Bangkok 3-Day Family Friendly Travel Guide

Your first day in Bangkok may find you suffering from jetlag and overwhelmed by the organised chaos that is Bangkok. Pick and choose from the selection below to create the perfect 3 day guide to ease you into Thai culture, keep the kids entertained and ensure you have a great time in this incredible City.

1. Take a Glimpse of Royalty at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Delve into Thailand’s rich history and culture with a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This magnificent complex showcases the opulent architecture and intricate detailing that symbolize the grandeur of Thai royalty.

As you stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens and ornate temples, your family will be in awe of the sheer beauty and historical significance of this site. The highlight is undoubtedly the Emerald Buddha, a revered icon in Thai Buddhism. Interestingly, children under 120 cm in height enter for free, making it an affordable and educational outing for families. Adult tickets are approximately $15.

2. Have a Wild Family Adventure at Safari World

Safari World is a thrilling family-friendly destination located just outside the bustling heart of Bangkok. Here, your family can embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Your little ones’ eyes will light up as they witness incredible animal shows featuring dolphins, orangutans, and sea lions. The highlight, however, is the up-close encounter with majestic creatures like lions, tigers, and giraffes.

Apart from the animal shows, the park offers a range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Whether it’s the jungle cruise or the safari park, your family is sure to have an amazing time. Don’t forget to capture these precious moments with your children. Admission to Safari World is approximately $30 per person, making it a reasonably priced family outing.

3. Let Imagination Take Flight, Dream World

Dream World is a dream come true for children and families alike. Situated on the outskirts of Bangkok, this enchanting amusement park promises a day filled with pure joy and excitement. From thrilling rides like roller coasters and water slides to enchanting attractions featuring your kids’ favorite cartoon characters, Dream World has it all.

Treat your family to a memorable adventure as you enjoy heart-pounding rides, explore Snow Town, and meet the beloved mascots. Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch and relax in the park’s scenic areas. Tickets to Dream World start at $25 per person, making it a fantastic value for a day of fun and laughter.

4. Enjoy a Green Oasis, Lumphini Park

Escape the urban hustle and bustle at Lumphini Park, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Bangkok. This lush park provides a perfect setting for families to unwind and recharge. Let your children run freely in the dedicated playground or rent paddle boats to cruise the park’s picturesque lake.

One of the park’s unique attractions is its population of monitor lizards that call the park home. Your kids will be fascinated by these ancient reptiles from a safe distance. Best of all, entrance to Lumphini Park is free, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

5. Get Close to Wildlife, Dusit Zoo

Nestled within the city, Dusit Zoo provides a fantastic opportunity for your little ones to get close to diverse wildlife. With over 1,600 animals from around the world, this family-friendly zoo offers a day of animal encounters, educational exhibits, and recreational activities.

Kids will love the petting zoo, where they can interact with friendly animals, and the sprawling playground designed for hours of play. Stroll along the picturesque lakes and keep an eye out for the peacocks that roam freely. Admission to Dusit Zoo is around $5 for adults and $2 for children, making it an affordable outing for families.

6. Discover Bangkok’s Landmarks by Boat, Chao Phraya River Cruise

Experience the magic of Bangkok’s landmarks from a different perspective with a Chao Phraya River cruise. This leisurely boat ride offers stunning views of iconic sites like Wat Arun and the Royal Palace as you dine on delicious Thai cuisine. It’s an ideal way to introduce your children to the city’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying a scenic family meal.

Prices for a Chao Phraya River cruise start at around $20 per person, which includes the boat ride and a delectable Thai feast. A river cruise is a must-do experience for families visiting Bangkok.

7. Let Kids Rule the City, KidZania Bangkok

KidZania Bangkok is a one-of-a-kind indoor theme park where your children’s imaginations can run wild. This mini city allows kids to step into the shoes of various professionals, from firefighters to doctors, in a safe and entertaining environment. It’s an excellent way for your little ones to learn while having a blast.

Tickets to KidZania Bangkok range from $15 to $30 per child, depending on their age. The park provides a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a worthwhile stop for families visiting Bangkok.

8. Shopping and Entertainment, Asiatique the Riverfront

Asiatique the Riverfront is a vibrant night market where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together. This bustling marketplace along the Chao Phraya River offers a plethora of family-friendly activities and delicious Thai cuisine.

Take a leisurely stroll with your family as you explore the charming boutiques and shops. Kids will love the lively atmosphere and street performances. Entrance to Asiatique is free, so you can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank.

9. Dive into an Underwater Adventure, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

Take your family on an enchanting underwater adventure at Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World. Your little ones’ faces will light up as they encounter colorful marine life, including sharks, rays, and playful sea turtles. The aquarium features interactive exhibits and a 270-degree underwater tunnel for an immersive experience.

Tickets to Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World start at $25 per person, making it a great value for a day of aquatic exploration. It’s an ideal opportunity for your children to discover the wonders of the ocean while having fun.

10. Shop and Savor Street Food, Chatuchak Weekend Market

Experience the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world’s largest markets. This sprawling market boasts thousands of stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs.

Stroll through the market with your family, shop for unique finds, and indulge in delicious Thai street food. The diversity of goods and the lively ambiance make it an exciting outing for families. Best of all, entrance to Chatuchak Market is free, allowing you to explore to your heart’s content.

11. A World of Wonder, Bangkok Butterfly Garden

Immerse your family in the enchanting world of butterflies and insects at the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Your kids will be captivated by the colorful and delicate butterflies that flutter about. The garden also features a fascinating insectarium where you can observe intriguing insects up close.

Admission to the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium costs approximately $3 for adults and $2 for children, making it an affordable and educational outing for families. It’s a unique opportunity for your children to connect with the natural world.

12. Muay Thai Live

Immerse your family in the rich cultural heritage of Thailand with a thrilling Muay Thai performance at Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives. This action-packed show tells the story of this traditional martial art in a captivating and family-friendly manner.

Watch in awe as talented performers showcase their skills in an electrifying production that combines martial arts, history, and entertainment. Tickets for Muay Thai Live start at around $30 per person, offering a culturally enriching experience for your family.

13. Sip and Savor with Stunning Views, Bangkok Sky Bars

For a taste of Bangkok’s nightlife and breathtaking views of the city, don’t miss out on its iconic sky bars. These swanky rooftop bars offer a unique perspective of the cityscape. Enjoy a cocktail or a mocktail with your significant other or friends while gazing at the sparkling skyline.

Some popular sky bars include the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower and Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar. Prices for drinks vary, but the experience is worth it for the panoramic views.

14. Explore Art and History, Bangkok Museums

Delve into the art and history of Thailand by visiting the numerous museums in Bangkok. The Bangkok National Museum offers a comprehensive collection of Thai artifacts and art pieces. The Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai teakwood house, showcases the life and legacy of the American silk entrepreneur.

These cultural gems provide an opportunity to learn more about Thailand’s heritage and artistic expression. Entrance fees to museums are typically affordable, making it a culturally enriching activity for adults.

15. Discover Bangkok’s Scenic Side, Rides and River Walks

Explore the quieter side of Bangkok with a leisurely cycle ride or a stroll along the Chao Phraya River. Many bike tours are available for both beginners and experienced cyclists, taking you through the city’s charming neighborhoods and hidden gems.

Alternatively, take a riverside walk and soak in the picturesque views of the river and its historic landmarks. You can also stop by waterfront cafes for a refreshing drink and a snack. This serene experience offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s vibrant energy.

Thonburi is much quieter so you don’t have to wait as long (especially with small children), we recommend a long-tail boat tour through the cancels so you can setback and take in the views.

How to get around Bangkok

There are plenty of ways to move around Bangkok. From MRT, Grab cars & bikes, Tuk-Tuks, motorbikes and buses – you’re actually spoilt for choice! Taxis and Grabs are much cheaper than Western prices.

it is very common for taxis to not have car seats for baby or small children. When using the Grab app to book cars, you can select the family option which means the car/driver is legally covered on insurance to transport children under 110cm height. You can also book a taxi or car in advance and request a car seat but, you may have to accept that your baby or small child will need to sit on your knee or in your arms when moving around.

Arriving in Bangkok

Bangkok has two international airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.

Suvarnabhumi Airport

If you fly into Suvarnabhumi you can catch the BTS into the City in less than 30 minutes for around 1 dollar (30THB). Once you get off, you can get a taxi or Grab to your hotel (the BTS does have a lift if you are traveling with a pram).

