Very excited as we booked a trip to Thailand for the month of August this year. This is the only time we are able to go with our work and kids. Kids are 11 and 7 and are pretty adventurous:)
Looking for advice as what and where to stay in Bangkok when we land? How long do we stay there before we go to Thailand.
Was thinking the first week an all inclusive in Thailand to get are bearings ???? Good or bad idea? Would love some help with a agenda or advice....Thank you ALL so much in advance

Bangkok is in Thailand so not sure what you mean about staying in Bangkok before you go to Thailand. I wouldn’t bother staying at an all-inclusive; instead get out, explore and eat the local food - you’ll find endless fresh, cheap and delicious options rather than mediocre hotel food. Spend a few days in Bangkok, highly recommend going up to Chiang Mai (must visit Elephant Nature Park a true sanctuary with no riding), then head down to the beaches/islands - Krabi, phi phi, koh tao and koh Samui are beautiful! Thailand is wonderful, Enjoy!

Rachelle lol...woops meant to say when we land in Bangkok where is a easy place to stay before we go explore. Few more questions, how is the water for drinking ? We were told to bring lots if sunscreen as it was hard to find there
is this true?

Christy you’ll want to buy bottled water for sure. You can find sunscreen, but it’s easier to just bring some with you. Make sure you have your standard travel vaccines before you go, and you’ll be there in rainy season so definitely bring good mosquito spray or lotion.

Christy definitely bottled water only. And bring sunscreen. A traditional sunscreen without the whitener in it is super expensive and hard to find.

Rachelle 100000%

I’d spend some time on the forums on trip advisor for Thailand. And researching the areas and what you want - more history less beach? More beach less history?
I went to Thailand with no kids so my choices def may vary.
We stayed a block for Koh San Road (think hangover 2 movie) and it was perfect. But again no kids. We did 2 nights in Bangkok, then 3 right on koh phi phi and 3 koh samui, then 1 Bangkok.
That’s all we had time for as we also did Cambodia and only had under 2 weeks

Kim-Bourque Koh San Road
. They were selling laughing gas

1 week up North in Chiang Mai. Doi suthep, street food, doi inthanong national park, and spend at least a couple days at elephant nature park. https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/enp/visit-volunteer
ELEPHANTNATUREPARK.ORG
Visit & Volunteer - Elephant Nature Park Booking System

I wouldn’t do an all inclusive only because everything there is so cheap as it is.
I didn’t think there was a ton to do in Bangkok. A couple of night markets and some crazy shopping malls. If I were going back I’d probably do a couple of days in Bangkok and then head to one of the islands. That’s just me though.

Darrick Bangkok has the grand palace and some other smaller temples and the long Buddha. Can’t remember it’s name

Kim-Bourque how is the water for drinking? We also heard sunscreen is a hard find? Any other suggestions on what to pack or not to pack..lol

Christy buy bottled water. Don’t drink from the tap. I brought my own sunscreen so I’m not sure. We went March into April
And it was HOT. Not sure what season august is for them.

Christy I think you can buy sunscreen there (probably cheap) just be careful though, I'm not sure about Thailand, but I know most asian countries (China especially) their sunscreen has skin lightener (whitener?) in it. So if you buy it there just be sure to read the label.

Christy drink bottled water, it’s very cheap to buy. Sunscreen is plentiful and widely available at the the Boots stores or any pharmacy. We wintered in Thailand for 6 months plus for many years.

Darrick Well that would be funny if you are already white eh!?

Amalia yeah kind of defeats the purpose of getting any sort of tan

Kim-Bourque “lying Buddha.”

Christy sunscreen isn’t hard to find, but you need to be careful to not buy the “whitening sunscreen/tan lotion.” The Thais don’t want to tan, they want light skin.
They give you bottled water everywhere! Pack very light and light weight clothing and get laundry done there. Buy all your toiletries there.

Amalia the Thai people don’t want to get tanned, they want lighter coloured skin. Just the opposite of us.

Darrick I agree. Go to Hua Hin, Koi Samui,

Robbin
Darrick I agree. We flew into Chiang Mai and out of Bangkok. I would love to go again; next time a direct flight to Bangkok and only spend 2 days there. I loved Thailand

we went when our kids were 10 and 8. started in chiang mai (food is amazing up north, we walked the markets, cooking class, zip lined, went to elephant nature park). then flew down and stayed a week in koh lanta, nice long beaches, did snorkelling tours there. then spent final week in koh lipe which had crystal blue water and great snorkelling

Do not drink the water - even if it says drinking water but is not in a sealed bottle. My husband and I have travelled a lot, but made a rookie mistake on our second last day and at an upscale hotel, drank water from a pitcher that said "drinking water". Huge mistake. Neither of us have ever been soooo sick, and we had to fly home. Buy flats of sealed bottles and don't take the chance. We took our own sunscreen, and strong mosquito repellant S well. You can buy good repellant at MEC, or the travel clinics. We also had travel shots before we went. Something to think about or inquire about.

