The Perfect Affordable Luxury Thailand Itinerary
Hey, mama. Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a paradise where luxury meets affordability, and every moment feels like you’re living in a postcard?
I just got back from an unforgettable family vacation to Thailand, and I’m still pinching myself. From relaxing on pristine beaches to being treated like VIPs, this trip was everything I could have hoped for—and then some. And the best part? It was all luxury at prices that don’t equal a mortgage, which is basically the Holy Grail of family vacations.
Let me take you through this dream trip, step by step, with insider tips and perks.
And by the way, we help families plan their dream trips to Thailand, with half our team based in Southeast Asia personally vetting these properties ourselves with our young kids and babies:
1. Anantara Mai Khao, Phuket – Private Pools, Beachfront Bliss, and Lots of Kid-Friendly Fun 🏖️
First up, we landed in Phuket, and I couldn’t wait to get to Anantara Mai Khao—and let me tell you, this place did not disappoint. You know how sometimes you land at a hotel and your kids are already clamoring for their devices or looking for Wi-Fi? Well, not here.
The resort is only a 15-minute drive from the airport, and the moment we stepped in, I felt like I could finally take a real breath.
Each villa has its own private pool —no fighting for pool chairs, no sharing your space with a sea of screaming toddlers (other than your own). It’s just you, your family, and the perfect pool. The resort is beachfront, so when you’re tired of your pool, the ocean is a stone’s throw away. The kids could spend hours building sandcastles, while parents sit there pretending to read, but mostly just soaking up the sunshine.
One of the biggest perks of booking through an Anantara Journeys agent (did I mention we’re part of this exclusive program?) is that you get the best available rates and a bunch of extra benefits:
🛎️ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (not applicable to the two-bedroom categories)
🍽️ Daily Buffet breakfast
💵 $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit
🥊 Guest’s choice of ONE of the following, once during stay:
🕉️ Complimentary 30-minute Singing bowl therapy
🥋 Complimentary 60-minute Thai boxing Lesson
🚴♀️ Complimentary 60-minute cycling tour
🧘♀️ Complimentary 60-minute Yoga/Pilates
🍸 Complimentary 30-minute cocktail class
And if you have kids (which I’m guessing you do, since you’re reading this), the kids club and teen club are a godsend. I’m talking arts and crafts, games, and activities that didn’t involve endless screen time. It’s like a mini vacation for everyone.
Price Range
- High season: $500 – $1,500 per night
- Low season: $300 – $1,200 per night
Best time to visit: November to February (it’s cooler, dry, and perfect for beach time)
2. Anantara Koh Yao Yai – A Calm Beach, Private Pools, and a Kids’ Paradise 🌴
Next, we hopped over to Anantara Koh Yao Yai, which is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The beach here is gorgeous—calm waters, quiet surroundings, and plenty of space to just breathe. This resort offers a variety of room types to fit families of all sizes, and many of the rooms come with their own private pool. We stayed in one of those rooms, and I can confirm that a pool just outside your door is a game-changer at nap time. No more sitting in a dark room with nowhere to go. My kid loved it, and honestly, so did I.
The kids club here is one of the best I’ve seen. It’s big, it’s fun, and my little one had a blast. There are also kids’ pools with splash zones and plenty of places for the little ones to cool off and play safely. The resort feels like a secluded sanctuary, and the best part is that it’s still part of the Anantara Journeys program, so we got all the perks, which you could be entitled to if you book through us:
🛎️ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
🍽️ Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
💵 $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit
🚗 Complimentary roundtrip private airport transfer for stays of 4+ nights in our Beach Front Pool Villa or higher categories
⏰ Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Price Range
- High season: $450 – $1,400 per night
- Low season: $250 – $900 per night
Best time to visit: November to March (perfect weather and fewer crowds)
3. Melia Koh Samui – The Island’s Biggest Pool and Endless Kid-Friendly Fun 🏊♀️
Now, if you’re like me and you could spend days just relaxing by the pool (while actually watching your kids splash around without losing them to a crowd), you need to check out Melia Koh Samui. This place has the biggest pool on the island. And I’m not talking about a pool that’s only big enough to do a couple of laps. No, this pool is gigantic, and it has a shallow area that’s perfect for little ones to play while you lounge and sip something cold.
But wait—there’s more. The resort has a lagoon that runs through it with jacuzzi zones, water slides, and even a swim-up bar. You read that right—a swim-up bar. I may have visited it a few times. 😜 The kids club here is awesome, with separate areas for toddlers and young children, and a splash zone with a water slide that had my kids’ hearts singing.
As a travel advisor, booking Melia Koh Samui through us means you get the best available rates, early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, and VIP status—basically everything you need to feel like a million bucks while keeping the budget in check.
Price Range
- High season: $350 – $1,000 per night
- Low season: $200 – $700 per night
Best time to visit: November to April (warm, sunny, and great beach days)
4. Melia Chiang Mai – Stunning Views, Great Food, and a Beautiful Pool 🌇
After soaking up the beach life, we headed to Chiang Mai, and our first stop was Melia Chiang Mai. This city has so much to offer, from cultural sights to amazing food, and this hotel really nails it all. The rooftop bar is the perfect spot to grab a drink and watch the sunset—it’s one of the coolest views in town. The food here is top-notch – even after over a dozen visits to Thailand over the past 12 years, the tasting menu at Mai Restaurant is one of the best meals I’ve ever had there, and that’s saying A LOT.
The kids club here is extensive and full of activities to keep your little ones entertained while you relax. The outdoor pool is stunning, and it’s a great place for the kids to burn off some energy before you head out to explore the city.
Like Melia Koh Samui, booking through us gives you those extra perks: best available rates, room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out. It’s all about the details.
Price Range
- High season: $250 – $750 per night
- Low season: $150 – $500 per night
Best time to visit: November to February (milder weather for exploring)
5. Doowall Hotel, Chiang Rai – Sweet, Simple, and Right Next to the White Temple 🏯
Finally, we wrapped up our trip with a stay at Doowall Hotel in Chiang Rai. This little gem is located right next to the iconic White Temple, which is a must-see. The hotel is cozy and intimate, and the staff is incredibly kind and accommodating—seriously, they made us feel like family. It’s a quieter spot compared to the bigger resorts, but it’s the perfect place to unwind before heading home.
The best part? It’s just steps away from one of Thailand’s most famous landmarks, so you get to enjoy the beauty of the White Temple without the hassle of traveling far. The hotel provides free private transport and is located close to the temple, so you can get there early to have smaller crowds.
Price Range
- High season: $80 – $250 per night
- Low season: $50 – $150 per night
Best time to visit: November to February (ideal for temple visits)
So there you have it, mama. Your affordable luxury family itinerary through Thailand, where everyone gets to unwind, explore, and make memories that will last a lifetime. And remember, when you book through us, you’re not just getting a great deal—you’re getting those extra perks that turn a regular vacation into something special.
Any questions? Or ready to book your trip? You know where to find me. Happy travels! ✈️🌞
