Our First Family Trip to Thailand

On the 24th of January, we embarked on our first family trip to Thailand with our 6.6-month-old son, Parker. Although this was our fourth visit to this beautiful country, it was our first time traveling with a baby. We were accompanied by friends and their 10-month-old baby, Luka, making the journey a shared experience.

Adapting Our Travel Style

While we’re accustomed to hopping from island to island, taking planes, ferries, and Tuk-Tuks, we decided to adopt a more relaxed approach this time. Apart from spending a few days in bustling Bangkok, we chose to settle in one location for two weeks: Krabi.

Exploring Krabi

Krabi, with its countless beautiful islands and bays, offered plenty of activities and sights. It served as a great base from which we could embark on various outings. And if our plans didn’t work out, we had the comfort of our luxurious 4-star resort to fall back on, making a two-week stay far from a hardship.

Embarking on a Journey: Flying to Thailand with a Baby

As we prepare for our flight, I can’t help but feel a twinge of nervousness. Our little one is usually quite relaxed at home, but how will he react to being confined in a metal tube soaring at an altitude of 10km? My worst fear is enduring hours of his relentless crying, leading to a tense exchange with my husband about whose turn it is to comfort him. Fortunately, our worries are unfounded as Parker behaves impeccably.

Experience Thailand with a Baby

Thailand is a fantastic destination for families, even those traveling with a baby. The country is safe, the locals are friendly, and there are plenty of activities for all ages. Here are some tips and insights for those considering a trip to Thailand with a baby.

Traveling to Thailand with a Baby

Traveling to Thailand with a baby is easier than you might think. The country is well-equipped for tourists, and that includes families with young children. Here are some things to consider:

• Most hotels and restaurants have high chairs and baby cots available.
• Diapers and baby food are readily available in supermarkets.
• Thailand is a safe country with a low crime rate.
• Thai people love children and will often go out of their way to make them feel welcome.

Things to Do in Thailand with a Baby

Thailand offers a wide range of activities that are suitable for families with a baby. Here are some suggestions:

• Visit the beautiful beaches of Phuket or Krabi.
• Explore the bustling city of Bangkok.
• Take a boat tour of the famous Phi Phi Islands.
• Visit the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.

Preparing for Your Trip

Before you travel to Thailand with a baby, there are a few things you should prepare:

• Make sure your baby’s vaccinations are up to date.
• Pack enough baby essentials for the journey, as well as a few extras.
• Consider the climate and pack appropriate clothing for your baby.
• Check with your hotel to see if they provide baby cots and high chairs.

Traveling to Thailand with a baby can be a wonderful experience. With a little preparation and the right attitude, you and your family can enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.

Tips for a Long Flight with a Baby

Traveling with a baby can be challenging, especially when it involves long flights. Here are some tips to make your journey smoother:

• Try to book a night flight. This way, you can utilize most hours during the flight to watch a movie or take a nap. For instance, if your flight is at 17:00 hrs, you can spend 3 hours entertaining the baby, and the rest can be nap time.
• Book a crib if possible, and choose an airline that offers these. On our flight, there were 9 babies and 4 cribs, of which we got 2 as we had booked in advance.
• Bring an alternative. A crib is never a guarantee, so we brought the Dervan Air Traveller with us in our hand luggage, just in case! This is essentially a small mattress including a sleeping bag.
• Ensure you have enough supplies; extra formula, clothes, bottles, pacifiers, and toys. An extra blanket (as it can get cold on a plane) and a charged iPad with downloaded Netflix series can be handy. We found having enough Nijntje on stock very useful.
• A baby carrier is a must-have. It’s useful at the airport, your destination, and for cradling your child to sleep on the plane. We have the By Kay 4 way carrier and are very happy with it. It has a cool design and is black, so it’s daddy proof too.

Traveling to Thailand with a Baby: Bangkok

Traveling to exotic locations like Thailand with a baby can be an exciting adventure. Here’s our experience in Bangkok:

Our Luxurious Stay in Bangkok

Our journey in Bangkok spanned over three days, with two days spent on our way over and one day on our return. We chose to stay at the Chatrium Residence Bangkok Sathon, a luxurious hotel that allowed us to fully recharge after our long journey. The spacious rooms, equipped with a handy kitchenette, and the large pool made it an excellent choice for our stay.

Experiencing Bangkok’s Nightlife

In the evening, we visited the Vertigo & Moon Skybar, a rooftop bar offering a fantastic view over Bangkok. It was the perfect spot to capture some beautiful photos of our trip.

Exploring Thailand with a Baby: Krabi

Our flight to Krabi was a breeze, taking only an hour and a half. We managed to secure a fantastic deal at the eco-friendly Pakasai resort, which included half-board. Normally, I wouldn’t opt for this, but having breakfast and lunch at the hotel proved to be incredibly convenient. It also saved us a significant amount of time and money.

Endless Activities in Krabi

From our base in Krabi, we embarked on several excursions. We explored the night market in Krabi town, a bustling hub of small stalls offering delicious food and a variety of interesting items. We also took a longtail boat to Railay Beach, Krabi’s most famous beach. Tickets can be purchased for 100 baht (€2.50) at the Ao Nang Longtail Boat Club on the beach.

The longtail boat departs with a minimum of eight passengers, so there may be a short wait. The journey to the stunning bay, with its breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, takes just 10 minutes. We recommend catching the first boat at around 8:30 am. By noon, the bay starts to fill up with visitors, which can make it feel a bit crowded.

Embarking on a Tropical Island Hopping Adventure

Our journey takes us on a 4-island tour. We opt for a private longtail boat rental, which provides an entire day of leisurely exploration. The package, inclusive of water and fruit, costs 2,500 bath, approximately €62.50. With two babies in tow, we find this arrangement to be the most relaxing and flexible.

The islands we visit are designated National Parks, requiring a one-time fee of 400 bath per person. Our destinations include Phra Nang, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island. These islands boast beautiful white beaches, crystal clear blue seas, and are completely uninhabited. Truly, they are a sight to behold!

Experience Krabi: Food and Shopping

Krabi offers a lengthy shopping street perfect for a leisurely stroll. Along the beach, you’ll discover numerous quaint restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with your feet nestled in the sand. The children will have a blast, and you can savor fresh BBQ fish as the sun sets. Fisherman’s Place is one of our top recommendations.

While Krabi offers a plethora of islands to explore and excursions to book, we often find ourselves drawn to the comfort of our hotel. We spend our days lounging by the pool, indulging in sports activities, and treating ourselves to relaxing massages. In the evenings, we venture out for a meal and explore the local area.

Essential Items for Traveling to Thailand with a Baby

Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, but with the right items, your trip to Thailand can be a breeze. Here are some must-have items that you should consider packing:

• Deryan Travel Cot: This is not just a camping bed, but a mini tent that offers protection against the sun and insects, making it a safe play mat. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and can be set up in seconds. It’s perfect for use next to your bed or when you’re traveling to the islands.
• Baby Food: While diapers are readily available at every 7-eleven in Thailand, baby food is not. You might have to take a half-hour taxi ride to the nearest supermarket (like Tesco) to stock up. It’s also quite expensive, costing around €2.50 for a 100-gram jar. So, it’s best to bring your own baby food and formula.
• Medicine: It’s always a good idea to bring a variety of medicines when traveling with a baby. This includes suppositories, Luuf, saline solution, ORS, nose spray, and Dentinox. You never know when your baby might catch a cold, have a toothache, or get sore eyes, so it’s best to be prepared.

With these items, your trip to Thailand with your baby will be much more manageable and enjoyable. Safe travels!

Traveling to Thailand with a Baby: A Memorable Experience

Traveling with our baby was an absolute delight. He adapted well to the Thai pace of life, and the locals were incredibly fond of him, ensuring he was never short of attention. We highly recommend experiencing Thailand with a baby!

About the Author

This guest blog is penned by Laura. She and her husband are passionate travelers. With the arrival of their baby, Parker, they’ve discovered a new joy in traveling as a family. Their trip to Thailand marked baby Parker’s first long-distance journey at just six months old.