Phuket with children – the dream family destination

Bright, colourful and incredibly welcoming, Thailand is just the place for a fabulous family vacation in the sun, and the vibrant destination of Phuket is the number-one Thailand vacation destination for thousands of families every year.

Why is Phuket so great for families? Simply because there are so many things to do in Phuket with kids, you’ll never hear those dreaded words, "I'm bored!". At onefinestay, we love the variety, the culture, the cuisine and the warmth of Phuket. It is an ideal destination to introduce younger guests to Asia’s exotic wonders without losing that family-friendly atmosphere.

Our guide to Phuket for families has been crafted with both older and younger children in mind. Set off on a tour of this sun-kissed location, exploring the island’s best kid-friendly activities, beaches and must-visit places. We'll also introduce you to our breathtaking villas in Phuket and add a few top tips for travelling to Thailand with the little ones.

Why choose Phuket for your family vacation?

Relax next to jade-coloured waves lapping gently against a white-gold sandy beach flanked by rustling palm trees. Discover family-friendly conservation centres where you and your children can meet rescued elephants. Savour the region’s vibrant cuisine: from steaming bowls of noodles to fresh juices, you’ll find something all the family will love here.

All this and more is offered on a Phuket holiday with the kids, making it the ideal family vacation destination. Thai culture puts children at the centre of everything, so everyone you meet will welcome your little ones with open arms.

Phuket is also a very safe destination, so you have the peace of mind that you and your children can relax without worrying. With our stunning range of Phuket luxury villas, you’ll have your very own family-friendly retreat, often with a beachfront location where the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are just a few steps away.

From the ever-popular tubes and slides to the Family Raft Ride and the Whizzard, it’s one of the best places to visit in Phuket with kids.

For older children and teens who want more adventure, Blue Tree is the place to go, with 56 acres of snorkelling, cliff-jumping, a Slip-N-Fly Drop Zone and the tranquillity of the Crystal Lagoon.

With a combination of wave machines that can teach youngsters the basics of surfing to beach-based classes with pro-surfers, Super Surf Kata is one of the best wave pools in Phuket, with the added advantage of a great restaurant on-site, too.

Conservation efforts to look after the elephant population in Thailand have improved immensely over the past few years, and there are centres where you can learn more about these gentle giants from the dedicated carers who look after them.

The most respected of these is the Phuket Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where you can help the carers give the elephants their daily bath or feed them titbits. It’s a heartwarming and wonderful experience that your kids will never forget.

Exploring the best family-friendly beaches in Phuket

When you holiday in Phuket, you’ll be spending plenty of time at the beach. If you want calm waters and soft sand and are looking for the best beaches in Phuket for families, here are our top three choices that won’t disappoint.

With a full-size golf course just a short walk away, there is also the Catch Beach Club, where the little ones can make new friends, play in the Kids Club or splash about in the swimming pool.

If you're lucky, you may get to snorkel alongside one of these incredible creatures, creating memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Must-visit places in Phuket for families

There are so many things to do in Phuket with kids that you may have to stay on this gorgeous island more than once to fit them all in. Here are our top picks of must-visit places that are ideal for all ages.

The views are genuinely breathtaking, and the experience of floating silently through the limestone caves and hidden cliffs is mesmerising. You can add on a tour of the 'James Bond Island' that features in the classic film The Man With The Golden Gun.

Part of the Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park, the waters are clean, safe and filled with colourful fish that sparkle in the crystal-clear ocean.

For a day of sheer adventure, Hanuman World offers a thrilling experience with 16 ziplines, two spiral staircases and plenty of sky bridges. Don’t worry, you’ll be clipped onto a safety line at all times!

Choosing luxury vacation rentals in Phuket

Phuket is renowned for its luxury villas, and at onefinestay, we offer you the pick of the best, with dreamy views, total tranquillity, beachfront locations and exquisite interiors. Our family-friendly villas in Phuket are an enchanting blend of contemporary and traditional styles surrounded by lush forests, manicured gardens and deserted sandy beaches.

From the utterly gorgeousVilla Oceans 11 to the incredible Amanzi Kamala, these villas offer plenty of space for families. Your dedicated concierge will be happy to arrange services such as babysitting, childcare, booking excursions and family-friendly tours so you can make the most of every second on the island.

Tips for travelling to Phuket with kids

Here are a few of the most common FAQs for families travelling to Phuket:

Is Phuket suitable for families and kids?

Absolutely. Phuket is one of the friendliest locations on earth, and with so many family-friendly activities and places to see, it’s a never-to-be-forgotten for children of all ages.

What is the best time of year to visit Phuket with kids?

The best time to visit Phuket with kids is between December and January or June and July when the weather is dry and warm, and gentle waves lap the beaches. If you prefer it a little cooler, the period between mid-October to March sees temperatures of around 78-91°F (25-30°C).

Are the restaurants family-friendly in Phuket?

The majority of restaurants welcome children, offering children's menus and smaller portions as well as less spicy dishes that younger children may enjoy more. Thai food is delicious and flavourful, and we're pretty sure they'll love it once they try it!

Is it safe for kids to go to Phuket?

Phuket is a very safe destination for families. Our luxury Phuket villas are located in serene, private locations, while beaches and attractions welcome children of all ages.

Can kids go snorkelling in Phuket?

With wide, sandy beaches and shallow, warm water, snorkelling is a fabulous way to spend a lazy day. Marine reserves invite you to explore colourful underwater worlds of bright fish and coral. The tides and currents are gentle, and lifeguards on the most popular beaches will ensure everyone stays safe.

Tips for travelling to Phuket with a baby?

· Don’t worry about taking nappies and formula with you as they are readily available in shops and supermarkets.

· Ask your dedicated concierge to pre-book tickets for entry to parks and attractions to avoid queuing in the hot sun.

· Keep baby shaded with a hat or parasol on their stroller – Phuket can be very warm, so it’s a good idea to have plenty of shade for your baby.

· Your dedicated concierge can also arrange for baby gear to be supplied to your luxury Phuket villa in advance, including cots and cribs, high-chairs and rental strollers.

With so much to see and so many things to do in Phuket with kids, this island paradise makes the most wonderful family escape for all ages. A safe, welcoming atmosphere coupled with some of the best beaches for kids to splash about makes the island the ideal family holiday destination. What’s more, if the little ones tire of that sugar-soft sand and blue water, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to explore.

So what’s next? Start by exploring our Phuket luxury villas and start planning the holiday of a lifetime underneath the Thai sunshine. If you want to know more about our villas, simply contact our expert Travel Advisors who will be happy to match you with your dream holiday home in Phuket.