Based in Thailand since 2011, David first waded into Southeast Asia in the early 2000s via friendships forged in the Thai, Vietnamese and Karen communities of Vermont, almost Canada, USA. He is a bona fide nerd in maps, islands and travel planning with a research background in Buddhism and the environmental, political and human rights issues of Southeast Asia. Bylines include CNN Travel, Conde Nast Traveller China and more than 100 Travelfish guides.
Thailand's capital city; vast, bustling, traditional in places, sleekly modern in others, and fascinating for visitors of all ages.
Bangkok is surprisingly accessible for family travellers. Public transportation is excellent and easy to navigate, the food is varied and, despite its size, the city and its inhabitants are exceptionally welcoming to kids.
A half day in the historic district is a must to take in key sites like Wat Pho's 46m-long gilded reclining Buddha, the lavish mix of 18th and 19th century architecture at the Grand Palace, and Phu Khao Thong, the Golden Mount affording views of the city set to chiming prayer bells. In between, thrill the kids with a ride in one of the city’s sputtering tuk tuks.
If the kids are suffering from temple overload there's plenty more to keep them entertained for a day or two.
There’s mask painting, puppetry and evocative canal-side life at the Artist House of Khlong Bang Luang, one of several stops on Thonburi's famous khlong (canal) tours.
And if they need a real break from sightseeing, for an all-out kids’ day in Bangkok try the Dream World amusement park and make education fun at the Children’s Discovery Museum. Throw in a river ferry ride on the Chao Phraya followed by dinner, and finish with a spin on the ferris wheel at Asiatique.
It's not all kid-friendly paradise, however. The city can feel cramped, choked with traffic and often extremely hot. Don’t squeeze too many activities into a day, and look for air-conditioned spots to cool down. Try to avoid using the metro and the roads during rush hours.
At a glance
Destinations
Bangkok
Activity
Family, Culture, Cities
Season
January - December
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