Summary
Bold, vibrant, and dynamic, Bangkok is renowned for its splendid temples, captivating markets, exceptional cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. However, is Thailand’s largest city indeed appropriate for families? Our answer is affirmative.
By organizing your itinerary thoughtfully and maintaining realistic expectations about daily activities, Bangkok presents numerous adventurous opportunities that will leave lasting memories for younger travelers. Even a simple journey across the city can become an enjoyable family experience when utilizing a tuktuk or a river boat.
The fundamental guideline for maximizing your family experience in Bangkok is to select accommodations with a pool. This facility allows for a refreshing retreat when the tropical sun becomes overwhelming. Whether your interests lie in ornate temples, amusement parks, or educational museums, our comprehensive guide highlights the most engaging activities to experience in Bangkok with children.
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Is Bangkok good for kids?
Bangkok’s historical landmarks are presented in a captivating assortment of colors, featuring oversized statues and twinkling lights that imbue each day with a festive air. The cityscape is replete with family-friendly museums and amusement parks, while tuktuks, river ferries, and taxis transform getting around into a delightful adventure.
There are numerous indoor playgrounds available for children as well. However, family discount cards are surprisingly scarce, although Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World offer a combined admission ticket, providing approximately a 35% discount when purchased in advance online.
Furthermore, Bangkok is home to several international supermarkets, making it easy to locate diapers, formula, and familiar food items. The city also boasts an abundance of shopping opportunities should you require additional clothing or supplies.
To cope with the heat, explore the many air-conditioned shopping malls, with Central Chidlom on Th Phloen Chit boasting an entire floor dedicated to children. Mall restrooms are equipped with toilet paper, hand soap, and baby-changing facilities.
The best things to do in Bangkok with kids
Using air-conditioned malls and hotel pools, it’s simple to beat the tropical heat in Bangkok. Additionally, there are fantastic water parks to enjoy when temperatures rise. Beyond the local parks, consider a day trip to Ramayana Water Park, reachable by a two-hour bus ride to Pattaya which also allows for a day at the beach.
For an unparalleled water adventure, the Buddhist festival of Songkran features a grand city-wide water fight that occurs every year on April 13th. This lively event can offer a splendid cultural experience for children.
Here are some top attractions in Bangkok for families:
See mythical giants at Wat Arun
Of Bangkok’s many splendid wat (monasteries), Wat Arun is particularly appealing for families due to its picturesque riverside location, gardens populated by statues, lofty prang (spires), and the imposing guardian demon statues at its gateways.
This shrine is conveniently accessible by river via the Chao Phraya Express Boat, along with a small shuttle ferry that crosses from Tha Tien pier.
Marvel at the giant reclining Buddha inside Wat Pho
As Bangkok’s most renowned temple, it functions as a bustling teaching monastery and the spiritual center for Thai massage. The site features a whimsical collection of mosaic-covered stupas, prayer halls, statues, and extraordinary effigies of deities and historic European visitors to Bangkok.
Children will be fascinated by the impressive reclining Buddha, one of the largest globally, and the opportunity to offer small coins and gold leaf at Buddha statues.
Ride the Chao Phraya Express Boat
As temperatures rise, retreat to the river. The jump-on, jump-off Chao Phraya Express Boat conducts a quick tour along the riverbank, passing close to Banglamphu, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, and Chinatown. Here, young adventurers can enjoy shopping for colorful Confucian charms and battery-powered beckoning cats, making the most out of their baht. Care should be taken when boarding and disembarking, as ferries make brief stops at piers.
Other worthwhile water excursions include klorng boats that navigate Bangkok’s canals —for instance, from Banglamphu to Siam Square and Th Sukhumvit— along with long-tail boat tours (though these can be somewhat costly).
Dig up dinos at the Children’s Discovery Museum
Learning experiences are cleverly disguised as fun activities at this interactive museum, where exhibits cover subjects from construction to culture. Children will be particularly drawn to the Dino Detective Zone, where they can dig in the sand to uncover and assemble dinosaur bones.
See all of Thailand in one spot at the Ancient City (Muang Boran)
Located just outside the city and a short 10-minute taxi ride from the Kheha BTS station on the Sukhumvit Line, this open-air museum recreates Thailand’s most iconic monuments.
These attractions are connected by bicycle paths through serene, uncrowded grounds. Though the Ancient City is somewhat distant from the center, children will treasure it as a day trip.
Learn more about Thai culture at the Museum of Siam
This engaging museum provides youngsters with an informative and interactive introduction to Thai history and culture.
The collection features various media, including an Ayutthaya-era battle game, a room filled with traditional Thai toys, and a street vending cart where visitors can pose for a photograph while pretending to cook a pan of pad thai (fried noodles). This establishment typically holds children’s attention for over an hour, while adults may linger longer.
Catch your breath at Lumphini Park
Located centrally, Bangkok’s largest and most favored park was once a royal reserve, but was declared open to the public by Rama VI (King Vajiravudh) in 1925. Today, the park features an artificial lake surrounded by expansive lawns, wooded areas, trails, and impressively large resident monitor lizards.
For younger children, there are paddleboats and playgrounds available. Refreshing drinks can be obtained from park entrances, and street-food vendors typically set up tables outside the park’s northwest corner beginning at around 5pm.
Encounter some Thai (and world) heroes at Madame Tussauds
The Siam Discovery shopping center hosts a branch of this renowned international wax museum, showcasing nearly 100 celebrity figures for your children to pose with for photos. The collection features figures from Hollywood and Bollywood, musical icons, and sports legends, along with world leaders and other notable figures.
Ride and splash at Siam Amazing Park
Home to over 30 amusement rides, Siam Amazing Park (also referred to as Siam Park City) provides the most exciting amusement park experience for children.
Besides thrilling rides, it features Bangkok’s top water park and boasts one of the largest wave pools globally, making it the ideal location for your children during hot weather. The park can be reached in about 20 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, situated on the city’s eastern outskirts—plan to dedicate an entire day to this attraction.
Maximize the fun at Dream World
Snow? In Bangkok? Only at Dream World. This extensive amusement park, located north of the city, features a variety of vividly colored thrill rides, haunted houses, castles, space exploration experiences, and a snow room for sledding. It offers entertainment for both parents and children alike. Given its location at the northern city limits, consider it a day trip.
Fly a kite in Sanam Luang Park
If visiting Bangkok during kite-flying season (mid-February to April), take your children to Sanam Luang Park to purchase a kite and let it flutter over temple rooftops.
This location also hosts kite-flying contests, where teams compete with either a “male” or “female” kite, earning points for compelling a competitor to enter their designated territory.
Haggle for any and everything at Chatuchak Weekend Market
With over 9000 stalls offering items from chopsticks to artificial flowers, Chatuchak Weekend Market represents a unique encounter for both children and adults.
Key attractions for children include the fish and pet section, along with stalls selling miniature ceramic food models used as offerings at home shrines. Nevertheless, exercise caution; the crowds in Bangkok’s largest bazaar may overwhelm even the most resilient child.
Cool down at CentralWorld ice rink
Comprising eight floors, over 500 shops, and 100 dining establishments, CentralWorld is among Southeast Asia’s largest shopping centers—ample space to accommodate an indoor ice rink.
On hot days, you will find children—and indeed entire families—seeking respite here, with various dining and snacking options available in proximity.
Dive into the backpacker fun on Khao San Road
A stroll through the lively streets of Th Khao San (Khao San Road) to explore the market stalls is almost essential for all visitors to Bangkok, regardless of age.
For children, this area presents a great opportunity to spend a little pocket money on unique souvenirs and sample satay skewers or a plate of pad thai while on the go.
Enjoy a lot of history for not many baht at the National Museum
Children receive complimentary entry at the National Museum, which features numerous exhibits suitable for young explorers aged over ten.
The displays include weapons, decorative arts, masks, traditional musical instruments, and embellished funeral chariots of previous royalty, captivating their interest. However, it’s advisable not to expect them to stay engaged for an entire day. The on-site café offers affordable Thai snacks and meals.
