thailand with kids – 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- Tips And Activities For Train Enthusiasts

December 18, 2018 No Comments

Tropical Thailand is a destination that lends itself well to adventures by train. Whatever your travel style, there’s a train journey to suit it. Imagine lazy days winding through the hills watching beautiful landscapes unfold at one end of the comfort spectrum, or chatting with locals in cramped carriages at the other extreme. Families with kids will find train travel in Thailand a lot more comfortable than bus travel, and it’s more scenic and less stressful than air travel – no hanging around airports, queues to pass through security, etc.

Fans of trains and train travel will find their railway-based adventures in Thailand extend beyond the journey itself. There are train-themed cafes and bars, iconic railway stations, incredible station hotels and even a food market with trains rushing right through the middle.

Families in Thailand will find that train travel is part of the thrill of the trip, it’s an exciting way for kids to see the country and its people, and sleeper trains tend to be a novel alternative to a hotel bed.

♣ There are three classes of regular train in Thailand – Third Class is the least comfortable, but often the most entertaining option, but better suited to short journeys than long haul trips, due to the less-than-luxurious wooden seats (when you can find a seat, that is…)

Second class steps up the comfort level and is popular with backpackers and familieson a budget – families can sit together on seats facing each other, which convert into beds at night on sleeper trains, and some carriages are air conditioned.

If the budget allows, First Class is the best option for long haul train journeys in family, offering comfortable seating and sleeping, private carriages, and a secure travel experience – the price still compares favourably with air travel and/or the cost of a hotel bed. Train tickets can be bought at rail stations (buy in advance if you’ll be traveling during public holidays), but it’s sometimes easier to book through a reputable agency. Although they’ll charge a commission, it’s often cheaper and less hassle than making a special trip out to the station.

Dodge the speeding trains at Maeklong Railway Market

Just short of an hour’s train ride from Bangkok, this bustling produce market it (in)famous for the honking trains that speed right through the middle of the shops and stalls. It’s wonderfully Instagrammable, but make sure you take photos from a safe distance – don’t let kids hang around on the rails, and move away from the tracks if you hear the train horn! The trains rush through at a pace, but barely ruffle a feather or squash a mango, and the market workers, well accustomed to the spectacle, merely return to their vocal sales patter as though nothing happened. Trains leave from Bangkok’s Wongwian Yai Station each morning, and cost around 10baht. It’s also possible to take a cab or bus, but hey, the train’s the thing.

Visit an Incredible Railway Station at Hua Hin

One of Thailand’s most emblematic train stations, Hua Hin is literally fit for royalty. Built in the 1920s to welcome King Rama VI and his family when they headed to the nearby beach, the ornate style and exuberant decor is a major tourist attraction today. The Royal Waiting Room, built in the style of Maruekkhathayawan Palace, is a world away from your average cramped and uncomfortable waiting area. Almost as grand, the nearby Railway Hotel (now owned by Centara Group, rooms from around 5,000 baht)) has sweeping lawns, luxurious accomodation and staff dapper in uniforms that call to mind the area’s royal past.

♥ The kids and I LOVE trains, and we try to experience as many kinds of trains as we can, in every destination that we go to. We went on train journeys in India, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Japan, Turkey, Austria, Italy, France, and Israel. We especially liked the Mongolian night train, the Bangkok sky train, The express super-fast train in China, and the metro in Istanbul.

Bangkok Train Adventures For Families

There’s very little that can’t be found in Bangkok – for better or worse, it really is a case of seek and you shall find. That doesn’t apply only to insalubrious activities – if you’re looking for a cute pet cafe or, indeed, good clean train-based fun, you’ll find it here.

Ride the Skytrain

The best way to move around this traffic-choked city is by riding high above the streets on the smooth, affordable Skytrain. Great fun to ride, the BTS, as locals know it, covers large swathes of the city (see map) , and runs from 6.30am until around midnight. If you’re traveling with kids it’s a godsend, as traveling from one spot to another becomes part of the fun rather than a chore. It can take a little getting used to ticketing etc (there’s some useful info here) but once you’ve got the hang of it, the BTS is a doddle to use. If you can’t reach your destination overground, head underground – the MRT, or Bangkok metro, is modern, cool, clean and essentially a pleasure to use, with plenty of elevators and ramps for families with strollers.

