Bangkok For Kids
Mr11, aka Rusty Rocket, and myself had a two day stopover in Bangkok en route to Bonnie Scotland in July.
I knew this time was just not long enough to properly reacquaint myself with this bustling, historic city, nor to show it to him properly.
But we had a bash anyway.
First I’ll show you what worked well for my son and I, then, below, you’ll find lots of other ideas for families with children of all ages.
When short of time, I opt for tours, with expert guides to show us places and explain things in a lot less time that we’d be able to find for ourselves.
We did a Temples and Canals half day tour.
Located on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, Wat Arun is known as the Temple of Dawn. It was built in the 17th century, its walls embellished with mosaics made of pottery.
Across the river are the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Bangkok has so many canals (khlongs in Thai) that it was known as the ‘Venice of the East.’
The canals used to be the city’s main thoroughfares, nowadays you’ll see commuter traffic plying them plus many tourist boats.
We visited the canals of Thonburi, the oldest part of Bangkok. Many ramshackle old homes line the waterways, very charming to see. There are also very modern homes there now, and some shops, factories and noisy schools too.
Our Temples and Canals tour gave us a good insight into the Bangkok’s history, our guide spoke great English and pitched her information well, both to myself and to Mr11.
Other Ideas For Bangkok Stopover Kids’ Fun
Pak Klong Talad Bangkok – The Flower Market
Just south of Wat Pho in the Old City, Bangkok’s bustling wholesale flower market is open 24 hours a day.
You’ll also find fruits and vegetables here along the shop-houses of Chak Phet Road. The floral fragrances are a knockout.
Bike Tours, Try a Foodie Adventure Bike Tour
You’ll be surprised at how many bicycle tours of Bangkok are on offer. Even children as young as five can enjoy a bike tour. Check out Bangkok Food Adventures by Bike tours here.
Bangkok Tours by Tuk Tuk
What a great way to get around the city. All sorts of tours by tuk tuk are available. As an example see this Unique Bangkok Tuk Tuk tour. This is a must for us next time.
Cooking Classes and Market Tours
We read about tours which involved visiting a market and then cooking a Thai meal with the food purchased. We’d have loved that! But sadly, we couldn’t find one with a space when we were there.
Must remember to book ahead next time.
Shopping Malls
There are many shopping malls in Bangkok and they are great for eating out as well as shopping. Many also have kids activity centres too.
One of the best known is the MBK Centre, get there via the walkway from the National Stadium Skytrain Station. MBK has eight floors of shops and eateries, plus the 3D Trick Art Museum.
The MBK Centre English language website is here.
Play Centres, Zoos, Water Parks and Playgrounds
Sharon and family have checked these out so well, pop over there to read up on top spots for younger kids.
Hope you have enjoyed reading this and seeing the photos and that you have a few ideas now of what would suit your own family on a Bangkok stopover.
We were in Bangkok for too short a stay, just a stopover this time. Here’s to a longer stay next time and lots more exploring.
We stayed at the luxurious Anantara Siam Bangkok, an excellent hotel for families, read our review here.
Have you ever taken the kids to Bangkok?
Happy travels,
Seana
Yes I did! My kids have already been here a couple of times and they still get excited every time they found out that we’re going to Bangkok. We usually go to the temples, water parks, zoo, mall and even to Chatuchak ( we love Chatuchak soo much!!! ) hehe and if we still have time, sometimes I enroll them to a quick cooking or Muay Thai class.