Thailand is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia that’s home to about 70 million people. At about 198,000 square miles, Thailand is roughly the size of Texas.
Do you love exploring other cultures and ways of life? Do you love taking your kids on exotic vacations? You’ll love Thailand!
If you’re up for a family vacation far from home, there are lots of places to visit in Thailand. Check out these 5 great family-friendly places to go.
1. The Grand Palace in Bangkok
The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Immerse your family in Thai culture and history here.
Young children delight in the golden spires and colorful architecture of the palace. The gardens and murals are also impressive.
Wander inside to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. Make sure your children are reverent upon entering into the presence of the Buddha.
Remember that these are sacred sites and dress with respect. No exposed skin above the knee or exposed shoulders.
About the Grand Palace in Bangkok
Since the reign of the Chakri Dynasty’s first monarch, King Rama I, also known as Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, during the 18th century, the Grand Palace in the middle of Bangkok has served as a royal residence for members of the Chakri Dynasty. King Rama the 1st was also known as Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke. The Grand Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand due to its expansive size and stunning architecture in the traditional style of Thailand. It also covers more than 200,000 square meters.
Brief History of The Grand Palace
King Rama the First ruled from 1782 until 1809, during which time he relocated the capital from Thonburi to its present-day location and constructed the Grand Palace to serve as his residence and administrative center. The construction of the palace began in 1782, but it underwent continuous expansion throughout the reigns of succeeding monarchs, most notably during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. By the year 1925, both the royal family and the government had moved out of the Grand Palace; this trend continued even after the monarchy was abolished in 1932.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok Today
A trip to the Grand Palace can easily take several hours because it is not just one building but rather a collection of structures that include government offices, monasteries, and a museum. As you enter the palace complex which was formerly designed to house government departments and now consists of the famous Chapel of the Emerald Buddha. The chapel is a must-see attraction together with the Museum of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contains many artifacts relating to Wat Phra Keo. Upon entering the palace complex, one is in the outer court, which once housed government departments and now contains the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha.
The remaining portion of the structure is comprised of the inner courts and the outer courts, some of which are inaccessible to the general public. However, the audience hall in the Dusit Maha Prasat throne, which is one of the buildings in the complex that has been altered the least, features a mother-of-pearl throne that was crafted by King Rama the First. The hall is open on weekdays.
The Amarin Winichai Mahaisun Audience hall is open to visitors and tourists during weekdays. All significant government affairs are conducted within the Phra Maha Monthien complex of buildings, which is a part of the Grand Palace. If you are interested in learning about the history of the Grand Palace and want to make sure that you adhere to the strict modest dress code, it may be beneficial to hire a guide in advance.
2. Temple of the Reclining Buddha
The giant reclining Buddha in this temple is covered in gold leaf. There are 108 bronze bowls lining the temple walls.
Thais believe placing a coin in each bowl brings good luck. Buy coins at the entrance and let the kids put them in the bowls. The kids love this part!
About the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
There are a total of three names that can be used to refer to Wat Pho. These names are Wat Pho, Wat Phra Chetun, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is located to the south of the Grand Palace, which was constructed in the year 1782. Wat Phodharam, the previous occupant of the building that now serves as the temple, once stood here. As one of the first public universities in Thailand, locals came here to study and practice traditional medicine, as well as traditional Thai massage.
Brief History of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
The temple was constructed during Rama the 1st’s rule. When the monarch decided he wished to expand Wat Pho, more building work was done in 1788. The ordination hall is where you can find the ashes of King Rama the 1st. The temple’s design is largely in the Ayutthaya style.
The 1848-built Reclining Buddha is one of the temple grounds’ most notable treasures. This Buddha was and continues to be the largest in Thailand. The temple contains gilded exteriors, marble interiors, and Buddha statues in addition to a Bodhi tree that is thought to have sprung from a piece of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
3. Ancient Siam
Outside the city is Ancient Siam. Get there via a private taxi.
Here you’ll explore over 100 replicas of Thailand’s architectural sites and monuments in only a few hours. The kids have plenty of space to run around and have fun here.