Take Tea and Cakes in a Train Cafe

You can take tea in a train without fears of spillage at Tales Cafe Hostel in Khaosan – an uber-funky cafe-hostel-co-working space designed to look like the interior of a contemporary, chrome-filled train. The cafe is strong on cold brews and matcha tea, while the hostel is about as chic as backpacker options get, with all mod cons and dorm meds styled to look like train sleeper cabins (beds from 350 baht). The private room is a good option for families with young children, and kids will love the idea of sleeping in a ‘static train’.

Meanwhile, at Inn Train, there’s a good selection of cocktails, coffee, Thai and international food, and once again there’s an opportunity to share a co-working space with the digital nomad gang. The whole thing is designed to resemble a train, and there are board games to keep kids busy while grownups catch up on their emails or just relax with a drink.

Take an epic train journey

There are many epic long rail adventures for the taking in Thailand (including some retro-chic luxury options with Orient Express and some back-to-basics fun to be had rattling along in budget carriages). For a shorter journey that delivers plenty am emotional whack, take the three-hour ride from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, which takes in glorious countryside before arriving in the picturesque town. It also passes over the Bridge of the River Kwai (made famous by the film of the same name), which is part of the infamous Death Railway built by Allied Prisoners of War during World War II, and as such is something of a harrowing- though scenic and very worthwhile – experience.

♣ Tip: Food and Drink on Thai trains

Many travelers picture themselves sipping drinks in a Thai railway bar as the scenery glides by, or chattering over shared beers in a busy second class carriage. However, alcohol is actually now banned on Thai trains (as are cigarettes, although some determined smokers do sneak a few in on occasion). With rare exceptions, food on fancier trains tends to be underwhelming and overpriced, so it’s usually a good option to bring your own supplies, and while the vendors selling everything from chicken to rice cakes onboard is entertaining, families should bring along easy eats and snacks for fussy eaters, as options will be limited once you’re chugging along the tracks.

In Asia with kids

Thailand With kids- Special Adventures for Bookworms

December 11, 2018 No Comments

Thailand might not be at the top of every bookish traveler’s must-visit list, thanks in no small part to its reputation as the destination of choice for backpackers looking for beaches and booze buckets.

But while Thailand certainly has a wild side, it’s also a heck of a cool destination for those who love nothing better to curl up with a good book – it’s not hard to ditch the Full Moon Party crowds, find a quiet corner of a stunning beach, and work your way through a stack of books as you work on your tan.

Thailand is, in fact, a nation of readers – and as such it was UNESCO’s World Book Capital 2013 – a title given in honor of the country’s dedication to promoting reading across all ages and sectors of society. In Thailand’s towns and cities, you’re never more than a few feet away from a bookstore or a newsstand selling paperbacks and graphic novels, and popular ex-pat destinations such as Chiang Mai are famous for their abundance of second hand bookstores, well stocked with English-language titles. Not only that, but the country is home to a surprising number of spectacular libraries, book-themed bars, cafes, and even a super-chic library themed boutique hotel.

Whether you’re coming for time alone on a beach with a good book or looking to keep the kids quiet, Thailand won’t let you down on the book front. Read on for our pick of the best Thailand experiences for bookworms

Stay in a library-themed boutique hotel on Koh Samui

With a subtle literary theme to its design and over 1400 books for guests to flip through in its large library complex, The Library is a beach-facing boutique hotel famous for its blood-red pool and its Instagram appeal. While its certainly not one for the budget traveler (rooms from around $280 per night), bookish types with cash to splash will lap up a night or two at this spot overlooking Chaweng Beach, which has a casual-chic bar and restaurant on site, meaning those lost in a good book might not want to leave the premises for the entire stay.

Find out what else you can do with your kids in koh samui

Visit Bangkok’s loveliest library

There’s a sweet Thai short film called The Library, and most of it is filmed on location in the very photogenic Nielsen Hays Library, off Surawongse Road. Opened in 1869 by a group of resourceful British and North American Women as the Bangkok Ladies Library Association, the library was the first non-profit organization in the country, and its backstory that could easily be made into a novel in itself, and today is an excellent place to bring kids, thanks to a cute childrens’ corner and a regular program of Saturday morning reading activities as well as book festivals and craft events developed with young readers in mind – check out the programme here.

