Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.

Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and it doesn’t take long to realise why. Bangkok is a city of contrasts with action at every turn. Marvel at the gleaming temples, catch a tuk tuk along the bustling Chinatown or take a longtail boat through floating markets. Food is another Bangkok highlight, from local dishes served at humble street stalls to haute cuisine at romantic rooftop restaurants. Luxury malls compete with a sea of boutiques and markets, where you can treat yourself without overspending. Extravagant Luxury hotels and surprisingly cheap serviced apartments welcome you with the same famed Thai hospitality. And no visit to Bangkok would be complete without a glimpse of its famous nightlife. Be it nightclubs, cabarets or exotic red-light districts, Bangkok never ceases to amaze.

Bangkok for Families

Bangkok is a fascinating destination for families. There is nowhere else in Southeast Asia that offers the same combination of exciting street life, dedicated family attractions and Big City convenience. A visit to Bangkok will be one of memorable experiences and you will find a huge selection of things to see and do with you and your little ones. Young teens will find loads of cool things to do, and although it sounds surprising, even tiny tots are catered for due to the large amount of expat families who now call Bangkok home. This section lays out all that you might need to know when bringing your family to Bangkok, from the best hotels, to where to eat, what to do and even answers to important questions you might have before you arrive. Save your chilling out time for somewhere else. When you’re in the capital you need to be out and about experiencing all that Bangkok has to offer.

Is Bangkok Safe for Children?

Bangkok is as safe as any world metropolis. Crime directed at tourists is rare and is usually things like pick pocketing or being duped by unfair prices. Of course, due diligence is needed when out and about, but you will find many landmarks have police and security close by. One note to consider, not many hotel pools have lifeguards, although kiddie pools are common.

Do Children Need Vaccinations When Visiting Bangkok?

Vaccinations aren’t required, but you should consult your doctor and it should always be your choice. A lot of countries have compulsory vaccinations against many of the childhood diseases found in Thailand, such as Tetanus-diphtheria and Rubella.

What Should I Pack?

The vast majority of baby products can be found in Bangkok, including western brands. Items will generally be more expensive than you can find back home though. Children often have a favourite toy or brand of baby food and it would be a good idea to bring them along. If space is an issue, you should at least make sure you have several days’ supply of essential items, including: Diapers Clothes/swimsuit Non-allergenic sunscreen Baby food Milk powder Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, mild body wash and shampoo, baby wipes, etc.) Favourite toy

Where Do I Go for Medical Help?

Medical care in Bangkok is world class. This is where you will find the best hospitals and clinics in Southeast Asia. A selection of the best hospitals with dedicated paediatric wards are listed here. You can always ask the concierge at your hotel for help, too.

Bumrungrad International Hospital Address: 33 Sukhumvit 3, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (2) 667 1000

Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital Address: 133 Sukhumvit 49, Klongton Nua, Wattana Tel: +66 (0) 2711-8181

Bangkok International Hospital Address: 2 Soi Soonvijai 7 New Petchburi Road Bangkapi, Huay Khwang Bangkok 10310 Tel: +66 (2) 310 3000 or 1719

Are There Babysitting Services in Bangkok?

Most 5-star family hotels have professional child care services, with highly vetted and qualified staff. This would be our first choice for babysitting services in Bangkok. Hotels with kids clubs are especially favoured as they have staff on the premises who are accustomed to children from all over the world. If you are looking for a nanny to accompany you on your entire trip in Thailand, one highly regarded company is Thai Kids Home.

Can I Rent Baby Equipment in Bangkok?

If you stay in a family hotel, things like cribs and meal-time baby chairs will be covered. But if you are looking for strollers or car seats, Tiny Tots has a variety of baby products available for rent. They stipulate 48 advance notice for most items.

FOR MEDICAL EVACUATION FROM BANGKOK THAILAND  - CALL ON +91 98211 50889 or International - +1 646 480 6268

8 Things to do in Sukhumvit - The Heart of Bangkok

There are many things to do Sukhumvit, the commercial centre of Bangkok. Both sides of this long road are lined with international brand hotels, shopping malls, and trendy nightlife hotspots. Popular with Bangkok’s expat community and travellers to the city, Sukhumvit runs from the downtown area of Nana at one end to the suburban district of Bearing at the other. You’ll also find family-friendly centres, many of which are conveniently within shopping malls, so the little ones can have a lot of fun while you get to enjoy some retail therapy. If you want to get more of a feel of the creative or historical side of Bangkok, Sukhumvit has traditional houses and art galleries as well.
 

