebooks come to life and the days are filled with wildlife, rainforests, culture, and tropical beaches. The eastern state of Sabah might be home to more well-known destinations, but more and more families are finding their way to the western state of Sarawak and in particular its capital Kuching, which holds an enviable riverside setting, with mountains and rainforests close by.

Once you’ve explored the small, but perfectly formed, Kuching city centre, there are numerous places to visit within easy reach, offering the chance to visit orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, take a jungle hikes at Bako National Park, or just swim and relax at quiet beachside resorts at Damai Beach. Do make time for the very impressive Borneo Cultures Museum. It’s one of the best museums we’ve ever taken the kids to.

There’s no doubt about it, Kuching is one of the best places we’ve visited in Malaysia with kids and is easily one of favourite destinations in all of Asia, not just Southeast Asia!

6. Sandakan

READ: Sandakan with kids travel guide

As we have included Kuching on this list, it didn’t feel right to not include Sandakan, also located in Borneo.

Sandakan is perhaps best known as the closest city to the orangutans at Sepilok, but there is much more to the city than simply a place to stay. From temples and colonial relics, modern shopping malls and restaurants, with world-class nature experiences a short hop away; Sandakan is an incredible destination for adventurous families.

Allow for a full week in Sandakan as there are a couple of must-do excursions from the city. Firstly, there is a visit to the Kinabatangan River that cuts its way though the rainforest, offering a classic Borneo river cruise, night-time jungle walks, and a huge selection of animals to view. Secondly, a 2D/1N visit to Selingan Island to see mother turtles laying their eggs on the beach.

7. Koh Lanta, Thailand

READ: Koh Lanta with kids travel guide

The Thai islands are often the first thing people think of when they picture Southeast Asia. But with 1430 islands to choose from, which is the best one to visit with kids?

Well for those with young kids, our vote goes to Koh Lanta, specifically staying at Klong Dao Beach. The gentle gradient is perfect for paddling, but it’s actually the string of kid-friendly bars and restaurants along the beach that set it apart. Many of them have toys for young kids to play with, and some of them even have slides and hoppers.

We loved our stay at Banana Beach Resort, which is right on the beach and where rooms have bunk beds for kids. There is also a pool with a separate kids’ swimming pool (including slide).

If you can tear yourselves away from chilled beach life, take a tuk-tuk to explore Lanta Old Town or a speed boat tour out to explore the outlying islands. We went on a 4 Islands Tour for a day of snorkelling, tropical beach fun and a visit to Emerald Cave, Ko Mook, which involved swimming 80 metres through a dark tunnel to reach a pristine lagoon.

However, if you are planning to link Thailand and Cambodia with your Southeast Asia family travels, we recommend going overland from Bangkok and stopping at Koh Chang, before venturing across the border into Cambodia. Koh Chang is another family-friendly island with stunning beaches, opportunities to swim in waterfalls, and mangroves to explore.

8. El Nido, Philippines

Known for its stunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, El Nido, Palawan, is a fantastic destination in Southeast Asia for families seeking pristine tropical beach life.

Island-hopping is the main draw here, with several tour packages available to explore hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and snorkelling spots. Families can visit iconic destinations like Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Shimizu Island, where kids can safely paddle in shallow waters or discover colourful fish and coral reefs with snorkelling gear (although we find it’s a good idea to bring your own snorkel gear for the kids as tours don’t often have the best quality snorkels – these ones are great for kids).

For families who prefer staying on land, Nacpan Beach is a must-visit. This long, sandy stretch is perfect for playing beach games, building sandcastles, or just relaxing under the shade of palm trees. El Nido town itself has a laid-back vibe, with family-friendly restaurants serving both local and international dishes.

For a unique experience, consider a mangrove kayaking tour or a visit to the El Nido Eco-Tourism Center, where kids can learn about conservation efforts. Older children might enjoy hiking to Taraw Cliff for panoramic views of the area or ziplining between islands at Las Cabanas Beach.

9. Hoi An, Vietnam

READ: Hoi An with kids travel guide

If you’re visiting Hoi An with kids, you’ll be in good company. Over recent years, Hoi An has established itself as one of the world’s premier worldschooling destinations, and it’s easy to see why. With a mix of culture, beaches, family-friendly activities, fine dining and numerous accommodation options, there’s plenty to occupy families in Hoi An, whether you’re here for a week or a year.

