3 nights in Bangkok with 3 kids (Part One) - My Top 10 Tips

Like many families who choose to travel to Asia on their holidays, we found ourselves flying into Bangkok as a gateway to Asia. But rather than fly straight onto our final destination, Koh Samui, we decided it was all part of the adventure to spend a few days exploring the city with our kids.

I must admit, I was a little apprehensive, I have visited Bangkok many times over the years, but never with kids. I know a lot of people are not keen on Bangkok for various reasons, but personally I love it. It’s energetic, full of life, with lush green parks, fantastic shopping, roof top bars and the biggest and most spectacular temples in Asia including the Grand Palace. We weren’t sure what the kids would make of it though – at ages 6, 9 and 11 - it’s their first time in Asia and Bangkok is certainly a baptism of fire!

I needn’t have worried, the kids absolutely loved their Bangkok experience. I would say, however, that their experience wasn’t an accident, it’s worth spending a bit of time considering your itinerary, hotel and restaurants choices when you have kids en towe and also adhering to a few little tips. Here’s my top 10 tips for visiting Bangkok with kids

1. TOUR OR NOT TO TOUR?

Consider what type of child you have when deciding your itinerary. If they don’t mind culture, then by all means organise a guided tour around The Grand Palace, but if like mine, they get bored easily, consider doing your own self-guided visit round the main cultural sites so you can go round in your own time.

2. HOTEL WITH A POOL

My kids loved the knowledge that after a morning of sightseeing, they had the afternoon to enjoy at the hotel cooling down in the pool.

3. RIDE IN A TUK TUK

My kids loved nothing better than zooming around Bangkok in a Tuk Tuk. It was a totally unique experience for them.

4. AVOID KHO SAN ROAD, PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT

We ventured there one evening (mainly to reminisce about our own backpacking days), but it's changed a lot over the years with every bar playing ear splittingly loud music and cannabis shops (cannabis has been legalised recently in Thailand) around every corner. It’s not a kid friendly place.

5. CHECK THE CHILD POLICY FOR ROOF TOP BARS/RESTAURANTS

Bangkok is famous for its roof top bars so it would be a shame not to visit one when in Bangkok, especially at sunset. But check the child policy before you go as some have strict child policies. Family friendly roof top bars and restaurants include SEEN and YAO.

6. CONSIDER A RIVERSIDE HOTEL

Bangkok can be intense so we enjoyed the location of our hotel, Shangri-La Bangkok, by the Chao Phraya river. It was easy to get everywhere as it was close to transport links, but slightly out of the centre of the city.

7. BOOK A TABLE TO SEE WAT ARUN AT SUNSET

We didn’t get to do this as it was cloudy in Bangkok for most days during our stay, but I have heard that watching the vibrant colours change on Wat Arun at sunset is amazing. Book yourself a table for dinner or drinks on the opposite river bank at a restaurant like Supanniga Eating Room, The Deck or The Arun.

8. DON’T BE FOOLED

Don’t be fooled by locals telling you the cultural sights like The Grand Place are closed for a religious ceremony. They aren’t, it’s a scam to get you to ride in their tuk tuk.

9. A FUSSY EATER?

Bangkok has been on the tourist trail for a long time, plus it’s a big international city so there are many restaurants serving western fare. Most hotels have some western dishes on the menus so if you have fussy kids like mine you can usually find something on the menu to satisfy their tastes. My kids also enjoyed eating noodles and chicken satay. My suggestions for western restaurants are Roadhouse Barbecue or Happy Fish.

10. VISIT A FLOATING MARKET

Although they are undoubtedly a bit commercial, my kids loved the experience of travelling in a long tail boat around the market. We gave them each the chance to purchase one item and try out their haggling skills.

Ok, that concludes by TOP 10 TIPS to negotiating Bangkok with kids. I have been asked a lot about how we found visiting Bangkok with kids. It is definitely something people are nervous about doing and keen to have some tips. It seems there is still an appetite for adventure that does not diminish the moment you have kids and nor should it. It’s just about making some adjustments to your trip to accommodate your kids, after all we all know that happy kids = happy parents = happy holidays!

If you are interested in having you own Thai Family Adventure, get in touch by DM, Whatsapp, e-mail at johanna.cumbers@travelcounsellors.com or by calling 01277 790 056 and I would love to discuss how I can help you have the most amazing family trip to Asia.