Travelling to Phuket with Young Kids
Phuket is one of the easier places in Thailand to travel with young children. The tourist infrastructure is well developed, Western food is available everywhere, and the main hospitals have English-speaking doctors and modern facilities. You won’t be roughing it here.
But it’s still a tropical island in Southeast Asia. The sun is stronger than you expect, the roads can be chaotic, and monsoon season brings waves that make swimming dangerous. Kids under five need extra attention around water, food hygiene, and heat. This guide covers what to prepare before you leave and what to watch out for once you arrive:
Before You Go (Trip Preparation)
1. Vaccinations
At least a month before travelling to Phuket, check with your doctor or local health centre about which vaccinations may be needed. The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises that families planning to travel to Thailand should make sure they are up to date on routine vaccines such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and their yearly flu shot. The CDC also recommends getting Hepatitis A and typhoid shots before visiting Thailand
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2. Baby Supplies in Phuket
Disposable nappies, baby food and infant formula are expensive but available in grocery stores and shops around Phuket. You’ll find the largest variety of baby stuff at the Tesco-Lotus and Big C hypermarkets. But if you prefer any particular brand or type of baby item, then it’s best to bring your own supply.
3. Plan for the Tropical Climate
Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, it might be too hot or too rainy for the kids to go outside on some days during your stay. Try to plan a balance of indoor and outdoor activities that the kids can enjoy. Check if your hotel has a kids’ club or activities for the kids, like cooking classes or arts and crafts. Local shopping centres like Big C and Central in Phuket Town and Jungceylon in Patong are good places to escape the heat or a rainstorm. The malls are air-conditioned and easy to navigate with strollers, and there are some attractions for kids like indoor play parks and video games.
4. Health and Insurance
Make sure your family is fully insured for unexpected illnesses or accidents with appropriate travel insurance purchased in advance. If you or your kids need surgery or an overnight stay in a Phuket hospital, you could face a big medical bill if uninsured.
5. Baby and Toddler Equipment
Baby seats for the car and strollers are available to rent or buy in Phuket, but it would be best to bring your own. Most hotels will have baby cots available for free or for a small extra charge – be sure to check when you make your hotel booking.
6. Flying In
If you’re on a long-haul flight and need milk for your child, bring your own supply of powdered milk, as fresh milk might not be available on board. Bring a pacifier, candies, lollypops or gum for your child to have while taking off or landing to help relieve ear pressure. It’s also wise to bring a change of clothes for your baby or child, and extra clothes for yourself in case something gets spilt or your kid gets sick during the flight.
7. Picking the Right Beach for Your Family
Not all Phuket beaches are equal when it comes to kids. Some have calm, shallow water perfect for toddlers, while others have waves and currents that make swimming tricky. Here’s what works best for families:
- Kata Beach is our top pick for families with young children. The water stays shallow for a long way out, and the waves are gentle from November to April. Plenty of restaurants and shops line the beach road, so you’re never far from food or a toilet break. Kata also has some of Phuket’s best family hotels within walking distance.
- Karon Beach offers more space to spread out. The beach is long and wide, so it never feels crowded. Water conditions are similar to Kata, though the drop-off is slightly steeper. Good for families who want a quieter atmosphere.
- Kamala Beach has a relaxed village feel. The northern end stays calm most of the year. It’s close to Carnival Magic, which kids love.
- Bang Tao Beach works well for families staying at the Laguna resort complex. The beach is long and mostly flat, with beach clubs that have kids’ facilities.
- Mai Khao Beach in the north is quieter and more natural. Great for families who want space and don’t mind being further from shops and restaurants. The big resorts here have excellent kids’ clubs.
Beaches to avoid with young kids: Patong can be overwhelming with jet skis and crowds. Surin and Nai Harn have stronger currents and steeper drop-offs. During monsoon season (May to October), most west coast beaches have red flag warnings, so check conditions before letting kids swim.
8. Choosing the Right Family Hotel
The hotel you pick can make or break a family holiday. Here’s what to look for when booking accommodation in Phuket with kids:
- Kids’ club: A supervised kids’ club gives parents a few hours of free time. Some clubs take children as young as 4, others start at 6. Check the age range and opening hours before booking. Evening kids’ clubs are rare but worth seeking out if you want adult dinners.
- Pool setup: Look for hotels with separate children’s pools or splash areas. Shallow water and slides keep younger kids happy for hours. Some resorts have water parks on-site, which saves you a trip to Andamanda or Splash Jungle.
- Room configuration: Family rooms with connecting doors work better than cramming everyone into one space. Some hotels offer bunk beds or sofa beds for kids. Check the maximum occupancy, as many rooms only allow 2 adults and 1 child.
- Beach access: Hotels right on the sand are easier with young kids. No roads to cross, no long walks carrying beach gear. If your hotel isn’t beachfront, check if they run a shuttle or have pool access rooms as an alternative.
- Location: Being close to restaurants, convenience stores and pharmacies helps when you need supplies at odd hours. Kata and Karon have the best mix of beach access and nearby amenities for families.
- Babysitting: Most 4 and 5-star hotels can arrange babysitters. Ask about rates and advance notice needed when you book.
We’ve visited dozens of family hotels across Phuket. Our guide covers good options at each beach that should help you decide which family resort is best for you.
