I traveled to Bangkok in January 2024 with my husband, toddler, and baby. It marked my second visit to the city, the first being during my college years. However, this trip was unique as it was my first time exploring Bangkok with a toddler, namely my daughter Serena! With her in tow, my focus shifted to ensuring she enjoyed the trip.
One of the greatest joys of parenthood is witnessing the wonder and excitement in our children’s eyes as they encounter new experiences for the first time. It’s a refreshing perspective on things we, as adults, may have grown accustomed to over the years. Traveling with kids not only allows us to create lasting memories for them but also opens our own eyes to new wonders and discoveries.
Best Things To Do With Toddlers in Bangkok
Transportation: Tuk Tuk Ride
In Bangkok, you can easily find a tuk-tuk near any tourist hotspot or shopping center. These unique three-wheeled motorized rickshaws are iconic to Thailand. My toddler absolutely adored the experience! Feel the breeze in your hair as you ride around, experiencing the city in a completely different way. It’s definitely something worth trying at least once!
Floating Market: Damnoen Saduak
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand
This is the biggest floating market in Bangkok, and it’s open everyday. It’s about 2 hour drive away from the city (which made us almost not go because long car rides with a baby and a toddler are not always fun), but I’m glad we did. It was such a unique experience. My toddler loved riding on the boat along the water, and we got to see stall after stall of souvenirs, clothes, fruits, ice cream, and food. Just be aware that this is also a tourist trap, and souvenirs are more expensive here (can probably be bought at local malls for half the price).
Night Market: Jodd Fairs Rama 9
Jodd Fairs Rama 9 Night Market
Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
This was recommended by a local friend. It is probably one of the biggest night markets I’ve ever seen in terms of number of vendors. There were rows and rows and rows of food vendors, and my only regret was that I had eaten dinner already before I came! Very great vibe, located right next to a mall, and super kid-friendly. It’s everything I want in a night market.
Airport-Themed Mall: Terminal 21
Terminal 21
88 ซอย สุขุมวิท 19, Sukhumvit 19 Alley, Khlong Toei Nuea, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Terminal 21 is supposed to look like an airport, where each floor represents a different major city like London, Tokyo, San Francisco, and Athens. I was impressed and entertained by the different floors and besides all the food on each floor, there was also a major food court on the top floor with very diverse cuisines. I saw on the website that there are 3 of these Terminal 21 malls, so find the one nearest you.
Expat Road: Khao San Road
Khao San Road
Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
This is just fun expat central. Before this, I came in my 20s, so to return to Khao San road with my kids was different as I was no longer going for the bars or clubs. As someone who speaks English, I found this street much easier to navigate because there are more store signs and restaurant menus in English and just more English speakers in general. Big bonus is that there are a bunch of street vendors selling steaming pad thai, fresh cut fruits, and fresh smoothies and juice. Perfect snacks and drinks for kids. What more can you ask for?
Temple with Reclining Buddha: Wat Pho Temple
Wat Pho Temple
2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
This temple features a massive golden reclining Buddha as the main attraction that people are lining up to take a picture with. It’s 300 baht per ticket. I haven’t seen anything like it, and my toddler kept asking to see photos of it afterwards too. Make sure to dress in pants and cover your shoulders to get into any temple in Thailand. While you’re there, you will also have to take off your shoes and carry them in a bag. There are also lots of other temples and Buddha statues to check out.
Restaurant with a view: Kin Lom Chom Saphan
Kin Lom Chom Saphan
11, 6 Chakrabongse Rd, Wat Sam Phraya, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Go to this restaurant if you want great food with a spectacular view of the bridge overlooking the water. Also, a great date night place. Our local friend who lives in Bangkok invited us here, and they knew what they were doing. The view and the food did not disappoint!
Crispy Pork Belly: Kuay Jab Mr Joe
Kuay Jab Mr Joe
313/7 Chan Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
This is a simple and assuming restaurant with Michilin star food. It gets pretty busy during the lunch rush, so we came at 10am, so there was no line. Our friends recommended it as a must-go spot, and the crispy, crackly skin and juicy, delicate meat was heavenly. The soup and other things were meh, but yes come for the pork belly. Yum yum.
Tips for traveling in Bangkok with a toddler and a baby
- It’s hot AF.
- Bring a hat and sunblock for you and the kids.
- I used a baby carrier the whole time I was there. I used the Tush Baby hip carrier with the snug attachment. I did like it a lot of times since it had the option of removing the snug attachment, and my baby could be more free. However, for longer walks, I would recommend either the ErgoBaby with breathable mesh to let air flow through. If you run hot though and you don’t want the sweat of body heat between you and your baby the whole time, a lightweight stroller would be way more comfortable.
- A fan wouldn’t hurt either.
- Cover your shoulders when you visit temples. It’s the respectable thing to do. I used my nursing cover. Clever, huh?
- Learn at least some basic phrases such as “thank you,” “hello,” “where is…”
- The rules say that a car seat is required for children under 6. I was traveling with a 3 year old and a 6 month old. We got around by taxi from place to place, several times each day for the 5 days we were there. We were never asked to use a car seat, so that’s my real experience if you want to travel lighter. They also drive much slower there compared to the US.
- Jet lag is real. When we went from US to Thailand, the whole family couldn’t make it to dinner time, thus missing a lot of dinners and night life. Naturally, since they slept early, my toddler, Serena, and my 6 month-old baby, Huntington, were up at 5:30am. Usually Bryan, diligent athlete and dad would wake up early at that time to workout, so he could be back before the kids wake up at 7:30am. Since they woke up earlier, he couldn’t get up earlier than them, so I was stuck entertaining my toddler by myself until he got back from his workout.
- Google translate app: Did you know that you could use your camera on the Google translate app to get signs translated for you? This blew my mind.
More tips for traveling internationally
What do you think?
Have you ever visited Bangkok, Thailand? If yes, what family-friendly activities would you suggest? Feel free to drop your recommendations in the comments or share this post with anyone planning a trip to Bangkok.
If you happen to explore any of these suggestions, let us know your thoughts – whether you enjoyed them or not. As a community of parents, we’re constantly learning from each other’s experiences.
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