More awesome activities in Bangkok you can find here.

Get Lost in Book Browsing in Chiang Mai

Rumour has it that Chiang Mai has more bookstores than bars, and whether that’s true or not, there’s certainly enough second hand book shops here to keep even the most ardent of readers happy. A large number of English-speakers settling in this scenic, chilled part of northern Thailand. A lot of fun can be had planning a bookstore-hopping tour of the city, but if you visit just one, you might want to make it Suriwiong Book Centre – the oldest and largest bookstore in town, with a good selection of kids’ books and plenty of English titles.

click here to find few lesser known activities for families visiting Chiang Mai

Get a Boozy Book Fix

Booze and books under one roof, seriously, what’s not to love about that? There are several places to browse for books then curl up with a cocktail and read your latest purchase, and not surprisingly most of them are in the capital. Although the famous Wonderland-esque Bookshop Bar is now sadly closed, there are several other good spots in town, with cool kids making a beeline for the so-hip-it-hurts Jam Factory, a converted warehouse complex with bars, restaurants, shops and Candide Books & Cafe – you can get a caffeine fix in the bookstore itself, then sip a cocktail nearby with your new read. Dasa Book Cafe is another popular cool kid hangout, and no bookish trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Zombie Books, an uber-hip spot where a sharply-dressed indie crowd comes to leaf through books by day (again, there’s a good children’s section) and dance to live music and DJs by night.

Find Interesting Indie Bookstores Across the Country

It’s not just the Thai capital that’s dramatically upped its game in the kooky-chic bookstore stakes. Interesting independent bookshops are cropping up the length and breadth of Thailand – ranging from colorful, kid-focused spots to contemporary nocturnal hangouts. Back in Bangkok, BookMoby Readers’ Cafe, located on the fourth floor of Bangkok Arts and Culture Center, has ambitions as big as the city’s skyscrapers – it has its own in-house publishing company, hosts international literary festivals, and also holds regular heavyweight literary events. Elsewhere, there’s books, ceramics and jugs oftra at Tai Talad in Chonmuri, Eastern Thailand, and perfectly-roasted coffee beans, cinema screenings and artists’ markets alongside the books at Bookhemian, in the famous beach destination of Phuket, to name just a couple.

In Asia with kids

Thailand With Kids- Six Secret Spots for Family Foodie Adventures in Bangkok

May 20, 2018 No Comments

If you thought Bangkok’s potential for foodie family adventures was limited to bingeing on bugs or playing tummy-bug roulette with street snacks, think again. Families in Bangkok only need to scratch beneath the surface to find a whole world of yummy surprises, from fairytale-esque cafes strewn with fragrant blossoms, to hidden gardens where peacocks keep diners company as they nibble dainty cakes.

There’s no denying the kid-pleasing appeal of Bangkok’s famous animal cafes (visitors can hangout with raccoons by a mock-up swimming pool at Pooltime Cafe, or cuddle giant canines at the aptly-named Big Dog Cafe, but these places are packed with tourists and locals all clamouring for their dose of furry cuteness. Similarly, while it’s well worth a visit to Rot Fai Market, Khaosan Road or Chinatown for a chance to get a bug-shaped protein fix, you’ll be jostling for elbow room with the backpacker brigade. If you’re looking for something a little more under-the-radar, check out these family friendly spots that haven’t yet been hit up by hordes.

Perhaps Rabbits’

No, that’s not a typo, there really is a stray apostrophe hanging over that final S, and it’s far from the most mysterious thing about this gorgeously whimsical cafe. The real mystery is just how this super-sweet spot remains under-the-radar. Loosely themed around Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, you half expect to see Alice herself strolling by with the white rabbit among the cute kid-sized tables and chairs in a space be-decked with fancy floral arrangements. The attention to detail is incredible – from the decor to the sweetly designed cakes and pastries, and there’s a colourful little cubby hole where kids can read books and play with toys. The cafe holds regular tea parties and cake-decorating workshops, but it’s worth popping in any time for the Insta-worthy chocolate-filled top hats, ‘bunny egg’ cheesecake (140 Baht), and the house speciality – a particularly rich ‘Rabbit Hole’ chocolate cake (190 Baht). Finding the cafe is a bit of an adventure in itself – the entrance is hidden off the main drag, around 10 minutes’ walk from Ekkamai BTS station, Exit 1.

