Hi Ozbargainers,
I am looking at doing a family holiday to Thailand or Vietnam with my wife and two young children 4 and 2, looking for recommendations for good resort with great facilities for toddlers..
Thank you all
Looking for Recommendations for Family Friendly Holidays to Vietnam or Thailand?
Krodsorin on 07/10/2025 - 19:36
Comments
We took kids to Thailand at that age and Vietnam a few years later. Both were great, but if a resort is your preference, Phuket is probably the place with most options.
Where did you stay?
We stayed at Kamala beach outside Patong, but the actual place has now closed. I'd look at Karon beach as well, as staying in Patong is busy.
My wife was looking into this also, but also included Malaysia - so three places in total. She actually asked AI and it presented a lot of options with estimated cost for the three destinations with main focus being engagement for our kids (4 and 6).
Presenting the above as a possible alternative starting point for considering destination.
What did you go with? Or still deciding?
I think we're leaning towards Malaysia. AI reminded us of a few important items (to us), which were:
- Ability to have a short visit to Singapore
- Cuisine and we slightly preferred Malaysia (other two are still great though)
My girlfriend is Thai and currently lives in Malaysia. Where are you thinking of going in Thailand? Somewhere like Phuket/KoSamui expect to pay through the nose if you're going peak season (November-April). That being said, Thailand's tourism numbers have dropped off a bit over the past year (I went to Phuket this May and it was quiet) so there are some good deals to be found for hotels. Look at Agoda for hotels- I've usually found them the best for Thailand.
I can't make any specific recomendations for Vietnam I'm sorry.
Vietnam is my pick of the two,
Sure Thailand is a bit more tourist friendly but Vietnam hands down has more of their culture intact.
The history, natural attractions and Unesco areas are superb and Vietnam has done a great job to preserve them.Do both, but spend at least 2 weeks exploring Vietnam (a good way of doing it is with a pre-organised tour like g-adventures or intrepid which minimises the stress).
Hanoi is nice, Saigon is just another big city. The good places are Danang. hoi an, hue once you get away from civilisation.
How long is your trip?
Thinking just a week, would be good to have a place with a good kid friendly pool or splash park
What time of the year?
Both are good and worth going, however, Thailand is a bit more developed and more expensive