Travelling to Thailand with a baby and toddler has been one of the best and most memorable things that we have done as a family. We spent several months exploring Thailand with a 9-month-old baby and 3 year old, in this post we will pass on the practical information we just couldn’t find before we went.
Thailand has become a hugely popular tourist destination thanks to its tropical climate, amazing beaches, great food, fascinating culture and stunning scenery. It is a country that has it all, from thick green jungle to warm crystal blue waters and it welcomes visitors from all walks of life and from around the world.
Famous for having some of the most glorious beaches in the world, Thailand is an obvious place to consider for a family holiday, vacation or for extended travel with a baby.
Our Guide to Taking a Baby to Thailand
Table of Contents
We did a lot of research to try and find out how safe, easy and fun the trip was likely to be before deciding to go to Thailand with a baby.
We couldn’t find all the information in one place so we have produced this guide to help you understand whether going to Thailand with a baby or toddler is right for your family.
Before deciding on our Thailand Itinerary with kids we wanted to answer the question, is Thailand safe to visit with kids? And to be sure that it would actually be a safe and enjoyable place to spend time as a family.
We used our Shared Parental Leave (a combination of maternity/paternity leave that is now available to parents in the UK) to travel to Thailand with a baby and toddler for 3 months.
We always knew that we wanted to use this time off work to do some long-term travelling, but we found it hard to decide where to go.
We knew that we would be going in the first few months of the year and that we would be travelling with a 9-month-old baby and 3-year-old toddler.
Given the time of year (Jan- May) and our desire to spend a good amount of time on the beach, Thailand was quite an obvious place to consider. (If it has been spring or early autumn we might have stayed closer to home and visited Sardinia, Italy).
We had some reservations though, having both visited Thailand in the early 2000’s. I’d had some amazing experiences on my first visit and saw some wonderful places.
But I also remembered being incapacitated with horrendous food poisoning, sleeping in hot dingy rooms that cost 50 cents a night, and spending endless hours in the back of a cramped minibus. Was this really the place to be taking our young daughters?
Is Thailand Baby Friendly? – What We Wanted to Know Before We Went to Thailand
Is it Safe to Travel to Thailand with a Baby and Toddler?
Top of our list of concerns was the health of our little ones so the first question we wanted to answer was; is Thailand safe for babies? or is Thailand dangerous to visit? Going away with a baby for the first time to a place where healthcare is unknown, diseases are different and you don’t speak the language can be a little bit daunting but with the right preparation and planning it shouldn’t be too much of a concern in Thailand.
Please be aware that we are not healthcare professionals and the information on this page is based upon our own research.
If you are going to Thailand we recommend that you visit your doctor 2 months before you leave to ensure you have up to date information and have all the necessary immunisations.
Not all vaccinations can be given to babies and young children so be sure to check with your doctor what is available to you and your family. Visit Fit for Travel for some great general health advice for travel.
Does Thailand Have Good Healthcare?
Thailand has excellent healthcare facilities but you do need to be mindful of where you are going and the distance to health care facilities. We spent a lot of our time on islands like Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and Koh Libong that had very limited facilities and any emergency would have required taking a speedboat to the mainland.
You do absolutely need to ensure that you have adequate medical cover in your travel insurance. That will at least enable you to do whatever is necessary should you have any unwanted incidents.
Healthcare in Thailand is provided by a combination of state-run, private and NGO services. All are good but the private care centres will be less busy and have the very best equipment and personnel.
Tropical Disease in Thailand
One of our first concerns when choosing a destination was to avoid malarial areas. Only the remote border regions of Thailand are a risk area these areas are easily avoided so this is not a concern when planning a trip to Thailand.
Dengue fever was my biggest concern before and during our trip. It is a very serious disease and is endemic to all areas of Thailand. There is no vaccine and prevention relies upon the avoidance of being bitten. As it is spread by mosquitos that are active during the day it is hard to completely eliminate the risk of being bitten.
Dengue Fever is far more common in urban areas and is almost always contracted during the rainy season. As we were avoiding the rainy season and largely staying away from urban areas the risk of contracting dengue fever was minimized.
To reduce the chance of being bitten we took mosquito repellent that was suitable for young children, a travel cot that was fully enclosed in mosquito mesh, and 2 further mosquito nets for ourselves and our toddler.
We were hyper-vigilant trying to spot the dangerous mosquitoes in the daytime but there will always be a few occasions that they get bitten.
Covid-19 in Thailand
Of course, these days we can’t travel without worrying on some level about Covid-19. Throughout the pandemic, Thailand has had some very strict rules in place to control the spread of Covid and these have helped to keep case numbers very low. It has made travel to the country very difficult with borders closed to tourists at times and other measures like the Test and Go system and Thailand Pass have been used.
As these measures start to lift and we all get back to travelling a bit more it is always worth keeping an eye on the latest situation since things can change quickly. In October 2022, the Thai government removed all covid related travel restrictions.
This is subject to change so be sure to check here for the latest entrance requirements
Is Thailand Too Hot for a Baby?
