Bangkok, Thailand Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your Family Trip With Kids
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a seamless blend of ancient traditions and modern attractions.
From the glittering temples to the bustling street markets, this city offers a sensory overload that captivates visitors of all ages.
Our recent Bangkok trip was filled with unforgettable experiences, and we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you plan an amazing trip to the "City of Angels" with your little ones.
What You Need to Know BEFORE Going to Bangkok
Fast Facts
Language: Thai is the official language in Bangkok, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning simple phrases like "khop khun" (thank you) gave us a better experience, allowing us to interact with locals.
We like how Thai speakers add polite particles at the end of their sentences to show respect. The key difference is that males use kráp (ครับ) and females use ká (ค่ะ).
Examples:
“Hello” is "Sawasdee kráp (สวัสดีครับ)" for male and "Sawasdee ká (สวัสดีค่ะ)" for females
“Thank you” is "Khop khun kráp (ขอบคุณครับ)" for males and "Khop khun ká (ขอบคุณค่ะ)" for females
“Yes” is "Chai kráp (ใช่ครับ)" for males and "Chai ká (ใช่ค่ะ)" for females
When asking a question, women sometimes use "ká" (ka?) in a rising tone, while men always use "kráp" in a neutral tone.
What It's Known For: Bangkok is renowned for its ornate temples, bustling markets, and vibrant city life, where tradition and modernity collide in the most exciting way. From the golden spires of Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun to the grandeur of The Grand Palace, history and culture are woven into the city’s fabric. Its legendary street food— whether it’s sizzling pad Thai, spicy tom yum, or sweet mango sticky rice— fills every corner with bold flavours. Shopping destinations range from the vast Chatuchak Weekend Market to the luxurious Siam Paragon. Meanwhile, family-friendly activities include cruising the Chao Phraya River, relaxing in Lumphini Park, and exploring wildlife at Safari World Bangkok. As the night falls, floating markets, tuk-tuk rides, and the electric energy of Khao San Road bring the city to life. Whether by Skytrain or riverboat, or on foot, Bangkok’s rhythm sweeps you up and keeps you moving.
Local Currency: The Thai baht (THB) is the official currency in Bangkok. As of January 2025, 1 GBP ≈ 41.77 THB, 1 USD ≈ 34 THB, and 1 EUR ≈ 35.30 THB.
Local Cuisine: Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise, bursting with bold flavours and iconic dishes that had our family coming back for more. Gabes couldn’t get enough of pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles) and chicken satay (grilled meat skewers), while our toddler, Jere, absolutely loved mango sticky rice, a sweet and creamy treat that quickly became his favourite. From the spicy kick of tom yum goong (shrimp soup) to the comforting flavours of khao man gai (chicken rice), Bangkok’s street food scene has something for everyone, whether you’re an adventurous eater or looking for kid-friendly bites.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok
Peak Season (November to February)
We were in Bangkok in January, which offered ideal temperatures— between 26°C (79°F) and 32°C (90°F)— for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
It was hot during our visit, but the heat wasn’t unbearable.
If you're visiting in November, don't miss the Loy Krathong festival, a magical experience with floating lanterns on rivers and canals.
Off-Peak Season (March to October)
This period offers more affordable travel options and fewer crowds, but note that March through May sees temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).
The hottest months are perfect for water-based activities and indoor attractions, such as air-conditioned malls like Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM.
The rainy season between June and October comes with brief but intense rain showers.
Best Time for Specific Activities
New Year's Eve (December 31 - January 1): One of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations in Asia, featuring fireworks, rooftop parties, and countdown events at places like ICONSIAM, CentralWorld, and Asiatique The Riverfront.
Chinese New Year (January/February): Celebrated mainly in Yaowarat or Chinatown with dragon dances, lantern displays, and fireworks— a great time to experience Bangkok’s Chinese heritage.
Thailand Grand Festival (January - February): A cultural showcase with traditional dance, Muay Thai demonstrations, and Thai cuisine, often held at Lumphini Park.
Songkran or Thai New Year (April): Watch the city turn into a giant water fight during this festival, especially on Khao San Road and Silom Road— one of the most exciting times to visit Bangkok.
