If you’ve arrived to Bangkok after a long-haul flight and would rather avoid stepping into another airport, this relaxed Thailand family itinerary is for you. Designed especially for travelling families, it combines culture, nature and beach time without the need for domestic flights.
Start in the energy of Bangkok, continue to the riverside charm of Chanthaburi, then finish with several slow-paced days on Koh Chang; one of Thailand’s most family-friendly islands. With manageable travel days, child-friendly stops and plenty of time to swim, explore and recharge, it’s an easy route for families wanting to see more of Thailand over 10 memorable days.
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
READ: Top things to do in Bangkok with kids
We recommend you stay around the Banglamphu area (centred around the lively Th Khao San) for its central location, hippy markets and fun-time vibe. This area is a melting pot of travellers from around the world and it makes for some fascinating people watching. Plus, some of the restaurants here have high chairs!
Step a few streets away from this traveller enclave and you’ll soon stumble upon the quintessential side of Bangkok of local stalls, shining temples and antique shophouses.
Good family-friendly, mid-range hotels are Ratchadamnoen Residence and Rambuttri Village Plaza.
Day 2: Bangkok
READ: Bangkok with a toddler
Opulent temples and shrines, sensational street food and super-fun tuk-tuk rides around the bustling streets await. Head to Wat Arun, rather than the Grand Palace for a more intimate experience with your little ones and enjoy a boat ride along the Chao Phraya.
Day 3: Travel to Chanthaburi
READ: Visiting Chanthaburi with kids
Chanthaburi is an old gem-trading town conveniently located on the way to Koh Chang. You can either take an aircon bus from Bangkok Ekkamai to Chanthaburi (there are three buses per day, taking 3.5 hours) or hire a private car which provides the convenience of door-to-door service between your hotels (3500THB). Your hotel in Bangkok will be able to book either option for you.
Once in Chanthaburi, we recommend staying in the old town to soak up all the history the sleepy town has to offer. We particularly enjoyed staying at Tamajun Hotel with their teak en-suite rooms and communal balcony overlooking the river. The perfect spot for a Chang Beer once the kids are asleep.
Spend your afternoon wandering around the narrow streets, gem markets (open at weekends), the temples and cathedral (the largest in Southeast Asia).
Day 4: Namtok Phlio National Park day trip
READ: Visiting Chanthaburi with kids
From your hotel, book a songthaew to take you to Namtok Phlio National Park for a jungle adventure! Ensure you are all lathered in mosquito repellent and pack drinking water.
It’s a twenty minute drive to the gates and then 1km loop walk around the river (the perfect distance for little legs!), visiting various pools full of large nibbling fish, fed by cascading waterfalls. If you’re brave enough, pop in for a dip with the locals. Back at the gate there are some makeshift restaurants selling local food for lunch.
Day 5: Travel to Koh Chang
READ: Koh Chang with kids
Time for the beach!
From Chanthaburi, there is one bus per day to Trat taking 50 minutes. From there you need to get a songthaew for the ferry terminal to Koh Chang. Alternatively, hire a private car to take you all the way to the ferry terminal. From there it’s a half hour crossing (ferries leave hourly). If you’ve taken the private car option, the car will go on the ferry and transfer you directly to your hotel on the island. We found it easier to book this through our hotel in Koh Chang and cost THB2500 (including ferry ticket).
Situated close to the Cambodian border, Koh Chang has managed to avoid the mass development that other Thai islands have experienced, yet still has the Western comforts and good resorts to choose from.
The fringes of the island offer sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and warm shallow waters, whilst the interior is thickly clad with rainforest and running waterfalls to swim in. There’s one main road, which is very steep in places and mostly circumnavigates the island (it doesn’t connect at the southern tip) with collections of bars, restaurants, massage parlours and 7-Elevens at regular intervals.
Serenity Resort is a great choice for young families. We loved taking the free kayaks out on the sea each morning before breakfast and they also provide buckets and spades for playing on the beach. The water here is shallow and calm, perfect for little ones, although a little rocky in places. There is also a good-sized infinity swimming pool and the restaurant provides a fantastic range of Thai and Western dishes. The staff are super accommodating – Keith drove us over to White Sand Beach one morning to stock up on supplies from the supermarket. There’s also a cheap laundry service across the road (by this time your dirty undies are probably piling up!)
If you’re on more of a budget, we also recommend staying at Siam Bay Resort on the west coast, which we have also stayed at. Siam Bay Resort was one of the first resorts on the island and is in a quiet and secluded spot on the west coast, offering stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Thailand. There are two swimming pools (no lifeguard) and a small curve of sandy beach which starts to the side of the main reception area. We had a family beach hut overlooking the sea, with a mezzanine for the kids’ bedroom.
Day 6-8: Koh Chang
READ: Koh Chang with kids
Spend your days exploring the thick jungle hinterland, swimming in waterfalls, and visiting the fishing villages and mangroves of the south. Or perhaps allow yourselves to just unwind and enjoy your family time splashing around in the sea or pool, making sandcastles and indulge in some lovely food and perhaps a cheeky cocktail or three for the parents.
Day 9: Travel back to Bangkok
Today will be your longest day of travel. Get to the ferry terminal in Koh Chang early, otherwise you may find yourselves queuing for the next available ferry. Again, there are buses from Trat (on the mainland and you have to get from the ferry terminal to the bus station) or you could hire a private car transfer door-to-door, including the ferry.
From the Koh Chang Ferry Terminal on the mainland, back to Bangkok, is a comfortable 4.5 hour drive.
Day 10: Travel back home
Depending on the departure time of your flight, you may have time for some last minute souvenir shopping down Th Khao San, a last Pad Thai or roasted cricket, before you jump in a taxi back to the airport.
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