Mocking Tales

If your brood are more about slugs and snails and puppy dogs’ tails than sugary sweet confections, then you need to visit this cafe-bar in the hipster haven that is Thonglor. The decor is part Medieval dungeon, part Dungeons and Dragons fantasy land, and the menu consists of items with names such as Dragons’ Fire Breath and Inferno Mountain (the latter being a gobsmacking creation in which a chocolate tower is set ablaze to reveal balls of molten ice cream beneath the surface, 380 Baht,, but enough to feed a family); and unlike many kid-friendly cafes, there are savory dishes too, a welcome relief from all the sugar rushes. Expect bowls of fake eyeballs, creepy-looking coats of armour and other objects of interest to not-so-sweet imaginations. You’ll find Mocking Tales at Thonglor 10110, Bangkok. As a relative newcomer on the Thonglor strip, it’s not yet overrun with cool kids, although the bar does a roaring trade after dark.

♣ Box out: Animal antics

Animal Cafes are very much a thing in South East Asia, and Bangkok has embraced the trend with gusto. If your kids can’t bear (pun intended) to leave without sharing a dining experience with a furry friend, they can choose from cats Caturday Cat Cafe, Dogs (Big Dog Cafe) or even meerkats and other exotic animals at Little Zoo Cafe (although the animals are well treated, this last one might not sit well with those who aren’t keen on animals in captivity, it’s your call)

Gardens of Dinsor Palace

Another Thonglor high point, this ultra-classy spot feels like a real escape from the heat and buzz of central Bangkok. A formal restaurant and more kiddie-friendly cafe are set out in the picture-perfect grounds of a genuine Thai Princess’s palace, and the white swans gliding over pretty ponds compete for attention with a couple of parading white peacocks. Dress up for a visit here, and don’t expect budget offerings,but for a family meal to remember it’s worth splashing out (just keep an eye on toddlers if you’ve been enjoying the house cocktails, you don’t want them literally making a splash in those enticing ponds…). Brunch pancakes certainly won’t break the bank, at under 300 baht for a plate of buttermilk pancakes with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Dinners and afternoon teas are fancier affairs. The cafe, restaurant and gardens are at 1217/2 between Sukhumvit Soi 59 and 61, Klongtan-Nue, Wattana 10110

Insects in the Backyard

Culinarily curious kids are unlikely to let you leave Bangkok without chowing down on at least one good big bug. But if you’ve yet to be convinced of the merits of eating insects, this 2017 opening might be the place to try creepy crawlies for the first time. Possibly the world’s first fine-dining insect restaurant (yes, that’s right), this smart space highlights the ‘superfood’ status of bugs (high protein, low fat, high calcium,sustainable…) and the menu (mains from 300 baht) aims to prove they can taste good, too. Salads come piled high with water beetles, seared scallops have a caterpillar garnish, and even the tiramisu is jazzed up with cocoa-dusted silk worms. The range of classic cocktails might help dubious diners find a little Dutch courage. Insects in the Backyard is at Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Road.

for a full itinerary for food loving families traveling in Thailand check this article.

♥ Tip: Set aside a few hours for your trip here- Insects in the Backyard is located inside the fascinating Changchui Market – a creative hub stuffed with fascinating sculptures, street art, stalls and assorted artsy offerings, such as a hipster barbers and a cute bookstore. There’s even a cinema showing suitably arsty titles.

Li-bra-ry Cafe

Got bookworms in the family? Yearning for some quiet time? This cute hideaway from Bangkok’s smoggy streets has books galore, some of the best coffee, cakes (a bargain at around 100 baht) and milkshakes in town, and a particularly good gyoza soup. Kids who are a little young to curl up with a book can make new friends in the cafe’s play area, and there’s free wifi (bring headphones) – upstairs ups the serenity factor (you’ll need to remove your shoes), but for a quiet break and a coffee where you can hear yourself think, this is a real treat. Li-Bra-Ry is at 2 Soi Sukhumvit 24, Yak Soi Metheenives, Sukhumvit Road,

