What not to miss on a trip to Bangkok with your children

Looks like anyone who isn’t planning a family trip to Bangkok this year, is in the minority. Catch up with our run down of the top things to see with kids in the world’s second most visited city.

One way to get about on a trip to Bangkok

Bangkok is a busy, buzzy feast for the senses, and from golden temples to shiny shopping malls, it’s a brilliant place for kids of all ages, and beloved by families for its friendliness and extensive amount of activities.

Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand

For child-friendly temple action head to Wat Arun

A must-see on a trip to Bangkok are some of the temples dotted around the city, but with kids you don’t want to overdo it.

Wat Arun is one of the most photogenic temples in Thailand, a monumental Buddhist structure famed for its central ‘prang’ (an 82m, ornately decorated porcelain spire), and a great introduction to temples for young travellers.

Sitting right on the banks of the Chao Praya River and easy to reach via a fun ferry ride, Wat Arun gives plenty of wow factor, not least from the two giant statues of mythical demons guarding the gate of the main chapel.

Visit early or late in the day to avoid the heat, and cool down with drinks and ice-cream from the nearby cafes.

See our recommended family hotels for your trip to Bangkok

Floating market, Bangkok

Taling Chan Floating Market for longtail boats and lunch

If you’re looking to add the most authentic and accessible floating market into your trip to Bangkok, head to Taling Chan.

This welcoming river market offers delicious fare such as fruits, pancakes, barbecued seafood, noodles, and local favourite spicy green papaya salad (Som Tam).

Sit on the wooden platforms built for diners to soak up the vibes, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a live performance by traditional Thai musicians.

Longtail boats cruise up and down the market, so you can hop on for a tour of neighbouring canals. Alternatively, try a foot massage under a tree.

Although the really unmissable Bangkok market has to be Chatuchak Weekend Market: biggest in the world and great fun for kids.

See our recommended family hotels with pools in Bangkok

Splash about at Pororo Aquapark on a trip to Bangkok

A sprawling waterpark positioned on top of the Central Bangna shopping mall, Pororo Aquapark has pretty pools, epic slides, inflatables and a lazy river, with shaded tropical foliage offering a respite from city heat.

Once everyone’s had their fill of slide zoomies, hanging out with the cute penguin mascots and checking out the views, you can head to the plaza below for dinner and shopping.

See our recommended hotels for larger families in Bangkok

Aerial Photograph at Lumphini Park, Bangkok

Visit Bangkok’s gorgeous ‘green lung’, Lumphini Park

The 142-acre Lumphini Park was the first public park of Bangkok, built in the 1920s.

These days it’s a hub of all things relaxation, set in the middle of Bangkok’s busy cityscape.

As well as featuring well-tended lawns, there’s a lake where you can rent paddleboats, along with playgrounds, and an abundance of local flora and fauna. You might even spot a giant monitor lizard: not dangerous, but they look the part!

It’s also a great spot for people-watching, and where locals go to socialise or exercise.

Our advice? Escape to Lumphini’s wide-open spaces to energise and soothe kids during your trip to Bangkok, there’s even a food court for refuelling.

See our recommended hotels near Lumphini Park in Bangkok

Water fight at Songkran Festival, Bangkok

Take a trip to Bangkok in April for Songkran Water Festival

Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival and national holiday, is celebrated from 13-15 April, and it’s one of the most fun times for a trip to Bangkok with kids.

The city turns into a big street party with music, and a giant, friendly water fight – so whether with buckets of ice water, super soakers, or nothing at all, you can join in the fun and get doused.

This year, Songkran is rocking new credentials, as UNESCO recently added the festival to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.

For a more traditional side to the Songkran festival, head to riverside temples such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun, or catch cultural performances in Lumphini Park.

See our recommended hotels with family rooms for your trip to Bangkok

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