Tom Thrussell has been lucky to spend lots of time exploring Thailand with his wife Carla and children Maggie, 3, and Sonny, 1, in his role as Centara Hotels & Resorts’ vice-president of marketing.
He shares his top tips for a great Thailand family holiday below.
Why is Thailand a great destination for families?
Thailand is wonderfully diverse, with a wealth of varied holiday destinations and offerings to cater to all family holiday types and budgets. Thai service is warm and genuine, and children really seem to come first.
Resorts in Thailand are designed around families, with extensive kids’ facilities, clubs, entertainment and activities, something Centara specialises in, whilst the innate love and care that Thai people have for children really creates a special bond with them that makes them never want to leave.
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Which parts of Thailand are best for families and why?
There are too many to name, but all the beach destinations offer an exotic and safe paradise for families. Phuket’s wide selection of family resorts make it a top pick, including Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, and feature kids’ clubs, water slides, lazy river and ample family-centric experiences, such as cooking master classes and games and sports for all age groups.
Outside of the resort there are numerous must-do and see attractions in Phuket such as visiting the local elephant sanctuary and learning about the history of the magnificent, rescued animals.
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What are the best things to do in Thailand with kids?
In my experience, when the kids are happy, everything is easier, and everyone is happy. Born and thus far raised in Thailand, my two are already real water babies, and taking them to resorts where there are water parks and slides is always a big hit.
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort in Pattaya and Centara Karon Resort in Phuket are consistently in the country’s top 10 family resorts, and both provide diverse water attractions.
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Where would you recommend staying and why?
As well as the previously mentioned resorts, my current favourite place to be with my family is Centara Reserve Samui. Our first luxury hotel, this resort offers unique experiences and endless entertainment for my little ones.
When not bathing or kayaking in the turquoise waters off the pristine Chaweng Beach, the kids are lost in arts and crafts at the sustainable and tech-free children’s zone, splashing around at the wet playground or resting in their rooms in their special kids’ dressing gowns and slippers whilst excitedly ordering their much anticipated and complimentary “daily surprise of the day” from a special call button.
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Can you recommend any restaurants that are really family-friendly?
Coast Beach Club & Bistro is our casual Beach bar concept found in all resort-based Centara Grands. There are so many great options, extensive kids’ menus, and plenty of space for the kids to be playing in the sand or close by while you enjoy sundowners and a great meal. The kids salmon teriyaki with rice and broccoli is always a sure-fire winner!
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Head over in December or January for a festive visit with guaranteed glorious weather and a climate that is not too humid. This is the peak period in Thailand, but if you want to visit during the Australian winter instead then book a family holiday to Koh Samui in July or August. It’s my favourite island and one which enjoys its own weather system and is simply perfect at that time of year.
Any other tips for visiting Thailand with kids?
If you’re looking to have a romantic evening once you’ve put the kids to bed, or you’d like a rejuvenating massage or to be pampered after an exhausting day’s parenting, take advantage of Centara’s babysitting service or drop the kids at the supervised kids’ clubs for an hour or two to get a bit of “you time”.
For more information on Centara Hotels & Resorts visit centarahotelsresorts.com
In partnership with Centara Hotels & Resorts
Discover more about Thailand with kids
Opening image: Kids playing in the water playground at Centara Reserve Samui
