Bangkok with Kids
A reclining Buddha longer than a bowling lane, an aquarium hiding underneath a shopping mall, and a river full of long-tail boats to watch go by, the version of Bangkok built for families.
Bangkok works well with kids in tow, several of its best sights are genuinely dramatic by design, and plenty of air-conditioned indoor options offer relief from the heat between them. Here’s how I’d spend a family day here.
Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha
A properly good sight for kids, the 46-metre-long gold reclining Buddha is genuinely impressive at any age, and mother-of-pearl inlay on the enormous feet adds a fun detail to spot. Combine it with the Grand Palace next door for a full morning.
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
One of Southeast Asia’s largest aquariums, tucked beneath the Siam Paragon shopping mall, home to sharks, penguins and a glass-bottom boat ride over the main tank. Fully indoor and air-conditioned, a genuine relief from the heat outside.
A long-tail boat ride
A properly fun sight for kids, Bangkok’s canals and river are full of long-tail boats zipping between piers, and a ride through the khlongs, the old canal network, is a genuine adventure. A good, active way to see a different side of the city.
Safari World
A properly immersive family day out, this drive-through safari park and marine park sits on the edge of the city, home to tigers, giraffes and dolphin shows. A full day out, worth planning ahead of the rest of the itinerary.
Lumphini Park
A proper green space right in the city centre, Lumphini Park has open lawns, paddle boats and the occasional monitor lizard sighting. Free, unhurried, and an easy way to burn off energy between the bigger sights.
Where to eat with kids
Mango sticky rice is genuinely an easy, reliable win with kids, sweet and available at nearly every street cart. Pad thai works well for families too, casual and quick between sights, and most stalls can make it mild on request.
A few practical notes
Bangkok’s heat runs properly intense, worth planning outdoor time for morning or evening with kids in tow. The BTS Skytrain is genuinely stroller-friendly and air-conditioned, a good way to move between sights without tiring anyone out.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
