Thai-riffic Family Travels

This article was originally published in the Detour in May 2024

Well Susan, your wish is my command!

Firstly, congratulations — not just on turning 75, but also for kicking cancer’s butt! It sounds to me like you definitely deserve the trip of a lifetime.

By flying into Phuket, you’re actually skipping straight to what Josh from our Social Media team considers the best bits of Thailand. While the island itself may not have been your favourite last time round, it’s a solid starting point for taking to the water:

Like Bali, Thailand is one of those insanely popular destinations for backpackers and resort lovers alike, so the best-known and most developed islands do tend to get really busy in peak season. According to our Facebook community, Koh Lanta is a good choice for more laid-back island vibes, yet still just a speedboat away from the more happening spots.

That said, there’s a reason all the influencers flock to certain places, and it tends to be because they’re genuinely great. Here’s what Flight Finder Lauren had to say about that beach:

But then again, not all that glitters is gold… or blue, in this case:

And then there’s the matter of the other thing that famously glows in Thailand—the full moon. Whether or not you’re interested in actually joining a Full Moon Party (remember, age only matters if you’re a cheese), it’s important to know when they happen if you’re planning on visiting Koh Phangan and the surrounding islands. Here are Full Moon safety tips, beyond the obvious “don’t drink too much”!

You might be inclined just to skip the island if late night beach parties aren’t on the itinerary, but it’s a surprisingly good spot for combining zen beach life, yoga, and temple visits. Plus, you know the bars have plenty of experience in making a good cocktail!

Nearby Koh Samui also comes highly recommended by my own dad and stepmum! It’s incredibly popular with international visitors, no prizes for guessing why… yep, the pristine white-sand beaches. It’s also home to a famous giant Buddha, loads of less famous normal-sized Buddhas, a Secret Buddha Garden, and probably even more Buddhas.

But it’s not all sun, sea and spirituality there. In true Thailand fashion, the daily Nathon Night Market will set you up with all the tasty street food you could want. And if that isn’t spicy enough, you should probably stop by these rock formations suggestive enough to make your granddaughter blush!

All that being said, there’s no real wrong island to go to—they’ll mostly be beautiful and set up to get you in the water for a snorkelling or boat trip. However, to actively seek out a bit of isolation and a less touristy vibe, aim for the likes of Koh Jum (a stop on the ferry ride between Krabi and Koh Lanta) or Koh Libong, home of the dugongs.

It’ll be a bit of a shock to the system to go from the palm-lined coast and glistening waters to the metropolis that is Bangkok, but it’s best just to embrace it. Once you’ve explored every nook and cranny on foot, join a backstreet or nighttime bike tour to see the city from a whole other angle.

The hustle and bustle and buzz may get overwhelming—some members say 2 days in the city is enough, while others would stay for a week! Depending on which way you lean, consider splitting up your last few days with an out-of-town excursion. JFC-er Sally suggests heading west to Kanchanaburi, her favourite place in Thailand after 5 trips to the country.

As well as having beautiful temples and the nearby Erawan Falls, it carries a fair amount of historical and literary significance as the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai and the ‘Death Railway’. It’s only a few hours from Bangkok, and you can catch a train there and back in one day; however, it’s best to spend a night or two in town if you can—Sally recommends the Oriental Kwai Resort.

When it comes to getting around the rest of mainland Thailand, the train is the answer—in fact, you don’t even have to fly between Phuket and Bangkok. The rail network is extensive, with safe, affordable sleeper trains to take you the length and breadth of Thailand. And in those spots that the tracks don’t quite reach (*ahem* Phuket, Krabi), buses pick up the slack.

You can feasibly get all the way north to Chiang Mai by train from Surat Thani, the closest station to Phuket. And by all accounts, it’s worth the trip. You didn’t mention when exactly you’re going, Susan, but there are a couple of things to know if Chiang Mai is on the cards— New Year’s Eve is a brilliant event, but trips north won’t be so fun between February and April.

With a landscape so different from the south and the islands, northern Thailand can seem like a whole other destination. I personally would do my best to work it in, even if it meant hopping on a quick, cheap connecting flight. Probably because I’ve been dreaming about doing one of these Tuk Tuk tours ever since a reader recommended them back in early April!

To wrap up, we’ll go back to Lauren for a few final Thailand Top Tips:

“This was one of my first ever backpacking trips, and I made soooo many mistakes! But I learned a few things too:

• Don't underestimate the sun. I got completely scorched within the first few hours of landing. I literally had my hand resting on my arm on a short boat ride and got left with a lovely white hand-shaped tan mark.
  
  
• Most things are negotiable. Never accept the first price for tuktuks and organised tours, there's usually always wiggle room.
  
  
• Bring lightweight, hikeable footwear! There are so many hills, jungles, waterfalls and viewpoints to climb that just aren't doable in flip-flops.
  
  
• Don't assume animal 'sanctuaries' are ethical. There is a lot of shady stuff going on with tourism and animals, where the animals’ wellbeing just isn't the top priority. So it's probably best to avoid, or at least do thorough research before visiting.”

On that last point, many visitors to Thailand are, understandably, keen to see elephants. If that’s on your list, be sure to read up in advance, like Lauren suggests. If you see a sanctuary offering elephant rides, or other hands-on interaction, that’s a sure-fire sign they’re bad news and you should stay away. For an all-round positive elephant experience, aim to see them in the wild.

I hope that’s given you some extra inspiration for your great Thai adventure. Have a fantastic trip with your granddaughter, and don’t forget to send us some pictures!