Kraton Flying Chicken

Sedate and serene, this is not. If you’re looking for a Bangkok food adventure that will go down in family history, take the kids to this unique spot, where roast chicken (choose ‘Fly Chicken, from the menu, at under 200 Baht it’s a bargain, considering the spectacle involved…) is literally catapulted through the air along a purpose built run way onto the spike-helmeted head of a man riding a unicycle. Yes, only in Bangkok…don’t expect Michelin stars,but do expect a lot of fun, and perfectly palatable Thai noodle dishes and other kid-friendly staples. Making occasional appearances on ‘World’s Weirdest Restaurants’ lists, it’s a truly surreal experience, which is enhanced by the on-site Karaoke rooms. It’s a bit of a walk to find the place (but you’ll know it by the chicken-throwing scene painted on the external sign) – from the BTS Sky Train station, take Exit 1, and walk some 500 meters north along Sukhumvit Road before crossing the walkway. (Or get a cab from the station)

And if you are looking for some more crazy adventures with your kids during your trip to Thailand, see this article :-).

The New Balance collection is now on sale. check it out here.

In Asia with kids

Thailand With Kids- 6 Incredible Shops for Families in Bangkok

May 20, 2018 No Comments

Bangkok might not win any beauty contests, but it competes at the highest level when it comes to shopping. Families in Bangkok can while away entire days browsing malls dedicated to toys and collectibles; beautiful handmade clothes for kids and grownups come in at surprisingly affordable prices, cute wooden toys can be found in abundance, and there’s no end of opportunity to haggle over the price of electronic goods.

With more malls, shopping quarters and markets than you can shake a stick at, it can be hard to know where to begin getting that retail therapy fix in Bangkok, which is why we’ve cherry-picked the very best spots for you and your brood to shop in this big, bright and sometimes bewildering city.

Zombie Books

Books, booze and zombies. That’s pretty much every kid and adult taste catered for, so there shouldn’t be any problem in enticing the family to this uber-cool bookstore in the middle of Royal City Avenue (RCA, known as Bangkok’s party quarter). The carefully-curated collection of over 10,0000 titles includes vintage kids books in English on the first floor, and there are nooks and crannies galore for flicking through the pages post-purchase. A co-working space and gallery caters to an artsy crowd, and the brightly-decorated third floor bar (yes! a bookstore with a bar!) serves up fruity concoctions with zombie/monster-inspired names that are sure to be a hit with the kids while parents sip their grown-up mixed drinks. Vintage sci-fi and horror prints on the wall It’s open until midnight and attracts a hipster crowd after dark, but families with littlies won’t feel out of place here during daylight hours.

GachaBox

Thais loves their collectibles, and GachaBox is one of the best spots in town to shop for them. It’s hard to know who’s going to love this place more – grown-up nerds or their kids, but what’s certain is that it’s possible to spend entire hours here playing ‘name that character’ while browsing the seemingly endless shelves of cute replica superheroes, cartoon characters and collectible ranges such as Fluffy House and Be@rBrick. It’s located on Siam Square – a known cool kid hangout home to any number of hip boutiques and street stands – so grownups can convince themselves that they’re hip young things as they drool over ultra-rare Star Wars figures. Gachabox has a handily central location on Siam Square (opposite the super-ritzy Rolex store).

♣ Fun fact: Giving the kids spending money? Tell them to check out what’s on the back of their Bahts. Each Thai coin is emblazoned with the image of a Thai temple, and all of them are in Bangkok. See if they can recognize, for example, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (1 Baht coin); the Marble Temple (5 Baht coin) or, if you’re feeling generous, the Temple of Dawn (10 Baht coin).

Check out some of the lesser known attractions for families in Bangkok

Plan Toys

There’s a simple joy to the wooden toy, and the Thais have never fallen out of love with these retro-style creations. One Thai brand that has built up a great reputation internationally is Plan Toys, which has impeccable sustainability credentials (the imagination-firing toys and games are made from natural rubber wood trees, with no fertilizer used in the soil for three years before harvest, and the wood is dried using a chemical-free kiln-drying process). Covering all age ranges, the colorful toys range from tiny pull-along animals to entire magic kingdoms, and the focus is on encouraging imaginative play involving the whole family. Plan Toys ships internationally, but families in Bangkok shouldn’t miss a trip to the flagship store at Sathorn 10, Bangkrak.