On a day to day level the heat was our biggest concern before we went. The temperatures, while we were in Thailand, were expected to be in the high 30s. When you read this in advance it sounds like it could be unmanageable with an infant and it was one of the main reasons that we hesitated to book our trip.
Yes, it is hot. But it was not a problem. At least not on the beach.
We soon came to realise the importance of having a breeze and for this reason, we ended up staying at the beach far more than we originally had planned.
With the sea breeze and the shade of a tree, it was quite comfortable to enjoy our Thailand travel. But as soon as we moved inland and tried to walk about with luggage or children in a baby carrier, it became more of a struggle.
As a result, we did far fewer active pursuits than we had anticipated. I think what I am trying to say is that we ended up having several wonderful weeks lazing on the beach!
Shade is a really important factor as the middle part of the day is uncomfortable without it. It is also important to know how to dress your baby for the beach and we recommend swimsuits that cover their arms and legs (it saves putting suncream on constantly), and also a waterproof hat. Of, course, be sure to have plenty of bottled water with you if you are not near to any shops.
Check out our guide to the best beaches in Thailand for families for some of our top recommendations.
Are There Creepy Crawlies in Thailand?
Coming from the UK where the most dangerous creature you are likely to see it a gnat, we were a little concerned about spiders, jellyfish, scorpion etc.
We did a bit of research and the majority of spiders are not dangerous, they can look a bit scary though! We had one really big one get into one of our hotel rooms.
When I went to catch the spider it dropped all of its legs! An interesting defence mechanism!
Can You Buy Baby Supplies in Thailand?
Another concern was whether we would be able to find all the baby products that we needed. There are a lot of articles written that state that you can’t easily buy nappies (diapers).
This was not our experience at all, they were easy to find in every 7Eleven that we went in and the cost was comparable to supermarket brands in the UK.
You may want to consider taking re-usable nappies as they reduce waste and are more environmentally friendly. We also found that as it is hot and your baby wears fewer clothes it is much easier to wash their bottom with the outside taps, rather than using baby wipes.
A reusable swim nappy will definitely come in handy. Please see our packing list for more tips on things to take.
Maybe in less touristy areas, we would have had more trouble buying nappies but it was not an issue for us at all. The same applies to other baby Thailand essentials, the pharmacies were well stocked with anything that you think you might need.
We did bring Calpol sachets from home and they were very handy but you don’t need to worry about not being able to find things in the shops, just plan ahead if you are heading to somewhere remote or one of the islands that doesn’t have many shops.
Baby Food in Thailand – On the Go and Eating Out
While travelling with a young baby it can be reassuring to know that you have safe, healthy food on you at all times. With that in mind, we left home with a bag half full of baby food sachets.
This wasn’t enough for our whole trip but was a decent supply to help us out when food wasn’t readily available or when we wanted something fast and cheap to eat.
We did search around quite a lot to find somewhere where we could re-stock our supplies. We were able to find some local brand baby food sachets in Saladan, on Koh Lanta (go to the Lanta Mart supermarket they are half the price of some other places).
The sachets seem to be quite widely available if you know where to look but your average small shops and 7Elevens do not have any infant food products so it is best to stock up when you see them.
When it comes to restaurant food we were able to get all sorts of wonderful foods at reasonable prices. The girls liked eating rice, which was handy, but we weren’t restricted to Thai food and we also ate more fish and chips than we ever would in England and whilst the pizzas weren’t up to Italian standards, they were widely available.
We always went with baby-led weaning and encouraged our girls to try all sorts of foods. After all, what do babies eat in Thailand? Rice and fruit mostly from what we could see. We were able to get great fresh fruit like dragonfruit, mangos, pineapple and watermelon.
Eating out is fairly inexpensive. In tourist-oriented places, we often found that they had high chairs (usually the really good Ikea ones).
We took a Tot Seat chair harness with us and that proved to be extremely useful when we were in places without highchairs, and we definitely recommend this to anyone travelling with a baby.
In the beach areas, it was common to find plenty of inflatable toys, buckets and spades and small play areas at the restaurants.
This is great, we don’t always like eating out with the girls as it can be hard to keep them happy while we wait (sometimes we resort to the toddler tablet), but with the play equipment to hand, the girls could play happily while waiting for the food to be prepared (to be fair it was always very quick to arrive).
One thing that we liked was that there is so much more acceptance of children in public spaces and restaurants without the glares of disapproval that we sometimes get when we eat out at home.
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Check out our recommendations of what to pack for babies and toddlers
our guide to the best family-friendly beaches
and our favourite guide book
Is Thailand Baby Friendly?
Thailand is very baby-friendly. It is not known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ for nothing and the people in Thailand are generally very friendly, and Thai people love babies. You will find that the people you meet are thoughtful and kind and that Thai culture is very accepting of babies and young children.
You are likely to get a lot of attention from the locals, especially if you stray even a little bit from the main tourist areas.
