14 Top Family Resorts in Thailand

Thailand is an awesome family vacation destination, offering plenty of diversity when it comes to traveling for beaches, culture, and outdoor adventures, as well as resorts that cater to all budgets – overall Thailand is a good-value destination.

Bangkok is the buzzing capital and a major cultural hub. It is also where international air travelers arrive, and most travelers spend at least a few nights in this metropolis before heading to the beaches in the south of the country or the mountain- and temple-filled cities of the north.

The best beaches in Thailand are in the south and to the east, either on islands like Ko Samui in the Gulf of Thailand or Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, and Ko Lanta in the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast. All have family-friendly accommodation, ranging from all-inclusive resorts to beachfront villas.

Chiang Mai is a major northern hub, and this area is where to go for mystical scenery, mountain treks, and thousands of wats (temples). And even farther to the north in the Golden Triangle, you'll find family-focused resorts for adventures on foot next to elephants.

Plan your vacation with our list of favorite family resorts in Thailand.

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

Way up north where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar form the "golden triangle," this Anantara property is a wonderful choice for families with animal-loving children-it offers opportunities to learn about Asian elephants through guided nature walks.

The resort features northern Thai temple architecture in its lobby area and public spaces, while local art and design is at the heart and soul of the 61 rooms and suites, some of which interconnect for families. The on-site restaurants here are excellent.

Guests can also visit the Elephant Foundation next to the resort, where 25 pachyderms that could not live on their own in the wild are cared for. You cannot ride the elephants (this is discouraged globally these days) but you can walk alongside them as they munch on shrubs along the river. It is a magical and unique experience for children and adults alike.

Address: 229 Moo 1, Chiang Saen

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Thailand

With one of the best kids' clubs around (it is Robinson-Crusoe-themed and right on the beach), the Four Seasons Resort is a top luxury choice on beautiful Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand.

Families will also like the stand-alone villa accommodation that comes with private plunge pools and awesome ocean views. The villas are also done up in elegant Thai style, with vaulted ceilings and mix of white walls and sheets and dark wood floors and furnishings.

There are a number of restaurants on-site, as well as a giant swimming pool, private beach, Muay Thai boxing ring, and an absolutely fantastic spa parents should take advantage of when the kids are at camp. It has treatments with local ingredients, as well as top-notch Thai massages.

Address: 219 Moo 5, Ang Thong, Koh Samui

Six Senses Yao Noi

On pretty Yao Noi island in Phang Nga Bay, the Six Senses can be reached by motor boat from Phuket-or you can catch a ride in the resort's helicopter. This luxury resort is both romantic and family-friendly. The accommodation here is in massive thatched-roof villas, and extra beds can be brought in free of charge for kids under 11.

Other perks include free meals for kids under seven years and 50 percent off menu items for kids between the ages of seven and 11 years old. Older kids will also appreciate the activities offered here, from Muay Thai boxing to batik painting classes.

Other amenities at the Six Senses include a fantastic spa, a beach with options for activities, a swimming pool, sauna, and gym. Guests are also assigned personal butlers who attend to your every whim.

Address: 56 Moo 5 Tambol, Ko Yao Noi

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

One of the best family resorts in metro Bangkok, the Anantara Riverside has a kids' club and lots of other family-friendly amenities, from a cooking school to cultural city tours. The property is just outside central Bangkok on the river, but the city center is just 20 minutes away by a free river ferry, which alone can be a hit with younger kids.

Rooms are spacious and poshly decorated. All come with private balconies, and some have river views. There are nine restaurants on-site, so you are spoiled for dining choices. There is also a large gym with a sauna and a luxe spa. A big swimming pool, fringed by palm trees and filled with sun-loungers, completes the picture.

Address: 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Samrae, Thonburi, Bangkok

Melia Koh Samui

Opened in 2020, the nearly brand new Melia Koh Samui is the Spanish brand's first outlet in Thailand. Located on gorgeous Choeng Mon Beach on the Gulf of Thailand isle, just an hour's flight from Bangkok, it is a blissful luxury resort that is also very family friendly.

Kids will love the hotel's loop swimming pool, which meanders around the property and is perfect for a float. There is also a kids' club with supervised activities if parents needs some alone time.

Other child-focused amenities include a really cool slide next to the kids club and a mini water park facility. Older children might enjoy the afternoon Thai cooking class that focuses on cuisine from the country's south.

The rooms and suites are luxe and lovely with sleek, modern decor. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The premium pool access rooms have direct access to the loop pool and are very popular with families.

Then there are the boat suites, which are designed with authentic repurposed Thai-Chinese boat vessel materials. Covering two levels, they have two decks with lots of outdoor lounge space, as well as direct pool access.

Other amenities on-site include access to the beach, a restaurant serving a mix of Thai and Spanish tapas-style dishes, and a spa with a full range of treatments. All sorts of water sports can also be organized.

Address: 83 Moo 5, Choeng Mon Beach, Choeng Mon, Bophut, Koh Samui

SAii Laguna Phuket Beach Resort

In the gated Laguna Resort Complex about 30 minutes' drive north of Patong at Bang Tao on Phuket, the SAii Laguna Phuket Beach is a destination resort popular with families. It features a range of clean, comfortable, and spacious rooms done up in modern Thai style with tile floors, bold color pops, and sunken bathtubs.

For amenities, you are spoiled. The complex the resort is part of hosts more than 30 restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, multiple pools and spas, and a stretch of white-sand beach with loungers that are accessible to guests at any of the hotels here.

