Best Thailand Family Hotels: Where We Stayed With Kids (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & Phuket)

If you're looking for the best family hotels in Thailand, this guide covers the hotels we actually stayed in during our family trip through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket.

When planning our Thailand itinerary, I spent countless hours researching family-friendly hotels, trying to balance location, space, pools, breakfast options and convenience. Travelling with our 8-year-old son Joshua, we quickly realised that the right hotel can make a huge difference to the overall experience. In some destinations, location was the most important factor. In others, having extra space or a great pool mattered far more.

Quick answer: what were our favourite family hotels in Thailand?

For overall convenience, I'd choose Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok. For a unique experience, Villa Zolitude Phuket was the standout stay of the trip. For families visiting Chiang Rai, The Riverie Chiang Rai offered the best child-friendly facilities, while Grand Napat Serviced Apartments in Chiang Mai gave us excellent value and plenty of space. Interestingly, the hotel we were most excited about before travelling, Splash Beach Resort Phuket, ended up being the most disappointing. The closure of the water park significantly affected our experience.

This guide covers the hotels we personally stayed in, what worked well, what didn't, who each property suits best and whether we'd book it again. I'll also provide a high-level overview of the best family-friendly areas in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket, since choosing the right location is often just as important as choosing the right hotel. For each destination, I've written more detailed guides covering the hotels, areas and attractions in depth, which I'll link throughout the article. Think of this as a practical starting point for families planning a similar route around Thailand and trying to narrow down where to stay before diving into the detailed reviews.

If you're still planning your route, see Thailand With Kids: A 2-Week Family Itinerary to see how these hotels fitted into our overall trip.

Just a quick note: some links in this guide are affiliate links. We only recommend hotels we'd happily stay in again ourselves.

Bangkok: Best Area for Sightseeing and River Transport

Best Areas for Families

For most first-time visitors, I'd recommend staying on the Chao Phraya Riverside. This area offers the best balance of sightseeing, transport and family-friendly hotels, while avoiding some of Bangkok's worst traffic.

Families wanting shopping, restaurants and a more modern city experience may prefer Sukhumvit, while airport hotels are best reserved for arrival or departure nights.

If you're still deciding where to stay, see Where to Stay in Bangkok With Kids, where I compare the different family-friendly areas in more detail.

Attractions Nearby

One of the biggest benefits of staying riverside is proximity to many of Bangkok's headline attractions. During our stay, we used the river boats to access:

• Wat Arun

• The Grand Palace

• Chinatown

• ICONSIAM

• Bangkok river cruises

Using the river was far easier than relying on taxis and quickly became one of our favourite parts of Bangkok.

If you're deciding which attractions deserve a place in your itinerary, read 12 Bangkok Attractions Worth Visiting With Kids.

Our Hotel Choice: Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok

Of all the hotels we stayed in throughout Thailand, the Royal Orchid Sheraton was probably the easiest recommendation. The riverside location made sightseeing simple, the family-friendly facilities were excellent and the free ICONSIAM shuttle boat was a real bonus.

What worked well:

• Large family rooms

• Two swimming pools

• Riverside location

• Excellent breakfast

• Easy access to Bangkok's main attractions

For our full review and honest verdict, see Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok Review

What We'd Do Differently

No a lot! For our final night before flying home, we'd still move closer to the airport. We stayed at Summit Windmill Golf Residence, which provided far less stress before an early flight. While it isn't a sightseeing hotel, it worked perfectly as a practical final-night stop.

For an overview of this hotel, see: Summit Windmill Golf Residence Bangkok Review: Why We'd Stay Here Again Before a Flight

Chiang Mai: Best Base for Temples, Markets and Day Trips

Best Areas for Families

Chiang Mai offers several good options for families.

The Old City is ideal for temples, markets and walkability. Nimman is more modern, with cafés, restaurants and shopping, while the areas just outside the city centre often provide more space and better value for families.

We chose to stay slightly outside the Old City, which gave us a quieter environment and a larger apartment without being far from the action.

For a complete breakdown of the best areas, see Where to Stay in Chiang Mai With Kids: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors.

Attractions Nearby

Chiang Mai combines culture, food and outdoor adventures better than almost anywhere else in Thailand.

Our favourite experiences included:

• Exploring the Old City temples

• Night markets

• Local food stalls

• Doi Inthanon National Park

• Day trips into the surrounding countryside

If you're planning your activities, see Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai With Kids

Our Hotel Choice: Grand Napat Serviced Apartments

Grand Napat was a strategic pick, we wanted more space around us and a separate bed for Joshua.

Rather than a standard hotel room, we had:

• A separate bedroom

• Living area

• Kitchen facilities

• Pool access

• Plenty of space for three people

After moving between multiple destinations, having extra room made a huge difference. We also loved the nearby local market, which felt much more authentic than many of the tourist-focused areas.

For our full review, see Grand Napat Chiang Mai Review.

What We'd Do Differently

Very little. Chiang Mai was one of the destinations where location mattered less because getting around was relatively easy and affordable.

Chiang Rai: Best Family Resort in Northern Thailand

Best Areas for Families

Chiang Rai is smaller and easier to navigate than Chiang Mai, so choosing the right hotel is usually more important than choosing the right neighbourhood.

