The Perfect Family Travel Itinerary for Thailand
Thailand is a country I’ve come to adore, having spent a cumulative four months here over many visits over the past decade. Each trip has added a new layer to my love for this diverse and enchanting place, and bringing my son there made it even more special to me. Seeing locals interact with him was heartwarming.
Whether it’s the serene islands, the vibrant cities, or the rich cultural heritage, Thailand never ceases to amaze. Here’s my favorite family travel itinerary, based on personal experience:
Days 1-3: Koh Yao Noi – Six Senses Yao Noi
We usually kick off our Thai adventure with a stay at Six Senses Yao Noi on Koh Yao Noi. This island paradise is the perfect place to unwind and adjust to the tropical pace of life. The highlight for us is having our own pool, which our son absolutely loves. The privacy and luxury here are unmatched, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
We saw plenty of other families there with young kids and babies as well. It’s made easier by the fact that they provide a pickup service from the airport, you have your own personal butler during your stay who can help with fetching diapers and other necessities for you, and they use golf carts around the resort, saving little legs from having to walk.
For a more budget-friendly option, Anantara Yao Yai is a solid choice. While it lacks the boutique feel of Six Senses, it still offers a five-star experience with plenty of amenities to keep the whole family entertained.
Days 3-6: Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay, Krabi
For another perspective of the beautiful area between Koh Yao Noi and Krabi, head to the Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay for some of the best service and views after the Six Senses. This resort, while amazing, is slightly cheaper than the Six Senses, and may make more sense in combination with the Anantara Yao Yai.
When it comes to amazing views, it’s hard to beat this property. From here, catch a flight from Krabi airport up north to Chiang Rai.
Days 6-9: Chiang Rai – Anantara Golden Triangle
From the southern beaches, we make our way to Chiang Rai’s Golden Triangle. Our go-to spot here is the Anantara Golden Triangle with its fantastic elephant camp. Spending at least three days here is a must.
This is an all-inclusive stay which also includes a private pickup directly from the airport as well as all of your food and non-alcoholic drinks (including room service!) and a choice of massages and elephant activities during your stay.
The elephant encounters are both educational and heartwarming, providing a unique experience that we will always remember. The resort itself is stunning, with gorgeous views and a great pool with several shallow areas for kids.
Days 9-12: Chiang Mai – Melia Chiang Mai
Next, we head north to Chiang Mai, where we stayed at Melia Chiang Mai. This city has a charming mix of modernity and tradition, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Melia Chiang Mai is a great base for families, with comfortable rooms and kid-friendly facilities. They had half of an entire floor devoted to kid’s play, and it was impeccably clean. Their pool was awesome, too!
When it comes to Chiang Mai, we love visiting the local night markets and taking day trips to nearby temples and natural attractions.
Consider: Bangkok – Capella Bangkok
For many travelers, passing through Bangkok is part of getting there (though Chiang Mai and Phuket airports are well connected). We like to stay at the Capella Bangkok, which offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets.
The resort has a great pool, perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. Highlights in Bangkok include visiting the Grand Palace, eating everything, and exploring the vibrant street markets.
How to Book This Itinerary
I put not only a decade of traveling in Thailand into this itinerary, but all of our experience traveling as a family up until this point. We chose resorts that would be cognizant of his peanut allergy, would have amazing service, and ideally, where we could have our own pool to relax in while our son napped. I’m so happy with what we ended up with!
As a travel advisor, I can help you book the same, or something similar. I can also help you get extra perks at most of these resorts, including room upgrades where applicable, resort credits, free breakfast, early check in, and late check out, many of which we got to enjoy on our trip, too! Late check out with a baby sure is nice.
I can also help with flights. If you choose to book this itinerary, my services are at no extra cost. If you’d like a bespoke trip planned just for you and your family, I can offer this service as well. Feel free to email me to get started
You can read more about how I work with families on booking their dream trips here!
This itinerary includes some of the most famous and highest end hotels in Thailand. The service is next level, but keep in mind most hotels on this list begin at $500-$1000 per night in low season, and $1000-$3000 per night in high season.
This itinerary combines relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable trip for the whole family. With each visit to Thailand, I discover new places and experiences, making it a destination I can’t wait to return to again and again.
