Thailand, in my opinion, is one of the most incredible places on Earth. I love it wholeheartedly and unapologetically—and I always will. It truly has everything you could want: vibrant energy, effortless travel, stunning scenery, and some of the most delicious (and vegetarian-friendly) food out there. It’s not just beautiful—it’s welcoming, easy-going, family-friendly, and to top it all off, incredibly budget-friendly. There are loads of itineraries out there and have a look at our post on Thailand on a budget so I’m not going to go there, I’m just going to give you my highlights and my top Thailand tips.
Don’t skip Bangkok
I absolutely love Bangkok — it’s one of those rare cities that grabs hold of you and never quite lets go. The energy, the food, the people, the colours — everything pulses with life in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. One of the things that truly sets it apart is the street food. From sizzling woks on every corner to tiny stools tucked along bustling alleyways, Bangkok is a paradise for anyone who loves to eat and the vegetarian scene is incredible. Whether it’s a fiery plate of pad thai, a fragrant curry, or a bowl of boat noodles eaten by the canal, the flavours are unforgettable — bold, fresh, and completely addictive.
What makes me even happier is that I’ve passed this love on to my children, who are now just as hooked on Bangkok (and its food!) as I am. There really is nowhere else like it on earth.
And the best part? Bangkok is a major travel hub for Southeast Asia, so if you’re heading anywhere in the region, there’s a good chance you’ll pass through. If you do, don’t just breeze by — stay, explore, and eat your way through the city. It’s far more than just a stopover; it’s a destination in its own right.
Take a night train
The night trains in Thailand are an incredible experience. We’ve had the chance to travel on them several times as a family, and each time has been memorable. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. There’s something special about the journey – the soothing rhythm of the train as you drift off to sleep, and then waking up to find yourself in an entirely new and stunning landscape. It’s a unique way to explore the country, combining comfort with the excitement of change. Plus, as a bonus, it cleverly combines the cost of both travel and accommodation, making it not only a scenic and convenient option but also a great value for money. We’ve never had any concerns about safety and have never had a negative experience doing this. we always use 12go to book.
Get a sim card
We always make it a point to grab a SIM card at the airport as soon as we arrive. They’re usually inexpensive and, for us, have become an essential travel companion. I totally get the appeal of disconnecting while you’re away, but if you’re figuring out plans on the go, having mobile data makes a world of difference. Whether you’re checking that your tuk tuk is heading in the right direction in the middle of the Thai jungle, navigating unfamiliar streets, ringing a hotel, or translating a menu on the spot, staying connected can save time, stress, and a whole lot of guesswork.
Eat street food
There’s something truly magical about the street food scene in Southeast Asia. It’s not just about the food—it’s the whole atmosphere. The warm night air, the clatter of plastic chairs, the smoky sizzle from woks on open flames, and the tantalizing aromas wafting through the streets. Watching your meal come together right in front of you, often from a tiny cart or roadside stall, adds a sense of adventure…what are you actually going to get? It’s messy, it’s chaotic, it’s unbelievably delicious—and for us, nothing else quite compares. It isn’t just a budget thing, although it is invariably cheaper, it’s the only way to eat!
Go to the islands
There are over 1000 islands in Thailand and they range from sleepy and low key to busy and party central. We have usually had to travel in the school holidays so the weather affects where we can go but here’s our views on the islands we have visited
Koh Chang
We love Koh Chang. It felt like a totally different vibe from the islands in the gulf of Thailand
Koh Tao
This was a brilliant island to visit with the kids. They were able to scuba dive here due to the super safe conditions in the water. Megan, who was 8 at the time wasn’t able to scuba dive in open water anywhere else we went on our 5 month trip in Asia so I loved that she got to do it here. She did the Bubble Maker dives which were perfect for her and really gave her a feel for scuba diving
Kitchen Family Travels 