Thailand Grand Sale (April): Take advantage of great discounts across Bangkok.
Loy Krathong (November): Locals float krathongs (decorated lotus-shaped baskets) on the river to pay respects to the water goddess during this festival of lights. The best spots to witness this event include Wat Arun, Asiatique The Riverfront, and Chao Phraya River.
The King’s Birthday (December 5): A national holiday with ceremonies, parades, and candle-lit celebrations in honour of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Entry Requirements
As UK citizens visiting as tourists, we enjoyed a straightforward, visa-free entry to Thailand, allowing us to stay for up to 60 days.
The same visa-free entry policy applies to US citizens.
The visa exemption can be extended for up to 30 days at local immigration offices.
We only had to ensure our passports were valid for at least six months beyond our planned departure date.
We were also prepared to present the address where we're staying in Bangkok, and proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for our trip, should immigration officers request such documents.
Always check the latest entry requirements before your flight, as regulations may change.
Vaccinations & Immunisations
While no specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Bangkok, it's advisable to be up-to-date on routine immunisations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio.
Since we planned on trying street food, we got hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines as added protection against foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies vaccines may also be recommended, especially if you're planning long-term stays or visiting rural areas.
Consult a travel health professional for personalised recommendations at least four weeks before your trip.
Finally, it's best to have comprehensive travel insurance that can help you ease the financial burden in case of medical health emergencies or anything unexpected that could happen abroad.
Where to Stay
Bangkok offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodation options, particularly in the following areas:
Lower Sukhumvit: We stayed at Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok, located in this central neighbourhood. We appreciated the area's strategic position, providing easy access to shopping malls and the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain. We mostly used the BTS Skytrain to move around to avoid Bangkok's heavy traffic.
Riverside and Silom: Offers a perfect balance of tranquillity and excitement, surrounded by various family-friendly attractions and public transportation options.
Siam: Perfect for families who love shopping and entertainment.
Chatuchak: Provides quick access to Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok's largest weekend market.
Phaya Thai: Strategic neighbourhood with direct access to the Airport Rail Link, ensuring hassle-free arrivals and departures.
Find out more about why we chose to stay in Lower Sukhumvit during our trip by checking out our in-depth blog here.
What to Do
Safari World Bangkok: This sprawling wildlife park allows you to drive through animal habitats and enjoy thrilling shows, offering an immersive safari experience for everyone.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: One of Thailand's busiest floating markets, this colourful and bustling water market allows you to experience traditional local culture, sample local foods, and enjoy a boat ride through narrow canals.
Mae Klong Railway Market: Watch in awe as vendors swiftly fold up their stalls to make way for passing trains, providing an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for families with children.
Bangkok Tuk-Tuk Food Tour by Night: A fun-filled culinary journey through the city's streets, introducing you to delicious local cuisine.
ICONSIAM: A massive riverside complex with shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including a dedicated children's playground.
Chatuchak Weekend Market: This massive outdoor market lets you explore thousands of stalls selling everything— from souvenirs to street food, creating a lively shopping adventure.
Chao Phraya River: The lifeblood of Bangkok offers scenic boat rides that provide a unique perspective of the city's landmarks and a refreshing break from urban exploration.
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World: Southeast Asia's largest aquarium features over 30,000 marine creatures and interactive exhibits that captivate children's imaginations.
Dream World Bangkok: This whimsical amusement park has over 40 rides and attractions, including a snow park, perfect for a day of family fun and adventure.
Siam Amazing Park: Thailand's largest amusement park boasts thrilling rides, a massive water park, and family-friendly zones for endless entertainment.
Children's Discovery Museum: This free, interactive learning centre offers hands-on exhibits and outdoor play areas that spark curiosity and creativity in young minds.
Madame Tussauds Bangkok: Pose with lifelike figures of celebrities and historical icons, creating memorable photo opportunities, at this entertaining wax museum.
The Grand Palace: This stunning royal complex showcases Thai architecture and culture, offering a glimpse into Thailand's rich history and traditions.
Wat Pho: Home to the famous Reclining Buddha, this temple complex provides a fascinating cultural experience with its intricate artwork and peaceful atmosphere.
