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Thailand’s Top Family Resorts
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
From baby bathtubs and child-friendly dining to sprawling kids’ clubs and full-blown waterparks, these Thailand resorts make family holidays a breeze.
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 Thailand’s top family resorts.
Top Family Resorts in Phuket
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 enrol the little ones in a full-day ‘summer camp’ experience and treat yourself with a visit to the serene Tew Son Spa.
InterContinental Phuket Resort, an IHG Hotel
Set between jungle covered hills and the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea, InterContinental Phuket Resort, an IHG Hotel is the perfect setting for family fun in the sun. In the heart of the resort, you’ll find the lagoon pool, with a dedicated kids’ area for the littles ones to splash around. The resort’s kids’ club, Planet Trekker, offers a safe and engaging play space when it comes time for activities – the jam-packed program includes everything from face painting and hair braiding to zoo yoga (themed around animal poses) and movie nights. Nannying and babysitting services are available on request, should you wish to indulge in a wellness ritual at Sati Spa or romantic dinner on the golden sands of Kamala Beach.
Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa
Three waterslides (the highest set at 12m), a kiddie pool, outdoor playground and kids’ club make Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa an absolute haven for little ones. Family-friendly touches including shaded play areas and qualified lifeguards guarantee a carefree escape: laze by the lagoon pool and watch as the kids burn off energy between riding thrilling waterslides and chasing the resort’s penguin mascot, Guinlider. The swim-up Pool Side Restaurant – set beneath a massive stone tiki head – makes for a great place for a family selfie and a light snack, while Le Bayon boasts an open-air terrace with international buffet and a la carte options. For adventurous families, activities like deep sea fishing, cooking classes and scuba diving can be arranged on request.
Note: Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa is closed for renovations until 1 November 2024.
Top Family Resorts in Khao Lak
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.
Avani+ Khao Lak Resort
Five-star Avani+ Khao Lak Resort features an incredible line-up of amenities that’s perfect for families of all ages. Watch the eyes of your little ones light up when they spot the resort’s kaleidoscopic waterpark, complemented by an exciting kids’ club (with separate zones for ages one to four and five to 12). Teens are also well catered to with an onsite skatepark, rock climbing wall and arcade room. Make lasting memories with a local cooking class, bamboo rafting adventure or in-suite barbecue, or savour sea views and fresh seafood at The Beach House – a dedicated kids’ menu will ensure the little ones don’t go hungry.
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.
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.
Top Family Resorts in Koh Samui
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
There’s plenty for families to love at five-star Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. At Beach House, teens can challenge new friends to air hockey tournaments or try their hand at volleyball and coconut pétanque (a type of lawn bowls) on the golden sands. Little ones will find plenty to explore at The Tree House kids’ club, while quality time can be carved out with a family cooking class or matching mani-pedis at the kids’ spa. Mealtimes are made easy with children under five dining free and a considered kids’ menu available to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. For a romantic evening, make use of the resort’s babysitting service and savour a tasting flight at Rum Bar or feast on fresh seafood and prime cuts at oceanside grill Pla Pla.
Melia Koh Samui
For a laid-back family holiday surrounded by gentle waves and swaying palms, look no further than Melia Koh Samui. Adults will delight in the beachfront infinity pool, dreamy day spa and elegant dining outlets, while kids will adore the mini waterpark, abundant buffet breakfast and ‘loop’ swimming pool that traverses the entire resort. Drop the little ones at Kidsdom kids’ club (where a rotating line-up of daily activities will engage them for hours), and head to YHI Spa for a restorative wellness experience. Come together for a family yoga session, Muay Thai lesson or cooking class or share a beautiful beachside meal at The Breeza Beach Restaurant & Bar.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
Occupying the site of a former coconut plantation, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort is a lush beachfront sanctuary. Adventure seeking families can spend their days kayaking, wakeboarding and snorkelling (lessons are available on request), while little ones can enjoy activities like sandcastle building, treasure hunts and beach soccer thanks to Baan Ling Noi Kids’ Club. Family dining is made easy at Guilty, the resort’s South American restaurant – the signature Holy Guacamole, made tableside, is sure to be a talking point at show and tell. After dark, make use of the resort’s babysitting service and spend an evening at the glamorous Seen Beach Club Samui, with tropical cocktails and live DJs ensuring unforgettable nights by the sea.
Discover Thailand
Looking for more inspiration? Check out The Best Kids’ Clubs in Thailand.
Feature image: Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa
