Thailand


FAMILY HOLIDAYS


Family holidays


IT MIGHT BE east, but being an established destination, Thailand has many western comforts. Resorts are well established, hotels are very good quality and include familiar brands, and English is widely spoken.


When? Most Thai resorts are in peak season during the Christmas holidays and spring half term. For families travelling during the summer break Koh Samui has its best weather then.


Thai festivals Religious festivals in Thailand are vibrant and interactive for kids:


• Flower Festival is held in Chiang Mai Province and sees sculptures of temples, animals and much more made from flowers and paraded through the streets (first week of February).


• Songkran, or Thai New Year involves a nationwide purification ritual, or more accurately, a waterfight! Businessmen, shop workers, monks, everyone gets involved (April 13-15).


• Loy Krathong, held on the full moon of the 12th month, this festival is a spectacular visual treat, when locals honour the water spirits by floating candles along rivers and waterways (usually falls in November).


Key selling points • A good choice of night flights to Thailand, means less disruption to children’s sleeping patterns.


Thailand is certainly an exotic destination, but being far-flung doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be on the radar for families – even ones with young kids


• Fussy eaters will find plenty of European favourites in hotels and most resorts and cities have fast food outlets.


• Waterparks, wildlife centres and soft adventure activities like kayaking and elephant rides keep children occupied.


• Teenage girls can play grown-up with massages, pedicures and mocktails at pocket money prices.


• Kids will love bargaining for cheap trinkets in the markets.


• Meals, drinks, ice creams, attraction tickets, everything is great value compared to the UK.


Family favourites Pattaya ~ Has the advantage of being less than an hour’s transfer from Bangkok’s airport – plus plenty of restaurants for fussy eaters who won’t eat local.


Phuket ~ Great selection of hotels, plus famous family show FantaSea – vibrant, and wacky with shopping, games, elephant rides, and restaurants.


Koh Samui ~ The best summer school holiday weather, plus family-friendly attractions like butterfly farms, elephant rides and an aquarium.


Krabi ~ Low-key nightlife and soft adventure like kayaking for teenagers.


Hua Hin and Cha Am ~ A low-key spot for young families. Think gentle horse rides on the beach.


TOP TIPS Remember that Thailand’s wet season presents great-value with off-peak hotel rates... And wet doesn’t mean wash-out, more short bursts of rain followed by more sunshine


16 Thailand Guide 2011


Koh Lanta ~ Popular with adults and children alike, with great choice of family-friendly hotels and its national park offers elephant rides.


New for 2010 • Madame Tussauds opens its 10th attraction in Bangkok at the end of


“I recommend The Kantary Hills Hotel


Chiang Mai for families. The two-bedroom apartments with cooking facilities, plus an enclosed pool are like a home from home. Plus, there are plenty of things to do. The elephant trek and bamboo rafting is great for older children, or there are bike trails and walks. I'd combine it with a beach. Thailand is great for families – everyone is smiling and helpful! The tour guides are enthusiastic and prices are reasonable."


SUE TAYLOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT AMITY LEISURE TRAVELS


2010, with a host of waxy celebrities from around the globe – located in the Siam Discovery building.


• Banyan Tree Phuket has launched 22 deluxe two-bedroom Pool Villas for families and new kids programme. Banyan Tree Rangers (ages five to ten) which offers activities like kite making. There's a complimentary nanny service too.


Family attractions FantaSea, Phuket ~ Glitzy Vegas-style cultural show with acrobats and elephants.


Tree Top Adventure Park, Koh Chang ~ Tarzan-style swings, pulleys and zip wires.


Siam Park, Bangkok ~ Giant waterslides plus an aviary and zoo.


Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya Exquisite wood carvings and dolphin shows.


National Elephant Institute, Lampang near Chiang Mai ~ Shows and rides


Clockwise from top: The reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, Bangkok; Songkran festival in full swing; Centara Kata Resort, Phuket's Emerald pool for kids;


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