Bangkok Family Vacation Spots

Bangkok is one of the most family friendly cities in Asia. The first things that impress many visitors are the heat, the congestion both on the streets and the sidewalks, the pollution inherent to rapid development, the poor living conditions that accompanies a gaping chasm between rich and poor, and the irrepressible smiles of the Thais. Despite these conditions, the city is surprisingly safe, more organized than it initially appears, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The high relative humidity and warm temperature favor the growth of tropical plants — you'll find exotic orchids and delicious fruit everywhere. Thai cuisine is singular, justifiably famous, varied, and affordable. Bangkok, represents the quintessential Asian capital. Saffron-robed monks, flashy neon signs, exotic Thai architecture, spicy dishes, colorful markets, traffic jams, and the tropical climate come together providing a travel experience which should not be missed. My family and I enjoy trips to Bangkok, I believe your family will enjoy it, too.

Bangkok Family Attractions In Thailand

There are hundreds of things to see and do while your family is in Bangkok. I recommend you plan to spend at least three days in the "City of Angels" or Krungthep as it is known to Thai people. Below you will find a short list of our favorite places to see in Bangkok. For more complete Bangkok Family Travel information visit The Bangkok Family Vacation Page.

Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo

The Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are places your family must visit while in Bangkok. Both have considerable historical significance and are extremely beautiful places to see.

The Bangkok Grand Palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I who established Bangkok as Thailand’s new capital. The palace was to be bigger and grander than palaces built in the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras to underscore the significance of the change of capital. The result was a palace of jewels and gold and splendour the like never seen before in Thailand. The Grand Palace remained the Royal Family’s official residence from 1782 to 1946. The last king to live there was King Chulalongkorn.

Wat Phra Kaew was built to house the Emerald Buddha which was returned to Thailand after Thailand’s capture of Vientiane in 1778. The Emerald Buddha is the most important representation of the Buddha in Thai Buddhism. To pray before the Emerald Buddha is to make merit, and although this is an important place on any visitor’s itinerary, it is important to recognise that this is a place of worship and should be respected as such.

Dusit Zoo

The Dusit Zoo is small oasis in central Bangkok, only 48 acres (118 rai), which makes it nice for younger children. With such a compact area, toddlers have an opportunity to get out of the stroller and walk around. Even if you take your time and take in all of the sites, your visit can be done in a single morning or afternoon. Open daily from 8am to 6pm.

Dream World

Dream World is a modern day amusement park and requires a full day to experience all of the fun. It would be hard to get your kids out of there before the day is over anyway. It is most suitable for younger kids, ages 3-9, but the young at heart will enjoy it as well.

Siam Park

Siam Park is a water them park with swimming pools, waterslides, whirlpools, fountains and a lake. The main attraction is a 400 meter spiral waterslide.  It is a great way to beat the heat of Bangkok anytime of year. It is a very popular attraction. It is best to go on a weekday, as weekends and holidays can be very busy.

Samphran Elephant Show and Crocodile Farm

The main reason for a visit to the Crocodile Farm is to see the shows they put on! It is possible to witness ‘Crocodile Wrestling’ and to see the keepers putting their heads into the crocodile’s mouths. Elephant shows, elephant and camel rides, paddle boats on the lake and a visit to the Monkey Playground all serve to keep children thoroughly entertained. Given its location and the amount to be seen and done, a visit to the Crocodile Farm is an all day affair. If you have plenty of time in Bangkok, it is certainly worth a visit.

Jim Thompson's House

Jim Thompson, an American, was born in Greenville, Delaware, in 1906. The hand weaving of silk, a long-neglected cottage industry, captured Jim Thompson's attention, and he devoted himself to reviving the craft. Highly gifted as a designer and textile colorist, he contributed substantially to the industry's growth and to the worldwide recognition accorded to Thai silk.

He gained further renown through the construction of his house combining six teak buildings which represented the best of traditional Thai architecture. Most of the houses were at least two centuries old and were easily dismantled and brought to the present site, some from as far away as the old capital of Ayutthaya. In his quest for authenticity, Jim Thompson adhered to the customs of the early builders in most respects.

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