Hallo Heidi

This cute and colorful clothing store ticks a whole lot of boxes for trend-obsessed kids and their long-suffering parents. Made in durable, breathable fabrics with stitching that’s made to last, the girls’ and boys’ lines include floaty cotton dresses and fun jumpsuits as well as cartoon-stamped tees and hard-wearing shorts, all of which help kids and their responsible adults keep their cool in the Bangkok swelter. Their sneakers and sandals look as good as they feel, so you won’t be shoehorning your five-year-old fashionistas into ‘dull but practical’ footwear. You’ll find Hallo Heidi at 5 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi.

Learn how and invest your money on Etoro!

♥ BOXOUT: If the kids are flagging in the Bangkok heat, a day at a mall may be in order. It’s more exciting than it sounds – as well as that blessed air conditioning, sparkling clean bathroom facilities and surprisingly impressive range of offerings in the food court, you’ll find family-friendly treats such as a giant aquarium (at Siam Paragon); a rooftop water park (The Mall); ice-skating, and even Thailand’s own Madame Tussaud’s (Siam Discovery).

Almeta

For a real treat, kit yourself and the littlies out in handmade silk creations from this renowned Bangkok brand. Almeta ship to luxury stores across the world – including Bloomingdales – but there’s unparalleled range (and better prices) at the plush Bangkok store (the company motto is ‘cocoon yourself in luxury’). Manufacturing top-quality silk goods since 1992, the firm offers made-to-measure clothing and ready to wear pieces in more than 1,000 different silks, taking in every color of the rainbow and myriad subtle shades in between. And if you think silk sounds like too much hard work for dressing messy kids, seek out the range of ‘lazy silk’ machine washable items. For extra jazz and pizzazz, some ready-to-wear clothing is accessorised with feathers, seashells and other natural trinkets. You’ll find the Almeta showroom in Sukhumvit, opposite the Grand Millennium Hotel.

Papaya Vintage

Prepare to spend a fair few hours digging for treasures in this gigantic warehouse close to the more famous Chatuchak Market (in itself well worth a visit for kids’ toys and gifts, including traditional toys made with banana leaves, and some fun and funky clothes), which is jam-packed with old-school toys, comics, and collectibles of every kind. Vintage film posters, giant Star Wars figures and all manner of crazy costumes add to the fun, and Instagrammers will have a whale of a time snapping away. You might even come home with some valuable vinyl or an abstract art vase, who knows?

It’s a little out of town, at Soi Lat Pharo 55/2, Lat Pharo Road, so well worth combining with a weekend visit to Chatuchak Market.

AD: New Balance is now on sale. check it out here.

In Foodie Family Adventures

Thailand With Kids- 7 Gobsmackingly Good Sweet Treats in Bangkok :-)

May 18, 2018 No Comments

Ahh, Bangkok, with your to-die-for desserts you are really spoiling us. Sweet-toothed families in the Thai capital should get ready for some serious sugar rushing – and some serious camera-snapping too. Bangkokians take their sweet stuff seriously, and the appeal goes way beyond merely tasting good – appearance is everything here, and that extends to that sugary confection you’re about to spoon into your mouth.

Some Bangkok desserts have made international news – the insanely huge ice cream feasts at Mo and Moshi – for one, but there are plenty of places where you and the family can tuck into those sweet treats without joining a huge queue of guidebook-wielding tourists. Whether you’re all about the ice cream or planning a treat for a unicorn-loving tot, our carefully-curated list shows you where to get your spoon into those damn fine desserts in kid-friendly settings.

The secret one: Floral Cafe

Bangkok’s vast, sweetly-scented Flower Market in Pak Klong Talad is a tourist attraction in its own right, but only a few visitors know that there’s a gorgeous little cafe hidden among the fragrant flora. Floral Cafe is accessed by a hidden flight of stairs behind Napasorn florist, and once your inside, you might find it hard to leave. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, immaculate flower arrangements and bright blooms sit on every available surface, and the cakes and coffee are some of the best in town. The homemade cakes (from 150 baht) impress with their size and intricate icing details, and they pass the taste test too, while the frappes are heaven on a hot day. You’ll find the cafe at 67 Chakphet Road – it’s worth combining with a visit to the Flower Market.

