19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Thailand
Thailand is a playground for families, offering a vibrant mix of ancient history, modern comforts, and natural beauty. This 19-day itinerary is specifically designed to move at a child-friendly pace, prioritizing comfort and accessibility while ensuring parents get to see the country's most iconic landmarks.
Traveling with children in the Land of Smiles is remarkably easy thanks to the welcoming culture and excellent infrastructure. We have selected routes that minimize long hauls and focus on areas with plenty of space for little ones to roam, ensuring an epic journey that feels like a true vacation.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand - Arrival & Acclimatization
Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Clear customs and pick up your luggage. The easiest way for families to reach the city is via a pre-booked private transfer or the Airport Rail Link.
Check-in at Riverside Hotel
Choose a hotel along the Chao Phraya River for great views and easy boat access to major sights.
Benjakitti Park Stroll
Let the kids burn off some energy at this massive green space featuring elevated walkways and dedicated play areas.
Sukhumvit Dinner
Enjoy your first authentic Thai meal at a family-friendly restaurant in the Sukhumvit area, known for its diverse food options.
Day 2: Bangkok, Thailand - Royal Wonders
The Grand Palace
Explore the dazzling home of the Thai Kings. The flat grounds are relatively stroller-friendly, though some buildings have steps.
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Visit the massive gold-plated Buddha. It's a short walk from the Palace and features beautiful tiled stupas that kids love to explore.
Sea Life Ocean World
Escape the afternoon heat at Southeast Asia's largest aquarium located inside a modern shopping mall.
Siam Paragon Exploration
Browse the high-end shops or enjoy the world-class food court which offers many Western options for picky eaters.
Day 3: Bangkok, Thailand - Creative Kids
Children's Discovery Museum
A completely free, interactive museum near Chatuchak with outdoor water play areas and science exhibits.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
If it's the weekend, explore this iconic market. Stick to the main outer loops for easier stroller navigation.
Lumpini Park
Watch for the famous water monitor lizards and enjoy the shaded playground facilities.
Street Food Tour
Sample safe and delicious mango sticky rice and grilled chicken from reputable vendors in the Silom area.
Day 4: Bangkok, Thailand - River Life
Chao Phraya River Cruise
Hop on a public tourist boat to see the city from the water—a fun and breezy way to travel with children.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Marvel at the porcelain-encrusted spires of this iconic riverside temple across from Wat Pho.
IconSiam Mall
Visit the 'SookSiam' area on the ground floor, which recreates a traditional Thai floating market in air-conditioned comfort.
Asiatique The Riverfront
An open-air mall with a Ferris wheel and family-friendly dining options by the river.
Day 5: Kanchanaburi, Thailand - Nature & History
Travel to Kanchanaburi
Take a private car or a comfortable train ride to this historic province located west of Bangkok.
Bridge over the River Kwai
Walk across this world-famous landmark and learn about its significance in a child-appropriate way.
JEATH War Museum
A small, manageable museum that provides context to the area's history without being overly overwhelming.
Riverside Dining
Enjoy dinner at a floating restaurant while watching the sunset over the mountains.
Day 6: Kanchanaburi, Thailand - Waterfalls & Wildlife
Erawan National Park
Visit the 7-tiered waterfalls. The first two levels are easily accessible and perfect for kids to swim in clear turquoise water.
Picnic by the Falls
Enjoy a pre-packed lunch in the designated picnic areas surrounded by lush jungle scenery.
Bamboo Rafting
Experience a gentle float down the River Kwai on a traditional bamboo raft—safe and fun for all ages.
Night Market Visit
Explore the local Kanchanaburi night market for cheap eats and handmade souvenirs.
Day 7: Kanchanaburi, Thailand - Cultural Heritage
Mallika City
A living heritage village where you can dress in traditional Thai clothes and see life as it was in the early 1900s.
Safari Park Open Zoo
Take a bus tour through the enclosures to see giraffes, zebras, and lions up close.
Travel back to Bangkok
Return to the capital to prepare for your flight north the next morning.
Early Dinner & Rest
Keep it simple with dinner at the hotel to ensure everyone is well-rested for travel.
Day 8: Chiang Mai, Thailand - Northern Capital
Flight to Chiang Mai
A short 1-hour flight takes you to the cooler, more relaxed mountainous north of Thailand.
Old City Check-in
Stay within the moat of the Old City for easy walking access to temples and markets.
Three Kings Monument
A large open plaza perfect for kids to run around while you admire the historic statues.
Sunday Walking Street
If visiting on a Sunday, this is the ultimate market for local crafts, street food, and live music.
Day 9: Chiang Mai, Thailand - Gentle Giants
Elephant Nature Park
Visit an ethical sanctuary where you can observe rescued elephants roaming free without riding them.
Vegetarian Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a healthy, local lunch included with most sanctuary visits.
Return to Chiang Mai
Relax at the hotel or enjoy a gentle foot massage—a must-do in Chiang Mai.
Riverside Dinner
Dine along the Ping River for a cooler breeze and a different perspective of the city.
Day 10: Chiang Mai, Thailand - Mountain Views
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Take the cable car up to the temple to avoid the 306 stairs. The views over the city are spectacular.
Huay Keaw Waterfall
A small, easily accessible waterfall near the zoo that is popular with local families for picnics.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
A great evening activity for kids where you view nocturnal animals from a tram.
North Gate Jazz Co-op
Listen to some live music in a relaxed, open-air environment (early sets are family-friendly).
Day 11: Chiang Rai, Thailand - Artistic Temples
Drive to Chiang Rai
Hire a private driver for the day to visit the famous temples of the neighboring province.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
A modern architectural masterpiece that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
A stunning blue temple with intricate carvings that provide amazing photo opportunities.
Return to Chiang Mai
Enjoy the scenic drive back through the hills as the sun sets.
Day 12: Krabi, Thailand - Coastal Escape
Flight to Krabi
Fly south to the Andaman Coast, where dramatic limestone cliffs meet emerald waters.
Ao Nang Beach
Check into your resort and head straight to the beach for a shallow swim in the warm ocean.
Beachside Massage
Parents can take turns getting a massage while kids play in the sand nearby.
Ao Nang Night Market
A great spot for affordable seafood and local snacks in a lively atmosphere.
Day 13: Krabi, Thailand - Island Hopping
Hong Islands Boat Tour
Take a private longtail boat to these islands. The bay is very shallow and calm, making it ideal for toddlers.
Picnic on the Beach
Most boat tours provide a simple Thai lunch to enjoy under the shade of the trees.
Phra Nang Cave Beach
Visit the famous 'Princess Cave' and watch the rock climbers on the massive cliffs.
Sunset Dinner
Eat at one of the many restaurants lining the Ao Nang beachfront.
Day 14: Krabi, Thailand - Railay Exploration
Railay Beach West
Take a 10-minute longtail boat ride to Railay, a peninsula accessible only by water.
Diamond Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nai)
A well-lit walkway through a stunning limestone cave—cool and exciting for kids.
Swimming at Railay
The water here is crystal clear and generally very calm during the day.
Fire Show on the Beach
Watch a spectacular fire-spinning performance, a common and thrilling evening activity in Railay.
Day 15: Koh Lanta, Thailand - Island Slowdown
Ferry to Koh Lanta
Take a comfortable express boat or ferry to this tranquil island known for being extremely family-friendly.
Klong Dao Beach
Check into your resort on this beach; it’s famous for its shallow water that stays knee-deep for meters.
Beachcombing
Spend a quiet afternoon searching for shells and watching hermit crabs on the sand.
Quiet Family Dinner
Koh Lanta's restaurants are much quieter and more spread out than Krabi's, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Day 16: Koh Lanta, Thailand - Wildlife & Nature
Lanta Animal Welfare
A wonderful rescue center where kids can meet cats and dogs and learn about animal care.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Visit the southern tip of the island to see the iconic lighthouse and enjoy the jungle trails.
Monkey Spotting
Keep an eye out for macaques in the national park, but remember to keep a safe distance!
Lanta Old Town
Visit the charming wooden houses and shops on the eastern side of the island for dinner.
Day 17: Koh Lanta, Thailand - Ultimate Relaxation
Bamboo Bay (Ao Mai Pai)
Visit this more remote beach for a day of pure peace and quiet in a stunning cove.
Beach Hut Lunch
Eat fresh fruit and grilled fish at a simple beachside shack.
Pool Time
Head back to the resort for some afternoon swimming in the pool.
Farewell Island Feast
Celebrate your last night on the island with a seafood barbecue on the sand.
Day 18: Bangkok, Thailand - Last Minute Shopping
Fly back to Bangkok
Take a transfer to Krabi airport for your flight back to the capital city.
MBK Center
The go-to mall for electronics, souvenirs, and clothing at great prices.
Terminal 21 Food Court
Eat your way around the world in this travel-themed mall where each floor is a different city.
Relax at Hotel
Pack your bags and prepare for your international departure tomorrow.
Day 19: Bangkok, Thailand - Departure
Final Thai Breakfast
Savor one last bowl of Jok (congee) or some fresh tropical fruit before heading out.
Souvenir Run
Pick up some local Thai snacks or silk items at a nearby supermarket or boutique.
Transfer to Airport
Head to Suvarnabhumi Airport at least 3 hours before your flight.
Departure
Safe travels home after an epic family journey through Thailand!
Best Time to Visit Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and February. During these months, the weather is pleasant across most of the country, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing with children. The shoulder months of March to May can be very hot, while the rainy season from June to October brings frequent but often short-lived tropical downpours.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). While credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants, Thailand remains a cash-heavy society, especially in local markets and for street food. ATMs are plentiful but usually charge a fee for foreign cards. Tipping is not strictly required but is appreciated in tourist areas—rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 Baht for good service is common practice.
Getting Around Thailand
Intercity travel is best handled via domestic flights for long distances (like Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Krabi) to save time and keep kids comfortable. Within cities, the BTS Skytrain and MRT Underground in Bangkok are stroller-friendly and efficient. For a more traditional experience, short Tuk-Tuk rides are fun for kids, though private taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab are often more comfortable and offer fixed pricing.