You may well find that they want to hold and kiss your baby which might feel strange at first but you will soon get used to it and shouldn’t feel worried.
Local people and Asian tourists may well want to take photos of your children. We didn’t have a problem with this as long as the girls were happy.
But a few times when we crossed paths with busloads of Chinese tourists, they all crowded around us with their cameras out. It felt a bit overbearing so we made a hasty retreat (this was actually in Vietnam).
You will find that English is very widely spoken but if you can pick up a few words in Thai, the locals will love it.
Thailand with a Baby: Practicalities
When is the best time to go to Thailand with kids?
Thailand has a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The effects of these seasons vary around the country but generally, the ‘cool’ and dry season between November and April is considered the best time to visit for a tropical vacation with baby.
This peak season does get busy in certain areas so you may want to consider booking ahead for your accommodation.
Follow this link for more detail on the climate in Thailand
Booking Flights to Thailand
Thailand is one of the major gateways for flights to South East Asia. This means that you should be able to find a flight to suit your needs at an affordable price. Bangkok is the major hub, but there are 11 international airports and you may be able to find one that suits your plans better.
We flew into Phuket with a baby and toddler so that we could immediately be by the beach and relax after the long journey, rather than taking on the hectic and slightly crazy Bangkok as our first destination. This involved a quick change in Doha whereas it is possible to fly direct from London to Bangkok, so it is a bit of a trade-off.
However, it worked out quicker and cheaper than flying to Bangkok and getting an internal flight to Phuket or any of the island airports.
The best way to investigate your options and find a flight to Thailand from your location is to use the Skyscanner website. This will check the available price with all airlines and allows you to filter by various options like flight time, duration, preferred airline etc.
It is a great time and money saver and is always our go-to method for booking flights.
Find the best prices and book flights with Skyscanner
If you are flying to Thailand, be sure to check out our tips for flying with a baby or flying with a toddler.
Do You Need a Visa to Go to Thailand with a Toddler or Baby?
Travellers from all the major English speaking countries can visit Thailand using the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme for a maximum of 30 days. If this is enough to cover your trip you do not need to do anything in advance and will simply have your passport stamped on arrival.
The official guidance says that you must show evidence of your onward travel within 30 days but we were not asked to provide this. Our return flight was from Vietnam far beyond the 30-day limit and we did not have to provide any further evidence.
Given the number of people that travel overland from Thailand to Cambodia, Malaysia or Laos it must be very common not to have any onward travel booked.
If you decide to stay longer you can have your exemption extended by another 30 days at an embassy. The charge for this is 1900 baht. It used to be common for people to overstay and pay a fine but a recent announcement stated that this will not be permitted after November 2018.
For a stay over 30 days, you must apply for a Tourist Visa that will allow 60 days in the country. This costs £25 so is much cheaper than extending a Visa Exemption.
An alternative is to leave the country and return later for a new visa exemption, you will need to spend a couple of days out of the country before returning.
There are a whole range of permutations if you need multiple entry visas or longer durations, and the rules change all the time so please check with the Thai Embassy for the latest situation.
What to Pack for a Baby in Thailand
For our two trips to Thailand with babies and toddlers, we used a 100 litre wheeled duffle bag like this one, along with two smallish Osprey backpacks.
Packing in this way means that we are able to transport all of our luggage plus the girls in their baby carriers (these are absolutely essential) when we need to travel about between hotels and various different forms of transport.
>> For a complete packing list, check out this post which includes all the essentials for a Thailand trip.
Top 5 things to take (that you might not have thought of):
- Kids Water Bottle and Plastic food tubs (these ones are great)
- Pop up travel cot (check out our travel cot reviews here)
- Totseat chair harness for those times when the restaurant doesn’t have a high chair
- UV protective swimsuits to protect your little ones from the sun and slightly reduce the amount of suncream you need to slap on.
- Travel changing mat (we took this one and it was perfect). It was a last-minute buy and was the most useful thing ever!
We also have this guide to what baby and toddler travel gear we like to take.
Getting Around Thailand with a Baby
You will want to give some thought as to how you get around Thailand with your baby. We relied on local transport in the form of taxis, ferries, tuk-tuks and buses.
The easiest way to arrange public transport is by using 12go.com which will show you all your travel options by ferry, bus, train, plane etc and which is cheapest, quickest and most recommended. It is great to have all this information in one place and makes travel between destinations so much easier.
Start planning your journeys here
We didn’t take a baby car seat to Thailand and just relied upon holding our baby in her baby carrier when being driven around by taxis. If you want to bring a car seat you will find that the taxis are often modern and have Isofix points for safe attachment.
Our eldest absolutely loved the tuk-tuks, they were possibly the highlight of the trip for her!
Obviously, a car seat wouldn’t be much use in a tuk-tuk. Depending on your itinerary you may like to consider hiring a car, it is definitely the easiest option for transporting your children and luggage around and the roads are decent.
