Two-minute guide to family holidays in Thailand

A long-haul flight with family in tow is a tourism feat not for the feint hearted, but with Thailand as the reward, the journey is worth it.

The country has plenty going for it as a family destination; soft sandy beaches, warm seas and beach resorts are bliss for travellers of all ages, but scratch below the surface, become more deeply immersed in Thailand’s authentic experiences and there is even more which will appeal to those travelling with children.

Responsible travel in Thailand does not make travel with children more difficult, in fact it eases them into experiences they will remember forever.

For a relaxing holiday, and to avoid travelling long distances in high temperatures, the responsibletravel.com guide recommends families either base themselves in the northern highlands or southern islands. Each region has its own, unique and exciting appeal for smaller explorers, and plenty to keep them enthralled without the need for a lengthy trip to the other end of the country.

Northern adventures

While heady Bangkok may be too much for tinier travellers to handle, smaller Chiang Mai is much more manageable and is well set up for tourism.  Ride tuk-tuks through the city or explore the tiny alleyways, or soi, by bike. Cycling to Chiang Mai’s outlying temples will also take you on an adventure through quiet, undiscovered residential streets.  Back in the city, older children will love the excitement of the night markets and budding masterchefs will go to foodie heaven with a Thai cookery lesson, especially if they are involved in buying ingredients from local food stalls before cooking and eating their creations.

Chiang Mai is also the gateway to Thailand’s hill tribe regions, and adventurous teenagers will relish the challenge of a few days trekking through the lush mountains. A responsible tour to visit the hill tribes, led by local guides and which centres on genuine community engagement provides an eye-opening experience for older children, as it allows them to meet local people and learn about a uniquely different culture.

Southern idylls

Further south, and within easy access of the western beaches, Khao Sok National Park offers a selection of great family-friendly accommodation options, including tree houses up in the forest canopy. While this may not be suitable for the youngest traveller, older kids will love having their own treehouse for a night. And the wildlife, jungle walks, river rafting and kayaking that Khao Sok has in abundance  makes the park a natural, authentic adventure playground that parents will enjoy as much as their children.

Choosing a beach break among Thailand’s southern islands does not mean sheltering children away from experiencing the culture of Thailand. Find a locally-run accommodation on a quiet beach, even only a few moments away from the main tourist centres and you’ll be immersed in more rural, authentic communities. Offering families all-important access to warm seas, snorkelling and sunbathing, but with the chance to still learn about and understand different cultures and ways of life. And even better, the holiday will be supporting local communities and their livelihoods.

Although the ease of an all-inclusive will appeal to many families, it is the responsible tourism experiences that allow families to more easily connect with the nature, culture and landscape of Thailand. And it is these experiences of the authentic Thailand that make for the most memorable, exciting, and dare we say educational holiday too.

For more advice on responsible travel in Thailand for families read responsibletravel.com’s 2 minute guide to Thailand – http://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/thailand