16 Top Family-Friendly Activities in Southeast Asia 2024 (Not to Be Missed)

Southeast Asia is a fun and safe destination with relaxing tropical beaches, rich hands-on experiences, and interactions with animals. All of these activities would keep parents and children engaged and create an unforgettable family trip.

You could check out our top 16 exciting activities tailor-made for families with children.

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1. Interact with Elephants in Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand

If you love to see elephants up close in a wide open space, then go to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai. You and your family could choose to join in a half-day or full-day program.

During the program, you'll learn cool stuff about them, and even help with their daily routine. Your kids could feed them tasty treats like sugarcoulde, coconuts, watermelon, and bananas, make their medicine/ protein rice balls, and then end the day with a splash as you join the elephants for a river bath.

If you'd like, pay some extras for a professional photographer to capture these memorable moments for your family.

Check out how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia>>>

2. Jungle Trekking and Kayaking in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Khao Sok National Park is home to one of the oldest rainforests on Earth. You could get an unspoiled jungle experience there. 2-4 days are highly suggested to explore its highlights.

One of the highlights is trekking in the dense jungle and seeing the untouched views. Your kids would be amazed by the rare rafflesia, the world's largest (and smelliest) flower. They'll also be thrilled to explore dark caves.

If you'd like a relaxing experience, take a longtail boat or kayak to see the limestone hills around Cheow Larn Lake. Or you could feed and interact with elephants in Elephant Hill's almost untouched exclusive camp.

What makes a visit to Khao Sok National Park even more special is the incredible accommodation options. Imagine spending the night in a tented camp right in the jungle or chilling in a floating raft house on the river.

Get more tips in our article: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps.

3. Hop on a Private Charter Speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket, Thailand

Exploring different islands is a must on any Southeast Asia trip, and going on a private tour to the Phi Phi Islands is truly one of the best experiences you could have.

Hop on your exclusive charter speedboat to Phi Phi Island, capture photos of film-worthy beaches and snorkel to see the lovely fishes and colorful coral under the crystal-clear waters.

With the exclusivity of your own charter, your family gets to enjoy maximum flexibility and create special, intimate moments together. It's an ideal way to celebrate a significant family birthday or party.

You could check the sample itineraries of Thailand for 10 days, 12 days, 14 days, and 21 days >>>

4. Discover Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand

If you prefer an outdoor-oriented family tour in Southeast Asia, don't miss Doi Inthanon National Park, which is located on the highest mountain in Thailand.

Your family could enjoy peaceful moments when trekking along the trails, navigating through dense forests, walking through rice paddies, and admiring spectacular waterfalls. Among the rails, a half-hour hike along the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail is suitable for a family with elders and little ones. But if you want a more challenging experience, then take the 2-3-hour Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail hike.

Besides, you'll have chances to marvel at the Twin Pagodas and see local tribal life at the Karen Village.

5. Take a Tuk-Tuk & Longtail Boat Ride to Explore Bangkok, Thailand

Taking local transportation is the best way to unveil city life from a unique perspective. Tuk-tuks and long-tail boats stand out as the iconic modes of transport in Bangkok.

An exhilarating tuk-tuk ride could make kids excited. You would navigate through the bustling streets of Bangkok, heading towards medieval temples. There, listen to the monks' daily chanting, invoking peace, at Wat Suan Dok. Want more exciting experiences? Head to the night market to sample the street food and mingle with local vendors showcasing interesting small commodities.

If you prefer more relaxing ways, longtail boats are more suitable for all ages. Cruising along the ancient canal, you'll witness riverside temples and local life. A sunset boat ride would further enhance your trip.

Get more ideas on planning a family trip to Thailand.

6. Take an Overnight Halong Bay Cruise in Vietnam

If you're looking to blend outdoor fun with a relaxed atmosphere, a Halong Bay cruise is the ultimate choice.

A three-day junk cruise is highly recommended as it offers more intimate and authentic experiences than the usual group-tour boats. Explore the Trung Trang Cave, cycle to Viet Hai fishing village, and kayak in the untouched water areas.

On board, you could take part in a cooking class, enjoy squid fishing, and have a movie night. Sunset and sunrise over the karst seascape would provide the perfect atmosphere for relaxing quality family time.

Suggested read: How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Vietnam.

7. Create Vietnamese Dishes at a Local Family's Home in Hoi An, Vietnam

If you want to take your kids to experience the rustic life of Southeast Asia, don't miss this experience: a cooking class at a local village in Hoi An.

Escape the bustling town center of Hoi An and spend a tranquil morning in the countryside at Tra Que herb village. Let your kids actively participate in farm work alongside friendly local farmers, getting their hands dirty with tasks like tilling the land, applying seaweed fertilizer, and harvesting ripe vegetables. It's a hands-on experience that brings the rustic charm to life!

After the farming fun, treat your family to a rejuvenating herbal foot massage. As midday approaches, join a local family to prepare a delicious lunch with fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden. Cook tam huu (a dish of prawns and pork mixed with herbs) and banh xeo (a savory pancake served wrapped in rice paper), then sit down to savor this home-cooked meal, creating lasting memories of your day in the countryside.

8. An Evening Foodie Walk in Lantern-Lit Old Hoi An, Vietnam

At sunset, start your evening foodie walk and savor the flavors in the lantern-lit ancient town. Your local expert would take you on a leisurely stroll through the historical area with you, introducing its charm. Then you'll taste the delicacies like White Rose, Cao Lou noodles, and iconic Vietnamese egg coffee.

Then conclude your day on a boat trip on the Hoai River for a dreamy night surrounded by colorful lanterns, both hanging and floating. You and your kids could release your own floating lanterns to symbolize your best wishes.

9. Explore the Awe-Inspiring Caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam

For active and adventurous families, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a genuine paradise.

As the longest water cave, Son Doong Cave tops the highlights. You could cross a turbulent underground mountain river, hike through the cave away from the boardwalks and lights and even camp inside the cave in complete darkness. Due to conservation purposes, only 1,000 visitors a year are allowed in the cave, so booking one year in advance is necessary.

Weather-wise, the best time to explore caves is the dry season from April to August.

10. Try Your Hands at a Vietnamese Water Puppet Show at a Local's House in Hanoi, Vietnam

If experiencing a water puppet show at the theater is enjoyable, then attending a private show and actively taking part in it would offer a truly exclusive feeling.

You and your family could visit the home of a local artist, listen to his story of the water puppet show, and enjoy a private performance in his small theater. If interested, you could also learn to use bamboo rods to manipulate the puppets through the water.

11. Go for a Sunset Quad Bike Ride in Siem Reap, Cambodia

After soaking in the culture at Angkor Wat, take your kids for a sunset quad bike ride through the countryside around Siem Reap.

Before riding your ATV, your guide and the experienced instructors would accompany you for a trial ride. Then take the road-less-traveled through rural villages, give a high five to smiling children, see locals farming, and stop at beautiful rice fields for a family photo with the picturesque sunset.

12. Fly Without Wings and Experience the True Beauty of Bali, Indonesia

If the femels in your family love taking photos, look no further than photogenic Swing Heaven in Ubud, Bali. A trip to the Island of the Gods is not complete without this thrill-seekers' delight.

You and your kids could try out all sorts of swings and just have a blast enjoying the fun they bring! As you swing toward the heavens, the Ayung River valley and jungle views unfold beneath you and the limitless sky becomes your playground.

With the Unlimited Access pass, you could enjoy rich photo opportunities at numerous swings and Instagrammable nests, and then amaze your friends on social media.

13. Meet the Dragons of Komodo National Park, Indonesia

If your kids are animal enthusiasts and have a sense of adventure, consider taking them to see the Komodo dragons at Komodo National Park. A cruise is always the popular way to reach it. After arriving, you would take a guided hike around the island to spot these dinosaur-like animals and see their daily life in their natural habitat.

Besides seeing the Komodo dragons, you could also snorkel to see brightly-colored fish, turtles, and coral.

14. Walk along Canopy Bridges in Taman Negara, Malaysia

If you're into cool and adrenaline-pumping experiences, the couldopy walk at Taman Negara National Park is a must-try.

As one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Malaysia, this unique adventure invites you to traverse the treetops and immerse yourself in the greenery along the world's longest couldopy walkway.

The hanging bridge is a little bit shaky and high. If you are afraid of heights, then this activity might not be suitable for you. Alternatively, you could choose to explore the jungle on night treks. The park's rich biodiversity promises an immersive experience, allowing you to connect with nature in its pristine form.

Further reading: How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore>>>

15. Enjoy a Night Safari at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve

If your child is fascinated by animals but you could't venture too far, the conveniently located Night Safari would be an excellent choice.

As night falls, you could walk along the winding walking trails of the rainforest and have close encounters with leopards, fishing cats, Malayan flying foxes, tree kangaroos, etc. Then go deeper into the park on a tram ride and see free-roaming big animals.

In addition to animal adventures, the Creatures of the Night Show and TwiLIGHT performance featuring LED performers should not be missed.

16. Dive to Explore World War II Shipwrecks in Palawan, the Philippines

Palawan is a true diver's paradise, offering an off-the-beaten-path vibe.

If ordinary scuba diving doesn't quite cut it for you, how about diving to explore sunken ships from World War II? You could choose the easy Lusong Gunboat wreck, surrounded by coral reefs and fish. If you want to challenge yourself, take the smaller and darker route to the Irako wreck.