Phuket Thailand With Kids: Our 4-Night Family Vacation

When I planned our family trip to Southeast Asia in November 2016, I knew I wanted Phuket to be our final stop. We’d spent time exploring other destinations, and I was looking forward to ending the trip somewhere we could slow down.

I pictured lazy days by the pool, relaxing on the beach, eating delicious Thai food, and doing very little. And that’s exactly how we spent much of our time.

We stayed in Phuket for four nights, splitting our visit between two beachfront resorts. We also explored a few family-friendly attractions, took a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, and visited local markets. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was seeing Aiden, who was three at the time, make friends and attend a local school for two days.

If you’re planning a trip to Phuket with kids, here’s how our family spent four nights on the island, including where we stayed, what we did, and what I’d plan differently for a future visit.

How We Got to Phuket, Thailand

We flew from Singapore Changi Airport to Phuket International Airport on Tigerair. I paid $220 for three one-way tickets, which I found while comparing fares on Skyscanner .

Tigerair Singapore has since merged into Scoot, so it isn’t an airline you can book under the same name today. If you’re planning a similar trip, compare the current flight schedules and baggage allowances before buying tickets.

Our arrival in Phuket was easy. There was hardly any line at immigration, and we were able to collect our luggage and head to the hotel without a long wait.

We had already spent time exploring Singapore earlier in our Southeast Asia trip. You can read about that part of our vacation in my guide to Singapore with kids in 48 hours .

If you’re preparing for your own international trip, my guide to flying long haul with kids  covers how I prepare for longer journeys with snacks, entertainment, and activities.

How to Get Around Phuket With Kids

When we arrived in Phuket, we discovered that Uber wasn’t available at the airport. We booked a taxi there instead and took it directly to our hotel.

The fare was affordable for us, and we used taxis whenever we needed transportation during the rest of our stay.

If you’re arranging a taxi independently, confirm the fare or that the meter will be used before the journey begins. For a family with young children, you can also book an airport transfer in advance and request a vehicle with an appropriate child restraint.

I wouldn’t rely on finding a child car seat in every taxi.

Getting From Phuket Airport to Your Hotel

Phuket is a large island, and the journey from the airport depends on where you’re staying. A hotel near Kamala Beach can require a different route and travel time from one in Cape Panwa or Patong.

Before booking your accommodation, check the airport transfer options and how far the resort is from the activities you want to visit.

I’d also avoid changing all my spending money at the airport without comparing exchange rates and fees. Carry enough Thai baht for your immediate needs, then use a reputable exchange service or ATM as needed.

For more ways to plan the logistics of an international family vacation, read my ultimate guide to traveling internationally with kids .

Where We Stayed in Phuket With Kids

We spent four nights in Phuket and stayed at two different resorts for two nights each.

When I’m visiting a destination for the first time, I sometimes like to split our stay between two hotels. That gives us the chance to experience different parts of the area and see which property suits our family.

It worked out well in Phuket because we enjoyed both resorts, but we preferred the second one.

Moving hotels during a four-night vacation isn’t necessary for every family, though. If you’re traveling with several children or want to spend most of your time relaxing, staying in one place may be easier.

Hotel 1: Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa

Our first hotel was Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa, near Kamala Beach.

I booked it because I’d read that the resort had animals Aiden could see and a play area that looked like fun for him.

We enjoyed the resort and its beachfront setting. Aiden liked exploring the property, and I was happy that he had things to do without us having to leave the hotel.

The one thing we didn’t enjoy was the mosquitoes.

They bit Aiden and me repeatedly, and I wished we’d been better prepared with insect repellent.

If you’re considering staying here today, the Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa website  has current information about its rooms, pools, beach access, and activities. Its present-day facilities and room categories may differ from what we experienced in 2016.

Hotel 2: Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach

Our second hotel during the trip was Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach.

This was the resort we preferred during our stay. The property felt newer, we enjoyed the food, and our room was amazing.

We booked a two-level room with a living area downstairs and a bedroom upstairs. My favorite feature was the pool access from our balcony.

We could walk from the living room onto the balcony, step into the pool, and then head toward the beach.

It was exactly the relaxing experience I’d pictured when planning the final days of our Southeast Asia vacation.

We spent hours swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the resort.

Dining and Relaxing at Our Second Resort

We loved the food at Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach.

During our stay, the resort offered a Sunday brunch buffet that we thought was delicious and reasonably priced. We spent much of the day moving between the pool, the beach, and the restaurant.

Aiden also made friends easily while we were there, which is something I love watching happen when we travel.

Although Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach was our favorite hotel on this trip, I wouldn’t book it today based only on our 2016 experience. The property has since been reported closed for redevelopment, despite older hotel listings remaining online. Confirm the current operating status and availability before making any reservation.

If you’re comparing accommodation for a beach vacation, look at pool access, room layout, dining, and the distance from your planned activities rather than choosing only from the pictures. I use a similar approach in my guide to family-friendly beach vacations .

Things to Do in Phuket, Thailand, With Kids

We wanted Phuket to be the relaxing part of our vacation, but we still found time to explore several attractions.

Aiden loved the interactive museums, and our family enjoyed a full-day excursion to the Phi Phi Islands. We also visited night markets and spent time trying different Thai dishes.

If you’re planning a short stay, choose a few activities that fit your children’s ages and leave plenty of time for swimming and rest.

1. Phuket Trickeye Museum

I had read about Phuket Trickeye Museum before our trip and was curious to see what it was like.

The museum had interactive artwork designed to create optical illusions. You could stand in front of the exhibits and take pictures that made it look as though you were part of the scene.

Aiden had a great time posing for the photos, and we took plenty of pictures together.

The trick was to stand in the right position so the finished photo looked believable.

It was such a fun activity for us, especially because Aiden could participate instead of having to walk quietly through a traditional museum.

The original Trickeye Museum we visited may not be operating in the same location today. If you’re planning a similar activity, check the current AR Trick Eye Museum at Central Phuket , which offers interactive optical-illusion exhibits.

This type of attraction is something I’d consider when planning a rainy-day activity with younger children.

2. The Upside Down House

Another attraction we visited was the Upside Down House, also known as Baan Teelanka.

Aiden was amazed that everything inside looked as though it had been turned upside down.

We walked through the rooms, looked at the unusual furniture arrangements, and took pictures that made it appear as though we were standing on the ceiling.

He was so excited about the whole experience.

It’s an attraction I’d consider for families who want something different from another beach or pool day.

The Upside Down House’s official website  has information about its current attractions, opening hours, and location. Check the details before visiting, particularly if you’re traveling with younger children who may need help navigating the exhibits.

3. Our Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

One day, while we were walking around Rawai Beach, I met a woman who was selling tours from a small booth.

I told her I was interested in visiting the Phi Phi Islands, and she arranged a trip for us through Phuket Tropical Touch Travel & Tour.

We paid approximately $50 per adult, and Aiden, who was three at the time, joined us at no additional charge.

Those were the prices and arrangements available during our 2016 visit. They shouldn’t be used as a current tour quote or an indication that young children will always travel free.

My husband was a little skeptical about booking through a booth we hadn’t used before, but the arrangements worked out for us. The following morning, our pickup arrived at the hotel at the agreed time.

For a new trip, I would check the operator’s recent reviews, cancellation policy, insurance, boat type, and child-safety arrangements before paying. I would also ask whether national park admission fees are included in the quoted price.

You can compare family excursions through an established booking service such as Viator , but read the individual tour details rather than assuming every Phi Phi Islands trip follows the same route.

What We Saw During Our Phi Phi Islands Tour

Our tour included stops around Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, with views of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Cove, and Viking Cave.

We also had lunch on Phi Phi Don and opportunities to swim and snorkel during the excursion.

It was a full-day trip, so we had to leave our hotel early.

If you’re traveling with a toddler or preschooler, consider whether your child will be comfortable spending several hours on a boat. The journey can be bumpy, and the amount of time spent at each stop depends on weather and sea conditions.

Can You Visit Maya Bay Today?

Maya Bay became famous as a filming location for The Beach. However, visiting rules have changed significantly since our trip.

The bay has seasonal conservation closures, visitor limits, and restrictions on swimming and boat access. In 2026, Maya Bay is closed to visitors from August 1 through September 30, with reopening scheduled for October 1.

If Maya Bay is one of the main reasons you’re booking a Phi Phi Islands tour, check the current visiting rules and seasonal access information  before choosing your dates.

A tour may still visit other parts of the Phi Phi Islands when Maya Bay itself is closed.

Watching Monkeys During Our Island Excursion

One of our stops gave us the chance to watch monkeys near the beach.

Aiden loved seeing them run around.

However, the monkeys were also interested in the food and drinks visitors were carrying.

If your tour includes an area where monkeys are present, keep your belongings secure and give the animals plenty of space.

Don’t feed, touch, or approach them for photos. Wild animals can bite or scratch, and close contact can expose travelers to infections.

The CDC’s Thailand travel guidance  recommends avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals, including monkeys.

Our First Scuba Diving Experience

During this excursion, my husband and I tried scuba diving for the first time.

I was nervous before getting into the water, but I ended up having a great time.

Aiden stayed aboard the boat with a member of the tour crew while we dived. He was wearing a life jacket, and there were other families on board.

Although everything went well during our trip, I would arrange childcare differently if we were planning the same activity today. I wouldn’t treat a crew member who is responsible for other duties as a substitute for a dedicated caregiver.