We (family of five including 10, 14, 18 year olds, plus family friends adult and 19 year old) spent 3 days in Bangkok visitng Chatuchak market, Ayutthaya, taking the water transport to the Jim Thompson silk museum, and the Wat Phra Chetuphan at night which was beyond spectacular and virtually deserted. Our trip was a whirlwind so not quite enough time anywhere! We took the overnight train to Chiang Mai which we absolutely loved (train #9). We took a cooking class, visited the Sticky Falls which we all thought were fun, loved the night markets, had massages at the Women's rehabilitation prison, took a dinner boat cruise (meh), visited an elephant camp with Into the Wild Elephant camp (amazing, no riding), marvelled at the Wats and the walled city, we absolutely loved the history and culture here. Chiang Mai had amazing food and cafes. We flew to Ao Nang. Railay beach for a day, climbed Nong Thale peak for the views which were a little hazy and a brutal hike in the heat. We finished with a few days in Khao Lak on the beach in a beautiful resort (not all inclusive). It was soooo amazing! We all truly loved Thailand.

Bonnie What was the name of your resort in Khao Lak?

Carol Nang Thong Bay resort

I really like staying at the Holiday Inn on Silom Road. There is so much to see and do in Bangkok. So many beautiful temples, Wat Po just one of them. The temple of the Emerald Buddha is also worth visiting. Definitely check out Kao San Road for some fun shopping. Enjoy the wonderful Thai food.

Do not buy any bottled water on a street. Make sure you buy from store and ensure that they are sealed.
Try night market for foods. But do not try fresh fruits there. Be always polite and have manners.

This is a loaded question and depends on your budget (I like to spend 2 nights in Bangkok when I land to adjust to the time and typically book a budget hotel near Sukhumvit BTS)
I travelled as a single mom in Thailand for 4 years with 3 kids (feel free to DM me)
Bangkok is an amazing city with kiddos and there is lots to do. Water wasn’t an issue, but we typically bought bottled water or fresh juice off the street (we were never sick..)
Take a river tour, the floating market is a blast!! Visit Kidzania (at the mall.. kids love it!) the zoo is great.
Take the motorcycle taxi, ride the BTS If you are there over the weekend, don’t miss the Chatachuk market (although this is busy and hot and not always a kid favourite). The ancient city of Siam is incredible (and they have elephants!)
Most of all, relax and smile. Thais are gracious and your kids will love it!!
Sunscreen is everywhere (as is bug spray.. you’ll want some as it’s rainy season). Tampons are impossible to find.

Rae-Leig
Hey Rae-Leigh I messaged you!! We were just talking about you and your connection to Thailand

Christy I didn’t even notice you were the OP! I can’t wait to chat with you … you guys are going to have the best time!

Bangkok was such an amazing experience - travelled with our then 9 yr old. We stayed along Sukimvat - very close to the sky train which was perfect. We enjoyed getting to the temples - by train by boat by canal by tuk tuk - and then the wonderful food stands everywhere. Must sees were the reclining buddha, the sunrise or sunset temple - along the river; Jim Thompson house was beautiful and interesting. Hire a boat to take you along the Kalongs (canals). We were there 4 nights before heading to Phuket for 5 days and a 4 day snorkel boat in the Andaman Sea (koh phiphi island, Krabi etc). But many people we met had done Koi Samui and had loved it. Don’t think I’d go back to Phuket but it had some wonderful moments. Food is fabulous, take Ducarol before you go, get your shots, etc. If you want to see elephants, make sure the place is highly recommended and they treat their animals humanely.

Skip bangkok in my opinion, or do 1-2 days max. It's busy, hot, and not nearly as nice as the rest of the country.
Pick 2-3 islands to visit. My favorite was Koh Tao.
Spend time in Chiang Mai, the Sunday market there is incredible.
Phuket has lots of resorts if that's what your ideal is, but as many other have mentioned all inclusive here is nothing like mexico....better value staying outside of the resorts.

Drew I was upset we couldn’t go to Koh Tao due to weather. A light rain they said, as the roads flooded on Samui lol loved Samui

Kim-Bourque tao is the best for me, quiet and beautiful, small and fun to explore with nice hikes, but there's a party beach with some energy if you want it.
Koh phangan is also really beautiful and there is lots to see besides the full moon party.

Drew yes we had both planned but the weather shut down the ferries. Next time!

I forgot to mention Koh Tao, I got my scuba certification there.

I’d never go to an all inclusive in Thailand. But do get a nice hotel in Bangkok for two nights. You’ll need a really good nights sleep after that long day of travel. Prices are reasonable for a beautiful hotel including a huge buffet breakfast. Many people have offered good advice on what to see in Bangkok. I’d also agree with heading to Chiang Mai for a few days. It’s very different. Then I’d head to some islands. Koh Lanta is my favourite but there are lots of great islands. Get a book, or research online and decide which islands to see. My best advice is to travel light. You’ll practically live in bathing suits or very light clothing on the islands. You won’t need to ever dress up or wear any shoes but sandals. We only do carry on. You’ll be on and off ferries and small boats, sometimes carrying your bag across a foot of water to the beach from a boat. P.m. me if you like. We’ve been there five times and eaten everything and never been sick.

There are lots of temples to see but with your kids ages, pick and choose because they will be bored to tears very quickly.
Serviced apartments are good for families. Stay away from khao San road with kids. Try the riverside area, sukhumvit area or the area more towards paragon mall/Mah boon krong (MBK) Center. A long tail boat ride would be something the kids might like.
There is the Damnoensaduak floating market and most tours include the long tail boat ride, the train market where the train passes through the middle of the market and everyone moves out of the way till it passes. The kids would love the elephant sanctuaries but no riding these days in most if not all camps.
Thai people love children especially farang (foreigners). warn the kids that they will keep trying to touch them and interact with them, especially the 7 year old. If the child is shy they might feel intruded upon. They won’t hurt them but they are sometimes very in your face @bout it.
Most malls have a childrens play area, a small pharmacy and a supermarket somewhere within it. Boots and watson are British and are everywhere. You can get sunscreen easily.
Hope this helps.

No need to stay in Bangkok, maybe a night or two due to jet lag.

OMG…you will love it! We went with friends for a month Jan/Feb this year.
Bangkok-4 nights
Flight to Chiang Mai-4 nights
Flight to Phuket-5 nights
Flight to Koh Samui-5 nights
Ferry to Koh Tao-7 nights
Bangkok-2 nights and then flew home to Calgary
Let me know if you have questions…maybe I can help!
Great trip!

No all inclusive we booked and planned all on our own.

Rosanne this sounds like an amazing trip id like to do one day but maybe shorten to 3 weeks
What was your approximate budget if you don’t mind me asking. I know prices of flights are always changing but just trying to plan a bit

Jennifer I believe it was around $10,000 CAD including flights from Calgary. Our accommodation was all booked through booking.com
Keep in mind…our accommodation were booked during covid so probably cheaper but if you book along way out I am sure there are still deals to be had. You should go!
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Jennifer my other reply to you is still pending…cost was about $10,000 for everything!

Do the three day run to Siem Reap to see Angor Wat Cambodia. Its worth it..

I haven’t read all the comments but feel free to message me. I’ve lived in Thailand (Chiang rai) for 6 yrs and have a 14 and 12 yr old so they have grown up here. We have travelled around the country often.

Have fun, I have a condo in BKK soi 13 sukhumvit…….you’ll love Thailand.

A couple days in Bangkok is plenty.
We went a few years ago with a 4,7, and 9 year old. Loved taking the night train to Chaing Mai so much adventure to do in the North. Loved Patara Elephants. Then flew to Krabi/AoNang in the south beautiful beach vacation to relax after the culture experience of Bangkok and the adventure in the north

I am a Canadian/ Egyptian who grew up in crazy busy cities like Cairo and I am telling you that Bangkok is too crazy and stressful to stay longer than 2 days . Agree with all previous recommendations about things to do and saving time share for more expensive destinations

I think that an all-inclusive might be nice, but I’d suggest getting one later on, as I don’t know that it’s going to really help you get used to the culture. I found that no one spoke English in Bangkok, and locals didn’t try to help me the way so many do in other countries when you look lost. I used airbnb for my own space and then I went to a yoga retreat in the mountains in Pakong. I might recommend that. They spoke English, it was gorgeous. Meals were included and the money goes towards a school for children with developmental disabilities.
You can message me if you have any questions, but I think that would be a neat experience for the family, and the school is on the same property so you can see it.

Amalia I would love to hear about the yoga retreat area

Try the cooking classes in Chiang Mai.

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My husband and I were in Thailand for 3 weeks. Seriously, buy your sunscreen, contact lense solution, and nearly all your toiletries there!!! It’s so cheap to buy there. They have so many herbal remedies @ 7-11 if you get a cold or to keep hydrated for .08/package.
You’ll be given bottled water everywhere!! I loved the people, the food everything. But it’s soooo hot. PS don’t take much for clothes, you can get your Landry done everywhere for $4.00. To go into a temple females need to cover their shoulders and knees, men wear long pants. Other than that bring a couple of tanks, shorts, sarongs and bathing suits. It’ll be killer hot.
We stayed in Chiang Mai, a few nights north in the jungle, Ko Phanang, then Bangkok. Bangkok is brutal hot
. Just for kicks, stay close to Koh San Road where they filmed Hang Over 3
. Kerazy market there. There’s some omaZing Temples there.
If you’re going to Chiang Mai or Ko Phanang, I can give you recommendations of nice, clean places to stay. The Thai people are very kind and helpful
. They will help you get to wherever you want to go.
There was 7 of us and I am the only one who wore a hat allll the time (oddly a decent hat was hard to find) and I am the only one who didn’t suffer from heat exhaustion. They were laid up for days
. The tuk Tuks are a blast. The water is omaZing. Go out snorkelling.
PS if you want to go to the jungle to volunteer looking after the elephants for a few days, I can share that with you.

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I love Thailand and Bangkok in particular! I stayed (it’s been a while) at Villa Cha Cha - amazing location, super reasonable, and walked or took a tuk tuk. It’s paradise in the city. The food there was incredible.