Chatuchak Park: A lush green oasis adjacent to the weekend market, this destination features playgrounds, lakes, and open spaces for you to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.
Asiatique The Riverfront: This vibrant open-air mall offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including a Ferris wheel with panoramic views of Bangkok.
WOW Park: Learning is fun and engaging for children at this interactive science museum featuring over 40 hands-on exhibits.
Learn more about these Bangkok attractions and activities by checking out our latest guide here.
Communication
Staying connected in Bangkok is easy with the following options:
Mobile Phone Data: We used eSIMs with unlimited mobile data plans from Holafly during our stay in Bangkok, so we were able to stay connected online 24/7. Alternative options include local SIM cards with generous mobile data plans from providers like AIS or True Move, which you can quickly purchase at the airport or convenience stores.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and shopping malls. However, ensure you protect your data when connecting to public WiFi networks. Using a VPN like NordVPN is highly recommended. If you need a reliable connection for the whole family, consider renting a portable WiFi device.
Stroller Accessibility
Bangkok can be challenging for strollers due to uneven sidewalks and crowded streets.
For easier mobility around Bangkok with our two kids, we relied heavily on a scooter for Jere and a carrier for Kay, our infant.
Many attractions and shopping malls are stroller-friendly, but consider bringing a lightweight, foldable stroller for easier navigation.
Getting Around Bangkok: Transportation Options
Ride-Hailing Services
Grab is the primary ride-hailing app in Bangkok, providing door-to-door convenience, options for larger vehicles to accommodate car seats or strollers, and cashless payment methods.
However, considering the very heavy traffic in Bangkok, the estimated travel times on the app are rarely, if not at all, accurate.
So, if you opt to use Grab, ensure you allow enough time for the ride to get to you and for you to reach your destination.
Taxis
Grab isn't always the best option, as it's usually not easy to book a ride, especially in populated areas like the airport or shopping malls.
Air-conditioned and metred taxis are abundant and relatively affordable, though most of them lack child seats.
We took a taxi from the airport, and we highly recommend it as it was very efficient.
After clearing immigration and claiming our baggage, we headed to the taxi counter on Level 1.
We got a ticket from a taxi queue machine and proceeded to the lane number indicated on our ticket.
Shortly after, we already got a ride, and the taxi driver was kind enough to assist us with our baggage.
For our taxi ride from the airport to our accommodation, we paid for the metred taxi fare, airport surcharge worth 50 THB (≈ 1.18 GBP), and expressway fees.
To avoid being overcharged, ensure you confirm an estimated price upfront and ask for a metred ride when hailing a taxi.
Public Transportation
Airport Rail Link: This system connects Thailand's main international airport to the heart of Bangkok, with children under 12 entitled to travel for free.
BTS Skytrain and Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT): The Skytrain and MRT are clean, efficient, and air-conditioned public transportation options with stations spread throughout the city. The BTS Skytrain runs on elevated tracks above ground with 62 stations, while the MRT operates primarily underground with 54 stations.
Tuk-tuks: Travelling short distances is fun and easy with these open-air rides, but always negotiate the tuk-tuk fare beforehand or get the rate upfront to avoid being overcharged.
Riverboats: Cruising along the Chao Phraya River is an excellent way to avoid traffic and an exciting way to explore the city. We took a riverboat from Sathorn to reach ICONSIAM, and the journey only lasted five minutes.
Car Rentals
Renting a car offers flexibility and convenience, but note that navigating the city's chaotic traffic can be challenging for visitors.
Private Car Services
Consider hiring a car with a driver for day trips or visiting multiple attractions.
We availed of a private car service for our day trip to the floating market and Mae Klong Railway Market.
The service we hired accommodated our request for two child seats, ensuring our kids' comfort for the two-hour journey each way.
What You Need to Know Upon ARRIVAL in Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary international gateway in Bangkok.
Facilities & Services
Arrivals: The expansive Arrivals Hall on Level 2 has clear signs in the English language, so we easily navigated the airport upon arrival. The immigration process can be time-consuming during peak hours, but you can take advantage of the separate queue for foreigners or the priority lane for families with young kids. The user-friendly taxi counters on Level 1 make it easy for you to book a ride to any point in Bangkok.