For most visitors to Vietnam, Hoi An is firmly on the radar so you won’t be alone, and you should prepare yourselves for crowds and (some) unwelcome signs of over-tourism. But don’t despair, with some pre-planning (and by following our tips), it’s still possible to have a wonderful time in Hoi An, even if the secret of this World Heritage site is well and truly out. And despite the crowds, Hoi An still makes the cut on this list.

Kids will especially love taking part in a lantern-making workshop with The Lantern Lady or trying pottery at Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Families can also hop into a traditional coconut boat for a fun ride through the coconut plantations, complete with crabbing stops, hat-making with palm leaves, and thrilling spins on the water.

When the busy streets of Hoi An feel overwhelming, An Bang Beach offers a perfect retreat with it’s long stretch of white sand, gentle waves to play in, and a handful of beach bars serving drinks and snacks.

10. Kuala Lumpur

READ: Kuala Lumpur with kids travel guide

Kuala Lumpur is arguably our favourite Southeast Asian capital for families. However, in a city this big and with so much to do, it could be tempting to race around and tick things off, especially if you’re short of time, but you can get a great feel for the city by just wandering around with a few activities thrown in. And the good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune.

However, top of the list for things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids is a trip to KidZania. Here kids can role-play and experiment with over sixty different jobs, from dentist to make-up artist, toll-booth operator to radio DJ. It’s like a school careers service on overdrive, and the kids love it.

Back in the city, a visit to KLCC is also a must for families as right in front of the towers is a park with a huge playground and splash park. There’s also a fantastic lightshow here around the lake every night.

Try to also fit a visit to Batu Caves, one of the most significant and interesting Hindu shrines in the world and very easy to get to from the city in a Grab. Just be careful of the monkeys!

11. Koh Rong Sanloem

READ: Koh Rong Sanloem with kids travel guide

Do tropical island getaways still exist, where there’s no internet, no distractions, and only the sound of the ocean to disturb the silence? Well, at least for the time being, there is, but get here quickly.

Koh Rong Sanloem is an island off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia, smaller than its brother nearby and see fewer tourists. Despite the constant encroachment of Chinese money, influence and buildings (which have already largely ruined Sihanoukville), there are still corners of this island that have escaped modern life and instead offer semi off-grid living without air-conditioning or television.

For families looking to slow down and fill their days with leisurely lunches, swimming, reading and games of scrabble, this is the place to strike out for. Just keep in mind you may never want to leave, regardless of how long you were booked for.

12. Singapore

READ: A day in Singapore with kids travel guide

Singapore is a contrasting city with a mixed personality; in some places it feels very Southeast Asian, with food courts and a hectic Chinatown, and in others it’s very much a twenty-first century metropolis, pressing ahead with its role at the forefront of modern life.

At times it can be overwhelmingly expensive and rule-focused, with many of the family-friendly activities (e.g. theme parks and museums) either out of budget or only available as a one-off treat. Accommodation and eating out are also both tough on the credit card.

But elsewhere, if you know where to look, there are plenty of free activities such as Gardens by the Bay or a walk along the waterfront that will remind you this is still a fascinating and unique city. Even if you only have the time or finances to stay for a couple of nights, it’s still well worth adding to your itinerary and witnessing a different side of the region.

13. Sumatra

READ: Sumatra with kids travel guide

There aren’t many places in the world quite like Sumatra. With top-notch environmental experiences on offer, including epic overnight jungle treks and hiking to the brim of a volcanic crater, you’d expect the place to be overrun with tourists. And while it’s by no means a hidden gem, and the peak season of July and August does get busy, for the rest of the year you often feel like you have the place to yourself.

So if you’re on the lookout for a wild, challenging and rewarding family holiday, where a sense of achievement and wonder are almost guaranteed, Sumatra is ready and waiting. We visited for a week and felt like we’d had a year’s worth of experiences. It’s already one of our favourite places in Southeast Asia, and we hope you get inspired to book a trip and see it for yourself.