Enter a tiny world at the Bangkok Doll Factory & Museum
This somewhat obscure museum showcases a colorful variety of traditional Thai dolls, both modern and historic. As new dolls are continuously added, it can serve as an exciting diversion for children during rainy days. Nevertheless, it may be necessary to have your cab driver ask for directions.
Haggle for Buddhist objects at the Amulet Market
The amulet market on Th Phra Chan presents an excellent opportunity for children to negotiate for affordable mini-Buddhas and charms as souvenirs to take home.
The locals are quite serious about amulet trading, and you’re likely to observe enthusiasts studying stalls with reference books in search of truly valuable items.
Meet the sharks at SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
This extensive underground aquarium, located within the Siam Paragon shopping center, is home to more than 400 species of fish, crustaceans, and even penguins. Highlights include a transparent tunnel where sharks and schools of fish swim past curious children and a glass-sided penguin enclosure.
Feed the fish at Thewet Pier
Children can enjoy a fun, low-cost experience at Thewet Pier, joining novice monks and local children in throwing food—purchased on the pier—to thousands of flapping fish. If timed correctly, the water can become a swirling mass of scales and tails.
Where should I stay in Bangkok with kids?
For accommodation, the Ratanakosin area and its surroundings are ideal. Khao San Road in Banglamphu is the hub for backpackers, yet it may be too noisy for families.
There are family-friendly hotels and guest houses on adjacent streets and along the riverside, conveniently located within walking distance of many attractions, including the river for boat and river taxi rides.
Areas like Silom and Th Sukhumvit offer a range of comfortable mid-range hotels, but both areas are urban and may involve a longer taxi ride to reach the historic district. Banglamphu and the riverside present a more laid-back and pedestrian-friendly environment.
Whenever possible, choose accommodations with on-site pools and restaurants, as well as sufficient air conditioning to ensure comfort when avoiding the heat. Notable recommendations include Chakrabongse Villas near the Grand Palace, Lamphu Tree House by the Democracy Monument in Banglamphu, and the delightful boutique Praya Palazzo on the river’s west bank at Bang Yi Khan.
Getting around Bangkok with kids
Navigating Bangkok with infants or toddlers can present challenges due to the prevalence of stairs and uneven pavements. Elevators are available at all BTS (Skytrain) stations and at most major MRT (Metro) stations with adequate space for strollers.
Inexpensive taxis provide a refreshing escape with cool air conditioning; however, given the congested traffic, it is advisable to restrict rides to short distances to avoid repetitive inquiries of “Are we there yet?” Keep in mind that taxis do not provide car seats, so it is necessary to bring your own.
Every child will relish a ride on a tuktuk (autorickshaw), but the open sides expose passengers to traffic fumes; therefore, limiting rides to early mornings or late afternoons when traffic is reduced is recommended. The Chao Phraya Express Boat serves as an excellent means to explore the river, while long-tail river taxis also cover many areas of the city but at a higher cost.
With the intense heat prevalent throughout most of the year, extensive walking is generally not advisable, especially with children in tow. If walking is necessary, bring an umbrella for shade and carry portable battery-operated fans. Due to the condition of the pavements, a sling for carrying infants may be a more practical option than a stroller.
What to eat with kids in Bangkok
Bangkok presents a surprisingly accommodating environment for feeding children once you become familiar with the local cuisine. Not every dish carries a spicy flavor, and the city’s impressive street food does not have to be avoided if you steer clear of raw ingredients and favor bustling stalls where you can witness freshly prepared meals.
Options such as fried rice, mild Thai-Chinese soups, Chinese bao buns, congee (rice porridge), pad thai (stir-fried noodles), and freshly barbecued skewers of chicken satay and moo ping (pork with coconut milk) are all advisable. Bangkok’s splendid variety of tropical fruits can keep children both amazed and occupied for hours (the initial experience with a rambutan is sure to be memorable).
Western-style fast food outlets are readily available throughout the prominent shopping districts, with most large malls housing Asian and international dining options (frequently equipped with high chairs) to help ease your children into local cuisine within a calmer setting.
This article was first published on June 9, 2021, and was updated on November 24, 2023.