Here are few more lesser known activities for families traveling in Bangkok

The not-too-sickly-sweet one: Mori Dessert Bar

This is one of relatively few places in Bangkok that caters equally well to kids looking for crazily-coloured explosions of sugar, and grown-ups looking for more serious desserts. Alongside a collection of cakes fashioned into cartoon characters, and a famous range of hyper-colored milkshakes that see brightly-colored slabs of cake perched atop the shake itself (along with lollipops for good measure); there are more subtle creations such as strawberry mille feuille (180 baht) and some excellent matcha. If you’re lucky enough to visit around the turn of the year, try the Hanabira – a traditional flower blossom sweet, here made with sakura. A serious patisserie that’s also great fun for kids, this one’s a win-win.

♥ Tip: Need extra cash for your trip to cake heaven? You’re never far from an ATM in Bangkok, and most will accept all standard international cards. One word to the wise, though – the cash comes out before the card, so don’t walk off with your money and leave the card behind (doh!).

The Cuddly One: Hungry Bear Pancakes

If your little cubs’ energy levels start dropping mid-shop at Siam Paragon, treat them to a meal at this super-cute cafe. Pancakes come in all manner of guises – both sweet and savory, from 130 baht, add an extra 15 baht for DIY toppings). There’s even an opportunity to set up a teddy bears’ picnic on the artificial grass, if you get here outside the busy lunch times.

The super-chic one: Sretsis Parlor

Foodie fashionistas, step this way. This beyond-fancy tea room is the latest venture from chic Thai fashion label Sisters (yes, Stretsis is the label name backwards…) and is an intimate, immaculately-appointed ‘living room’ that looks like something straight from the pages of a style magazine. It’s a surprisingly family-friendly space (although you’ll want to come nicely dressed and tell the kids to mind their manners if they want to get their paws on those super-sweet desserts). The grownups can sip tea from bone china (or Champagne from a crystal flute), and the signature cakes (from 250 baht) are decorated with tiny frosted flowers that look (almost) too good to eat. Stretsis Parlour has a suitably grand address: It’s located on level two of Bangkok’s Central Embassy.

∴ Boxout: Candy Colored Cabs. Yep, everything from the cakes to the cabs comes brighter than bright in Bangkok. What’s up with the colorful cabs? It’s really as simple as denoting which cabs belong to which firm (like the locals, you might soon find yourself picking a favorite color ‘team’ during your stay.

The cuddly animal one: Caturday Cat Cafe

Feline-loving families can’t go wrong at this kiddie-pleasing spot, where friendly moggies wind their way around diners’ feet as they sit among colorful scatter cushions and tuck into seriously good desserts such as a rainbow crepe cake, chocolate shock cheesecake, and a deliciously gooey chocolate cake with ice cream. At around 140 baht a pop, desserts here won’t blow the budget, and simply flicking through the menu (set out like a photo album) and the ‘hall of fame’ of cat portraits on the wall is a fun activity in itself.

And if your family likes nature and animals, here is whole route for nature loving families traveling to Thailand.

The Whimsical One: Perhaps Rabbits’

Just on the right side of twee, this Alice-inspired cafe remains pleasingly under-the-radar. With astonishing attention to detail, the owners have created an enchanting space where kids and parents can enjoy Mad Hatter-style tea parties, complete with colorful tea sets, dainty sandwiches and the most intricately-decorated cakes imaginable (made fresh each day at Perhaps Rabbits’ own bakery, just down the road). It can be tough deciding between so many super-sweet confections, but chocoholics can’t go wrong with the Rabbit Hole mud cake, which is rich in both chocolate and caramel, and comes decorated with cute icing bunnies.