If both parents want to dive, arrange an appropriate caregiver in advance or take turns so one parent remains with the child.

Choose a qualified dive operator, explain that you’re beginners, and ask about medical screening, supervision, and the conditions at the dive site. You can review introductory diving requirements through PADI .

For children who are too young for scuba diving, a beach day or another age-appropriate activity may be a better option.

4. Exploring Patong Night Market

We visited the night markets around Patong twice during our stay.

I loved how lively the area was. There was music, shopping, street food, and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

We enjoyed trying different foods and walking around to see what vendors had for sale.

If your family likes being close to shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, the Patong area may be worth considering when choosing accommodation.

However, it can be much busier than a quieter beachfront resort. For our trip, I liked being able to visit Patong and then return to a more relaxed hotel.

When exploring markets with young children, stay close together, keep valuables secure, and choose a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.

Food in Phuket, Thailand, With Kids

One of my favorite things about traveling internationally with Aiden is watching him become more comfortable with foods he wouldn’t usually eat at home.

When we first arrived in Thailand, he wasn’t interested in trying the local dishes. He mainly wanted plain boiled white rice.

By our second week in the country, that had changed.

He started tasting more food and eventually grew to enjoy Thai dishes. I loved watching him discover flavors that were completely new to him.

Thai food is one of my husband’s favorites, right after Nigerian food, so he was happy trying different meals throughout our trip.

By the time we left Thailand, we were all enjoying the food.

What Can Kids Eat in Phuket?

If your child is a picky eater, don’t worry about making every meal an opportunity to try something unfamiliar.

Start with foods they recognize, such as rice, noodles, eggs, fruit, or simply prepared chicken. Let them taste small portions of other dishes when they’re interested.

Some Thai dishes are spicy, so ask about the ingredients and heat level before ordering for younger children.

When eating at restaurants or markets, I also look for freshly prepared food and make sure we have safe drinking water available.

The CDC’s food and water safety guidance  has useful advice for families traveling internationally.

If you’re preparing for your child’s first international trip, read my guide to traveling internationally with kids for the first time . I share more about preparing for unfamiliar foods, transportation, and other aspects of traveling abroad.

Highlights of Our Family Trip to Phuket

The resorts, beaches, and island excursion were all wonderful, but some of my favorite memories came from experiences we hadn’t planned around typical sightseeing.

Aiden spent two days attending a local school, and my husband and I enjoyed some time together while he was there.

Aiden Attends School in Phuket

Before our trip, I researched schools in Phuket and contacted them to ask about short-term attendance.

When I’m exploring a place where we’ll be staying for a while, I sometimes look into educational opportunities that allow Aiden to spend time with local children and learn in a different environment.

For this trip, we arranged for him to attend Chalong International Kindergarten & School.

He went for two days and absolutely loved it.

On his first morning, he walked into the classroom and waved goodbye to us as though he’d been going there for months.

When we returned to pick him up, he wasn’t ready to leave.

It meant so much to me to see him enjoying himself, making friends, and learning alongside children from a different cultural background.

That’s one of the reasons I value worldschooling. Travel gives children opportunities to learn through real experiences, whether they’re exploring a new city, trying unfamiliar food, or spending time with children who speak another language.

You can see more of our approach to learning through travel in my ultimate guide to traveling internationally with kids .

For anyone considering a short-term school experience during a vacation, contact the institution well before your trip. Confirm whether it accepts visiting children, its enrollment requirements, fees, safeguarding arrangements, and any applicable immigration or attendance rules.

Our arrangement was specific to our 2016 visit. I wouldn’t assume the school still offers the same short-term option today.

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Enjoying Some Husband-and-Wife Time

While Aiden was at school, my husband and I had a few hours to ourselves.

At first, we didn’t quite know what to do.

We were so used to having Aiden with us everywhere that being alone together felt unusual.

But we adjusted quickly and enjoyed having time to reconnect.

I remember us crossing the street when my husband reached over and held my hand. I started giggling because, if Aiden had been there, he would have been standing between us, holding both our hands.

It was such a small moment, but I loved it.

Our Relaxing Afternoon at Rawai Beach

On the first day, we took a taxi to Rawai Beach and explored the area.

While walking around, we found a nail salon that also offered massages. We decided to treat ourselves to pedicures and one-hour massages.

It was relaxing, and we felt refreshed afterward.

On the second day, we returned to the hotel and spent the time resting.

We hadn’t realized how much we needed a few quiet hours.

Family vacations are usually centered around the kids, and I love that. But this experience reminded me that it’s also nice for parents to enjoy some time together.

For another example of a family vacation where we balanced activities with time to relax, read about our mother-and-son trip to Cabo San Lucas .

Tips for Visiting Phuket, Thailand, With Kids

Pack Effective Mosquito Repellent

One of the biggest lessons from our trip was to come prepared for mosquitoes.

Aiden and I were bitten repeatedly during our stay at the first resort.

For a future trip, I would pack an age-appropriate insect repellent and use it according to the product instructions.

The CDC’s guidance on preventing mosquito bites while traveling  recommends EPA-registered repellents containing ingredients such as DEET or picaridin.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children younger than three. Use the manufacturer’s age guidance when choosing a repellent for your family.

Learn a Few Basic Thai Phrases

You don’t need to speak Thai fluently to enjoy visiting Phuket, but learning a few greetings and polite expressions can make everyday interactions more enjoyable.

I like teaching Aiden how to say hello and thank you when we travel.

You can practice phrases such as sawasdee for hello and khop khun for thank you before your trip. The polite ending varies depending on the speaker.

It’s a simple way to introduce children to the local language and encourage them to interact respectfully with the people they meet.

Pack for Hot Weather and Rain

We visited in November and experienced hot weather, so I was glad I’d packed lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes.

I would also bring swimwear, sun protection, and a light rain jacket.

Weather conditions can change, particularly during a boat excursion, so check the forecast shortly before your trip.

My international travel packing list for kids  covers more of the essentials I recommend keeping in your luggage and carry-on bag.

Keep Children Safe Around Pools and Beaches

We spent a lot of time swimming during our Phuket vacation, and I wish we’d packed suitable flotation equipment for Aiden.

In the original version of this article, I recommended inflatable arm floaties. I would update that advice today.

Inflatable arm bands aren’t a substitute for a properly fitted life jacket when a child needs flotation support. Choose an appropriate, approved life jacket and maintain close adult supervision around pools, beaches, and boats.

The CDC’s travel health guidance for children  also recommends life jackets and close supervision around water.

If you’re booking a resort with a swim-up room or direct pool access, pay particular attention to whether a young child can reach the water independently.

Check Thailand’s Entry Requirements Before Traveling

Passport, visa, and arrival-document requirements depend on your nationality and travel circumstances.

Before your trip, check the current Thailand travel information from the U.S. Department of State  and the requirements issued by the appropriate Thai embassy or immigration authority.

Don’t assume that the procedures we followed in 2016 will be the same for your family today.

For more help preparing for the first stages of an international trip, read my guide to flying with kids for the first time .

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Phuket With Kids

Is Phuket a Good Destination for a Family Vacation?

Phuket offers beachfront resorts, swimming pools, interactive attractions, markets, and island excursions that can suit different family travel styles. We enjoyed a mixture of relaxing resort days and sightseeing. When planning your own trip, choose accommodation and activities that match your children’s ages and leave time for rest between outings.

How Many Days Do You Need in Phuket With Kids?

We spent four nights in Phuket and enjoyed two resorts, several attractions, and a Phi Phi Islands excursion. Four nights can work for a short visit, but moving hotels and taking a full-day boat trip made our itinerary busy at times. Staying longer would give families more time to relax and explore.

Where Should Families Stay in Phuket?

The right area depends on what you want from the vacation. During our visit, we enjoyed quieter beachfront resorts and traveled elsewhere for markets and attractions. When comparing accommodation, check pool access, room layout, distance from the airport, nearby dining options, and how long it will take to reach your planned activities.

Can Young Children Visit the Phi Phi Islands?

Some operators accept young children on Phi Phi Islands excursions, but age restrictions and boat conditions vary. Before booking, ask about minimum ages, the journey length, sea conditions, suitable child-sized life jackets, and supervision. A full-day trip may be tiring for younger children, so consider whether a shorter excursion would suit your family better.

Is Phuket Expensive for Families?

Your total cost depends on your travel dates, flights, hotel, transportation, meals, and activities. We found affordable airfare and enjoyed reasonably priced meals during our original visit, but those historical prices aren’t reliable estimates for a future trip. Compare the complete cost before booking rather than judging the destination by one hotel or flight offer.

Final Thoughts on Our Four Nights in Phuket

Our family had such a wonderful time in Phuket.

It was exactly the relaxing end to our Southeast Asia trip that I had hoped for. We spent time at the beach and pool, explored interactive attractions, visited the Phi Phi Islands, and ate delicious Thai food.

I especially loved watching Aiden make friends and enjoy his two days at school. Those experiences reminded me that some of the best travel memories come from everyday moments rather than famous attractions.

If I planned the trip again, I would leave more time for relaxing at the resort and be more careful about the arrangements for boat excursions and swimming with a young child.

For another part of our Thailand adventure, read my guide to Bangkok, Thailand, with kids . You can also explore how we plan family trips while managing our budget in How Are We Able to Afford Our Travel Life? .

I hope we get the chance to return to Thailand and experience even more of the country together.