Our Guide to Family Holidays in Thailand

Just 45 minutes from Phuket's International Airport, the Rosewood is set up for adults and children to have a fabulous holiday. Rooms are in stylish pavilions and villas, with one or two bedrooms, private pools and in secluded locations. There’s a fantastic kids’ club, which is all about embracing the natural setting and avoiding technology, while the wellness centre and spa will iron out any knots you might be carrying.

Anantara Mai Khao is in a quiet part of the north of Phuket, 15 minutes from the airport. With a serene, boutique feel to it, the hotel is ideal for rest and relaxation. It has a kids' club, villas with private pools and lots of dining options that children will love, including a fun seafood barbecue. The location right on the beach can’t be beaten, from there, head out on the hotel’s private yacht or go windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing, while your children are being looked after.

It takes a bit more effort to get to Koh Lanta than some of the other beaches in Thailand, but it’s worth it, and the boat transfer alone is all part of the excitement. Set on a long stretch of pristine beach, it has amazing multi-bed villas and activities for all the family. With eight restaurants, you have a choice for every night of your stay and kids’ will be sure to find something they love. And if food is your thing, Pimilai Resort has a popular cooking school, as well as an activity centre offering mountain bikes, trekking and tennis. The surrounding waters of the Lanta Marine National Park are excellent for diving or snorkelling and the Pimalai has its own PADI dive centre.

Another property, which is only accessible by boat, Rayavadee is in a beautiful location, but it’s worth knowing that the beach isn’t private so can get busy. However, you have a refuge in the hotel, where there are gorgeous wooden pavilions, an infinity pool, several restaurants and, of course, a spangly spa. Day trips from here are a real treat, head off to the idyllic Phi Phi Islands by boat (35 minutes away) or the Hong Islands which have some fantastic beaches and fascinating rock formations. There’s rock climbing, monkeys to spot, snorkelling and diving too. We seriously recommend dining at the Grotto, a restaurant which is nestled under an ancient limestone cliff, where you can enjoy a lazy lunch or a magical sunset cocktail.

Get a taste of barefoot luxury at the Banyan Tree in Krabi. A true embodiment of serenity and tropical landscape, this resort is prized for its spas and is nestled on the Andaman Sea. With two-bedroom suites and villas, as well as a presidential villa that sleeps up to 6, families have a home away from home when staying here. Children can take part in the kids’ clubs and enjoy the outdoor water park, climbing wall and zipline, while adults indulge in the range of onsite restaurants and bars between massages.

Well-known for its exceptional service, Four Season’s Bangkok is one of the best places to stay in Thailand. There really is something for every age here, from the small kids’ club to their bar, which is currently the best in Asia. There are fantastic food and drink options so you can put the kids to bed and have grown-up conversation after dark. It has family-sized suites, plus it’s in a great location for dipping in and out of the sightseeing Bangkok has to offer.

This is a unique hotel in Thailand’s Golden Triangle, up in the hills, looking out over the three countries – Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. A highlight is its private elephant camp, a beautiful place to see the majestic animals up close by walking with them through the bamboo jungle, helping bathe them or even spending a day learning how to master the art of being a mahout. There are plenty of other activities to keep families busy too, including taking a longtail boat to the neighbouring countries, yoga, mountain biking, tree planting, trekking and a wonderful Thai cookery school. After a day full of exciting experiences, your family can cool off in the free-form infinity-edged swimming pool, which looks down over the tree canopy towards the Mekong River.

Elephant Hills Tented Camp is comprised of two separate camps and is perfect for social families. The main camp has 30 rustic tents surrounding a communal dining area where guests can mingle after their adventures. The second camp has 10 en-suite tents floating on the Cheow-Lan Lake, powered by solar and wind energy. The second camp is the more adventurous option and better suited to families with older children. Elephant Hills offers a light wildlife experience and has expert guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. While here, you might spot lizards, frogs, exotic birds, or even the odd Gibbon monkey. During your family vacation in Thailand, you must try the elephant interaction experience. All activities are conducted as part of a small group, which is fun because you’ll get to know the other families staying at the camp.

Elephant Hills Tented Camp is comprised of two separate camps, and perfect for social families. The main camp has 30 rustic tents surrounding a communal dining area where guests can mingle after their adventures. The second camp has 10 en-suite tents floating on the Cheow-Lan Lake, powered by solar and wind energy. The second camp is the more adventurous option and better suited to families with older children. Elephant Hills offers a light wildlife experience and has expert guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. While here, you might spot lizards, frogs, exotic birds or even the odd Gibbon monkey. During your stay, your family must try the elephant interaction experience. All activities are conducted as part of a small group, which is fun because you’ll get to know the other families staying at the camp.

On a small island in Phang Nga Bay, you will find a slice of paradise. Six Senses hotels know how to do relaxation, specialising in amazing spas and beautiful places to rest your head for the night. This is no exception. Villas come with their own private infinity pool, large sundeck, open-air bathrooms, and a personal villa team trained to know what you need before you do. Larger villas have two bedrooms, so there’s space for families to be together, and there are lots of family-friendly activities, plus a babysitting service. This is a fantastic option for younger kids particularly.

One of the most exclusive places to stay in Thailand, the Four Seasons is in a quiet bay on the northwest of Koh Samui and is built into the hillside. With coconut palm groves on one side and a practically private beach on the other, you are surrounded by nature. The villas can accommodate families in several different options, including those with private pools. The Four Seasons is known for cleverly embracing children without sacrificing anything for adults and it’s no exception in Koh Samui. While you enjoy the spa, beach and water sports, they will be diving into cooking classes, games of coconut pétanque, having kiddie spa treatments or learning Thai boxing.