How are you going to spend Christmas this year? Stay at home (as you have for the past two years), dress up a Christmas tree, and do the same old things as every year?
You need a real vacation! Reward yourself for a year of hard work, enjoy a more exotic family time, and create wonderful childhood memories for your children.
Imagine yourself under the clear sky, stretched out luxuriously on the beach with a Martini, seeing your children running freely on the soft sand. Or imagine yourself under warm candlelight in a jungle, while eating perfectly-roasted Thai prawns, your family excitedly sharing the highlights of your close contact with elephants during the day.
If this sounds like your dream holiday, Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, is a dream destination — with loads of experiences that cater to all ages, welcoming travel policies, warm and dry December skies, and cost-effective prices.
However, planning an ideal trip is a headache. It needs a lot of research, comparisons, and choice-making. Everyone in your family will have their own wants, often conflicting and uncompromising!
Destinations — new and appealing, experiences — unlimited, food — excellent, hotels — the best, people — friendly, restrictions — none, flight journey — acceptable, educational, meaningful, ethnic, and most importantly — affordable...
Is that possible? Yes! Read on for tips from Asia Highlights, the experts in Asia experiences, who are good at and enjoy planning complicated trips for families and couples, and have done so for over 20 years. We are here to help you make your dream trip happen — enjoyably and hassle-free.
6 Reasons to Celebrate Christmas in Southeast Asia
1. Perfect Weather — a Warm Christmas!
From December onwards, you are almost guaranteed dry and warm conditions in Southeast Asia. December temperatures average 24–30°C (75–86°F). It is the best time to travel in Southeast Asia, with blue skies and sunshine and if you're near the coast, beautiful white sandy beaches.
2. Budget Friendly
Although travel prices usually increase by 10–20% in the Christmas season, Southeast Asia, represented by Thailand, is one of the world's most cost-effective destinations compared with other destinations such as the USA, Europe, or Japan.
You can spend around 10 bucks for lunch per person and US$20 to 50 for a nice dinner, and stay in a 4-star hotel for 100 USD or less.
3. Diverse and Interesting Activities for Kids and for the Whole Family
Southeast Asia has something for each and every age range! Whether it's bathing with elephants, snorkeling and kayaking among tropical fish, canoeing into caves, hiking in national parks, cooking and eating local food, shopping, or so much more, Southeast Asia knows how to deliver a memorable family holiday.
See 45 Ultimate Things to Do in Southeast Asia.
4. Plenty of Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts
Southeast Asia countries, especially Thailand, boast world-class family-friendly hotels and resorts to suit every type of clan, from smart urban resorts to beach retreats to jungle hideaways, supplying excellent facilities like kids' clubs and pools, family-focused activities, and services extending to babysitting, all at great value.
5. Strong Festive Spirit
Many malls and hotels in large cities such as Bangkok will be decked out with Christmas trees and decorations. Many hotels and restaurants usually have Christmas / New Year dinners, buffets, and feasts to cater to guests.
See the Best Places to Celebrate New Year 2023 in Southeast Asia for inspiration.
6. Incredibly Safe
Southeast Asia is one of the safest regions in the world. People are nice, respectful, and friendly. You are unlikely to face any physical danger, as activities and facilities are well run, and it's very rare to hear of robbery or scams in the more-family-orientated areas.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
|
Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
|
Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
|
Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
|
Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
|
My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
|
A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
|
Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
|
I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
|
Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
|
We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
|
Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
|
Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
|
Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
|
We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
|
Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
|
This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
|
Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
|
I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
|
Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
|
Tips for Timing Your Trip
Christmas holiday is the most busy and expensive period of the year, but if your trip is planned well, you can maximize both your time and budget.
1. Plan your trip length.
Christmas breaks in SE Asia are usually 2–3 weeks long. This is ideal for a 10–15-day Southeast Asia trip covering one to three countries.
Of bookings we received in 2022, the most common family Christmas trips to SE Asia depart from home on December 17th or 18th, and return between January 3rd and 6th, spending 7–10 days on destination discovery and 3–5 days on leisure at a beach.
