Is your first trip to Thailand just around the corner? Check out what you should know to make sure Thailand with kids truly blows your mind, and your entire journey remains unforgettable, safe, and—most importantly—tailored to your own needs.
O tym przeczytasz
First of all: Thailand is not just Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi
The beauty of Thailand lies in its diversity. There is the magical North with its rich cultural heritage of over 20 tribes and incredible mountains that are actually part of the… Himalayas. There are 40 national parks scattered across the country. The flavors of the South, the scents of the North. Loud and crowded Bangkok, wild elephants, and tigers living in the wild. Colorful long-tails anchored along the islands of the Andaman Sea (home to the best diving spots in this part of Asia) and the silence of Buddhist monasteries high in the Thai mountains. Caves, waterfalls hidden in the tropical jungle, tea and coffee plantations, and endless, rolling, lush green rice fields.
Thailand is so much more than Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi, or Pattaya..
By choosing only the most popular destinations, you’ll see a Thailand that is crowded, noisy, and expensive. By opting for equally beautiful but much less famous spots—less popular islands or towns like Pai in the North, the Mae Hong Son Loop, our beloved Koh Lanta in the South, or the paradise-like Koh Ngai or Koh Kradan—you’ll experience something deeper and more authentic. Plus, you’ll be supporting local communities.
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Po drugie, nie za dużo naraz
I know that once you buy tickets to the other side of the world, you really, really want to see everything! I get it because I’m the same way! But believe me, Thailand is worth staying in a bit longer. Immerse yourself, taste it, stay in one place for more than just a day or two.
My advice: if you’re coming for a 2-week vacation, choose a maximum of 3 locations to explore. If you land in Bangkok, spend at least 3 full days there. Dive into the city, get off the beaten path. Then choose either the magical North or the island-filled South. Don’t overstuff your itinerary. Thailand is meant to be experienced, not just “checked off.” And if you love it, you’ll definitely come back.
Thirdly: Asia loves kids
If you’re wondering whether Thailand is a good destination for your first trip to Asia with a baby or a preschooler, you couldn’t have picked a better place! Thai people absolutely love children. They pamper them, hug them, offer to hold them in restaurants, and help with everything. There’s always an extra piece of fruit, a treat, or a helping hand nearby. Seriously! Also, the healthcare here is at a very, very high level. Just remember: you must have travel insurance.
Fourthly (and importantly): Never travel to Thailand without travel insurance!
Thailand has truly excellent healthcare. We experienced this many times while living there. We tested both public and private hospitals (everything from CT scans and advanced blood work to longer hospital stays, surgeries, or even simple colds and COVID-19). Everyone speaks English, the equipment is top-notch, and you don’t have to wait in long lines. Appointments are made instantly.
There’s just one small catch: the cost. Without travel insurance, a doctor’s visit can be quite expensive. Minor colds are the cheapest (ranging from about 35 USD to 120 USD, including medicine), but more complicated issues like advanced tests or hospital stays can cost thousands of dollars. If you have insurance, everything is usually handled cashless. It’s definitely worth sorting this out before you leave.
Important: If you have an accident on a scooter and you don’t have a valid motorcycle license that is recognized in Thailand, your insurer will likely not cover the medical costs. And those can be incredibly high.
More on medical preparations for Thailand:
Fifthly, some practicalities: Money and SIM cards
In Thailand, you’ll find currency exchange booths at every turn in larger towns, airports, and tourist hotspots (like the islands in the South). You can easily exchange USD or EUR for Thai Baht. There’s just one small detail to remember: Thai exchange offices only accept relatively new, clean banknotes. They shouldn’t have any markings, stamps, or pen marks. Marked bills won’t be accepted. Also, the exchange rate is better for high denominations ($50, $100) and weaker for smaller bills.
SIM Cards for your phone
To buy a Thai SIM card and have seamless internet access throughout your trip, just walk into any 7/11 store. You’ll need to show your passport and register (the Thai government keeps a record of all SIM cards). Then… ask the cashier for help configuring the card. Why? Because the setup process is usually in Thai!
There are many networks available, and it doesn’t really matter which one you choose—they all work roughly the same. A month of good internet costs about 12 USD.
Avoid buying cards at the airport and avoid “tourist” SIM cards. They push them everywhere. The difference? None in performance, but the price is three times higher. Insist on a “no tourist” plan.
Sixth, seventh, eighth, and twentieth: Thailand is about being open to new experiences
Thailand is the perfect place for your first journey to Asia. The people are incredibly kind, the cuisine is considered one of the best in the world (we confirm!), and the nature is breathtaking. You can dive, go for a walk with elephants (not on elephants!), and see hornbills or gibbons. You’ll encounter cultural diversity, a different way of seeing the world, and unique customs (e.g., we take off our shoes before entering Buddhist temples and cover our shoulders and knees). Therefore, the more open you are to new experiences, the more fulfilling your trip to Thailand will be.
Your first DIY trip to Thailand
If you want to know more about how to organize your first independent trip to Thailand, we’d be thrilled to help!
We can help you create a travel plan, tell you how to prepare, what to pack, and what you can safely leave at home. We’ll ask what you like and what matters most to you—whether you want to be active (diving, snorkeling, mountain trekking) or just relax after months of hard work.
Based on that, we’ll suggest specific, tried-and-tested spots. We’ll share the contacts for our favorite hotels, reveal where the locals eat, who has the best car rental prices, where to hunt for the cheapest flights, and what to bring back to Poland as a souvenir.
Stay with us for more!
