Asia with kids
Aug 9th, 2012, 04:37 PM
#1
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Asia with kids
Hi. My family loves to travel. We live in North America and have travelled a fair amount as a family: Cuba, Mexico, Hawaii, Vegas, Disneyland.
I was in Thailand about 10 years ago, pre-kids with my spouse. We loved it. We've recently seen some great flight prices to China, and thought it would be fun to do a China / Thailand trip. But this time, we've got kids. Their ages are 9, 6 and 6.
What are peoples thoughts? Are we crazy? Will they hate it? They're pretty rough and tough, but they also like the water parks, theme parks, beaches, snorkeling, etc. In other words, they like to do stuff.... but they're probably not into museums and temples.
Also... in addition to China, we'd probably do either (a) Thailand or (b) Vietnam. Wonder what peoples thoughts are on Thailand vs. Vietnam.
Thanks for all the info.
I was in Thailand about 10 years ago, pre-kids with my spouse. We loved it. We've recently seen some great flight prices to China, and thought it would be fun to do a China / Thailand trip. But this time, we've got kids. Their ages are 9, 6 and 6.
What are peoples thoughts? Are we crazy? Will they hate it? They're pretty rough and tough, but they also like the water parks, theme parks, beaches, snorkeling, etc. In other words, they like to do stuff.... but they're probably not into museums and temples.
Also... in addition to China, we'd probably do either (a) Thailand or (b) Vietnam. Wonder what peoples thoughts are on Thailand vs. Vietnam.
Thanks for all the info.
Aug 9th, 2012, 04:45 PM
#2
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china would be quite tough with the kids i think... maybe beijing for a few days or shanghai...
hong kong is another idea..
thailand would be fab---just make sure your hotel has a good pool.. the seaside ares would be perfect.. elephants..
vietnam would be better than china but not much
hong kong is another idea..
thailand would be fab---just make sure your hotel has a good pool.. the seaside ares would be perfect.. elephants..
vietnam would be better than china but not much
Aug 10th, 2012, 01:44 PM
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We have done both Thailand and Vietnam with our kids (though a bit older than yours). We actually preferred Vietnam over Thailand, but I think with young kids Thailand might be better. We didn't do a beach spot there, but it would probably be a good idea at that age. I think they would LOVE doing the elephant camp experience which we did do. BTW, you're not crazy to consider traveling with your kids - as long as they have proven to be good travelers/explorers on your closer to home excursions, I say go for it!!
Here are links to my trip reports:
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...land-cambodia/
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-and-junks.cfm
Here are links to my trip reports:
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...land-cambodia/
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-and-junks.cfm
Aug 10th, 2012, 04:45 PM
#6
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Just about every country in Asia can be a good kid-friendly destination, but in addition to finding things that kids like to do, you have to think about cost and logistics. Traveling with 5 people -- 3 of whom no doubt eat 20 times a day and who are alternately excessively energetic or exhausted -- can be demanding and expensive. The rewards are worth it, however. So pick your best shot and go for it.
We traveled a lot in Asia when our son was young (just one though)and the places we liked best were Hong Kong and Bali. Hong Kong is an easy city to navigate, offers a good first exposure to Chinese culture and has a lot sutiable sites and activities. Pricy, though.
In Bali you get both the beach and nature in addition to a fascinating living culture. Even kids who get bored at museums and monuments love Balinese pageantry. The advantage is that once you're there you can experience different parts of Bali -- i.e., the beach, the mountains and the tropical forests -- without additional airport time. And it's a very good value.
We traveled a lot in Asia when our son was young (just one though)and the places we liked best were Hong Kong and Bali. Hong Kong is an easy city to navigate, offers a good first exposure to Chinese culture and has a lot sutiable sites and activities. Pricy, though.
In Bali you get both the beach and nature in addition to a fascinating living culture. Even kids who get bored at museums and monuments love Balinese pageantry. The advantage is that once you're there you can experience different parts of Bali -- i.e., the beach, the mountains and the tropical forests -- without additional airport time. And it's a very good value.
Sep 1st, 2012, 05:23 AM
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At ages 6 and 9 they are little sponges and will soak up the asian expierence. Just plan days with things they will like. Asians love children and you may find them being taken into a kitchen or other places you would not go otherwise. Places like the Grand palace in BKK with all the guilded warriors at the temple are beautiful to adults. Think of how it would be seen from a 4-5 feet perspective.
Sep 1st, 2012, 06:07 AM
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A few thoughTS:
1) Make it Thailand only- split it between Bangkok and Hua Hin (beach resort). Hau Hin is a 2 hour drive from Bangkok so its close and cheap to get there.One of the regular driver/guides would be good to engage (Rat or Tong).
2) The heat and humidity will wear you out quickly so don't plan on trying to do it all in a day. We would do mornings, come back to the hotel for the mid day hours and venture out in the late afternoons. Rest by the pool for the mid day hours.
3) Get a hotel on the river- riding the hotel boats to the sky train is a must do experience as well as riding the other river boats to the Grand Palace and Temple of Dawn. The Anatara (formerly the Marriott) is on the river. It has a great pool - the best in my opinion- and they have kid activities!
4) Take strollers along for your 6 year olds- they will tap out and you don't want to carry them. Also carry cold bottled drinks and wet wash clothes in a zip lock bag - use it to wipe them down a bit when they get hot.
5) Don't eat street food- you don't want to risk it!
6) Ignore anyone who approaches you with stories of temple closings, fantastic sales, etc- they are touts.
7) Do not ride Tuk Tuks- they will "take you for a ride" if you catch my drift.
8) Taxis- tell the driver to start the meter- if he won't get out and hail another one. But try to use the sky train as traffic in Bangkok is bad.
1) Make it Thailand only- split it between Bangkok and Hua Hin (beach resort). Hau Hin is a 2 hour drive from Bangkok so its close and cheap to get there.One of the regular driver/guides would be good to engage (Rat or Tong).
2) The heat and humidity will wear you out quickly so don't plan on trying to do it all in a day. We would do mornings, come back to the hotel for the mid day hours and venture out in the late afternoons. Rest by the pool for the mid day hours.
3) Get a hotel on the river- riding the hotel boats to the sky train is a must do experience as well as riding the other river boats to the Grand Palace and Temple of Dawn. The Anatara (formerly the Marriott) is on the river. It has a great pool - the best in my opinion- and they have kid activities!
4) Take strollers along for your 6 year olds- they will tap out and you don't want to carry them. Also carry cold bottled drinks and wet wash clothes in a zip lock bag - use it to wipe them down a bit when they get hot.
5) Don't eat street food- you don't want to risk it!
6) Ignore anyone who approaches you with stories of temple closings, fantastic sales, etc- they are touts.
7) Do not ride Tuk Tuks- they will "take you for a ride" if you catch my drift.
8) Taxis- tell the driver to start the meter- if he won't get out and hail another one. But try to use the sky train as traffic in Bangkok is bad.
Sep 1st, 2012, 07:10 AM
#9
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If you take them to China it is for the cultural experience. Only you know if they can handle that. If you want water slides and beach then no point traveling to the other side of the globe. I just go to the narest place.
