Bangkok to Chiang Mai to the Islands: A 2-Week Thailand Itinerary with Kids
Choosing a A 2-Week Thailand Itinerary and travelling Thailand with kids can feel intimidating at first. The heat. The distances. The question every parent asks quietly at 2am while Googling: is this actually going to be enjoyable for everyone?
Here’s the honest answer, yes, absolutely… if you get the order right.
After travelling Thailand as a family since January 2024 and spending almost 2 years travelling around and living in Thailand, this route stands out as one of the most balanced, realistic and enjoyable ways to experience the country with children:
Bangkok ➝ Chiang Mai ➝ Koh Samui or Phuket
It gives you culture, adventure and downtime in the right order without cramming too much in or running your family into the ground. This itinerary is designed to be flexible, family-friendly and easy to personalise, whether you’re travelling short-term or leaning into slower, long-term travel.
Why This 2-Week Thailand Itinerary Works So Well for Families
Thailand is not a country you want to tackle randomly with kids.
Starting in Bangkok means you arrive fresh for the busiest, loudest, most overwhelming part of the trip. Moving north to Chiang Mai slows the pace just when you need it. Finishing on the islands gives everyone permission to fully relax.
This order:
- Reduces travel fatigue
- Avoids backtracking
- Balances stimulation with rest
- Works brilliantly for children of different ages
It’s also ideal for first-time visitors to Thailand and families returning who want a more intentional experience.
Days 1–3: Bangkok with Kids (A Gentle Introduction)
Bangkok is intense! There’s no point pretending otherwise. But it’s also fascinating, vibrant and full of moments kids remember long after the trip ends.
The key here is keeping it short and simple.
Where to Stay in Bangkok with Kids
Choose somewhere with:
- Easy transport links (BTS or river access)
- A pool (non-negotiable in Bangkok)
- Family-friendly room layouts
Riverside hotels work particularly well with kids, as boat travel becomes part of the adventure rather than a chore.
What to Do in Bangkok as a Family
Day 1: Arrival & Recovery
Use your first day to adjust. Avoid major sightseeing. Swim, eat, sleep and let everyone settle.
Day 2: River Life & Temples
A long-tail boat ride through Bangkok’s canals is one of the most kid-friendly ways to explore the city. Or use the hop on hop off ferries to get to some major sights. It’s engaging without being exhausting.
Choose one main temple to visit rather than trying to see everything. Wat Pho works well with kids thanks to its open spaces and iconic reclining Buddha. This was actually our first stop when we arrived in Bangkok with 2 kids back in 2024
Day 3: Markets & Easy Exploration
Visit a market, take a tuk-tuk ride and leave space for spontaneity. Bangkok is better experienced than ticked off. The area of Chatuchuk is great for this, you can combine the giant market there (especially on weekends) with one of my favourite FREE kid activities; the children’s museum!
Bangkok with Kids: What to Know
- Dress modestly for temples (cover shoulders and knees)
- Start early to avoid the worst heat
- Build downtime into every day
- Expect sensory overload and embrace it
Days 4–7: Chiang Mai (Culture, Calm & Nature)
Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the flight is short around 1/1.5 hours, affordable and far easier than travelling overland with kids. If you are travelling with kids a little older the overnight train is a great experience. My husband and son booked the 1st class sleeper (get this in advance as they sell out). We booked through 12GoAsia and found the process really easy and straight forward.
This is where many families fall in love with Thailand.
Why Chiang Mai Is Perfect for Families
Chiang Mai offers:
- A slower pace
- Cooler temperatures
- Walkable neighbourhoods
- A strong café culture
- Incredible cultural experiences
- More play cafes (indoor and out) than I’ve ever experienced
It’s ideal for worldschooling families and those wanting deeper experiences without constant movement.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai with Kids
Anywhere around the the Old City is a great location, specific areas we loved were : Nimmanhaemin, Hang Dong, and around Central Fesitval, these areas work well for families, depending on whether you want culture or cafés on your doorstep.
Look for:
- Family rooms or apartments
- Pools
- Quiet streets within walking distance of attractions
What to Do in Chiang Mai with Kids
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit
This is often the highlight of the entire trip. Choose a sanctuary focused on observation and education rather than interaction. We personally booked a night at Chai Lai Orchid and really enjoyed our night there!
It’s a powerful learning experience for children and a chance to talk about conservation and animal welfare.
Temple Visits & Old City Wandering
Chiang Mai’s temples are calmer and more accessible than Bangkok’s. Short visits work best pair them with cafés or parks. Some of our favorites temples were further afield but Doi Inthanon and Doi Suket are definitely worth a visit.
Markets
Relaxed, family-friendly and full of low-pressure food options. Perfect for picky eaters and adventurous ones alike. Sundays hosts the biggest night market that takes up a lot of the old city. The weekend markets are amazing here and our favorites were Cham Cha (great kids zone) Coconut market (beautiful scenery) and the artists market (perfect to pick up something a bit different.
Downtime
Chiang Mai is a place to slow down. Café mornings, pool afternoons and early nights are not wasted time they’re what make the trip sustainable. Our absolute favourite brunch spot was a place called Lazy Lemon! The tomato soup with cheese toasty was YUM!
Days 8–14: Island Time (Samui or Phuket)
Now comes the reward.
After cities and culture, it’s time for beach days, slower mornings and that feeling of finally being on holiday.
You can choose between Koh Samui or Phuket depending on your family’s travel style.
Option 1: Koh Samui with Kids (Slower & Simpler)
Koh Samui is ideal for families who want an easy, relaxed finish to their Thailand trip.
