Bangkok – Kids' Guide to the Concrete Jungle

Hermit crab in the Siam Ocean World Aquarium.

Bangkok is full of experiences for children. What kid would not be thrilled of a tuk tuk ride or seeing the 46 meters long lying giant Buddha statue of Wat Po Temple, reminiscent of Gulliver’s stories. All kind of other wondrous fairytale creatures lurks in the yards of Bangkok’s temples in the forms of statues.

Giant Lizards and Playgrounds

In Lumphini Park the whole family can play Jurassic Park; large monitor lizards roam freely in Bangkok’s Central Park. The park also has a sandpit and play castle.

Even better playground is in Benjasiri Park next to the Emporium Shopping Center (BTS Phrom Phong).

Sharks and Celebrities

Siam Ocean World is a fine aquarium where one can walk through a transparent tube amid sharks and huge manta rays. The aquarium is quite expensive, though: 1000 baht for adults and 800 baht for children. Aquariums in Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai are considerably more inexpensive, so you might want to save the aquarium experience there.

The Siam Ocean World aquarium is located in the Siam Paragon shopping center; the mall’s third floor is also worth a visit to admire fancy sports cars such as Maseratis, Ferraris and Porches.

The nearby Siam Discovery Shopping has Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in its upstairs.

The city’s zoo, the Dusit Zoo (Khao Din Wana), is well maintained and a nice place to spend a half-day. You will find tigers, lions and plenty of apes in their leafy environments. The zoo is located in the Dusit district just north of Ratanakosin and its historical sights.

A Day-trip for Young Indiana Joneses

Kids will love the ruins of Ayutthaya, the former Thai capital just two hours away from Bangkok. They can explore the intriguing ruins like Indiana Jones, ascending up to high towers and descending down to secret vaults, and riding elephants dressed as ancient war mounts.

What About Restaurants?

Bangkok doesn’t really have any restaurants designed particularly for families in mind, but the children are welcomed with open arms in all restaurants.

Great places to eat with children are the food courts of shopping malls. They have plenty of choices for the food and the atmosphere is cheerful and informal.