UPDATE: we have discovered this amazing Mifold travel booster seat for our toddler and used it on our second long trip to South East Asia. It is a brilliant booster seat for Thailand and really tiny so it doesn’t take up much space in your luggage, check out our review of using it in Thailand and Malaysia.
We didn’t take a stroller but saw lots of other parents that had and they were able to push their children along the beach while we relied on our baby carriers.
The pavements aren’t up to much in Thailand. Overall, I don’t feel that strollers are that useful, and they can be a pain to carry around, but it will depend on where you are going and how much travelling you plan to do.
Check out our review of some pretty awesome compact strollers that are perfect for travelling.
We have now bought our own lifejackets for the kids. Most of the ferries we went on were modern and felt safe, but we spend a lot of time island hopping so it is nice to know that we have a lifejacket that fits them.
They also come in handy for kayaking as you may not get small lifejackets with your kayak rental (they have toddler sizes with the free kayaks at Koh Ngai Resort).
Where to Stay in Thailand with Babies and Toddlers
One thing that was very important to us on our Thai adventure was to have decent accommodation which was clean and felt secure.
Aircon was an absolute essential for us so that we could escape the heat in the middle of the day and have somewhere that we could cool off.
We prefer to stay in solidly constructed rooms, rather than your classic beach huts. They generally feel safer and more secure and are less prone to intrusions from the local wildlife.
The one time we stayed in a bamboo hut on Koh Muk we had a sleepless night after finding mice crawling around the room, in and out of our bags and nibbling through our clothes.
This wasn’t really a comfortable environment to bring our baby who was crawling around and putting everything she could find into her mouth.
As the trip went on we ended up all sharing 1 bed rather than finding rooms with a second bed for our toddler. The beds are generally huge so there was plenty of space for us all.
We found that it was better value to find hotels that included a buffet breakfast in the price, rather than slightly cheaper places without breakfast. We originally tried making our own breakfasts by buying supplies from the shops but it worked out fairly expensive for a pretty basic breakfast.
Buying breakfast in restaurants was also fairly expensive and the portions were not that large.
The hotel buffet breakfasts allowed us to all eat affordably and it was generally very varied with eggs, rice and noodle dishes, fresh fruit, cereal and all sorts of yummy things.
Many hotels are very family-friendly and provide free use of toys, play areas, and swimming pools.
How to Book Hotels in Thailand
We recommend using Agoda and Booking.com to book accommodation in Thailand. Both sites offer some great discounts so this is usually cheaper than going direct to the hotel, several times we had to book online from the hotel reception rather than pay the higher price walk-in price or to extend our stay.
We generally book as we go along rather than planning everything in advance.
Where to go in Thailand with Kids
This is a brief overview of some of the best Thailand places to visit with kids. If you are wondering where to take a baby in Thailand then don’t worry, we have written loads of posts that go into much more detail on these places and many others, check out our Thailand pages for more ideas.
Beaches and Islands
If you are travelling to Thailand with a baby or toddler (or both) we highly recommend that you spend a decent amount of time at the beach.
Thailand had some of the most fantastic beaches in the world and many of them are very family friendly.
From the bustle of Phuket to deserted islands (and everything in between), you will find a place that suits your needs and your family.
Koh Lanta
We think that Koh Lanta is the best island in Thailand for families. It is so well set up with family-friendly hotels and restaurants and has all the facilities you might need for a wonderful stay.
Read more about this lovely island in our guide to Koh Lanta which will help to explain why we think it is probably the best family destination in Thailand. It is in the Krabi region of Thailand and not far from the town of the same name, where there are loads of great things to do with kids in Krabi.
We have stayed in several places on the island but our top recommendations are:
Lanta Resort – We loved our stay at the Lanta Resort, there are a couple of great swimming pools, a playground, an amazing buffet breakfast and they even drive you around in golf buggies!
Banana Beach Resort – which is very family orientated and has a great playground with tree house, slide and climbing net looking out over the beach. They have loads of other kids toys to play with and a nice swimming pool. It is probably one of the best places to stay if you have young kids.
Koh Ngai
Koh Lanta can easily be combined with nearby Koh Ngai which is just the most perfect tropical island and one of our favourite places ever. We absolutely love it here and think it is one of the best beaches in Thailand (up there with the much more famous Railay Beach), as you can tell by reading our guide to Koh Ngai.
Our favourite place to stay on the island is Koh Hai Fantasy Resort which we think is the best place to stay on Koh Ngai for families.
We have stayed here on several occasions and love it. The whole place is really geared up for families with a small play area right by the most perfect beach with views that are out of this world.
It is especially good here if you are travelling with babies and toddlers since kids under 4 can stay for free and they even do free kids food for under 3’s (don’t expect large portions or healthy options but it makes a difference).
Click here to check availability
Phuket
We don’t love Phuket as much as the smaller islands, but it is worth considering if you like resort hotels with lots of facilities and activities. It is a big island and there is sure to be a beach that suits your style.
We do recommend staying here for a few nights if you are flying into Phuket International Airport. Right by the airport is Naiyang Beach which is a lovely place to relax before heading off to other islands.