Why Choose Koh Samui
- Calmer than Phuket
- Excellent family resorts
- Easy to navigate
- Direct flights (or simple connections)
- Predictable, stress-free travel days
What to Do in Koh Samui
- Beach days and resort pools
- Fisherman’s Village strolls
- Big Buddha Temple visit
- Local markets
- Casual boat trips
This is where routines soften and everyone truly unwinds.
Option 2: Phuket with Kids (More Variety, More Energy)
Phuket offers more choice and more chaos.
Why Choose Phuket
- Huge range of accommodation
- Island-hopping opportunities
- Family attractions and tours
- International flight connections
What to Do in Phuket
- Beach hopping
- Island tours (Phi Phi, Coral Island, etc.)
- Old Town wandering
Phuket works well for families who like structured activities and variety, but it’s busier and louder than Samui.
Getting Around Thailand with Kids
Thailand is surprisingly easy to navigate as a family, far easier than many parents expect. The infrastructure is well set up for tourism, distances are manageable, and once you know where and how to book things, travelling with kids becomes much less stressful.
The biggest tip? Choose convenience over saving a tiny amount of money. When you’re travelling with children, smoother days matter more than squeezing every penny.
Flights Within Thailand
Internal flights in Thailand are one of the biggest reasons the country works so well for family travel. I always use Skyscanner to compare the cheapest options for flights when you find the option you want I scroll down the booking options and try to always book with the airline to avoid any problems.
- Flights are frequent, affordable and generally reliable
- Travel times are short, often under 90 minutes
- Airports are efficient and family-friendly
- Budget airlines make hopping between regions easy
For routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or Chiang Mai to the islands, flying saves hours compared to trains or buses, energy you’ll be glad to keep for actually enjoying your trip.
If you’re travelling with younger kids, flights are almost always worth it, even for short distances.
Transfers & Ground Transport in Thailand
Pre-booked transfers are one of the best decisions you can make when travelling Thailand with kids. Grab and Bolt are widely used apps in Thailand so download them before you arrive. I personally use Grab the most and you can book taxis at the airport then head to the dedicated pick up points.
After a long flight, the last thing most families want is negotiating taxis, navigating public transport, or figuring out directions in the heat.
Pre-booking means:
- Someone is waiting for you on arrival
- No language barriers
- No price negotiations
- No hauling luggage through busy stations
For day trips, longer drives, or airport transfers, private cars or minivans offer comfort, air-conditioning and flexibility especially important if your kids still nap during the day.
In cities like Bangkok, river boats and the BTS skytrain can also be part of the adventure, but it’s worth mixing these with taxis or transfers to avoid burnout.
Trains & Buses in Thailand: Are They Worth It with Kids?
Trains and buses can be an experience in Thailand, but they’re not always the most practical option for families.
Overnight trains can work for older kids, but with younger children they often mean broken sleep and long days. For most families, flights offer a better balance of time, comfort and energy.
If you do choose trains, book in advance and opt for higher classes where possible.
Packing Tips for Thailand with Kids
Packing smart makes a huge difference to how easy your days feel.
Lightweight Clothing
Breathable fabrics are essential. You’ll do laundry more often than you think, so pack less and wash regularly.
Good Walking Shoes
You’ll walk more than expected, even on beach days. Comfortable shoes make a big difference.
Sun Protection
Hats, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable, especially for younger children.
Bug Spray
Essential, particularly in Chiang Mai and island areas. Bring something you know works for your family.
Refillable Water Bottles
Easy to refill at hotels and cafés, and a simple way to stay hydrated in the heat.
Day Bag Essentials
Snacks, wipes, hand sanitiser and a light rain layer can turn a potentially stressful outing into an easy one.
Thailand is forgiving, welcoming and flexible and with the right transport choices, it’s one of the easiest countries in the world to explore as a family.
How to Make This 2-week Thailand Itinerary Your Own
This Thailand itinerary is a framework, not a rulebook. Think of it as a flexible blueprint you can adapt to your family’s pace, interests, and energy levels. Every family is different, and Thailand is a country that truly rewards those who take their time, make small adjustments, and follow their instincts.
Here are some ways to personalise this itinerary:
- Add Rest Days: Kids (and adults) need downtime. Insert a full day at the beach or a lazy morning at a café to recover from travel or busy sightseeing days.
- Extend One Location: Fell in love with Chiang Mai or a particular island? Stay longer. Sometimes lingering in one spot creates the most memorable experiences.
- Swap Activities: Not every temple or tour is suitable for all kids. Swap out activities to match your family’s energy levels, interests, or the weather.
- Travel Slower: Don’t feel pressured to tick off every destination. Slowing the pace helps everyone enjoy the journey and prevents burnout.
- Be Flexible with Transportation: Flight delays, ferry schedules, or unexpected traffic happen. Build buffer days so minor disruptions don’t ruin your plans.
- Mix Comfort with Adventure: Balance structured tours with spontaneous explorations. A morning in a jungle sanctuary could be followed by an afternoon chilling at a pool.
- Include Cultural or Learning Experiences: Thailand is full of opportunities for children to learn cooking classes, nature trails, or ethical wildlife experiences. Pick ones that align with your family values and interests.
The key takeaway: This itinerary is your guide, not a strict agenda. Adjust it based on what feels right for your family on the day. Flexibility allows you to enjoy Thailand fully, turn unexpected detours into highlights, and make this experience truly your own.
Is Thailand Worth It with Kids?
Absolutely.
Thailand offers warmth both in climate and culture that makes family travel feel genuinely supported. It’s affordable, welcoming and endlessly interesting for children.
Done right, a Thailand family trip isn’t just a holiday. It’s an experience your kids carry with them.
And starting in Bangkok, slowing down in Chiang Mai, and finishing by the sea? That’s the sweet spot.