It’s much easier to catch a taxi from the airport, the system is regulated which means you get a fair price and its stress-free. You are given a ticket for a machine and then you head to the car parked under the number.

You may wish to rent a car and drive around Thailand. There is a modern highway to get into the Capital. If you wish to get a booster seat or car seat you can request it but it doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed it. More than once we’ve landed and the hire company explains that they only have a small amount of seats and its on a first come first serve basis.

Need To Know: If you are in a taxi and use a toll road, the price will be added to your end fee. Don’t be alarmed when the driver pulls out cash and pays at the toll booth as they drive through.

Public Transport in Bangkok

The most exciting and cheapest ways to move around Bangkok are the BTS, Grab Taxi and Metro. There are buses but they are hot, get stuck in traffic (as they must remain on a set route) which are cheap but we avoided with the kids/baby.

Also if you don’t want to risk getting ripped off then use Grab as the fee/cost is set and you don’t need cash (as it is linked to your bank card. We tend to use Grab if we want to get to a location or activity at a specific time as its stress-free. if we are free-styling then we are happy to use public transport, adds to the adventure and George really enjoys getting a window seat and taking it all in.

Where to Stay in Bangkok with Kids

Bangkok has accommodation for all budgets and travel style. You can find plenty of hotels, in party hotspots, or slightly further away (more peaceful) or near to a BTS stop (cheaper the further back you stay).

When we go to Bangkok we always spend the first night at the Holiday Inn Bangkok because it’s within a five minute walk of a huge mall, CentralWorld where we can pick up all the things we need for the coming weeks adventure. It’s also known by taxi drivers so it isn’t stressful for them to find, which can be a challenge for airport drivers sometimes as there are literally thousands of hotels!

Also worth entertaining the idea of an Airbnb when traveling with babies and small children. We have found a few good deals, take your time to find an area that has a 7/11 and/or within walking distance of public transport or you may find yourself isolated and reliant on taxis. With an airbnb you can get two rooms for the same price as one hotel room. So the baby and children can sleep in their own room and, you can wash any dirty baby grows etc.

A safe area to look to stay is Sukhumvit, which has a BTS connection making it easy to get around. The streets are littered with cafes, restaurants, streets food vendors – all right on your doorstep.

How much does Bangkok cost to visit?

Like many capital Cities around the world, Bangkok caters for all budgets. Compared to London or New York, it is affordable and your money can go much further. To save money we book one room and, pay extra for a fold out bed for George. Fred sleeps in his pram (bassinet) to keep costs down so we can travel for longer. Cheap food, a lot of activities for free, you can enjoy Bangkok without breaking the bank!

Cost of Traveling in Bangkok

We would suggest a budget between $350 USD upwards, per person for a week. The biggest factors will be the price of accommodation, if you edit your search for places that aren’t in the direct city centre and, near to BTS or public transport then you can make significant savings.

As always, it tends to be the flights that are the most expensive. Rainy season tends to be cheaper and, you can find cheaper accommodation and flights as it is off season. Don’t be fooled into thinking that it will be considerably cheaper or quieter, a lot of travel families will visit at this time as the temperature is cooler and it aligns with school holidays.

Hotels: $40-100 USD

Hostels: $20-$40 USD

Transport: $10-40 USD

Activities: $10-50 USD

Food: $20-50 USD

SIM card: $2-5 USD

Travel insurance: $5-20 USD

Simcard in Bangkok

When you arrive at the airport there are loads of sim car shops as you walk out, it can be intimidating! We prefer to get to the hotel when traveling with the kids and then go out and find a mobile shop to get a simcard sorted and chose a good package.

We recommend True Move sim card for traveling in Thailand. They have an amazing 4G/5G network, same as with AIS, but a True Move sim card is slightly cheaper than an AIS prepaid sim card.

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Thailand in 2023 is an e-sim card. And you can find amazing Thailand e-sim cards on the internet. If you are looking for a sim card for traveling in Thailand with unlimited data then you definitely want to hear about e-sim cards. An e-sim card for Thailand for 10 days with 50 GB data already starts from $9.90 USD.

Alternatively, AIS offers a 5-day unlimited bundle for around 150 THB (5 USD).

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