We stayed at Dewa Resort Phuket which is a great place to relax after your flight with 2 great swimming pools, a kids playroom and the beach just over the road.
Click here to check availability
We have written a post on the best hotels in Phuket for families. It has recommendations from some other travel bloggers with expert knowledge of Phuket and includes some great places to base yourself with kids in Thailand.
Bangkok
The noisy, vibrant and busy capital city of Bangkok is an assault on the senses and a truly remarkable city to visit.
From the Grand Palace and Buddhist temples to street markets serving up unusual delicacies, the city is everything that you expect from an Eastern metropolis.
This includes the traffic and pollution problems as well as the more exciting prospect of seeing an elephant walking up the street.It may not be an obvious choice to take a young child, but many people do visit Bangkok with a baby.
Check out our Bangkok Itinerary and Guide to Bangkok with Kids
Chiang Mai
The pleasant climate and historic atmosphere of the northern city of Chang Mai make it a popular base for tourists, expats and digital nomads.
Generally cooler than the south the town is surrounded by lush mountains home to temples, caves and waterfalls. Check out our guide to Chiang Mai with kids for some ideas of what to do and where to stay in the temple city.
We absolutely loved our stay at Lanna Dusita Riverside Boutique Resort, it is a bit out of town which we think is a big advantage (they run a free minibus into town, about 80 bhat back using Grab).
The whole place is really nicely designed with lovely rooms, great breakfast and really friendly staff.
Click here to check availability
Chiang Rai
Close to the border with Laos and Myanmar, Chiang Rai retains the pleasant atmosphere of a sleepy provincial town.
It doesn’t have to cope with the number of tourists that descend on Chiang Mai but as one of the oldest settlements in Thailand, the town has its fair share of temples and a strong association with the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
A great place to relax for a few easy days.
Kanchanaburi
An easy train ride from Bangkok will take you to this lovely riverside retreat that is famed for the bridge over the River Kwai and is home to several WWII memorials.
Grab a nice hotel by the river and relax. When you are looking for a bit more action you can head to the nearby waterfalls and caves of the Erawan National Park.
Sukhothai
Once the ancient capital of Thailand, Sukhothai is now how to an impressive set of ruins and is a World Heritage site.
Spread out over a large area you will have space to enjoy the ruins on your own and your little ones will enjoy clambering up the step and exploring the nooks and crannies.
Floating Markets
The floating markets at Damnoen Saduak, and (less touristy and more authentic) Amphawa are a wonderfully exotic way to do your grocery shopping.
Toddlers will delight and the sights and sounds as you float down the river in scenes that seem to be from a bygone age (apart from all the camera-wielding tourists of course).
Travelling with a Baby and Toddler in Thailand – What was Difficult?
Our time in South East Asia with our baby and toddler were amazing, one of the best things that I have ever done. But it wasn’t all roses and there were challenges.
The reality of being away with your little ones is that you are likely to worry more than you would do in your home environment.
Before we left our girls were generally healthy but had suffered from constant colds over the winter months. In Thailand, they were happy, healthy girls virtually the whole time.
But we did have a couple of incidents that were a cause for concern.
- Our baby bashing her head on numerous occasions. One of which looked pretty dramatic with a bitten lip.
- Our toddler complaining all afternoon that her arm didn’t work and that she couldn’t lift it. – It very suddenly went back to normal. We have no idea what had happened.
- Our baby screaming uncontrollably all evening for unknown reasons – Teething? Most things can be brushed off as teething when you are at home. But when you are on a remote island all sorts of concerns race through your brain.
When things like this happen you do worry more than you would at home. You panic slightly that something serious could be wrong and are aware of the fact that you don’t really know where to go to get medical help or whether there will be anyone there that speaks English.
This is something that you have to be prepared for if you are travelling with young children.
Aside from specific health concerns, the biggest issue was that our 9-month old wanted to pick up and eat everything she saw.
Over the course of our trip, she seemed intent on eating a whole beach worth of sand, liked to pop pebbles and shells in her mouth and ate one or two unusual looking beetles.
It meant that we had to remain vigilant and keep an eye on her a bit more than at home where you can baby proof the environment more easily.
We loved the kid’s clubs at the Koh Lanta Resort and Dewa Phuket as they were safe, clean and cool spaces that the kids could play in and we could relax. Note, these are places to take your little ones to play, not where you leave them with staff.
Away from the beach, it was also difficult to have a very active crawler who liked to explore everywhere. Getting dirty and dusty was inevitable and we just had to accept that she would look like a Dickensian street urchin at times.
None of these were big issues and didn’t spoil our enjoyment of the trip but they are things to be aware of and prepare for when booking your own trip.
Again, staying by the beach proved easier than being in the towns and cities that we visited in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Can you take a Baby to Thailand?
Absolutely! You can definitely take a baby to Thailand and it is highly likely that both you and your baby will enjoy the experience immensely! I hope that the tips we have provided in this post help you to plan for your own trip of a lifetime!