Most families will either stay near the main attractions or choose one of the larger riverside resorts. For families with children, I'd generally recommend the resort option.

For a more detailed comparison, see Where to Stay in Chiang Rai With Kids

Attractions Nearby

The biggest attractions in Chiang Rai are spread around the city and surrounding area.

Our highlights included:

• White Temple

• Blue Temple

• Red Temple

• Big Buddha

• Lalitta Café

If you're wondering whether Chiang Rai is worth including in your itinerary at all, read Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting With Kids? The Attractions We'd Prioritise.

Our Hotel Choice: The Riverie Chiang Rai

If Joshua was writing this article, The Riverie would probably be his favourite hotel in Thailand. The Riverie combines a great location with facilities that genuinely help families enjoy their stay.

Highlights included:

• Large swimming pools

• Water slides

• Lazy river

• Riverside setting

• Spacious grounds

It made sightseeing easier because there was always something waiting for us back at the hotel.

For our full experience, see The Riverie Chiang Rai Review.

What We'd Do Differently

Honestly, not much, perhaps stay one more night! The Riverie suited Chiang Rai perfectly and struck a great balance between sightseeing convenience and family-friendly facilities.

Phuket: Choosing Between North and South

Best Areas for Families

Phuket is the destination where location matters most. The biggest decision is whether to stay in North Phuket or South Phuket.

North Phuket is best for:

• Beaches

• Resort holidays

• Airport convenience

South Phuket is best for:

• Island tours

• Restaurants

• Viewpoints

• Activities

• Exploring the island

We experienced both and were glad we did. For a full comparison, see Best Family Areas in Phuket: North vs South Phuket Hotels, Beaches & Attractions.

Attractions Nearby

Phuket is a surprisingly large island, so choosing the right location can make a huge difference to your holiday.

While most tours offer hotel pickup, staying on the opposite side of the island from your planned activities can mean very early starts and long transfer times. That's one of the main reasons we chose to split our stay.

We based ourselves in South Phuket for easier access to our island-hopping tour and the restaurants and attractions nearby, before moving to North Phuket for beach time, airport convenience and activities such as our ATV and bamboo rafting tour. It gave us the chance to experience two very different sides of Phuket without spending hours travelling across the island every day.

If you're trying to decide which excursions are genuinely worth the money, read Best Things to Do in Phuket With Kids: Which Experiences Are Actually Worth the Cost?

Our Favourite Phuket Hotel: Villa Zolitude

Villa Zolitude ended up being one of our favourite hotels from the entire Thailand trip. Tucked away in the rainforest-covered hills above Chalong, it offered something completely different from a traditional Phuket beach resort.

What we loved:

• Private pool villa

• Jungle surroundings

• Floating lunch experience

• Private BBQ experience

• Peaceful atmosphere

The villa itself became part of the holiday rather than simply somewhere to sleep. For our full review, see Villa Zolitude Phuket Review.

Our Most Disappointing Hotel: Splash Beach Resort

Interestingly, the hotel we were most excited about before travelling ended up being the most disappointing.

We booked Splash Beach Resort largely because of the attached water park, which unfortunately was closed during our stay.

That closure had a huge impact on the overall experience and meant the hotel didn't quite live up to expectations.

However, I wouldn't write off Mai Khao entirely. The area itself worked brilliantly for families thanks to:

• Quiet beaches

• Easy airport access

• Plane spotting

• Family-friendly atmosphere

For the full story, see Splash Beach Resort Phuket Review: Is This Hotel Worth It for Families? The Answer May Surprise You.

What We'd Do Differently

We'd still split our stay between North and South Phuket.

South Phuket provided most of the adventure, tours and variety, while North Phuket gave us the quieter beach time and easier airport transfers we wanted at the end of the trip. Together, they complemented each other surprisingly well.

If I returned, I'd choose a different hotel to Splash Beach Resort in the same area rather than avoid North Phuket altogether.

What Did Our Thailand Hotels Cost?

One thing I worried about before booking our Thailand trip was accommodation costs. I wanted family-friendly hotels with good reviews, swimming pools and locations that made sightseeing easy, but I didn't want to blow the budget on luxury resorts every night.

In reality, we took a balanced approach.

We didn't always choose the cheapest hotel available, but we also didn't book the most expensive option in each destination. Instead, we focused on the things that mattered most to our family:

• Family-friendly locations

• Good review scores

• Swimming pools

• Breakfast included

• Larger rooms or apartment-style layouts where possible

• Easy access to attractions

• Gym facilities for me

• Good value rather than simply the lowest price

That approach worked really well. For example, Grand Napat Serviced Apartments in Chiang Mai gave us far more space than a standard hotel room for a very reasonable price. Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok cost more than some alternatives, but the riverside location saved time and made sightseeing much easier. In Phuket, Villa Zolitude was one of our more expensive stays, but it also delivered one of the most unique experiences of the entire trip.

The biggest lesson we learnt was that location often provides better value than simply choosing the cheapest hotel. A hotel that saves an hour of travelling every day can be well worth the extra cost, particularly when travelling with children.