Explore Siam via bike, guided-tour tram, or golf cart. Young kids love the golf-cart option while older kids are great on the bikes. Get here early in the morning so you’re not in the sun all day.
Bring plenty of sunscreen and water.
About the Ancient Siam
The privately-owned museum park known as Ancient Siam, or Muang Boran in Thailand, is said to be the largest outdoor museum in the world, spanning 200 acres. Ancient Siam, which is shaped like Thailand, is virtually a complete recreation of the nation, with small replicas and reconstructions of the majority of its significant sites in the appropriate places.
While Ancient Siam does feature some actual artifacts, the attractiveness of this little-known site lies more in its overview of Thai history and the care used in replicating national treasures than in the authenticity of the artifacts themselves. Although not a true historical site in the classic sense, Ancient Siam is a wonderful place to learn about Thailand’s past in a relaxing, peaceful environment.
History of Ancient Siam
Millionaire and businessman Lek Viriyaphant at the time was motivated to create the ancient city of Siam by his interest in arts. His first idea was to build a golf course in the shape of Thailand, complete with scale replicas of historic locations. Lek changed his concept such that the emphasis of Ancient Siam was education after learning from his investigation that many old sites had been let to deteriorate. Therefore, from prehistoric times to the Ancient Khmer and Dvaravati, the Ancient city of Siam chronologically illustrates key architectural styles from Thailand’s various eras.
4. Asiatique the Riverfront
In this modern night market, as in Thailand in general, there are so many things to do. In the market, you’ll find Thailand’s largest Ferris Wheel which is great fun for the kids. Ride the Ferris wheel for the best view of Bangkok.
There are dozens of restaurants and over 1,500 boutiques as well as a Thai puppet show. The market opens at 5 pm and stays open until midnight.
About the Asiatique the Riverfront
Asiatique has put in a lot of effort to establish itself as a more engaging and unique destination in a city with several malls that are virtually identical to one another. This new complex promotes itself as a festival market, as well as a living museum. At least a portion of Bangkok’s rich maritime and commercial past has been the subject of some consideration and effort on their part. You would have to battle the traffic along Charoenkrung Road and make your way downstream from Saphan Taksin to arrive at Asiatique by boat. Asiatique is set on a large expanse of riverside land.
Brief History of Asiatique the Riverfront
Siam was the name of Thailand before 1939. To advance economic ties between the monarchy and the rest of the globe, Denmark and other countries started building the East Asian port. The kingdom of Siam and its European trading partners frequently used this port when construction was finished. As was the case more frequently in history, the port lost some of its significance with time, which also reduced the significance of the surrounding area, especially the warehouses. After the area had deteriorated for years, the current landowner came up with the idea that it should be changed into a location for cultural events that include markets and indoor shops.
5. Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary
Elephants are Thailand’s national symbol. Only a couple of hours from Bangkok is the Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary. Money spent here goes to the good cause of protecting the elephants.
You’ll feed, bathe, and play with the elephants while learning about this majestic animal. The kids will have a blast!
About the Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary
Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary is the most well-known tourist attraction in Pattaya, which is located in East Thailand. The sanctuary offers a haven for rehabilitated elephants.
Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary Today
The elephants who are now being cared for at the Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary were previously subjected to a great deal of suffering throughout their lives. They were either made to appear in performances and be employed for activities such as elephant riding, or they were taken out onto the streets to beg for food.
Only an ethical elephant experience with significant care for the animal’s welfare is capable of providing a truly wholesome, immersive encounter with Thailand’s renowned gentle giants. Because visitors may engage with the elephants in their natural environment and learn about their lives, a half-day journey to Pattaya’s well-known Elephant Jungle Sanctuary has grown in popularity.
Many Places to Visit in Thailand
These are a few of the many places to visit in Thailand. Fly straight into Bangkok ad enjoy these family-friendly spots.
Start at the Grand Temple and make your way to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. A visit out to Ancient Siam will keep the kids busy exploring. Top off the day at Asiatique the Riverfront.
Round out your family trip at the elephant sanctuary in Pattaya. You’ll love taking the whole family to the friendly country of Thailand.
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