Should you Travel to Thailand with a Baby or Toddler?
I am tempted to answer this with a big fat yes, but only you can answer this for your family.
I can tell you that we had an amazing time with memories that will stay with us forever. It was so good that we went back the following year for another couple of months (so we have also travelled to Thailand with toddlers – visiting Thailand with 1 year old and 4 year old)
Spending quality time together as a family in beautiful surroundings can’t be beaten, and they were special times where we all grew together as a family.
I feel that our eldest really developed as a worldly-wise little 3-year-old who was able to take everything in her stride. She learned so much and saw so many things that she would never have experienced otherwise.
There were a few hard moments and yes, it is technically easier to raise your baby at home. But it’s just not as much fun!
If you are looking for somewhere with great weather, amazing beaches and friendly locals then I think Thailand is hard to beat. It has all the tourist infrastructure that you need to make your trip an easy one, with facilities and healthcare that are good enough to (mostly) take the worry out of your trip.
Once you get there you will find that there are loads of families doing the same as you. Thailand is a very popular destination for Swedish and German families so there will be lots of other young children and babies around.
You will quickly forget how unusual everyone at home thought it was and will be comforted to know that travelling in Thailand with a baby or toddler is actually quite a common thing for people to do.
I hope that you have enjoyed this post and that we have inspired you to travel to Thailand with your baby or toddler.
If you have any questions about visiting Thailand with baby that we haven’t covered, please ask below.
Very interesting article about traveling with baby in Thailand. The Thai language is very difficult. I learned a few
Thai words in this article. Each parent should take care of their baby and kids when traveling. Thank you so much.
Yeah, I have to be honest Thai is very hard and we were only able to pick up a couple of words, and I am not sure we even pronounced those correctly. We will try and learn a bit more before we go back!
So for sure Thailand is on my bucket list, and my husband feels the same way. I don’t know what it is about the thought of visiting Thailand, but both he and I get super excited when we explore sites like yours with information on trips to Thailand. Wow, I didn’t realize we would have to bring our daughter to the doctor to let him know we are going to Thailand when we are ready to go. I didn’t even think of that, so I’m so grateful you mentioned it in your post. Good to know – thanks so much!
Thank you! I I am sure that you and your family will have a great time in Thailand ! Be sure to check out our other posts for some inspiration on where to go!
Oh my gosh, this is so comprehensive! I never would’ve considered the wildlife thing when choosing a room… but mice?! Eeeeek! Thanks for the tip!
No problem, glad you enjoyed the post! I really don’t like mice! it is definitely not what you want when you have a baby crawling around! Apart from that place everywhere was great, there is some lovely accommodation available in Thailand.
it is really courageous by you to take the baby on holiday trip especially in Thailand. Your guide is very helpful on new families who are a little bit in anxious on regard to take the kid with them or not. I agree that health insurance is a must when you travel abroad or overseas because we can not foresee all what happens next.
Thank you! There were times when we questioned whether we were doing the right thing but it was one of the best things we have ever done. By sharing posts like this we hope to inspire other families with the confidence to take similarly adventurous trips with their little ones.
Hello Chris. I guess you are enjoying your trip around. Thank you for sharing this beautiful article about travel in Thailand with a Baby and Toddler. This article is so comprehensive. It contains probably every single detail I need to know about travel to Thailand with baby and toddler. It was fun reading through.
I am glad tat you enjoyed it! We did try to cover everything in one place and include the things that we couldnt find out about before we left
As I’ve always loved to travel the world blogging, how I wish I had made Thailand my first place of visit. It’s amazing to know that a place like Thailand still exists in the world whereby visitors from around the world and from all walks of life are much welcome.
Being a suitable place to consider for a family holiday and having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it’s worth visiting on vacation days. I want to believe that Thailand is worth a visit for its excellent healthcare facilities, though one has to be medically covered and insured.
Israel Olatunji
Thanks. There are many good reasons to visit Thailand, whether you want the beaches and fabulous environment, or are looking to experience a different culture, thailand is a great choice of destination (PS: if you are interested in travel blogging visit us again soon for a new post on how to get started as a blogger)
Wow, I really enjoyed reading your detailed description of travel in Thailand with a toddler and baby. I have to admit it sounds daunting at first. I cannot really imagine doing that. That is funny since I grew up in the Alaskan bush where my parents had to worry about bears, drowning and frostbite. I had a ball growing up there with a dog team, huge gardens and a lake, greenhouses, chickens and nature everywhere. Some people wondered how my parents managed that with no hospital for 150 miles, no stores, no power except for that produced by our solar panels or generator.
Therefore, I am sure if you dive in and take a trip like yours to Thailand and that sort of lifestyle is what you and your kids are used to, then it would not seem any more strange for your family than living in the mountains was for mine. It is all a matter of mindset and perception in some ways. What seemed crazy to some people was heaven on Earth for me since I could spend all my time with dogs, birds and butterflies.
