Thailand’s story stretches from ancient kingdoms and gilded temples to bustling markets and postcard islands. Bangkok, the former capital of Siam’s Chakri dynasty, dazzles with royal palaces, canal neighborhoods, and museums that make history feel alive. Down south, Phuket is a springboard to emerald bays, karst-studded seas, and relaxed beach days.

For families, Thailand is welcoming, walkable in its historic quarters, and full of hands-on experiences—boat rides, tuk-tuks, night markets, and gentle animal encounters at ethical sanctuaries. Budget travelers thrive here too, thanks to inexpensive street transport, affordable massages and spas, and excellent hostels and mid-range resorts.

Vegetarian and pure veg dining are easy to find, especially Indian and vegan restaurants near central areas. Expect flavorful curries, papaya salad sans fish sauce on request, and plenty of fresh fruit. Carry small bills for ferries and markets, dress modestly for temples, and keep sunscreen and hats handy for the tropical sun.

Bangkok

Bangkok mixes regal splendor with river life: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun rise over the Chao Phraya. Nearby, canals (khlongs) reveal wooden stilt houses and hidden temples. Museums like Jim Thompson House and Museum Siam give bite-sized cultural context perfect for families.

Getting here: Search international and regional flights to Bangkok on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From the airport, the Airport Rail Link and BTS keep costs low and are stroller-friendly.

Where to stay (budget to family-friendly):

• Lub d Bangkok Siam (budget, social, steps from BTS): Book on Hotels.com
• Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (budget, heritage vibe near Old Town): Book on Hotels.com
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (resort feel, large pool, great for kids): Book on Hotels.com
• Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (iconic riverside splurge; superb for special occasions): Book on Hotels.com

Browse more stays: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok

Pure veg and veg-friendly nearby: Dosa King (pure veg Indian, Sukhumvit 11), Saras Veg Food (pure veg Indian, Sukhumvit 20), Govinda Vegetarian (Italian-vegetarian, Sukhumvit 22), Broccoli Revolution (vegan, Sukhumvit 49), Anotai (Thai-vegetarian near Rama 9). Most can prepare Jain options on request.

Day 1: Arrive, Riverside First Impressions

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok and check in. Stretch your legs with a gentle stroll along the river or through Sanam Luang park to get your bearings. Grab a light veg snack—fresh fruit shakes and banana roti are easy wins.

Evening: Board a family-friendly dinner cruise for city views without the walking. The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise serves a buffet with veg choices and glides past Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.

Dinner tip: If you prefer land-based dining, head to Saras Veg Food (pure veg), where kids love the dosa and chole bhature.

Day 2: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Khlongs

Morning: Beat the heat at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (modest dress required). Walk to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha and, if time allows, ride the ferry to Wat Arun for river panoramas.

Afternoon: Explore Bangkok’s canal life on a long-tail boat. Book the Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride to cruise past stilt homes and hidden shrines—always a family favorite.

Evening: Night markets! Wander Pak Khlong Talat (flower market) and Old Town lanes. For dinner, Dosa King (pure veg) or Govinda Vegetarian (great pizzas and gnocchi) are easy BTS rides away.

Day 3: Museums, Massage, and Siam

Morning: Jim Thompson House offers a quick, engaging intro to Thai silk and architecture. Continue to Bangkok Art & Culture Centre for contemporary exhibits that appeal to teens and adults.

Afternoon: Choose a museum duo: Bangkok National Museum (royal regalia, Ayutthaya artifacts) and Museum Siam (playful, interactive Thai-ness galleries). Break for a vegan dessert at Broccoli Revolution or Veganerie (cakes, coconut ice cream).

Evening: Family spa hour: Health Land Spa has clear pricing and private rooms; Perception Blind Massage is an excellent social enterprise. Later, browse Siam Square’s pedestrian streets and grab a pure veg supper at Saras or a Jain-friendly thali at Dosa King.

Day 4: Markets on Rails or Ancient Capitals

Option A – Markets & Boats: Take a small-group excursion to two unique markets. The Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour times your visit with the train’s arrival and includes a canal boat ride—great for kids and photos.

Option B – History Day: Prefer temples and ruins? Go to the UNESCO-listed former capital on the Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok with Lunch. It’s educational and scenic, with ancient prangs and Buddha-in-the-tree roots.

Dinner: Back in the city, celebrate with a late bite at Anotai (Thai-vegetarian, tofu larb, mushroom curry) or tuck into dosas for the little ones at Saras.

Bangkok transport tip: Use the BTS/MRT for most hops; river ferries are cheap and scenic. For regional rail in Thailand, check schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s most family-ready beach hub, with calm bays, island day trips, and a colorful Old Town. It’s the gateway to Phang Nga’s sea caves and the Phi Phi archipelago—think turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Getting there from Bangkok: Fly in the morning (about 1h25–1h35; typically $40–$85 one way on low-cost carriers). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Airport buses and licensed taxis make transfers simple.

Where to stay (budget to family-friendly):

• Lub d Phuket Patong (budget, pool, kids love the social vibe): Book on Hotels.com
• Sunwing Kamala Beach (family suites, splash areas, calm bay): Book on Hotels.com
• Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket (on-beach water fun, lazy river feel): Book on Hotels.com
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (quiet north, kids’ club, spacious grounds): Book on Hotels.com

Browse more stays: VRBO Phuket | Hotels.com Phuket

Pure veg and veg-friendly nearby: Dosa King Phuket (pure veg Indian, Patong), Pure Vegan Heaven (vegan; branches around Chalong/Rawai), Santosa Vegan (Kata, sunset view), The Vegan Table (Phuket Old Town). Many dishes can be made Jain-style with advance request.

Day 5: Fly South, Beach Time

Morning: Fly Bangkok to Phuket (aim for flights departing 8–10 a.m.; ~1.5 hours plus airport time). Book on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Afternoon: Check in and unwind on Kamala or Karon Beach—gentler waves for kids than Patong. Try fresh coconuts and mango sticky rice from beachfront vendors.

Evening: Dinner at Dosa King Phuket (pure veg; paper dosas are a hit) or Santosa Vegan for a healthy sunset meal overlooking Kata hillside.

Day 6: Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat

Morning: Early pickup for a classic Andaman day out: swim, snorkel, and admire Maya Bay’s cliffs. Families appreciate the guided structure and safe snorkeling stops.

Afternoon: Join the well-reviewed Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine for a full-day circuit with a seaview buffet and gear included. Expect turquoise lagoons and photogenic bays.

Evening: Back on Phuket, keep dinner light: The Vegan Table (Old Town) for pasta, salads, and smoothies, or Pure Vegan Heaven for Buddha bowls and wraps.

Day 7: Ethical Elephants, Souvenirs, Departure

Morning: Meet rescued elephants at an ethical sanctuary—no riding, just observation and feeding. The half-day A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is ideal for families, ending around midday.

Afternoon: Quick stop in Phuket Old Town for colorful shophouses and snacks, then head to the airport. If you want extra ease at arrival or departure, consider Phuket Airport VIP Fast-Track Immigration.

Evening: Fly onward or back to Bangkok for your international connection. Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Extra Phuket idea (alternative to Phi Phi): For calmer waters and caves, the Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island day is wonderfully scenic and less bumpy than open-sea runs.

Budget & family notes: Your budget stretches far with BTS/MRT in Bangkok, street ferries, and local markets. Choose one major paid day tour per city, mix in free temple walks and parks, and target mid-day spa breaks when heat peaks. For pure veg/Jain meals, Indian restaurants are plentiful; always specify “no fish sauce” for Thai veg dishes.

Getting around overall: Long-distance within Thailand is fastest by air (1–1.5 hours BKK–HKT; $40–$85). Use Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com to compare. For any Thai rail segments you might add (e.g., day trips), see Trip.com Trains.

In a week you’ll sample Bangkok’s temples, museums, canals, and night lights, then switch gears to Phuket’s beaches and island vistas. With family-friendly pacing, a modest budget, and reliable pure veg dining, this itinerary balances culture, nature, and comfort—Thailand at its best.