Terminal 21 Bangkok

Terminal 21 is a shopping mall in Asok, with a unique theme that recreates several world-famous cities under 1 roof. Find yourself wandering around a maze of shops in Tokyo City, sauntering down London’s Carnaby Street, bagging a bargain in an Istanbul zouk, or enjoying a wide range of cuisine at the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. The 9 floors at Terminal 21 Mall are all inspired by a different location, and the main hall is designed like an airport departures zone. This fun mall houses some 600 shops, a cinema, and a food court with all kinds of Thai and international fare

Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge is a 4-storey nightlife venue within Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. It stays open all day, but the best time to visit is towards the evenings when you can enjoy impressive sunset views of Bangkok. Head for the top floor to find the pièce de resistance: a 360-degree rooftop with a circular bar, where staff mix creative cocktails. Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge is about 250 metres southeast of the Thong Lo Skytrain Station

Soi Cowboy

Soi Cowboy is a red-light district in Sukhumvit, close to the Asok BTS Skytrain Station. It’s named after the cowboy hat-wearing African-American who opened the first bar here in the early 1970s. This alleyway has a more laidback, carnival-like feel to it than Patpong or Nana Plaza. Expect lots of flashing neon lights along a colourful streetscape that’s usually packed with expats, Japanese and western tourists. A lot of sexily dressed girls (and ladyboys) will try to lure you into one of the 20 or so go-go bars that line its sides. It's a good idea to visit Soi Cowboy with an open mind – entry is often free and drink prices are fixed

Baan Kamthieng House Museum
Baan Kamthieng House Museum is a renovated teak house just beside Asoke, one of the busiest junctions on Sukhumvit. Even though it’s surrounded by towering hotels, condos and malls, the museum’s setting makes you feel like you’re in a northern Thai village rather than the middle of a bustling city. There are plenty of interesting displays that give you an insight into traditional rural life in Thailand. It’s worth a visit when you’re in the area, especially if you’re passionate about Thai history.
 

Benjasiri Park
Benjasiri Park is the place to be for sculpture lovers, as some of the best examples of Thai sculpture are scattered around the park. The centrepiece fountain, showcasing the work of master sculptor Mesium Yipinsoy, hosts multimedia water dance shows 3 times daily. The park offers outdoor sports facilities rarely found at other public parks in Bangkok, including a basketball court, roller skating/skateboarding rink, tennis court, outdoor swimming pool, and a multi-purpose court for sports. Benjasiri Park is located next to the Emporium shopping mall, about 100 metres northwest of the Phrom Phong BTS Skytrain Station.
 

Lazgam Bangkok

Lazgam Bangkok, located on the 5th floor of Holiday Inn Sukhumvit, offers a wide range of laser games that last around 15 minutes per session. The games centre is spread out across 2 floors within a maze of walls and partitions. There are several types of game to play but the most common are Teams, red vs blue, or Solo Play, which means every man for himself. Other game types available at Lazgam Bangkok include Alien Invasion, where 1 player starts as the alien and has to shoot people to turn them into aliens as well. Lazgam Bangkok is open to anyone aged 7 and over.

Flight Experience Bangkok

Flight Experience Bangkok is a simulation flight centre that’s popular among young children who dream of being pilots. The Boeing 737-800 flight simulator offers a fully immersive experience, which includes a check-in process, meeting your first officer and a pre-flight briefing before you can strap in with a 5-point seat harness and real aircraft headsets. The experience feels so realistic that the cockpit in Bangkok has even been used in local films and TV shows. Flight Experience Bangkok is located on the 2nd floor of Gateway Ekamai Shopping Mall.

Kidzoona

Both kids and adults will love Kidzoona at Molly Fantasy, located on the 5th floor of Gateway Ekamai Shopping Mall. Whether it’s too hot or too rainy to be outside in Bangkok, it’s an excellent place for younger children to let off some steam, with a soft play area, inflatable slides, an overly pink merry go round and trucks and trikes to speed around on. Tickets give you all-day access to the play area. Kidzoona is suitable for kids below 12 years old, but if you’re coming with teens, there are some arcade games at the entrance to Molly Fantasy that will keep them entertained for a while.