thailand top destinations – Family World Travel

In Asia with kids

Family Travel Thailand- Does Your Kids Like Fairytales, Too?

January 30, 2019 No Comments

Fairytale -themed activities in Thailand

South East Asia has a reputation for embracing all things kitsch and comic-book colorful as well as floaty and fairytale-esque, and Thailand is no exception. Kids (and grown ups, for that matter) with a love of unicorns and a taste for all things bubblegum-bright may already have heard of Bangkok’s Unicorn Cafe, and it’s just the tip of a colorful iceberg. Families in Bangkok can embark on magical, memory-making adventures filled with fairytale temples, princess tea parties and frolicking unicorns….and if your tribe’s tastes run more towards bad fairies and hobgoblins, don’t worry, Thailand has you covered there too. With a bit of story-spinning, you can sneak a bit of sightseeing in among the Unicorn-spotting…

See a Real-Life Fairy Palace

Whimsical and ethereal, the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand, looks like a frozen palace from a fairytale. Still unfinished, the vast, snowflake-white temple has been a work in progress since 1997, and kids who love fairytales and princess stories won’t need much convincing to visit here. The photo opportunities are almost unlimited, and fanciful families in Thailand can let their imaginations run riot amid the beautiful, intricately-carved buildings and manicured gardens.

Visit a Magical Jewelry Store

The White Palace can be visited as a side trip from Chiang Mai, and fairytale-loving families in the Thai city should treat themselves to a visit to Fairytales Jewelry and Accessories. This sweetly-decorated store offers handmade jewelry and trinkets fashioned after fairy princesses and magical woodland creatures, which will appeal to grownups as well as little ones.

Families in Chiang Rai will find accommodation options in all price brackets, but those who want to extend the fairytale theme might want to consider booking a family room at the Pingnakorn Huaykaey Hotel (rooms from around 5000 baht). Here the rooms, dining spaces and gardens are all fairytale-fabulous, with antiques, glittering chandeliers and peacock murals. Added bonuses for families with kids are a lovely outdoor pool and great gardens.

See Thousands of Fluttering ‘Fairies’

Butterflies are about as close to fairies as the natural world gets, and families in Thailand between May and September can have a magical encounter with some 400 different types of the fluttering beauties at Pang Sida National Park, in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo. Over some 6000 square kilometers, the gorgeous natural park has famous waterfalls and bird-filled jungle, making visitors’ encounters with the butterflies all the more magical. There’s camping close the entrance, as well as little, straw-roofed chalets that look for all the world like magical woodland dwellings. A good, reasonably-priced option is Mulberry Pang Sida (chalets from 600 baht) has lovely gardens, floaty mosquito nets and a good breakfast, within easy reach of the park.

Tip: Thailand has a rich tradition of folk tales, usually with a moral message to instill good behaviour in children. To nurture an interest in local culture, it can be fun to read Thai fairy tales to your children as you travel the country. You might find them at English language bookstores in Thailand, or buy this one online before you travel

Bangkok

It’s home to the famous Unicorn Cafe, and it’s fair to say that a visit to this sugary-sweet cafe is pretty much mandatory. Bubble gum pink and baby blue colour schemes set the tone for a visit here, where even the spaghetti is rainbow-hued, and visitors can step into furry unicorn onesies for their dining experience. There are chandeliers and ornate furnishings fit for any princess, and fluffy toy unicorns everywhere you look. Predictably, the menu is dominated by swirly, brightly colored ice creams and cakes, but there are always unicorn-horned burgers (and that rainbow spaghetti) should you want to tone down the sugar rushing.

Dream World Theme Park

There are many theme parks in Thailand, but Bangkok’s Dream World will have the most appeal to little princes and princesses. From the turreted entrance to a fairytale castle and rides and gardens themed around fairy tales, this is one theme park that will really get kids’ imaginations racing.

Eat (and shop) like a Mermaid…

Giving the Unicorns a run for their money in the mythical beast stakes, the Mermaid Castle Cafe in Siam Square offers diners a chance to don a mermaid tale and apply super-bright mermaid makeup before settling down to super-bright cupcakes and milkshakes, amid a sea of mermaid-themed design details. And the bubble-gum pink fun doesn’t stop there, the cafe is just one corner of a multi-floor building that also features mermaid-themed stores selling toys, jewelry, clothes and accessories, all with the same magical mermaid theme.

…Or Drink Like an Iron Fairy

Grown ups looking for a bit of magic without the sugary-sweetness will find it at the cool Iron Fairies Bar on Thong Lor, which feels like entering a spooky fairytale. Every corner of this imaginative space is filled with curiosities such as bottles of ‘fairy dust’, and the strong cocktails will soon have you flying. A menu of steaks, burgers and other grounding meals will stop you spinning off into the ether.

