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Thailand is a natural choice for a family getaway. Whether you like to get to the heart of a destination or prefer to rest and play by the beach, Thailand offers an incredible selection of family-friendly resorts that will help forge a lifetime of family memories.
Read on for our pick of family resorts in Thailand.
Top family resorts in Phuket
Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa
This boutique resort successfully marries luxury with approachability for families. Dubbed the ‘Hamptons of Phuket’, it’s sat on the pristine, white-sand Natai Beach, close to six world-class golf courses and the famous Phang Nga Bay, with something for everyone. All accommodation options are generously sized, no more so than the four-bedroom villas, ideal for group getaways. The Explorers’ Club for kids is on-hand for children aged from four to 10 years old, with staff teaching activities from Muay Thai to yoga, finger painting and clay modelling.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
A sanctuary on the soft sands of Kata Noi Beach, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is a playground for families. With six sparkling outdoor pools – including four kids’ pools, an aqua play area and mini water slide – plus an action-packed kids’ club, the entire family is guaranteed endless fun in the sun. Pick and choose from a rotation of daily activities, including Batik painting and mocktail making or enroll the little ones in a full-day ‘summer camp’ experience and treat yourself with a visit to the serene Tew Son Spa.
The Pavilions Phuket
This resort’s roomy suites and villas (which go right up to a four-bedroom option, sleeping eight) provide plenty of space for families. Its hilltop position, on one of Phuket’s highest points, means views across the coastline and surrounding jungle are pretty special. Opt for a private pool for splashy fun straight out of bed in the morning, or congregate around the lagoon-style resort pool surrounded by tropical gardens. When it’s time to eat, head to the poolside Firefly Restaurant, which serves up dishes from the woodfire grill, Italian ALTO, or even have a chef cook up a barbecue in your own villa.
Top family resorts in Hua Hin
Avani+ Hua Hin
A picturesque patchwork of pools, lakes and gardens, the Avani+ Hua Hin estate is a sun-kissed playground for all ages. All of the resort’s villas come with a private pool as standard, with the two-bedroom versions offering plenty of space for families. Food is sourced from local farmers, fishermen and suppliers wherever possible, with flavours to suit every taste, from Thai and Indian to Western. The AvaniKids program welcomes children from four to 12 years old for holiday fun, with childminding services available.
Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin
If you’re looking for coastal relaxation, Thai culture and fantastic food away from the crowds and party scene, Hua Hin, around a 2.5-hour drive down the coast from Bangkok, should be on your list. Mövenpick resorts are always a safe bet for families, and the brand’s Hua Hin resort, set in tropical gardens beside a pristine beachfront, is no exception. Here, you can expect ALL the sweet treats (Mövenpick resorts are famed for their daily ‘chocolate hour’), dining to please every taste, and something to keep all ages happy, from an oceanfront pool to the Asara Spa.
Veranda Resort & Villas Hua Hin – Cha Am
This resort offers some really fun accommodation options for families: think a suite with bunk beds and an indoor jacuzzi, or one that even has a slide into its private pool. Its beachfront location is perfect for catching the sunrise, and is blissfully serene, while only a stone’s throw from everything Hua Hin has to offer. Kids will absolutely love the pool area, which has a manmade beach, water slide, sand pit and bubble jets to entertain them all day. Plus, the kids’ club is on hand while parents enjoy a treatment at Veranda Spa or a tropical drink at the beach bar.
Top family resorts in Koh Samui
InterContinental Koh Samui
Another gem that brings luxury together with family seamlessly is InterContinental Koh Samui. Tucked away from the busy tourist spots in Taling Ngam Bay, surrounded by azure waters and jungle-covered islets, this beachside resort offers something for everyone with six pools (including a dedicated kids’ pool), the award-winning Baan Thai Spa, and dining that ranges from flame-grilled seafood and steak at Flames to beachside barbecues. The kids’ club, Planet Trekkers, keeps kids aged from four to 12 years entertained with games and Thai-inspired crafts, plus there are nanny and babysitting services available.