Address: 323, Moo 2, Srisoonthorn Road, Bangtao Beach, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket

The Tongsai Bay

On Koh Samui, the Tongsai Bay is an eco-friendly resort on a private stretch of white-sand beach. The resort has an array of different lodging options appealing to families, including beachfront suites, hillside villas, and two-level cottages all with sea views. Most also come with personal swimming pools or hot tubs, as well as outdoor bathtubs.

There are also multiple restaurants on-site and two swimming pools. One has a kids' section, which is another perk. Non-motorized water sports are free here, so you can grab a kayak and paddle out into the clear waters of the gulf. Other amenities include the Prana Spa with regional treatments and massages and a well-equipped gym.

Address: 84 Moo 5, Bophut, Ko Samui

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Up north in Chiang Mai, the Four Seasons Resort is a gorgeous property on lushly landscaped tropical grounds, with dreamy views of terraced rice paddies and lily ponds.

While the resort does have a romantic vibe that attracts honeymooning couples, families are also indulged. There is a kids' club with daily activities for kids between four and 12 years of age. There are also children's menus in restaurants and designated family rooms.

Accommodation here is in spacious pavilions that each come with their own outdoor Thai sala with a swinging sofa set in the gardens. There are multiple restaurants on-site, including one serving home-style Italian food, which is a hit with kids. Older children will enjoy taking a class at the on-site cooking academy.

There are numerous other activities on offer, including visits to temples and river rafting trips. Finally there is a pool, sauna, steam room, and gym on the grounds.

Address: 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Rim Tai

SAii Phi Phi Island Village

Koh Phi Phi Don sits in the Andaman Sea, and while quite developed, is still one of the most beautiful islands for families in Thailand. It is also easy to access via large ferry boats.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is on the island's remote northern tip and sits on a gorgeous white-sand beach. Here, you will find large bungalows with air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs should the kids need to escape the sun for a bit.

This is really a destination resort, as it is only accessible by boat, which is fine because there is so much to experience on the property. There are four restaurants, so you don't get bored. Water sports and excursions are also offered, and there is an interactive Marine Discovery Center with shark feedings that kids will love.

There is also a spa, swimming pool, dive center, and tennis courts on-site.

Address: 49 Moo 8, Aonang, Muang, Koh Phi Phi Don

Pimalai Resort and Spa

Parents can feel like they are on a romantic getaway while the kids go to day care at Pimalai Resort and Spa on the island of Koh Lanta. The most luxe property on the island, it is tucked away on the isle's southern end and sprawls down a hill to the beach.

The property features elegant rooms that are spacious enough to accommodate families and come with teak floors, daybeds, and furnished balconies. Breakfast is included in the rate and served in the form of a hot buffet. There are also four restaurants for other meals.

Amenities include two swimming pools and a beach activity center that offers everything from kayaks to diving excursions. There are also tennis and basketball courts and ping-pong tables on the grounds. A luxe spa with a range of treatments and a fitness center are also on the grounds.

Address: 99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Koh Lanta

Banyan Tree Samui

On gorgeous Ko Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its soft white-sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters, the Banyan Tree Samui is a five-star property perfect for families in search of a luxury vacation. All accommodation is in villas with private pools that feature beautiful Thai-style design and lots of outdoor living space. Some also come with hot tubs.

There is a kids' club on-site, as well as a few different restaurants, a spa, yoga studio, swimming pool, and private beach. The resort also offers a number of vacation packages.

Address: 99/9 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui

The Chava Resort

The island of Phuket is connected to Thailand's west coast by a bridge and is one of the top vacation destinations for families. The Chava Resort is a popular family choice offering modern apartment-style accommodation just a 10-minute walk from pretty Surin Beach. Choose from two- to five-bedroom abodes with full kitchens and, in some, private plunge pools.

There is a restaurant serving three meals on-site; breakfast is included in your rate. There are also many more restaurants and shops on Surin Beach. Other amenities include a swimming pool and hot tub, and babysitting can also be arranged. If you need a Thai massage, these can also be organized on-site.

Address: 6 Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket

Andara Resort and Villas

Andara Resort is another wonderful family choice on Phuket, about 15 minutes north of Patong on gorgeous Kamala Beach. On a hill facing the Andaman Sea, a few minutes' walk from the beach, it offers a range of suites and villas in numerous sizes.

Families will dig the villas, which have up to six bedrooms (great for multi-family vacations) and come with an in-house private chef. On-site amenities also include a kids' club, spa, and cooking lessons.

Address: 6 Tambon Kamala, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Families love the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas for a luxury getaway in a gorgeous location on the island of Phuket. The property is set where the jungle meets Mai Khao Beach at the edge of Sirinath National Park.

The 5-star resort features lots of kid-friendly amenities, including a playground and babysitting services (for a fee). There is also a children's menu at the restaurant.

But perhaps the best asset for families are the spacious thatched roof villas. They offer plenty of space to move around, have modern Thai design, and butler service. But best of all, each comes with a personal swimming pool, allowing your kids to be loud without disrupting other guests.

Other perks from staying at this beautifully maintained property include direct access to a beautiful stretch of beach with chairs and umbrellas reserved for guests. Activities from snorkeling trips to Thai cooking classes are also available. Breakfast is complimentary and there is a spa on-site.

Address: 888 Moo 3, Tumbon Mai Khao, Mai Khao, Phuket

Map of Family Resorts in Thailand