TIP: If your tribe’s taste are a little more black magic than sugary sweet, try Mocking Tales – a cafe-bar themed around a dark fairy tale, which has an array of spell-binding cocktails as well as a famous ‘Smoking Mountain’ dessert which sees a burning chocolate mountain melt away to reveal a mound of delicious ice cream. Alternatively, diners can dress up in witches’ costumes to celebrate Halloween all year round at Kaethy the Witch tearoom in Lat Phrao, where the trick-and-treat theme includes eyeballs floating in your drink, spider cupcakes and all manner of ghoulish goings on.

Escape to a Hidden Fairytale Palace

The bustle of Bangkok can be overwhelming, but a stay at Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel (family rooms from 4000 baht) in Dusit will soon revive flagging spirits. A quick boat ride from downtown, it’s a cute and quirky fairytale of a hotel set in leafy green gardens, with a brightly-coloured decor that looks like Toytown meets Fairyland. Staff treat little ones like little princes and princesses, and there are all manner of crafty activities laid on to keep boredom at bay while parents unwind a little. Magic.

In Asia with kids

Thailand With Kids- Awesome Activities For Comics Loving Families

January 27, 2019 No Comments

No matter your age, if you’ve a taste for all things fun and superhero-themed, Thailand will be right up your futuristic street.

Colorful, characterful and often chaotic, Thailand is a place where visitors can let their imaginations run wild and indulge a hankering for some superhero-style adventures. This is a nation famed for its affection for comic books and collectibles, and grown up geeks join kids in spending entire days browsing the toy stores of downtown Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It’s a country that isn’t afraid to embrace the fun, fantastical side of life, and the 2018 opening of a Marvel Theme Park in Bangkok has sealed Thailand’s reputation as a killer destination for fans of superhero thrills and spills. Here are some unmissable highlights:

See Superheroes Guarding Temples…

In a bid to boost visitor numbers, Buddhist monks at a number of Thailand’s ornate temples have commissioned enormous replica superheroes to stand guard at their gates. The statues have no religious significance, according to their creators, but rather are designed to keep kids from complaining while their parents appreciate the more sedate charms of the temple itself. One of the first temples to hit upon the idea was the Wat Tamru temple in the central region of Samut Prakan, where a giant green Hulk and other superheroes sprang up in 2016. Since then, a number of other temples have followed the trend, including Wat Ta Kien, just outside Bangkok, which is watched over by three towering Transformers.

…And Admire a Marvel-ous Mural

At the magnificent, and as yet unfinished, White Temple in Chiang Rai province, Northern Thailand, Neo from the Matrix and King Fu Panda join Batman and a whole host of other Marvel heroes on a giant mural inside the intricately-crafted Ubosot, or main temple. It’s an unexpected sight among all the serene images of the Buddha and the artful carvings, but playing ‘spot the superhero’ is a sure-fire way to keep kids entertained on a visit to this eye-boggling temple.

Tip: Adults might want to keep an eye out for depictions of the fall of the Twin Towers, as well as other major real world events, which have caused controversy among some Western visitors.

Within easy strolling distance of the temple, the Heun Baan Rong Khun Resort has very affordable rooms (from 600 baht) in a cozy, family-run spot with bikes for hire and gardens for kids to play in.

Eat Superhero Ice Cream in Chiang Mai

Ice cream is almost always a winner, and when an ice cream cafe comes with a hella vegan options and a superhero theme, well, that’s pretty much going to please everyone in the family. At Ice Love You in Chiang Mai, there are Minions on the windows, Spiderman on the walls and a whole lot of other comic book capers going on inside. The handmade ice creams (traditional and vegan) are the stuff of ice cream dreams, and come in a kid-and-adult-pleasing array of colors, flavors and dessert combinations.

Tip: When in Chiang Mai, it’s worth paying a visit to the Blockland Lego Cafe, which opened in 2017 and allows visitors to make everything from model Death Stars to Princess Castles before or after a bite to eat.

If you’re in the market for a little luxury in Chiang Mai, the Shangri La Chiang Mai will make families feel totally pampered, with fancy pools and dining, and extra touches such as kids’ foodie treats every day, a kids’ pool and a good indoor play room.

Bangkok

It’s hosted a gigantic Comic Con event each year since 2018, and the opening of The Marvel Experience Theme Park in 2018 has put Thailand well and truly on the map for fans of comic book capers – for around 850 baht, visitors to this massive interactive multi-dome complex can live out their every superhero-themed dream, with 4D motion rides, a 3D cinema and a chance to see superheroes strolling around, like Disneyland with Marvel characters.

