In tourist Thailand, everything you need for a comfortable vacation with a child is available: from jarred baby food to nannies and water parks.
Wintering in Thailand is no longer an unattainable dream but a reality for many Russian families. Everyone is looking forward to the trip, even the little ones. Warm sea, white sand, mountains of fruit, and hot sun instead of slush and darkness—what could be better for a child's health? However, many parents are seriously concerned about how their vacation in Thailand with children will go. Should they stock up on food and diapers for the entire trip, how to entertain their beloved child, and which resort is the best to choose?
Many believe the kingdom is not the best place for a vacation with kids, citing transvestites, discos, drugs, and unsanitary conditions. However, all of this is far from present at every resort. If you're not looking for adventure, you likely won't encounter any in Thailand.
Most major cities have a well-developed infrastructure, offering popular baby food brands, diapers, good hospitals, pharmacies, clean beaches, hot water, and other amenities.
The best destinations for a vacation with children are Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, and Krabi. Koh Phangan is less comfortable but still acceptable. However, long stays on other islands are not recommended.
When choosing a resort, consider the availability of direct flights from your city to the destination—young travelers may find two flights and a ferry ride exhausting.
Many families with small children prefer hotels over bungalows. Most Thai hotels are well-suited for vacationing with little ones: they offer cribs, nanny services, high chairs, and special menus.
Be prepared for extra attention from the staff—Thais love children and can't pass by without offering them fruit or candy.
Many hotels have water parks and playgrounds (e.g., Ananta Burin Resort, Shangri-La Hotel). Don’t focus too much on star ratings—some three-star hotels can be better than four-star ones. It's better to read reviews and check nearby attractions and beaches.
Family rooms are usually located in bungalows, sometimes with a private mini-pool and a convenient terrace.
Few children will appreciate a trip to a Buddha statue, so be prepared to spend countless days at amusement parks.
Dream World in Pattaya is considered the best—it's like a local Disneyland. Several themed zones, rides for kids over one year old, theatrical performances, a 4D cinema, beautiful gardens, and animal shows.
Dolphin Bay in Phuket will impress you even if you've seen similar shows elsewhere. You can also swim with dolphins for an extra fee.
Even if your hotel has slides, a visit to Phuket's Splash Jungle Water Park is a must. It features thrilling vertical slides, toddler water playgrounds, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
If you're traveling with a baby who isn't ready for adult food yet, you're probably wondering if there's baby food in Thailand. You can find jarred purees and baby formula in major supermarkets like Big C, Tops Market, and Tesco Lotus. Brands include Heinz and Nestle. Prices range from 50 to 80 baht per jar or 350 to 500 baht per pack of formula.
The selection of cereals is quite limited—mainly semolina, oatmeal, and whole grain. There are no children's yogurts or curds, but they can be substituted with coconut milk.
Thailand offers many inexpensive, ripe, and delicious fruits—perfect for making homemade puree or serving in slices.
Hotels offer children's menus, and in cafes, you can always order regular dishes without spices for kids, such as Khao Man Gai (rice with broth and chicken) or Khao Niaow Ma Muang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango).
When traveling to Thailand with a child, make sure to get quality insurance and bring familiar medications. Insect repellent is best purchased locally—Russian ones don’t work well on the islands.
Avoid feeding your child too much Thai food right away, especially if they are under three years old. Don’t drink tap water and be cautious with unfamiliar fruits.
For sun protection, choose SPF 50+ sunscreen or special swimwear.
You don't need to worry about overly friendly Thais—they treat children with great care and never behave roughly or inappropriately.