2 weeks in Southeast Asia offers many choices. You can choose to spend 2 weeks to fully explore one destination, like a 9-Day Thailand Family Tour or a 15-Day Vietnam Family Holiday Tour.
Visiting two countries in 2 weeks is also suitable at a comfortable pace. Our 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour is the most popular option. You could also see more itinerary options for 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Visiting three countries in 2 weeks is also possible. The most classic combo is Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Suggested to read: How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers)
2. Plan your flight time.
For air travel, the cheapest time to fly is on Christmas Day followed by Christmas Eve. Most people choose to depart slightly earlier, between December 21–23. The best time to plan your flights during Christmastime is December 24th to 29th for less expense and less crowding.
It is cheaper to book your return flight around New Year's Day, on December 31st or January 1st.
3. The best time to book.
The best time to book usually depends on two factors:
Best time to book flights:
The best time is when you can book a suitable ticket (such as economy class for less than 1,500 USD and a journey of less than 20 hours including stopovers). This is usually 3–6 months in advance.
Another best time is now, as COVID restrictions are lifted and travel becomes closer to pre-pandemic levels, prices for the Christmas season will only get higher and higher.
Best time to book a family-friendly hotel:
One of the peak travel times in Thailand this year is around Yi Peng Festival in November. Hotels in the ancient city of Chiang Mai were fully-booked around the festival time in September.
Expect the same for seaside hotels during the Christmas season, with popular hotels booked up about two months in advance.
We promise you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).
The good news is that there are plenty of hotel options on SE Asia's big islands.
Check out the best weather on our Best Times to Visit Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and Thailand and Vietnam.
Tips to Maximize Your Travel Budget
Taking the family on holiday may seem like it must hurt your pocket, but it doesn't always have to. With some careful planning and useful travel tips, you'll be amazed by how much money you can save.
1. Choose the cheapest days to fly.
As mentioned before, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year Eve, and New Year's Day are the cheapest days to fly. Even adjusting your dates by a day or two can sometimes make a big difference.
According to the info we have collected for our family customers, air tickets departing December 17–18 are usually the most expensive in the whole of December. There is no obvious peak time for return air tickets.
Our customers usually make the following choices according to their own circumstances:
- 1. If your travel dates are not flexible: expect to pay around 2,000 USD per person.
- 2. If your travel dates are flexible within 2 to 3 days: we recommend delaying departure till December 20 to 22, which may be cheaper.
- 3. If your travel dates are flexible: Depart on December 25 or 26, which is usually cheapest.
Let us know your schedule and we'll find the best flights for you.
2. Choose the right transfer city.
There is no direct flight from the Americas to Southeast Asia. You'll need at least one stopover to get to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc. (Direct flights to Singapore are available, for example, taking about 15 hours.)
According to our experience, in terms of price, time of flight, and comfort, flying via Seoul (especially with Korean Air) is the best choice. The second is via Taipei, Hong Kong, or Dubai.
3. A private tour can be a time/cost-effective option.
A family trip during the Christmas period will naturally involve some expenses and troublesome organizing. Booking a private tour through a tour operator, like ourselves, is a great way to free yourself from the tedious details and let the professionals maximize your budget.
A private tour is an affordable luxury in Southeast Asia, where private service is value for money! For reference, it costs about $200–250 per person per day, based on 3–5 persons and 4–5-star hotels, including a private guide, private van, sightseeing, accommodation, domestic flights, etc. Check out some of our private tours to get a general idea of the cost.
We also offer a variety of full/semi-private options, such as an all-inclusive private tour including international flights and hotels, private touring in some destinations with free days at the beaches, or private touring for sightseeing only.