It’s far from the only superhero fun to be had in town, though. In a country renowned for its comic book and collectibles stores, Bangkok is home to some of the biggest and best. Among the many Marvel-themed stores, check out Animate Bangkok on the 7th floor of the MBK Building, for an enormous range of Manga models, magazines and every kind of collectible you could imagine.

There’s also Thailand’s biggest toy museum, BatCat Museum,which will thrill kids and big kids for hours with its gigantic displays of action figures, superhero paraphernalia and collectibles of all vintages.

When hunger strikes, families can refuel amid collectors’ item artworks and comics at Tezuka Shoten & Cafe, billed as Bangkok’s ‘first Manga cafe’. The cute decoration will appeal to all ages, and there’s a dedicated space for browsing and shopping as well as the cakes, ice creams, coffee and waffles that will keep energy levels up to superhero level.

There’s no shortage of family-friendly hotels in Bangkok, but a good mid-range option is Navalai River Resort, which has a lovely rooftop pool with views over the river and city, perfect for resting little legs (and adult-sized legs) after a day’s superhero adventuring. Rooms are great value, starting at $66 (just over 2,000 baht).

Tip: If coming to Bangkok during ComicCon, book in advance, as hotel rooms fill up fast, and prices can soar. Check dates and plan as far ahead as you can.

In Asia with kids

Thailand With Kids- Off the Beaten Track Family Adventures in Koh Samui

March 18, 2018 No Comments

Spice Up Your Family Vacation With These Lesser Known Attractions In Koh Samui

If your idea of a beach paradise involves endless stretches of pale, soft sand, tropical jungle and clear warm waters teeming with tropical fish, Koh Samui is likely to be your dream destination. In fact, this super-alluring Thai island is many a traveler’s idea of a tropical idyll, and it’s become one of the most visited vacation destinations in the region. But while there’s no denying the island’s popularity with everybody from backpackers to the luxury travel brigade, a family visit to Koh Samui doesn’t have to mean English-language menus and jostling others out of the way for a decent spot on the beach. It’s surprisingly easy to escape the madding crowds and find under-the-radar experiences where you’re more likely to meet animal inhabitants than other humans. And the good news is, families are never too far away from ‘civilisation’ – the easy access to ATMs, pharmacies, large stores and other modern amenities can take some of the stress out of your Thai island adventure with the kids.

Cool off in secluded waterfalls

When it comes to Koh Samui and bodies of water, most people make a dash straight for those famous beaches. But for a day’s crowd-free splashing around and cooling down, it’s hard to beat the island’s waterfalls and natural pools. There are several to choose from, and with most of them requiring at least a little legwork to reach (nothing too strenuous, but bring plenty of strong insect repellent), tourists rarely make the trek. The best known (but still pleasingly isolated) of Koh Samui’s falls are at Na Muang, some 12km from Nathon town. A short, jungly walk leads to the first of two breathtakingly beautiful pool, while those who carry on for an extra half hour are well rewarded with a spot that feels even more blissfully isolated. Families who fancy exploring a little bit of wild nature also have the option to hike around the well-marked trails in the surrounding Namuang Safari Park.

Visit a Secret Buddha Garden

Put on your comfiest walking shoes and get set to head high up into the hills to visit one of the most magical spots on the island. It’s a steep climb to reach the Secret Buddha Garden via a clearly-marked trail (it’s possible to make much of the journey by off-road vehicle if little legs aren’t up to it…), but well worth the effort. The tropical gardens are a treasure trove of hidden statues – depicting animals, deities and, of course, Buddha – as well as streams and small natural pools. There are even footprints said to have been made by the Buddha himself. A viewpoint looking out over the island is the perfect place to rest the legs and enjoy a picnic and watch birds and butterflies ? flutter by. The garden is less ‘secret’ than its name suggests, but while most locals and visitors have heard of it, few make the effort to actually visit, so kids will have plenty of opportunity to race around to their heart’s content.

Take a Snorkeling Side Trip

There’s no denying the beauty of Koh Samui and its beaches, but for serenity, snorkeling and scuba diving, families can take a side trip to Koh Phangan, which is served by regular ferries – the trip takes around four hours and is a pretty ride in itself, but it’s worth considering spending the night in one of the island’s cheap and cheerful guest houses. It can be busy with tourists and the Full Moon Party set during high season, but with 30 beaches on the island, a little walking is all it takes to leave the crowds behind and discover blissfully quiet spots with some of the best diving and snorkeling imaginable. Bring sturdy walking shoes and a heck of a lot of repellent, pack water and a picnic and you can while away entire days on the sand before heading back to civilisation and catching the sunset from a beach bar.

?Tip: To avoid the crowds coming to Koh Phangan for the full moon parties, try to schedule your trip to dates few days after the moon is full.

