Tackling Thailand with a Toddler

Touring Phi Phi Islands with Boat and Beyond.

More Work than Expected

In all honesty, Thailand was more work than a vacation for us when we visited, but that was mostly due to our jam-packed itinerary. So here is where we stayed and how we spent a week in Thailand. I also have some tips if you plan to go with your family to spare you some regret.

Where We Stayed

We spent 8 nights at the Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa. I genuinely loved this hotel for its breakfast buffet and its outdoor scenery. It also has a pool and “beach” to enjoy during downtime. However, the location seemed a little far from the off-site excursions we had planned, which were about 20-30 minutes away by car.

How We Commuted

Before arriving in Thailand, we decided to book a private driver for the entire duration of our stay. I typically research private drivers since the experience can make or break a trip. However, I booked the vacation on a whim and opted for a driver who was frequently recommended by others in a travel group I follow. This turned out to be my first mistake, and it certainly had a negative impact on the vacation. Although having the same person to travel with throughout the trip made things more convenient, our driver came across as pushy and clearly received a commission for some of the activities he suggested. So, make sure to do your research if you plan on using a private driver.

The Itinerary

On paper, our itinerary doesn’t seem like much, but with a toddler and traveler’s sickness, it definitely did a number on us. So be sure to take anti-traveler’s sickness medication so you can do all the touring you want.

Phuket Island Tours

This boat tour was my second mistake and seemed to be one for anyone else who endured it with us. We had to wake up at 6 a.m. with our toddler to ensure we arrived on time for the tour. Consequently, we were completely exhausted before we even boarded the boat. I don’t think anything could have prepared us for the turbulent waters and the near-death experience while aboard. I was extremely motion sick, and I wasn’t alone, as many other passengers appeared to be throwing up as well. At one point, a woman on board even started praying after someone dropped and spilled their sickness bag. As if the motion sickness wasn’t enough, at least three passengers stepped on sea urchins while getting on and off the boat. If you decide to book this tour, please beware that the water may be choppy, and you will need water shoes.

Touring Rang Island with Boat and Beyond.

Boat and Beyond

I made a reservation with Boat and Beyond a month before our trip. The company was very responsive and even provided a birthday package. They use your passport to verify your birthday if you plan to celebrate a birthday. We were thoroughly impressed with Boat and Beyond because it offers private driver pick-up and drop-off, and the intimate nature of the tour provided a nice contrast to the other one we booked. It's really great for families since the staff is very helpful with getting on and off the boat, and the islands we visited were not overly crowded. However, I didn't have much of an appetite for the food due to the boat's motion, but it was significantly better than the previous tour I mentioned.

Naka Weekend Market

We spent a couple of hours at this night market, and I honestly wish we would have bought more souvenirs from here. It’s charming and filled with little trinkets and trendy clothing items. It’s pretty easy to navigate with a stroller and has food stalls if you need to grab a bite.

Naka Night Market

Tiger Kingdom

Being near tigers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially with a family. The staff were very friendly and even held our son for us as we took a couple photo. There are various options for tigers to interact with: giant, big, small, and newborn. I will note that the facility has an age and height requirement for each tiger. Also, there might be a long wait for photos, so keep your schedule free. There are also some food and drink options inside the waiting area, but I wouldn’t go on an empty stomach.

Overall Takeaway

When you visit the land of smiles with family, be sure to research a private driver if you decide to use one, and keep an eye on your energy levels while on vacation. We overbooked ourselves, which made the trip less enjoyable, so make sure to set aside some time to relax during your visit. Additionally, bring anti-sickness medication to avoid an unwelcome encounter with the toilet.

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