WiFi Access: You can use the free WiFi at the airport for up to an hour by connecting to the "AOT Airport Free Wi-Fi by NT" network.
Dining: Affordable Thai food awaits you at the Magic Food Point near Gate 8 on Level 1. For international fast-food chains and cafes, head to Level 3. Before heading to our accommodation, we decided to grab a bite. Anna loved the pork noodle soup she had, while Jere was delighted by a sandwich and a sip of fresh coconut juice.
Shopping: Duty-free shops and convenience stores are available for last-minute purchases and souvenirs.
Luggage Services: AIRPORTELs offers convenient luggage storage services starting at 2 THB (≈ 0.46 GBP) per hour. Luggage trolleys, efficient baggage claim, and delivery options to Bangkok accommodations are also available.
Family-Friendly Features
Play Areas: Keep children entertained with colourful toys and games.
Baby Care Rooms: These rooms are designed to make feeding and changing diapers or clothing easy for parents.
Stroller Rentals: Complimentary stroller rental service allows you to navigate with your little ones easily.
What You Need to Know DURING Your Stay in Bangkok
Shopping for Food
Supermarkets: Tops Market and Big C Supercenter offer a wide range of local and imported products.
Traditional Markets: Visit Or Tor Kor or Khlong Toei Market for fresh produce and local snacks.
Night Markets: Train Night Market Ratchada is great for street food and shopping.
Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven and Family Mart are abundant throughout Bangkok, so you can grab quick purchases and on-the-go essentials easily.
Tap Water vs Bottled Water
Tap water in Bangkok is treated to meet international standards, but may still pose risks due to ageing infrastructure and potential contamination during distribution.
We opted for bottled water for drinking and brushing our teeth to avoid traveller's diarrhoea and other common traveller's illnesses.
Conveniently, bottled water is widely available and affordable.
Eco-friendlier alternatives include bringing reusable water bottles and using water filtration systems.
Safety
Bangkok is generally safe for family travel, but we still exercised normal precautions as tourists, such as the following:
Be vigilant in crowded areas and keep valuables secure.
Use reputable transportation services, especially at night.
Watch out for common scams targeting tourists.
Cultural Sensitivity
As tourists, it's vital to observe the following as a show of respect for local culture and norms:
Dress modestly when visiting temples like Wat Arun, covering shoulders and knees.
Remove shoes before entering temples or homes.
Avoid touching anyone's head, as it's considered sacred in Thai culture.
Don't point with your feet, as it's considered disrespectful.
Encourage kids to greet locals with a gentle wai, an act of courtesy where you press your palms together with a slight bow.
Helpful Apps & Resources
We used the following apps to make our trip as hassle-free as possible:
Grab: This ride-hailing and food delivery service app offers a convenient and affordable way to get around and order food, with options for cashless payments.
Line: Similar to Whatsapp, Thailand's most popular messaging app is perfect for staying connected with local tour guides and accommodations.
Google Translate: This tool is helpful for communication and understanding menus.
AirVisual: This app is a must-have for staying informed about air quality in Bangkok, especially when planning outdoor activities.
Bangkok MRT: This official app for the metro system allows you to plan routes, track real-time arrivals, and get station information.
Eatigo: You can score great discounts at family-friendly restaurants across Bangkok using this app.
Foodpanda: This food delivery service provider features various restaurants, including kid-friendly options.
Bangkok Tourist Guide: An official app from the Tourist Authority of Thailand, this resource offers comprehensive information on attractions, events, and practical travel tips.
Wrapping Up
Visiting Bangkok offers an incredible array of experiences— from exploring ancient temples to enjoying modern attractions.
The warm hospitality of the Thai people, the delicious cuisine from local street stalls, and the vibrant energy of the Thai capital make it a truly remarkable destination in Southeast Asia.
We hope this guide helps you plan an exciting family adventure in the heart of Thailand. If you have questions about our trip, don't hesitate to reach out!
Have you visited Bangkok with your kids? Share your favourite experiences or Bangkok travel advice in the comments below!
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