Our guide to the best family holidays in Asia
TripBlogs
Asia is a superb continent for a family holiday, packed with stunning scenery and endless surprises. Across Asia, ancient traditions intertwine seamlessly with modern marvels, and every day offers new experiences to captivate kids of all ages. The vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and exotic wildlife mix to create an unforgettable family holiday that balances adventure with relaxation.
Wander between street food stalls in outdoor markets, switch between trains, tuk-tuks and longtail boats, take local cooking classes, and end your trip on a tropical beach. What could be better?
Experience new cultures
Asia is a tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions. From the temples of Kyoto to the streets of Bangkok, every destination presents a unique opportunity to learn about a completely different way of life.
Take part in a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, navigate the bustling night markets of Thailand, learn to whip up local dishes in Sri Lanka, and get a glimpse of life in rice paddies of rural Vietnam. These experiences do more than entertain — they educate and inspire open-mindedness.
Explore natural wonders
Asia is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on the planet, from mountains to waterfalls and beaches to jungles. Learn about sustainable farming amidst the stunning scenery of Bali’s rice terraces, watch fishermen at work on traditional stilts in Sri Lanka, try tea-picking in Thailand, and sail between limestone mountains in Vietnam.
Asia’s landscapes will leave you speechless, and its wildlife will knock your socks off. Set off on a safari in Sri Lanka to spot elephants and leopards, watch orangutans swing between the trees in Borneo, and explore monkey forests in Bali. Afterwards, head for one of Southeast Asia's pristine beaches and islands to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and relax on soft sands.
Take your taste buds on tour
Asia's culinary landscape is as diverse as it is delicious, offering something to tantalize little taste buds. From street food samosas in Sri Lanka to banana pancakes in Thailand, your family will enjoy a gastronomic journey across the continent. It's a great chance to encourage your children to try new dishes and ingredients. But don't worry—there are plenty of milder options for those with more conservative taste buds.
Get a truly warm welcome
Asia's hospitality is one of its greatest charms. Travelling as a family, you’ll find plenty of child-friendly accommodations, from luxurious beach resorts to cosy rural homestays, where you’ll be welcomed like old friends. Wherever you go, you’ll be greeted with open arms and generous smiles. This authentic hospitality will transform your trip into a deeply meaningful experience, forging connections that go beyond cultural barriers.
Add some affordable luxury
Travelling with a family can be expensive, but Asia offers a wealth of affordable luxury options that won't break the bank. Whether it's a private villa in Bali, an ethical elephant experience in Thailand or a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka, you'll find exceptional value for your money. Moreover, with numerous budget-friendly flights and extensive transportation networks, hopping between countries to explore multiple destinations is surprisingly easy and economical.
The best family holiday destinations in Asia
In general, Asia is a great continent to explore with kids. Whichever destination you choose to explore, you’ll find culture, adventure, nature, scenery and sunshine galore.
Our favourite destinations in Asia for family holidays all mix varied cultural experiences with dreamy tropical beaches. It’s a tried-and-tested combination that will keep everyone happy.
We’ve taken our children on all kinds of Asia adventures over the years. Here’s a lowdown of the best family holiday destinations in Asia, complete with expert tips and first-hand advice.
Thailand
Thailand is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, making it a top choice for a family escape. Home to bustling markets, beautiful temples, gorgeous beaches and banana pancakes, it’s a perennial family favourite. Explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, learn how to whip up delicious Thai dishes in Chiang Mai, plan an ethical elephant experience in Khao Sok National Park and hop between sun-drenched islands in colourful long-tail boats. It’s the perfect destination for balancing adventure and relaxation.
Jim has taken his kids to Thailand on several occasions, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect family holiday. On his most recent visit, he visited Elephant Hills, a jungle and lake camp hidden deep within Khao Sok National Park. It turned out to be the family experience of a lifetime, complete with elephants, kayaks, and incredible karst mountains.
“The great thing about Elephant Hills is that it offers a high-end but laid-back soft adventure holiday experience. The staff provide an amazingly friendly, informative, and efficient service. I found that it’s a great balance of being ‘taken care of’ without being herded around all day.” – Jim, Senior Travel Consultant
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island which boasts a little bit of everything. It’s a brilliant destination for a rich and varied family holiday filled with culture, sunshine and delicious food. Take scenic trains through tea plantations, set off on a wildlife-spotting safari, visit multi-coloured temples and relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Along the way, take cooking classes, stay with local families and get around by tuk-tuk. It’s an exciting and eye-opening feast for the senses that will knock the socks off travellers young and old.