As a local travel agent, we are experts in wanderlust, and have relationships with local people/companies that lead to a better vacation. This could include saving money on tickets to events, helping you get an upgrade on a flight or hotel, and having a go-to person if any hiccups happen.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.
|
|
Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
|
Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
|
Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
|
Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
|
Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
|
My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
|
A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
|
Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
|
I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
|
Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
|
We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
|
Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
|
Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
|
Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
|
We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
|
Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
|
This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
|
Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
|
I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
|
Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
|
4. Settle for less-expensive cities or towns if possible.
Hotel prices climb quickly in the days leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve. This is especially true in popular destinations, such as Bangkok and Phuket.
Luxury hotels and beach resorts often impose minimum-stay restrictions (usually more than 3 nights), and a compulsory dinner on the day of Christmas and New Year's Eve.
If possible, on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day, settling for less-expensive cities or towns could save you a massive sum. For example, you could celebrate New Year's Eve in Chiang Mai instead of Phuket.
Tips on Accommodation
1. Book a family-friendly hotel.
One thing to note is that most hotels in Southeast Asia have occupancy limits that can top out at two or three people, including children. It is not easy to find a hotel that allows two adults and two children to stay in one room.
If you want to book a hotel room for four people, check with the hotel before booking. Otherwise, you may be forced to pay additional charges (sometimes quite hefty) to check in to the hotel.
We have found the best family-friendly hotels and accommodations across Southeast Asia — including hotels with rooms for families of four, hotels with family suites, and luxury private villas, such as Andara Resort & Villas in Phuket:
Situated on a gentle hill rising from the Andaman Sea, Andara Resort & Villas offers luxurious accommodations with stunning ocean views. The resort features a spa and an outdoor pool. Kids can have fun in their Kids Club. Parents can enjoy a relaxing massage and various treatments at the Andara Spa.
Contact us for more recommendations.
2. Pick a hotel with a pool.
If you intend to spend more time in the hotel for rest and relaxation in places like Phuket, book a hotel with a pool. Before booking, check whether the hotel has a pool and whether there is one for kids.
3. Consider the hotel's location.
If you are planning to tour the area around a city, consider whether you want to stay in the city center or somewhere in its outskirts. If beach time is important, consider whether you want to stay near the seafront or a few blocks away.
Whatever hotels you prefer, our family travel experts will recommend some ideal hotels for you according to your requirements.
Tips for Planning a Multi-Generation Trip
It is more complicated to plan a multi-generation family trip. Take a look at these top tips to help you plan a memorable vacation for your extended family in Southeast Asia.
1. Be realistic about everyone's budget and comfort level.
When planning your multi-generation vacation, it is important to decide how much each group member or family member is willing to spend. This will help guide the length, style of your trip, and level of hotels.
We've served groups with three generations traveling together, and helped them select the best hotels based on their budgets. Let us know your budget and requirements.
2. Go to places that have something for everyone.
You'll want to find a destination that has a lot to offer so that everyone's needs can be met. In Southeast Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia (Bali) are such destinations.
When planning, we recommend giving your family 2 to 3 options to choose from. Select a variety of activities and ensure everyone has some activities that they love doing during the trip.
3. Take age into consideration when planning activities.
When planning travel activities, keep the ages of all of your group members in mind. Older people, e.g. grandparents, might need more rest time or have mobility issues. Young kids will need snacks and breaks for playing or napping.
You are suggested to plan only one activity or tour per day and leave the rest of the day open for meal times, and time to relax.
4. Let our travel experts help you plan.
Too many demands from all quarters? There is always the option of hiring a professional. When turning to a tour operator, like ourselves, to make all the arrangements, be sure to tell the travel expert about all the preferences of your family and let them chart out a flawless plan for everyone to enjoy!
Ready to Start Planning Your Family Christmas Vacation?
Still have questions or concerns about your family trip to Southeast Asia? We at Asia Highlights welcome the chance to help you make your travel plans.
Just let us know your interests and requirements, and we'll tailor-make a unique and perfect tour for you and your family.
We'll take care of the hard stuff, and all you'll have to do is relax and get ready to enjoy your exotic festive holiday.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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Get Inspired with Some Popular 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.