During Your Stay
9. Sun Protection for Phuket
Young kids love playing in the sunshine, but the heat in Phuket can be intense, and you’ll need to take extra care. Slap a high SPF sunscreen on the kids whenever they’re outside and stay in the shade as much as possible. Be sure they drink a lot of water throughout the day, as dehydration is always a worry in the tropical heat. Wear surf rash guard suits and hats when playing at the beach or swimming pool.
10. Safety at Sea
If you’re planning any boat trips, it’s best to bring lifejackets for the kids, as proper child-sized vests are not always available on the boat (even if they promise to have some). Sporting goods shops like SportsWorld and Decathlon have children’s life jackets available in Phuket. Be sure to go with a reputable tour company with good safety standards. Speedboat trips can sometimes be bumpy so try booking a trip on a larger boat to avoid any neck injury.
11. Beach Safety in Phuket
Phuket’s Andaman Sea is an inviting place to swim and play, but parents should closely watch their kids in the water as strong currents and waves could make conditions hazardous. During the southwest monsoon season, it could be unsafe to swim from May through October, so heed any red flag warnings at the beach. It might be worth packing a small bottle of vinegar in your beach bag to treat any jellyfish stings on the spot. Snorkelling is a fun activity in Phuket but do make sure the kids get proper training on using snorkelling gear before jumping in the water.
12. Food and Drink
Phuket has a wide range of kid-friendly places to eat, from the local noodle shop to fast food brands like McDonald’s to upscale restaurants. As you would when travelling anywhere, be choosy when selecting a restaurant and ensure there’s a decent standard of cleanliness and hygiene – a good rule of thumb is to go to a place that’s busy with local people, then you’ll know the food is fresh and delicious! While it’s good to be cautious to avoid getting sick, don’t be afraid to let the kids try new things. Dishes like fried rice, mango and sticky rice, chicken satay and pad Thai noodles are all delicious and appeal to kids. Drink only bottled water and avoid drinks with shaved ice.
13. High Chairs
High chairs are commonly found in hotel restaurants and mid-range restaurants that welcome families. If you’re planning to visit any small local restaurants, it’s unlikely they will have high chairs for your baby – but not to worry, there’s a high chance that some friendly staffer will offer to help entertain and carry around your baby while you dine!
14. Transports in Phuket
The safest and easiest way to get around Phuket with children is by taxi or car hire. A good option is to hire a car or van with a driver for the day; then, you can put your kid’s car seat in the vehicle and not have to worry about lugging it around. If you want to rent a car, ensure you have an international driving license and are ready to navigate Phuket’s chaotic traffic. Don’t put your kids on any motorbikes!
Finding medicines for minor ailments is easy. Pharmacies are everywhere, and pharmacists can recommend treatments for common issues like fever, diarrhoea, and insect bites. For anything more serious, Phuket has excellent hospital options.
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket is the largest private hospital on the island and where most tourists end up for anything serious. It’s JCI-accredited, has English-speaking staff, and works directly with most travel insurance companies. Expect professional service but higher prices.
- Bangkok Hospital Siriroj (formerly Phuket International Hospital) is part of the same network. It’s slightly cheaper than Bangkok Hospital Phuket, with shorter wait times. They have a dedicated children’s department with play areas.
- Mission Hospital Phuket is a non-profit private hospital that costs about half the price of Bangkok Hospital. Good for check-ups and minor treatments. English is more limited, so bring a Thai-speaking friend if possible.
- Dibuk Hospital is the budget-friendly option within the private hospital network. Good for minor emergencies, with referrals to larger hospitals if needed. Staff speak multiple languages, including Russian and Chinese.
- If you don’t have travel insurance, Vachira Phuket Hospital is the main government hospital. They treat patients first and deal with payment after, unlike private hospitals that require deposits. Costs are a fraction of private facilities, but expect long waits and limited English.
- Patong Hospital is the only public hospital in Patong. If your child has an accident at the beach, this is likely where the ambulance will go first for initial treatment before transferring to a larger facility if needed.
Make sure your family has proper travel insurance before arriving. A single night in a private hospital can cost tens of thousands of Baht without coverage.
17. Thai Culture and Kids
Know that kids are welcome everywhere in Phuket, and local people are generally very friendly towards children. Travellers with young kids or babies might find that wherever they go, they’ll have instant caregivers who will love to hold and play with their wee ones. Shy kids might feel overwhelmed, but it’s a delight to get so much joyful attention for most children.
18. Playgrounds and Kids Clubs
Several Phuket resorts have playgrounds and kid-friendly activities for their guests to enjoy. Beyond the hotel, some public playgrounds around Phuket include the beachfront areas of Kata, Karon and Patong. Phuket also has some privately-run play parks with an entry fee, including the Rawai Park and water park, the Kids Club indoor playground in Patong Beach and the Happy Kids Club playground at Central Floresta in Phuket Town. Read more
19. Child Care
When travelling with kids, sometimes you need a break from the kids! If you need a babysitter to look after your wee ones while on holiday in Phuket, check with your hotel about any available service they recommend. There are babysitter agencies in Phuket, but since we haven’t personally tried them, we’re not sure who to recommend – do some research and ask around before booking anyone.