Eat here: Peak Eye View Restaurant

Families in Koh Samui can work up a heck of an appetite making the ascent to this hidden restaurant (it’s along the same route as the Secret Buddha Garden, and makes a good pitstop on the way back) which has a magnificent vantage point 600 meters above sea level. Kids love the chilled fruit smoothies, and the traditional Thai dishes taste all the better when eaten outside taking in those jaw-dropping views over the entire island. Peak Eye View Restaurant is still a well-kept secret – for now – so visitors can feel rightly smug about discovering a genuine hidden gem on Koh Samui.

In Asia with kids

Thailand With Kids- Off The Beaten Track Family Adventures in Koh Phangan

March 17, 2018 No Comments

Spice Up Your Family Vacation To Koh Phangan With These Lesser Known Attractions.

The tropical Thai island of Koh Phangan has a (somewhat deserved) reputation as a place for hedonistic Full Moon Parties, but there’s more to the place than backpackers going to town on the booze buckets. Away from the party hostels and party beaches, Koh Phangan is an extremely family-friendly destination, and a trip here offers plenty of opportunity to slip away from the hungover hordes and the honeymooning couples. Boat trips and jungle hikes are the starting point for many island adventures, and families in Koh Phangan are never far away from an opportunity to let the kids race around on secluded beaches, snorkel among schools of colorful fish, splash in natural pools or take a nature trek through the deep jungle that covers some 90 per cent of the island. So while there may be 10-20,000 partiers rocking up to Hat Rin for the Full Moon fun, there’s plenty of scope for age-appropriate, crowd-free activities elsewhere.

Take a Free Herbal Sauna (and visit a giant tree!)

When you’re on the road with the family, the idea of a de-stressing, de-toxifying sauna and massage may well seem pretty darned appealing to everyone from tired out toddlers to their travel-weary parents. But we’re not talking ritzy, high end hotel spa treatments here. At the Wat Pho Sauna and Thai Massage, in Baan Tai Village, monks from the nearby Buddhist Temple have set up a herbal sauna surrounded by wild forest and well-populated fish ponds, and now welcome visitors to come and soak up the herbs’ healing properties. While the treatments are popular with partied-out Full-Mooners, they’re also a nice option for families – the herb-scented steam opens the pores and cleanses the system, and littlies who don’t fancy breathing in healing air are likely to enjoy the relaxing Thai massages that are also on offer. There’s no need to worry about paying a premium, either – the monks ask only for a fair donation.

? Nearby, families can check out the island’s biggest tree – a giant tropical Yang Na (rubber tree) which has been left to grow unhindered for hundreds of years and now it is over 50 m’ tall,

Embark on Jungle Adventures and Splash in Natural Pools

With the world and his wife making a beeline for the beaches of Koh Phangan, it’s easy to overlook the rich tropical jungle that covers vast swathes of the island. Which is all the better for adventurous families keen to get off the beaten tourist track. Slap on the DEET, strap on sturdy walking shoes and head to the trails that lead through steep jungle paths to Thaan Sadet waterfall, in the North East of the island. Sitting in the middle of a gloriously wild national park, this is in fact not one fall but a series of cascades and natural pools, surrounded by giant boulders and stepping stones and stretching out over some 3km. Families with energy to burn can follow trails from the falls up to the island’s tallest peak – Khao Ra – which stands nearly 630 meters above sea level. Viewpoints at the top offer staggering views over the island, its beaches and the surrounding ocean, and cooling off in the pools on the way back down is a nice reward for tackling the climb.

Get Sporty

The diving, snorkeling and kite boarding on Koh Phangan are hardly a secret, but families can practice a whole host of non-water based activities on the island, too. Volleyball, football and a sport known as jorkyball – a kind of 2-on-2 variation of soccer – are all popular on the island, and there are numerous sports facilities and classes where kids and parents can brush up on their skills or learn new ones. Each month, huge beach volleyball and beach football tournaments attract big crowds, and grownups who think they’ve got the skills can sign up to take part. If that’s a step too far, just watching the matches is enough to stir up enthusiasm for kicking or volleying a ball around a beach, and after all that racing around, the kids are likely to be zonked enough to for their parents to enjoy a peaceful beachfront meal and/or sunset cocktail.

Eat Here: Roots and Leaves

Cakes and Thai-Indian curries served inside a rustic hut surrounded by wild jungle make a meal at Roots and Leaves feel like a real family adventure. On the edge of Than Sadej National Park, the cafe serves huge portions of sweet and savory dishes made with the freshest ingredients imaginable, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options for those that want them. Far from feeling like a worthy ‘clean eating’ spot, though, this welcoming little cafe serves genuinely delicious dishes that savvy locals and visitors consider to be some of the best food on the island. It’s hidden away from the main drinking and dining strips on the island, and feels all the more exciting for that.