Great family escapes in Thailand

From misty mountains to island shores, the Land of Smiles offers a plethora of unhurried family escapes

Phuket

Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort

Great family escapes in Thailand - enjoy a beachside retreat in secluded Makham Bay

A fantastic all-inclusive option and a private beachfront lapped by the turquoise waters of the Andaman make this five-star resort one of the best family-friendly options in Phuket. It sits along a tranquil stretch of white sand where families can kayak, paddleboard or simply spend unhurried days by the shore. 

Accommodation: The rooms, suites and pool villas overlook secluded Makham Bay. One- and two-bedroom Pool Villas feature their own infinity-edge pool, tiled terrace and panoramic ocean views. Standard features in all rooms and suites include private balconies, tubs, rain showers and free Wi-Fi.

Great family escapes in Thailand - one- and two-bedroom villas boast ocean views

Dining: Head to Aqua for a plentiful buffet breakfast with ocean views from the terrace. Tamarind serves delicious seafood and Thai fare, perfect for lingering lunches or candlelit dinners. If you fancy something more casual, head to Edge beach club.

The fun stuff: The Sapparot Kids Club brings Thai culture into playful focus through kite making, umbrella painting and movement-based activities designed for younger guests. Don’t miss the resort’s Marine Walk activities, which introduce children to Phuket’s coastal ecosystem through guided nature experiences and marine discovery programmes. It’s a meaningful way for younger travellers to connect with the ocean.

Location: Tucked away on Phuket’s quieter southeastern edge, Cape Panwa reveals a more peaceful side of the island. Overlooking Makham Bay, the area is renowned for its tranquility, seclusion and some of the best stretches of sand in Phuket. Add in easy access to cultural attractions, local fishing communities and island-hopping adventures and you’ve got everything you need for a perfect family break.

Khao Yai

Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai

Great family escapes in Thailand - the sweeping resort resembles a fairy castle

Set against the backdrop of gently rolling mountains and golf greens, this Tuscan-inspired resort brings a touch of European rural charm to Thailand’s highlands. Spacious family rooms and pool villas, often with separate living areas, create plenty of space in which to unwind, with sweeping views across the valley.

Accommodation: The massive resort grounds, plus grandly decorated suites and villas and an animal park to keep kids entertained, make this a popular resort in northern Thailand. Roomy family rooms and pool villas create plenty of space to unwind, with sweeping views across the valley. The resort may be sprawling, but there’s always a hotel buggy available to whisk tired little legs from villa to pool or lunch.

Dining: Don’t miss the highly acclaimed buffet breakfast at Flavours of Khao Yai all-day dining restaurant, ingredients for which are sourced from the onsite organic farm. For lunch and dinner, there are à la carte options. Enjoy afternoon tea at Castleton Café and drinks from Aqua Bar by the pool. And don't miss Mövenpick's much-loved 'Chocolate Hour'.

Great family escapes in Thailand - kids have plenty of activity options

The fun stuff: Young travellers quickly gravitate toward Zooniverse, the resort’s animal farm, where children can meet capybaras, goats, and horses. Hours will be eaten up as kids spend hours building and playing in The Giant Sandbox, or there are creative indoor activities like bead threading, painting and colouring. There are indoor and outdoor pools and, nearby, parents can enjoy a round at My Ozone Golf Club.

Location: Three hours north of Bangkok, Khao Yai feels a world away. Rolling hills, cool mountain air and forested valleys collude to create one of Thailand’s most treasured nature escapes for families. Trails, waterfalls and rich wildlife define the locale.

Hua Hin 

Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin

Great family escapes in Thailand - dreamy sunrises over the Gulf of Siam in Hua Hin

Set in pretty, beachside surroundings, this five-star resort is perfect for families hoping to escape the crowds. It’s located at the quieter end of Hua Hin beach in lush tropical gardens, but if you’re looking for a slice of the action, there are regular shuttles to transport you to the lively markets and food vendors, before returning to the serenity of Mövenpick Asara.

Accommodation: The resort blends spacious suite and villa accommodation with thoughtful touches for younger guests. The two-bedroom Premium Family Suite offers plenty of room for families travelling together. Pool Villas include a personal plunge pool, sundeck, and outdoor rain showers.

Great family escapes in Thailand - villas include a private plunge pool

Dining: Dining is equally family-focused, with playful children’s dishes adding a sense of fun to mealtimes. The resort’s duo of restaurants offer French cuisine and local Thai dishes.

The fun stuff: Facilities include two superb pools with child-friendly splash zones, a gym, a spa and a children’s club; younger guests will love The Little Bird Club, with fun and engaging activities like Zopf bread making and crafts, to interactive games that spark creativity and play.

Location: Thailand’s original royal seaside retreat still retains its timeless charm. Hua Hin has evolved into one of the country’s most family-friendly beach destinations, where relaxed coastal living continues to draw Thai families back year after year. The town is around three hours from Bangkok airport.

Phuket

Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa

Great family escapes in Thailand - the resort is one of Phuket's most popular family-friendly properties

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea between Kata and Karon beaches, this resort combines sweeping ocean views with family-friendly spaces that keep children happily engaged throughout the day. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from popular Kata Beach.

Accommodation: Rooms and suites are equipped with smart tvs and every room has a private balcony with ocean, pool or garden views. Family rooms feature a king and twin beds and fun, child-friendly set-ups.

Dining: Tuck into international, local and Asian dishes at the resort’s En Vogue Restaurant; dine indoors or find a table on the pool terrace. 

Great family escapes in Thailand - staff can organise a fun in-room set-up for children

The fun stuff: There are three outdoor pools, including a main pool with a swim-up bar, and a separate children’s pool with a splash pad. Little Ocean Kids Club, Playorama and virtual reality games for older children and teens create a lively mix of activities for all ages. Families staying several nights can explore the resort’s family-focused activity programmes which combine indoor play, creative workshops and shared experiences to bring everyone together.

Location: On Phuket’s southwest coast, Kata Beach strikes an ideal balance for families seeking energy and ease. The soft sands, calmer waters and sunset viewpoints create a relaxed atmosphere, more so than some of the island’s busier beach areas.

This article was proudly compiled in collaboration with hospitality brand, Accor. For more information on any of the properties featured, visit all.com.