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort
For smaller families, this boutique resort offers tranquillity between Chaweng and Lamai beach, away from the thrum of Koh Samui’s centre. Set in the cliffs overlooking the ocean, each of its villas offers a private pool. A program of daily kids’ activities covers everything from yoga and Muay Thai to arts and crafts, while special cooking lessons for children will see them decorating cupcakes or baking cookies.
While the kids are entertained, grown-ups can enjoy fitness classes, snorkelling and spa treatments. Dining should tick the box for everyone, from laidback bites by the pool to the signature Thai restaurant with a view, while room service and private barbecues prepared in your villa are a saviour after busy days.
OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort
Along the shores of Lamai Beach is OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort, a five-star oasis with idyllic surroundings, elegant colonial-style rooms and an away-from-it-all, barefoot luxury atmosphere. Beachfront pools, Thai boxing classes, water sports and thrilling slides are available for older kids who don’t know the meaning of “slow down”, while The Coral Kids Club provides little ones with activities like fan painting, puppet making, henna tattoo art and bracelet crafting. The whole crew can get behind the Edgewater Family Beach Club – complete with live music and an irresistible ice cream bar – and the newly opened, world-class indoor laser tag venue.
Top family resorts in Khao Lak
Pullman Khao Lak Resort
Set on the golden sands of Bang Muang Beach, Pullman Khao Lak Resort offers five-star luxury for the whole family. The kids’ club comes complete with a waterpark, rock climbing wall, cinema room and rotating schedule of activities; adults can stay for activities like face painting and pizza-making classes or drop the little ones off and head to Rosalyn Spa for the pampering they deserve.
Sprawling family suites ensure plenty of room to relax, and direct access to the resort pool only sweetens the deal. Order from the a la carte kids’ menu at Plai Dining Room or make use of the resort’s babysitting service and enjoy a seaside dinner for two at Kram Beach Club.
The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
Beachfront The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani is jam-packed with family-friendly fun, from an onsite waterpark with slides, splash tunnels and lazy river to the Sands Castle Kids’ Club, featuring a ball house, games arcade and superhero corner. Leave the kids to a movie night or kite-making class while you enjoy a dip in the tranquil adults-only pool or a rejuvenating massage at The Spa. Additional features include a dedicated kids’ menu and marine-themed family rooms – opt for a room in the resort’s Aqua Wing for direct waterpark access.
Devasom Khao Lak
Set between a natural lagoon and Khao Lak’s sunset beach, Devasom Khao Lak is a tropical haven where all ages will find enjoyment and relaxation. The resort’s two-bedroom villas are ideal for family groups, and come with their own jetted pools. A dedicated kids’ pool and kids’ club guarantee fun for little ones, while there’s also a private beach, two-tier saltwater pool with spa jets, a spa, authentic Thai dining and a grill restaurant that sits right on the sands.
Top family resorts in Bangkok
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort makes quality family time easy, thanks to a wealth of services, tours and activities. Start your day with buffet breakfast at The Market – prepare to see the kids’ eyes light up as they spot the multiple live cooking stations. Learn to master ancient arts, including yoga and tai chi or recreate your favourite local recipes in a family cooking class. If me-time is in order, drop the kids at Chang Noi Kids’ Club, where they’ll be under the watchful eye of specially trained staff, or take advantage of the resort’s babysitting service and embark on a romantic Manohra river cruise.
Rosewood Bangkok
A five-star oasis in the heart of the Thai capital, Rosewood Bangkok offers all the very best of Thai hospitality. Young families can pack light for their stay as the hotel’s Rose Buds program provides thoughtful amenities including cots, linen, baby bathtubs, in-room bottle warmers and adorable child-sized robes.
Children aged four through nine can participate in the engaging Rosewood Explorers program, while teens can enjoy Muay Thai classes and ‘spa-cations’ featuring DIY face masks and foot soaks. While the kids are well looked after, visit Sense Spa for a blissful treatment or unwind with a cocktail at speakeasy and vinyl bar Lennon’s.
Feature image: Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa
