The best of our recommended family-friendly hotels to stay in Thailand

Searching for somewhere far-flung and fabulous to take the kids? Thailand's amazing mix of culture, luscious jungle, stunning beaches and delicious cuisine is a match made in heaven for adventure families looking for somewhere unique and unforgettable. Don't forget the hotels either - from fun kid's clubs and sparkling pools, to luxurious family-sized rooms, we check into the best family-friendly hotels in Thailand that every parent should know about.

The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani

The scene: Located along the picturesque Nang Thong Beach, The Sands Khao Lak is an expansive resort that truly does cater for all. Divided into three wings, the Lagoon and Seaside sections are laidback and more adult, whilst the Aqua Wing offers colorful, fun activities the whole family will enjoy. Take your pick from seven bars and restaurants, enjoy a range of activities including yoga and movie nights, and relax on the sunshine terrace.

Best for kids: The Aqua Wing is renowned for being a hub of family-friendly fun, with lots of water features, slides, and even an amazing lazy river that winds through the area. Toddler and kid pools create a safe environment for all ages, whilst the Sands Castle Kids Club arranges fabulous activities including arts and crafts, trampolines and rock climbing.

Best for parents: Who doesn’t love a lazy river? It isn’t just for the kids, mom and dad will love leisurely floating along the river too. If that’s not your thing, head to the adult-only pool for a relaxing afternoon while the kids are in the club.

More information and to book: The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani

Cape Panwa, Phuket Island

The scene: For a beach-blessed stay in Phuket, this four-star resort is set on a secluded promontory in the island’s lesser-known south-east. The location couldn’t be more spot-on; right on one of Thailand’s only private beaches and surrounded by coconut groves and tropical gardens. All of the 205 suites and villas are top-spec, with many featuring Jacuzzi tubs.

Best for kids: There’s a kids’ playground as well as an indoor games room that opens daily from 8am to 10pm. Visits to see the orange clownfish, reef sharks and stingrays at the small and rarely-crowded Phuket Aquarium can also be arranged.

Best for parents: When you’re not lazing by either of the two pools, working out in the gym, relaxing in the sauna, and booking treatments in the spa, make the most of the on-site activities and excursions. There’s boat trips to Coral Island, private Thai boxing and yoga classes, batik painting, and the chance to whip up your own Thai meal. And while the 10 bars and restaurants more than satisfy, nothing beats the meat feast that is Friday’s Steak Night Buffet.

More information and to book: Cape Panwa, Phuket Island

Santiburi Beach Resort, Golf & Spa, Koh Samui

The scene: Smack bang on the sweeping white sands of Koh Samui’s Mae Nam Beach, this stunning resort promises five-star luxury on the unspoiled northern coast. There’s 59 suites and low-rise villas spread across 23 acres of beautiful tropical gardens, a supersized freeform outdoor pool, and a championship 18-hole golf course right on the cliff's edge.

Best for kids: The Kids’ Activity Centre is kitted out with table tennis, darts, and a room for video games and PlayStation. Activities include Thai-influenced arts and crafts workshops, batik shirt painting, gel candle making, cooking lessons, basketball, football, and acrobatics.

Best for parents: Nothing beats an end-of-day massage at Santiburi Spa - a sublime space complete with indoor baths, and outdoor deep soaking tubs. There’s also two restaurants for contemporary Thai and international cuisine, a brand-new sports centre for high-tech workouts, and a separate air-conditioned room for yoga classes. Sporty types will relish the floodlit tennis court, jogging and cycling trails, and half-sized grass football pitch.

More information and to book: Santiburi Beach Resort, Golf & Spa, Koh Samui

Khaolak Merlin Resort, Khao Lak

The scene: For Andaman Sea views that go on forever, this four-star resort north of Phuket ups the ante with a lush rainforest location and direct access to 190 metres of Khao Lak beachfront. Assuming an upscale vibe throughout, it has four outdoor pools, a spa pool with Jacuzzi, and 200 ultra-stylish rooms and pool villas with chic décor and all mod cons.

Best for kids: There’s a separate children's pool with waterslide, playground with climbing equipment, kids’ menu, and free-to-borrow bikes. Babysitting and childcare services are also available. Older kids may use the tennis court that opens daily from 8am to 9pm.

Best for parents: Superbly geared for families, most of the focus here is on the outdoor areas. Cool off by one of the four pools, work out in the small fitness suite, and enjoy relaxing facials, massages and aromatic body wraps and scrubs at the Merlin Spa. There’s also a couple of excellent restaurants for seafood, grilled delights, and all-day Thai and Asian fare as well as a laid-back beachfront bar for long drinks and well-crafted cocktails.

More information and to book: Khaolak Merlin Resort, Khao Lak

Elephant Hills, Krabi

The scene: We think camping in the rainforest is an irresistible experience at any age. With Elephant Hills you and the family can embark on either a three-day Jungle Lake Safari, a three-day Jungle Safari or a four-day Nature Safari (age restrictions apply). Busy days spent exploring will culminate with a restful night’s sleep at the luxury floating camp overlooking the irresistible Cheow Lan Lake.

Best for kids: Children will relish in the opportunity to feed and bathe elephants and spot monkeys and gibbons in the heart of the rainforest. See their eyes light up as they are taken on magical canoe tours through Thailand’s most enchanted rivers and lakes.

Best for parents: Whilst everything is made suitable for kids and parents alike, we think the parents of you will particularly enjoy leisurely jungle treks and, if opting for the four-day tour, an exhilarating speedboat tour. With cooking demos and cocktails on offer, Elephant Hills offers more than just a feast for the eyes.

More information and to book: Elephant Hills, Krabi

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket:

The scene: This resort is paradise for all the family, and that’s not just because of the breath-taking views surrounding it. An array of facilities cater for everyone, along with an assortment of elegantly styled rooms, including well-equipped family suites fit with enchantingly decorated kids’ rooms.

Best for kids: With four colorfully designed child-friendly swimming pools, one of which features a water slide; a play area and sand-pit; and a kids-club with stimulating daily activities, your child will never be bored at Katathani Phuket. Babysitting services are also available.

Best for parents: With a beach this glorious you hardly need anything else to do, but this expansive resort offers an abundance of activities irrelevant. Relax in the rooftop jacuzzi at the spa, get a sweat on at the state-of-the-art fitness centre, get competitive in a game of water polo, volleyball, table tennis or practice your Thai boxing.

More information and to book: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket