 Thailand means "land of the free" and is known as the “land of smiles” and both descriptions are apparent while you laze on a pristine beach watching children with mile wide smiles frolic at the water's edge without a care in the world. The kingdom embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions, and combined with the scenic splendour of a diverse countryside, offers something for everyone. Its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality are an endless source of fascination and pleasure for families, from the more adventurous longing to explore, to the more vacation minded dreaming of lazy days and heavenly, exotic nights.
The Kingdom of Thailand covers an area of 514,000 square kilometres in the heart of South East Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Burma to the West and north, Laos to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south.
The three main destinations that cater for families are Hua Hin, Phuket and Bangkok. Hua Hin is just a three-hour drive from Bangkok or a short flight, and it boasts good swimming beaches, golf courses, spa resorts and excellent shopping.
Phuket is an island known as the "pearl of the south" and has a huge choice of resorts from three to five star. The scenery is beautiful and diverse and the attractions are many, including the spectacular limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay, the idyllic Phi Phi Island, elephant rides, canoeing, rock climbing and horse riding.
Most resorts have excellent facilities for kids. In Hua Hin, the Sofitel in Central Hua Hin village is excellent, while in Phuket, Laguna Beach Resort's Kids Club has a large, safe, outdoor playground containing a paddling pool, a large games room with six Sony and Dreamcast playstations, a water park and a Batik painting centre.
The Allamanda Laguna Phuket offers spacious bedrooms, family rooms, kids' menus and a kids' club, Allamanda's Camp Laguna. The Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort's Penguin Club has an impressive array of activities for children; the Novotel Coralia Phuket is also very good, with an indoor playground, baby sitting and a kids club, while Rydges Beach Resort has interconnecting family rooms available in all three room categories, in-house movies and cable TV in all rooms. The JW Marriott Resort has children's activities and babysitting, with some fantastic activities like elephant trekking.
Samui and Pattaya are other areas to consider; they too have stunning beaches and several family hotels and resorts.
 Capital
Thailand's capital is the fantastically hot, crowded, traffic-choked city of "Krung Thep" - Bangkok. But don't let that put you off for a second. Bangkok is an exciting city with plenty of rewards in store for adventurous travellers. Built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River it is home to many of Thailand's most spectacular temples and monuments and amazing shopping, dining and nightlife.
Where is it and how do I get there?
Airlines that fly from Australia to Bangkok include Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Thai Airlines. Thai Airlines also offers flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Phuket.
| From |
Hours |
| Sydney |
9 |
| Melbourne |
9.5 |
| Brisbane |
9.5 |
| Perth |
7 |
| Adelaide (via Sydney) |
13 |
| Darwin (via Singapore) |
8 |
When to go/weather
Thailand has three major seasons, rainy, cool and hot. During the rainy season, from June to October, there is still plenty of sunshine and showers rarely last more than an hour or two, although the south of Thailand receives considerably more rain during this period.
| North Thailand |
| Chiang Mai |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
| Hot Season (March – May) |
21 - 34 °C |
69 mm |
| Rainy Season (June – October) |
23 - 31 °C |
218 mm |
| Cool Season (November – February) |
16 - 30 °C |
30 mm |
| Central Thailand |
| Bangkok |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
| Hot Season (March – May) |
25 - 34 °C |
97 mm |
| Rainy Season (June – October) |
24 - 32 °C |
101 mm |
| Cool Season (November – February) |
21 - 32 °C |
25 mm |
| Southern Thailand |
| Phuket |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
| Hot & Dry Season (November – May) |
25 - 31 °C |
125 mm |
| Rainy Season (June - October) |
26 - 30 °C |
315 mm |
 Where to stay
The three main destinations that cater for families are Hua Hin, Phuket and Bangkok. Hua Hin is just a three-hour drive from Bangkok or a short flight, and boasts good swimming beaches, golf courses, spa resorts and excellent shopping.
Phuket is an island known as the "pearl of the south" and has a huge choice of resorts from three to five star. The scenery is beautiful and diverse and the attractions are many, including the spectacular limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay, the idyllic Phi Phi Island, elephant rides, canoeing, rock climbing and horse riding.
Resorts with kids’ clubs/facilities offered
Sofitel Hua Hin Beach Resort
Sofitel Hua Hin Beach Resort is an excellent choice for families wanting to stay in Hua Hin. This colonial-style hotel right on the beach and is nestled in tranquil tropical gardens. There’s an outdoor playground and a children’s club for kids aged 6 to 12.
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
This 5 star resort is another excellent choice in this region. The kids’ club cares for children from 4-12 years with a wide range of organised activities for young guests to enjoy. All activities are free of charge. There is also a babysitting service throughout the entire day Further information: www.hilton.com/worldwideresorts
Club Med Phuket
Located on a stunning white sandy beach overlooking the bay of Kata this resort offers an all inclusive option which includes free kids' clubopen for children aged 4-13 years, three meals per day and unlimited beer and wine at lunch and dinner, plus a huge choice of sports and activities with tuition and live evening entertainment.
Laguna Beach Resort
Laguna Beach Resort in Phuket has a kids club with a large, safe, outdoor playground containing a paddling pool, a large games room with six Sony Playstations and Dreamcasts, a water park and a Batik painting centre.
Allamanda Laguna Phuket
The Allamanda Laguna Phuket offers spacious bedrooms, family rooms, kids' menus and a kids' club, Allamanda's Camp Laguna.
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
Le Meridien Phuket is a first-class resort located on Phuket’s beautiful Nai Harn Beach. Kids will love the Penguin Club with its impressive array of activities for children from indoor fun like fan painting, necklace making and limbo dancing to outdoor games like treasuring hunting, kite flying and water polo.
Maekok River Village, Chang Mai
This resort will give you a different experience. Located on the banks of the Maekok River with just 29 rooms you will stay in homely villas or poolside rooms. For the kids there is The Bamboo Adventure Club where they will experience climbing, canoeing or an assault course. Further information: www.maekok-river-village-resort.com
 Food and Drink
A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments and a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. Although western food is not available in remote areas it can be found in most large cities and hotels, but instead of McDonalds, tempt the kids with local delicacies such as crickets, beetles, worms and scorpions and relish their reaction! Generally it is considered safe to eat the dishes on offer in any restaurant or from a street cart. If you are not a lover of spicy food, learn the words, ‘Mai Phet’ which means ‘not hot’. Some of the must-try dishes while in Thailand are
As Bali is a major tourist centre, International cuisine is easily found, with an assortment of fast food outlets, takeaways and Western-style eateries available.
Shopping
It is said that if you can’t find what you’re looking for in Bangkok then it hasn't been invented yet. From modern, air conditioned malls to the bustling markets boasting a staggering variety of wares on sale from snakes to ceramics and herbs, to endless rows of Thai and western-style clothing in colourful silk and cotton. Although fixed prices are the norm in department stores, most other vendors expect you to bargain. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Remember the Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humour, and patience and a broad smile will ensure a bargain.
Airports
Don Muang International Airport is Bangkok’s large and busy International flight centre. A new airport is set to be open in August 2005 and will replace Don Muang’s international terminal, relegating it to domestic-only status. Don Muang Airport has a wide range of facilities, with good duty free shopping, numerous food and drink outlets, banks and postal and internet facilities.
Transfers from airport
Ngurah Rai International Airport is about 2.5km south of Kuta. Most resorts have a meet and greet airport service but if you haven’t arranged this, getting out of the airport is simple and quick. You may rent a car from one of several car hire companies at the airport, or you can catch a taxi. In the Arrivals hall you’ll see official taxi counters – these will charge you a fixed price. Or, you can walk across the airport car park and hail a metered cab.
Getting around for families
Public transport in Thailand is extremely cheap and very convenient. Rail or bus routes link all major towns and more out of the way places can often be reached by songtaew (a utility truck with two rows of seats for passengers in the back). Transport around towns is usually in the form of taxis or tuk-tuks (three-wheeled motor-cabs). In Phuket the word tuk-tuk refers to small, red vans with seating in the back.
Many cities now have metered taxi services, but when getting in a tuk-tuk, be sure to negotiate a fare first, and don’t be afraid to do some hard bargaining!
For long distance journeys (for example, Bangkok to Phuket), flying is the best way to avoid long, neck-crimping bus journeys, and its not particularly expensive. There are several domestic airports scattered around the country, including major tourist centres such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Koh Samui.
Things to See and Do
For a lots of fun ideas for families click here
Adventure Holidays
Track of the Tiger organise soft adventure holidays for families in both the north and the south of Thailand. Further information www.track-of-the-tiger.com and look for the Holidays with Kids icon
Disabled or less-abled Holidays.
Adventure Tours in Thailand are dedicated to providing affordable individually tailored tours for the disabled or less-able person. Designed to suit your needs and abilities, you may find yourself elephant trekking in the Golden Triangle, visiting temples or royal palaces, scuba diving, Para-sailing or just lounging on the beach in Koh Samui. These wonderful people will make every effort to ensure your dreams are fulfilled. Further Information: www.adventure-holidays-thailand.com
What to wear
Weather will play a definite factor for most travellers when packing for the trip. During the rainy season, lightweight cotton clothing will dry faster. Sandals will not get waterlogged like leather or athletic shoes, but they may be frowned upon in some venues.
Short sleeve shirts are acceptable for most dining venues.
Adventure travellers will be more prone to walking shorts and pullover cotton shirts.
If travelling to the mountainous areas of the North and Northeast. A long sleeved shirt or light jacket is often advised for outdoors at night.
Thai Temples and Palaces will usually ban shorts and tank tops, especially for women.
Grooming is important to the Thais, who tend to be fastidious. You will seldom see an unkempt and dirty Thai unless s/he is working at a dirty job. They tend to shower several times per day. The heat and humidity in Thailand makes most westerners perspire profusely.
 Population
Nearly 65 million people inhabit Thailand with 75 percent of those Thai, 14 percent Chinese and the rest minorities from Malaysia, India and elsewhere.
Culture/Religion
Thailand’s culture is vastly different to the west and it is much appreciated when foreigners respect both its laws and heritage.
·Sanuk Sanuk means fun, fun, and the gentle Thais believe there should be a certain amount of Sanuk involved in everything they do from work to eating. Life and happy and should be celebrated and kept fun
·Topless sunbathing on beaches is banned by law.
·Never show anger or rudeness in public, if you do, you will find you will be ignored completely. Thai people are extremely polite and rudeness is not tolerated in any form.
·When visiting a Buddhist Monastery remember the grounds are holy so appropriate attire must be worn. Shirts with sleeves for women is recommended and it is preferred that women wear either a skirt or low cut shorts. For men a neat shirt and shorts will do fine. Women should be careful as no monk may come into physical contact with any women.
·Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude.
·Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.
·Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon
·Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides
·Strict fines will be imposed on anyone who spits, discards cigarette butts or drops rubbish in public areas.
·It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand so do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies
Language
Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood in the main tourist areas, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. If you wish to travel off the beaten track a little, a bit of basic Thai will prove to be invaluable. When being polite, men end sentences and phrases with the word "khrap", while women use "kaa".
| Hello/goodbye |
Sawadee khrap/kaa |
| How are you? |
Sabai dee mai |
| Fine, thanks |
Sabai dee |
| Please |
Karuna |
| Thank you |
Khorb khun khrap/kaa |
| How much? |
Tao rai |
| Yes |
Chai |
| No |
Mai chai |
| Bathroom |
Hong naam |
| One |
Neung |
| Two |
Song |
| Three |
Sam |
 Time
Thailand is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. For timezone information, click here.
Currency
The currency of Thailand is the baht, divided into 100 satang. $1AUD equals roughly 29 baht. For up to date currency conversion, click here.
Major credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted in supermarkets, department stores and tourist centres.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Thailand. You can tip a small amount at more tourist-oriented hotels, bars and restaurants if you feel you've received good service.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 hertz AC, using straight, twin-prong plugs.
Health precautions
No vaccinations are required to enter Thailand, but see your doctor at least six weeks before your trip to check which shots are recommended. Generally malaria is not a risk in Thailand except in border areas – again, check with your doctor before you leave. Mosquitoes and other bugs are rife throughout the country, so make liberal use of insect repellent, especially at night. Thailand is an amazingly hot and humid country, so be sure to have hats, sunscreen and plenty of bottled water.
Tap water
The locals in Thailand don't drink tap water – so it’s a good idea for tourists to stick to bottled water too. Water and ice served in eateries is generally made from filtered or treated water.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Australians do not require a for stays of less than 30 days, but you must have a passport that is current for at least 6 months from the date of departure.
HWK Family Travel Tips
Bargaining is a skill worth learning and practicing if you plan to do any shopping, and kids can try their hand and it too. Friendly bargaining is expected at market stalls and makes the shopping experience fun for both the buyer and the seller. When you want to negotiate a price with a seller, have the absolute maximum you're willing to pay in your mind, then ask the seller what the lowest price he's willing to offer is. Offer considerably less than this (between about two-thirds and half the price is OK!) then keep haggling until you reach a happy medium.
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