Thailand - Not Ideal for Families

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, but based on our experience with the major tourist spots, we need to share an honest perspective, especially for families.

The Popular Destinations

We visited the most famous areas:

• Pattaya: Heavily developed beach resort city
• Phuket: Thailand’s largest island and tourist hub

Our Concerns

Overly Crowded

The popular destinations in Thailand are extremely crowded:

• Beaches packed with tourists
• Difficult to find peaceful spots
• Long waits at restaurants and attractions
• Traffic congestion

Pub Culture Dominance

Both Pattaya and Phuket have a strong nightlife and pub culture that dominates the atmosphere:

• Not family-friendly environment
• Nightlife-focused areas
• May not align with family values
• Uncomfortable for those traveling with children

Is There Hope?

We acknowledge that Thailand is a large country, and there might be other regions that are more suitable:

• Less touristy islands might be better
• Northern Thailand could offer different experiences
• Smaller, less developed beaches might exist

However, we can only speak to our experience with the popular destinations, which were not suitable for family travel.

Our Recommendation

Skip if You’re Looking For:

• Family-friendly beach destinations
• Peaceful, serene environments
• Well-preserved natural beauty
• Cultural experiences away from party scenes

Consider if You’re:

• Interested in nightlife and entertainment
• Traveling as adults only
• Looking for budget-friendly options
• Willing to research lesser-known areas

Overall Experience

Based on our experience with Pattaya and Phuket, we cannot recommend these popular Thai destinations for families. The overcrowding and pub culture make them unsuitable for those seeking peaceful, family-oriented beach vacations.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐

Popular spots like Pattaya and Phuket not suitable for families - other parts of Thailand may be better but we haven’t explored them.