I am sure the heat in Thailand would be an issue for me since I do not do well in very hot environments. I would be taking your advice and staying in a good air conditioned room and finding the cooler months and locations in Thailand (or those with a breeze) to visit.
It must have made your trip much easier to be surrounded by the accepting attitude toward children you describe. I am sure it was a great trip for your toddler to remember!
You childhood in alaska sounds amazing! What I aim for is to add a bit of adventure to life and to my children’s lives it certainly sounds like you had that growing up! I am glad that you enjoyed our post and you are right, the welcoming attitude of the Thai people made all the difference
Great post and useful info.
Whenever we would go to a country outside of Europe, if it is Thailand or any other country, we always go to a doctor first to ask about diseases, vaccines and so.
We know that every country has excellent facilities but you need to know they are expensive, certainly when known you’re a tourist.
We don’t have a bebe yet but we sure will look even more around and we will even be cautious about the places.
Anyway, thanks for sharing it because a lot of people don’t think about it.
Thanks. Visiting the doctor before you go is a great idea but if you have good travel insurance you shouldn’t need to worry about the cost of medical care whilst you are away.
For me as someone, who’s never been to Thailand, but would love to visit it soon enough, this was the perfect guide. Especially since me and my wife we have a baby that would without doubt travel along with us.
I’d love to ask you some additional questions, but don’t have any. The article was insanely resourceful. Health, Crawlies, Nappies, Food, Visa, Places To Visit and Where To Stay – you managed to cover absolutely everything I was hoping to get a look into. 🙂
I absolutely can’t wait for the stunning scenery of Thailand. Really looking forward to going.
Thank you for all the valuable insights and putting the article together. I sincerely do appreciate it.
Cheers and have a Great One!
Matiss
So glad to hear that our post covered everything that you wanted to know!! That was what we set out to achive. Enjoy your trip to Thailand!!
OMG! Thanks a lot Chris for sharing such an informative page about Travel in Thailand with Baby. I have read your valuable page and gotten much information. I have learned a lot from you that I did not know before and feel more prepared for travel now. I hope all your information will help me and my elder sister’s daughter. Keep it up………..
Hi, I am glad that you enjoyed this post and found it useful. Good luck on your travels, I am sure you will have a great time!!
Thanks for sharing this helpful information. You are inspiring me to travel with kids in Thailand. I love traveling to different places but I was a bit worried about travelling with little kids. I got a lot of really great information from your blog which i have saved for future reference.
Thanks, I so glad that you found this post helpful! We aim to inspire people to keep travelling even when they have got kids so I hope that you go for it. Thailand is actually really easy to travel with children and I am sure that they (and you) will love it!
We’re considering using shared parental leave for a trip to SE Asia, so it’s great to find this article!
How did you find the jet lag? Did it take long for the little ones to adjust?
Hi, glad that you liked the post! Jet lag wasn’t too much of a problem for the girls. The first night was tough. We arrived late, they had slept on the plane but we hadn’t, and they didn’t want to sleep.
But they adjusted quickly, and the rest of the trip was fine. I think it is easier for them than us as they are used to napping during the day. Just factor in a couple of easy days at the start and I am sure that you will be fine. Enjoy your trip!!
Hi there – what a great post with so much detail. I’m going to Thailand for 3 weeks with my baby and toddler in October and struggling with a few things which I’m hoping you might be able to help me with:
1 – Travel cots – how did you get your kids to sleep in beds and not in a cot? My kids will be just 2 (by about 3 days) and 10 months and both sleep in cots at home, in their own rooms.
2 – Where did you stay in Bangkok?
3 – Any tips on getting the kids accustomed to the time difference?
Thanks so much for any advice.
Hi Sarah, so glad that you liked our post!
We travelled with our own travel cot that our youngest slept in (aged 9 month – 1). We took this pop up one which we really liked as it keeps them safely enclosed under a mosquito net. She adapted to sleeping in this without a problem compared to a normal cot at home.
Our eldest was 3 (and had a normal bed at home), but she preferred to sleep with us rather than in her own bed in Thailand. So that’s what we did and we just booked double rooms rather than triples after the first few nights. It was fine out there as the beds are generally quite big, it took a while to adjust back again after we got home again though.
We didn’t stay in Bangkok as we flew straight to Phuket. The first night we arrived was a bit of a nightmare, the girls had slept most of the way on the plane, which was great but it meant they weren’t sleepy when we arrived and we were knackered. The girls adapted quite quickly after that and generally young kids seem to cope better with jet lag than adults, probably because they are more used to napping at odd times.
Our biggest tip to cope with jet lag is to find somewhere nice to stay for the first couple of nights and plan a couple of days doing very little. After that, you should be good to go.
I hope this has helped your planning. Feel free to ask more questions if you need. Have an amazing trip!!
This blog is absolutely brilliant – so helpful for a mum and dad planning their first post-baby Thailand trip!
Thank you so much! It is great to hear that you find the blog helpful. Have an amazing time in Thailand!