The famous one: Unicorn Cafe

Want to feel like you’re having a tea party inside a sherbert-fueled fever dream? Even if you’ve never entertained the idea of tucking into brightly-hued layer cakes while keeping company with a whole host of My Little Ponies, chances are that at least one of your kids has. At Unicorn Cafe, everything is bubble gum bright – even the spaghetti – but it’s the rainbow-colored cakes that will have excitable kiddies fizzing with delight. Sink into a fluffy pastel-colored armchair and try to resist calls to throw on a unicorn costume for a photoshoot with the family. Tasteful it’s not, but a visit to this place will be a literal dream come true for many an excitable pre-teen. Unicorn Cafe is at 8 Sothorn, around 10 minutes’ walk from BTS Chongnosi

In Asia with kids

Thailand With Kids- Phuket’s Lesser Known attractions

March 25, 2018 No Comments

Enjoy Crowd-Free Adventures on your Trip to Phuket With Kids

Mention that you’re planning a family trip to Phuket, and you might get a few raised eyebrows. While it’s famous on the one hand for glorious beaches, family-friendly hotels and more than its fair share of splash parks, indoor play centers and theme parks, Phuket has also become synonymous with large crowds, pickpockets, backed up traffic and a rather seedy downtown.

Don’t let that put you off – look beyond the overcrowded district of Patong, with its infamous ping pong shows, rubbish-strewn beach and tourist traps – and you’ll find a side of Phuket that’s ripe for family adventures. Along with admiring the impressive architecture and eye-catching street art of the Old Town, bartering with street sellers at busy local markets and taking to the water to see weird and wonderful marine life, there are a whole host of ways to enjoy a fun, safe, and crowd-free trip to Phuket with the fam.

Let the Kids Run Riot on Mai Khao Beach

Leave the crowds and hawkers of Patong Beach behind, and take the kids instead to Mai Khao Beach. At 11km long, this coarse sand beach stretches further than the eye can see, and while there are a couple of upscale hotel resorts here, for the most part it is blissfully un-developed. With one end falling under the protected confines of Sirinat National Park, there are no beach bars or vendors trying to sell trips, tours and tourist tat, instead it’s just miles of white sand and clear water. Even in the high season, it’s perfectly possible to spend hours here without seeing another soul. Bring a picnic and plenty of water, and let the kids roam free for the day. At the other end of the noise scale, the farthest edge from the National Park joins onto the island’s airport, and the sight and sound of the planes soaring right overhead is a dramatic one. Families at Mai Khao Beach won’t want to spend all day under this noisy flight path, but it’s worth it for the spectacle before before or after a long beach session.

Climb Monkey Hill ?

Phuket has its fair share of animal attractions, but who wants to see the animal inhabitants of the island in captivity? Instead, lure the kids on a hill-climbing, view-admiring expedition up to the highest point on the island, with the promise of wild monkeys to be spotted along the route. Local buses and vans stop at the bottom of a long, winding walk (about 15-20 minutes’ climb, longer with small children, try to come here before it gets too hot) and families can stop at viewpoints and platforms along the way. Crowds of macaques hang out here, enticed by the fruit offered by locals and a scattering of curious tourists, but they’re not the only attraction – the views over Phuket are astonishing, especially at sunset, and it’s fun to try to keep quiet, so the monkeys lose interest and it’s possible to watch them going about their monkey business.

? Eat here:

If you splash out on just one ‘fancy’ family dinner in Phuket (it’s a little pricier than some local spots, but still far from extortionate), make it Pha Chom Tawan Kawala, tucked away amid the tropical foliage on a hillside between Kamala and Patong. Although it’s held in high esteem by locals, it’s virtually unknown among foreign visitors. Along with an MSG-free menu of traditional Thai dishes, using super-fresh seafood and the restaurant’s own garden produce (fruit smoothies here are a favorite with little visitors to the restaurant), the big draw is a viewing platform with glorious views over the sea. Exploring the surrounding area is a good way to build up an appetite, and there are even a couple of hidden beaches to be discovered.

Back On the beaten track: Visit an Upside Down House

Occasionally, an on-the-beaten-track is worth the visit simply because it can’t be found anywhere else. Phuket’s Upside Down House is one such spot. Families with kids in Phuket will be getting snap-happy with the camera as they explore this curious attraction – literally a house, built upside down, with amazing attention to detail – everything from the tableware to the paintings on the walls are the wrong way up, and there’s even an upside down tuk tuk. There’s a garden maze, complete with tree house, to be explored, as well as an Escape Room and even a ‘Drunk Box’, which makes everything looks a bit off-kilter, and allows kids to get an idea of how their parents see the world after a couple of Happy Hour cocktails on the beach. It’s definitely touristy, but families with younger kids will likely find a trip here will keep them in the children’s good books for a while.

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.