Seeking family bonding time? Want to broaden your kids' minds? Or just looking for a relaxing getaway? Asia has all you could dream for in a perfect family vacation.
It boasts some of the oldest civilizations in the world. You can tread the paths of ancient civilizations, listen to the glorious stories beyond historic masterpieces, and experience exotic cultures.
The appealing landscapes will enrich your family photo album — from jungles, rice terraces, and lush karst mountains to magical caves. Certainly, the dazzling beaches and private castaway islands are not to be missed in Asia.
The rare and unique wildlife would widen your kids’ knowledge about nature. Connections with friendly locals will give them chances to learn about different lifestyles...
Which Country Is Best for an Asia Family Vacation?
Carefully selecting from dozens of Asian countries, we’d like to recommend 6 family-friendly destinations for you.
If you’re travelling with toddlers and small kids below about 6 years, Singapore and Bali are good choices for great amenities and a relaxing tour pace.
If your kids are between around 6 and 12 years old, go to Thailand and Vietnam. Both countries are full of family-friendly accommodations, fun activities, and great beaches.
As for young teens (aged 12 to 17 years), Japan and China can keep them engaged in great wonders, theme parks, and neoteric inventions.
1. Singapore: City Gardens, Wildlife, Diverse Cultures...
Singapore is a well-organized, comfortable, and appealing country for a first family vacation in Asia, especially for families with kids below 6 years old.
While parents immerse themselves in the diverse cultures, kids can soak up fun moments in various animal paradises. If the excellent Singapore Zoo in the daytime is too common for you, how about a night safari or a river safari by boat? If your kids like birds, don't miss Jurong Bird Park. The S.E.A. Aquarium will make your kids go “WOW”, as it is home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species.
With an efficient transport network, you can get around the compact city state conveniently as well. As a garden city, the roads are clean and well-constructed, and you can push your toddlers almost anywhere.
2. Bali: Charming Beaches, Jungles, Hindu Temples...
Jungle Hotel in UbudRelaxation fills the air of Bali. You can try exciting water activities, join in interesting family handcraft activities, and take tasty food tours.
Indulging in the character-filled hotels is a must for a family vacation in Bali. Among jungles, rice paddies, and scenic beaches, you'll easily find lovely family hotels and resorts with infinity pools. Some even offer kids' clubs and babysitters, so you can enjoy a romantic couple's time, like a sunset cocktail or private couple massage.
3. Thailand: Historic Temples, Sandy Beaches, Elephant Bathing...
In Thailand, the Land of Smiles, your family could enjoy idyllic beaches, historic temples, mouthwatering food, and exciting Muay Thai learning.
An all-inclusive resort near a sandy beach is helpful to release parents' hands. While you enjoy sunbathing with your favorite drinks beside, your children can enjoy themselves playing in the sand or doing water activities with professional tutors.
Going to Chiang Mai, have a close encounter with elephants and learn Muay Thai. If possible, visit during the Light Festival (Loy Krathong) and Yi Peng Lantern Festival in late October or November. Flying and floating lanterns with your kids will light up your family trip! Contact us to check the exact festival dates or read more info about Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Extending reading: 2 Weeks in Thailand – 3 Perfect Thailand Itineraries >>>
4. Vietnam: Karst Seascapes, Rice Terraces, Mekong Delta...
Map of Vietnam Tour Vietnam is known for its relaxing and charming atmosphere. Whether it's going night squid fishing with dad or joining in a lantern-making class with mom, your family can have fun in Vietnam. Taking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay will give parents a break with picturesque karst seascapes.
Discover morning floating markets, cycle around rural villages, pick fruits on a local farm... All will bring you into the authentic life of the Mekong Delta!
Many travelers also visit Vietnam with neighboring countries Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, especially when celebrating their big moments like a honeymoon, anniversary, family reunion, or birthday...
Get more inspiration from Planning Your First Trip to Vietnam>>>
5. Japan: Theme Parks, Futuristic Inventions, Ryokans…
Well-preserved culture, futuristic inventions, and theme parks make Japan an ideal place for a family trip.
Kids won't feel bored in Japan.They can encounter their favorite film sets at Universal Studios, say hi to lovely cartoon characters at Disneyland, or spend a couple of hours at a SEGA arcade! Apart from famous brands, you can find some interesting local ones, like Puroland, known for its Hello Kitty attractions. Contact us for more theme park ideas...
A ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with a private onsen (hot spring bath) is a great way to enjoy the night, especially in the winter (December to February).
6. China: The Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, Lovely Pandas
China is a fun and safe destination with multiple interesting and child-friendly activities.
As one of the oldest countries in the world, China’s historic sites are impressive. You’ll be amazed by the marvelous Great Wall, gorgeous Forbidden City, and incredible Terracotta Army...
For your kids, they can join in a Mandarin class, try the Great Wall toboggan, learn kung fu in Shaolin Temple, meet cute panda cubs, experience high-speed trains, and more. Contact us for more exclusive China activities.
Have any different destination ideas for your family escape in Asia? If you already have some dream destinations in mind, just click Create My Trip and tell us what you and your kids would like...
What Is the Best Time to Have a Family Vacation in Asia?
Based on the above-suggested destinations, we'd like to divide them into three groups for similar climates: Singapore and Bali, Thailand and Vietnam, and China and Japan.
For drier weather, the best time is April to September in Singapore and Bali, but November to February in Thailand and Vietnam, while China and Japan have their best weather in their spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) — they are neither too hot nor too cold, and autumn is generally drier and warmer than spring.
Your favorite country is not on the list? Want to know more details about the best time and worst times? Contact us.
How Much Does a Family Trip to Asia Cost?
International flights are usually about half of your tour expenses if you fly over 10 hours from Europe of 16+ hours from America. Keep your eyes on the air ticket sites for early-bird bookings, or contact one of our consultants to see if she/he can get a better price.
As for local tours, Asia is quite affordable, costing around US$200–400 per day for a group of 2 people with quality hotels, private guided touring, nice meals, and private transportation.
For example, you typically pay just a fraction of comparable room rates in Europe. For Europe’s standard room rates, you could have a family villa with separate bedrooms, a balcony, and a pool in Thailand!
You would have a wide choice of food within your budget in Asia. Generally speaking, US$3–5 is enough for a simple meal, while fancy cuisine costs around US$60 per person.
What Are the Travel Restrictions in Asia?
So far, most Asian countries have reopened “post-COVID”, except China. When travelling to Asia, you need to apply for a visa in some countries, like China, but you can enjoy visa-free travel in most countries, especially in Southeast Asia. See more details on Asia Visas.
Besides the visa, travel insurance for COVID-19 medical treatment and hospitalization costs is compulsory when entering most Southeast Asian countries. Check with our consultant for the latest policy.
Normal travel insurance covering medical treatment, luggage and valuables, etc. is strongly suggested. Read more info on How to Choose Travel Insurance for Your Family Trip to Asia.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (up to 14 days before departure)
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