“Ever described as a more laid-back India, Sri Lanka is perfectly set up for international visitors of all ages. It offers an amazing diversity of wildlife, beautiful beaches, stunning hill stations dotted with historical ruins, and a reputation for some of the best food on the planet.” – Andrea, Senior Travel Consultant
Borneo
If you’re looking for family wildlife adventure in Asia, look no further than Borneo. Home to the planet’s oldest rainforest and packed with incredible creatures, it’s every budding Attenborough’s dream. Sail along the Kinabatangan River looking out for proboscis monkeys, explore the rainforest canopy by hanging bridges and hang out with the orang-utans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. Afterwards, head to the beaches of Sandakan to see turtles hatching and snorkel over tropical reefs from Gaya Island. It’s a wildlife wonderland just waiting to be explored!
“We well and truly fell in love with the oldest rainforest in the world. I would highly recommend a visit here as soon as possible, as sadly the rainforest here is reducing every year due to the deforestation”. – Grainne, Senior Travel Consultant
Vietnam
A riot of colour and life, Vietnam is a great destination for an action-packed family holiday peppered with some well-deserved downtime. It’s a place where the hustle and bustle of cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer a stark contrast to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay and the peace of the rural rice paddies.
Plan a family cruise on a traditional junk boat and sail between limestone karsts, cycle through the emerald rice fields of the Mekong Delta, and wander between tailor shops in lantern-strewn Hoi An. At the end of your trip, head for the golden beaches of Phu Quoc Island or the family-friendly sands of Danang. Vietnam’s unique blend of history, nature, and culture will captivate kids of all ages.
“In Vietnam, it’s easy to combine cities, beaches, and rural destinations in one trip. In addition, the comprehensive train and domestic flight network means that travelling around the country is straightforward.” – Andrea, Senior Travel Consultant
Bali
No post about family holidays to Asia would be complete without mentioning Bali. This Indonesian paradise is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. From lush rice paddies to monkey-filled forests, dramatic cliffside temples, and golden beaches, it’s a whole world within one small island. to the vibrant underwater world off the coast of Nusa Dua, Bali offers countless activities to engage both young and old.
“Bali is a small island with a good infrastructure, so it’s easy to get around, making it perfect for a family multi-centre holiday. It offers great contrasts from quiet hillside rice terraces to the white sandy islands. It still has areas where you can find fledgling surf beaches, but it also has well-developed mid and high-end beach resorts so something for everyone’s taste and pockets” – Jim, Senior Travel Consultant
Japan
For families seeking a blend of tradition and modernity, Japan is a must-visit. Wander through the serene temples and gardens of Kyoto, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, visit the Nara Deer Park, get a taste of Hello Kitty culture and give your kids a thrill at Tokyo Disneyland. The efficiency of Japan’s transport system makes it easy to navigate even with a full family in tow, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. There are all kinds of exciting attractions for families, from ninja museums to nature trails and bullet trains to traditional ryokans. In short, there’s no chance of your kids getting bored in Japan.
India
If your kids are slightly older and you’re ready for a family challenge, try planning a trip to India. It’s an incredible country which is magical for opening young minds. India will bombard your senses and work its way into your heart at the very same time. There’s nowhere else like it. It’s a place that is brilliant for teaching tolerance, patience and a true respect for difference, making it both educational and exciting.
Explore the iconic cities of the Golden Triangle, watch the sun sink behind the Taj Mahal, sip sweet cinnamon chai, and travel by tuk-tuk and local train. Then, escape into rural India to spot tigers in Ranthambore National Park, which has a junior ranger programme that’s perfect for children over 10 years old.
Ready to plan an unforgettable Asia family holiday?
We’ve been creating long-haul family holidays packed with personal touches for two decades, so you can trust us to know our stuff. Most of the itineraries on our website have been inspired by our own family adventures, so we can offer expert advice and first-hand tips. To start planning your Asia family getaway, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email.
Our 11 best long-haul destinations for families
Jonny Goodall
Managing Director
at Travel Nation
Our brilliant family holiday to Vietnam
Andrea Motta
Senior Travel Consultant
at Travel Nation
How to plan a holiday to Thailand with kids
Jim Faulkner
Senior Travel Consultant
at Travel Nation
Easter breaks in the sun: our family-friendly trip to Sri Lanka
Jonny Goodall
Managing Director
at Travel Nation
Sumatra holidays with kids: beaches, monkeys and elephants
Sean Dunford
Operations Manager
at Travel Nation
A relaxing Indonesian escape: our family holiday to Bali
Mark Berryman
Groups and Weddings Manager
at Travel Nation
About the author Bryony Dunn
Marketing Manager
Bryony is an explorer in every sense of the meaning. In 2013 she took the plunge, quit her marketing job and decided to face down her lifelong panic disorder to begin life as a freelance digital nomad. Journeying all over Asia, for years she earned her keep writing for travel brands. Almost by accident, she ended up in Cali, Colombia where she discovered a remarkable (as yet latent) talent for Salsa dancing. After spending a year in sequins shimmying from dance show to dance show, she returned to the UK, tanned, toned and ready to settle down. Bryony joined Travel Nation as a round the world specialist in 2016 and is now the Marketing Manager, with a little salsa on the side.