Love how you’ve shared your personal experience, I’m stuck between going or not,
I have a 23 month baby girl and I’m still deciding on whether going or not , just concern about healthy issues , water , did you use some purifier for the water ? I’m planning to take food from our home (US) are there many kids in Phuket ?
Hi, glad that you like the blog! I fully understand your concerns, it is the same debate that we went through. We have one of these water bottles that makes any water safe but we relied on buying bottled water all the time which is cheap and widely available (everyone drinks bottled water).
We didn’t spend that long in Phuket but there were plenty of families around. Koh Lanta is a great option with a young child and there are loads of kids there.
We went back to Thailand when our youngest was nearly 2 and it was so much easier than the first trip. Now she is walking and not trying to eat everything she sees it makes for a more relaxing trip!!
Have a great time if you decide to go. We loved it!
thanks for sharing your experience, this has been really helpful!
I’ll definitely be referring friends traveling to Thailand to your blog!
Brilliant blog! We went to ko lanta with our son when he was 18 months. We’re now thinking of returning in Feb when he’ll be 3 and our baby girl will be 9 months. Did you explore any of the inland national parks near Krabi? Or any of the other islands other than ko Ngai. We’re going to take a month and trying to work out a bit of a route . Thanks ever so x
Hi, glad you like the blog! We didn’t explore any inland national parks on these trips. I have been to Khao Sok along time ago without kids and that was really beautiful but what I remember most is doing was a massive long trek up a river where I got covered in leeches! There are some nice bungalows on the lake there.
We have visited quite a few of the islands and have written some guides to Koh Libong, Koh Mook, Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta and Ngai
Have an amazing trip! Our eldest is in school now so I think we may be stuck in the UK all winter!
great read, thanks for the tips!
really love your blog!
Glad that you like it!
Thank you for a very informative blog! We really loved reading about your trip! It made us feel more comfortable with the decision of traveling with our 13 month old baby for almost 2 months in Nov-Dec!
However, we are having trouble deciding on our itinerary. We are landing in Krabi, and have booked a place in Ao nang for 10 days, before heading to Koh Lanta. We are unsure if we should stay in Lanta for the remaining time or if we should try to stay at an additional island, and if so which? Any idea? We are looking for some adventure but also relaxation.
Thank you!
Hi, Sounds like you have a great trip planned! We love Koh Lanta and it is perfectly set up for families so that is a good choice. I think it would be a shame not to see some other islands though so I recommend heading to Koh Ngai which we loved and was perfect with a baby. It is easy to get to from Lanta, from there you can also visit Koh Mook, Koh Libong, or Koh Kradan if you fancy exploringa a bit further Enjoy!
Hi! Thanks so much for all the info. We are taking our 2 year old in April. I saw you said some cars have ISOFIX – which is the first I’ve heard this. I’m wondering if we private car hire if they will have top tether as well? We are debating which car seat to bring.
Hi, glad you liked the blog. I am a bit wary of saying too much in reply to this as I wouldn’t want you to take the wrong seat with you! We didn’t have a car seat with us so didn’t really inspect the cars we got in. We definitely noticed Isofix some of the time but I don’t know that you could guarantee it. You could speak to the rental car company but in our experience you rarely get the actual car that you have booked. When we travel with car seats, we always take ones that can be fitted with just a normal seat belt. Sorry not to be more helpful. Have a great trip!
how was your experience with a 8 month old on the ferry to go to the different islands? was it difficult?
Hi! No, it wasn’t difficult at all. It might be worth using a baby carrier if you plan to sit on the open deck
Hi 🙂 great blog ! We are wondering about using some of our shared parental leave to travel with our baby twins and wondering if you could advise what age is best within the first year from your experience? I was thinking five months as still breast feeding so food is easy and should also make the long flight easier? Also wondering if you would advise a choice between Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia ?
Hi! We’ve just had a bit of a chat about this and decided there isn’t really a best/worst time. There are different challenges at different ages. As you say, at 5 months you won’t have to worry about food, but that was never much of a problem really.
They will be nice and light and probably won’t be mobile so it is easier to keep them in the shade and stop them eating things they shouldn’t. They might not be able to sit up which can make things a bit harder, a beach tent could be a good idea. At 5 months they won’t be quite as robust as if you went a couple of months later. You might want to think about what jabs they have and at what ages.
Sorry, not sure if this is very helpful!! I think any ages is fine so maybe just think more about when the weather is good at your chosen destination!
Of the 3 places you mention, I think Thailand is the best option. It is so well set up for tourists and everything is very easy. We haven’t been to Indonesia since we had kids but we absolutely loved it there. Unless you are just planning to go to Bali, it is a bit more challenging country to get around. We enjoyed Malaysia with our daughters but didn’t love it as much as Thailand, it is easy to combine both though.
Hi there,
Brilliant post! What did you do with baby when traveling on public transport systems? Baby carry? Or a convertible car seat stroller?
Hi, glad you like the post! We just kept her close in our baby carrier when on public transport, tuk-tuks etc.