For a full breakdown of exactly what we spent on accommodation, flights, activities, food and transport, see How Much Does a Family Trip to Thailand Cost? Real Budget Breakdown & Money-Saving Tips, where I share our actual costs and the money-saving decisions that helped keep the trip affordable.

Final Verdict: Which Thailand Family Hotels Would We Book Again?

Looking back, I'd happily follow the same Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Phuket route again.

Each destination offered something different, and the hotels we chose generally reflected that. In Bangkok, convenience and location mattered most, which made the Royal Orchid Sheraton a fantastic choice. In Chiang Mai, extra space and value were the priority, while in Chiang Rai it was all about balancing sightseeing with family facilities. Phuket was where accommodation became part of the experience itself, particularly at Villa Zolitude, which remains one of the most memorable hotels from the entire trip.

The biggest lesson we learnt is that the best family hotel isn't always the most expensive or the most luxurious. Location, room layout, breakfast, pools and ease of getting around often matter far more than having the fanciest resort.

If I was booking this trip again tomorrow, my picks would be:

• Best Bangkok Hotel: Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok

• Best Chiang Mai Hotel: Grand Napat Serviced Apartments

• Best Chiang Rai Hotel: The Riverie Chiang Rai

• Best Phuket Hotel: Villa Zolitude Phuket

Interestingly, Splash Beach Resort Phuket was the hotel we were most excited about before travelling but ultimately the most disappointing due to the water park closure. However, I'd still happily stay in the Mai Khao area again because the beach, airport convenience and family-friendly atmosphere worked really well.

Ultimately, there is no single "best hotel in Thailand for families". The right choice depends on whether your priority is sightseeing, beach time, relaxation, activities or convenience. Hopefully this guide gives you a realistic overview of what worked for our family and helps you narrow down the options for your own trip.

FAQs: Picking the Best Thailand Hotels with Kids

Are Thailand Hotels the Same Standard as Hotels in Europe or the USA?

In our experience, yes, and often better value for the price you pay.

Many of the hotels we stayed in offered facilities that would typically cost significantly more in Europe or the USA, including large swimming pools, extensive breakfast buffets, spacious family rooms and excellent service. Hotels such as Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok, The Riverie Chiang Rai and Villa Zolitude Phuket felt comparable to international hotels we've stayed in elsewhere.

That said, it's important to check exactly what is included. Room sizes, bedding arrangements and family facilities can vary more than the star rating suggests. We found that a 4-star or 5-star hotel in Thailand often delivered excellent value, but researching the room layout and reviews was still essential.

One thing that pleasantly surprised us was the quality of the family facilities. Pools, breakfasts, family rooms and hotel service were consistently strong throughout our trip, often exceeding what we'd expect at a similar price point in Europe.

If you're planning a similar route, see How We Planned Our 2 week Thailand Family Trip: Route, Hotels, Costs & What Worked

Is It Easy to Get Extra Beds or Cots in Thailand Hotels?

Generally, yes. Most family-friendly hotels in Thailand can provide baby cots, travel cots or extra beds, but the availability varies depending on the hotel, room type and your child's age.

For younger children, many hotels will provide a cot free of charge, while older children are often accommodated using an extra bed, sofa bed or camp bed for an additional fee. We found larger family rooms, serviced apartments and resorts tended to offer the most flexibility.

One thing I'd always recommend is checking the room occupancy carefully before booking. Some hotels advertise family rooms but still charge extra for additional beds, while others include them as part of the room rate. It's also worth remembering that many Thailand hotels assume younger children will share an existing bed with their parents, rather than automatically providing an extra bed.

Before booking, make sure you understand exactly what sleeping arrangements are included, whether an extra bed, sofa bed or camp bed is available, and if there are any additional charges. We found this varied significantly between hotels, making it one of the most important details to confirm in advance.

You'll see this explained on hotel platforms like hotels.com, expedia or booking.com, if it states 'king bed' and there is no reference to a sofa bed or extra bed then expect to only find one large bed in that room. A pull out will cost extra, typically ranging from £20-30 a night.

Is it worth changing hotels when travelling around Thailand with kids?

For us, yes. Splitting our accommodation allowed us to stay closer to the attractions and experiences we wanted in each destination. Phuket was the best example, where staying in both North and South Phuket helped reduce transfer times and gave us two very different holiday experiences.

Thailand is fairly easy to get around, we cover transport in Thailand with kids in detail here: Getting Around Thailand With Kids: Flights, Trains, Taxis, Grab & Driving Explained

What features should families prioritise when booking hotels in Thailand?

We prioritised:

• location,

• swimming pools,

• breakfast included,

• strong review scores,

• number of beds and

• family-friendly room layouts.

A separate bedroom or living area often added more value to our trip than luxury facilities we rarely used.

Should I prioritise hotel facilities or location in Thailand?

For family travel, I'd usually choose location first. A hotel close to attractions can save hours of travelling over the course of a trip. The exception is destinations such as Phuket, where resort facilities become a much bigger part of the holiday experience.

plan your TRIP TO thailand

If you’re planning your family trip to Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket, these guides will help you pull everything together:

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.