5-Day Family-Friendly Thailand Itinerary (4 Nights): Bangkok & Chiang Mai with Child-Friendly Activities & Budget Guide

Day 1: Arrive & Explore

Bangkok, Thailand on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Hotel breakfast & settle in

Start with a hotel breakfast and let kids unpack/nap after travel; keeps the day low-stress. Many mid-range family hotels include breakfast (ask for kid options).
THB0, 45m

10:30am

Hotel check-in and rest

Early check-in if possible or drop bags and relax; plan a short nap or pool time so children are refreshed for afternoon activities.
THB0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at MBK / Siam Paragon food court

Large food courts at MBK or Siam Paragon offer a wide selection so picky eaters can choose easily; quick, affordable and child-friendly.
THB150, 1h0m

3:00pm

SEA LIFE Bangkok (Siam Paragon)

Indoor aquarium with tunnels and interactive displays perfect for young kids; good afternoon (climate-controlled) activity. Open daily — typically 10:00am–8:00pm but check current hours.
THB900, 2h0m

6:00pm

Asiatique Riverfront (Ferris wheel & stroll)

Open-air night market beside the Chao Phraya with a family-friendly Ferris wheel offering city views; stalls and playgrounds for kids make it relaxed. Asiatique hours typically 4:00pm–midnight.
THB300, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner riverside (Asiatique or nearby family restaurant)

Choose a riverside restaurant at Asiatique for casual Thai and international dishes; kid portions available and stroller-friendly seating.
THB600, 1h30m

9:30pm

Estimated trip budget (summary)

Rough estimate for entire 5-day trip for 2 adults + 1 child (domestic flights, 4 nights mid-range hotel, main activities, meals, transfers): approx THB43,000 (≈USD1,200). This excludes international flights; book paid activities (elephant sanctuary, aquarium, internal flights) in advance to lock prices.
THB0, 15m

Day 2: Temples & Markets

Bangkok, Thailand on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early hotel breakfast so the family can start temple visits before heat and crowds; choose light options for kids.
THB0, 45m

8:30am

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Thailand’s most famous royal complex—colorful and photogenic. Go early to avoid crowds and heat; note strict dress code for children and adults. Open ~8:30am–3:30pm.
THB600, 2h0m

10:30am

Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) and short foot massage options

Next door to the Grand Palace area, Wat Pho has the famous Reclining Buddha and a large shady temple complex; good spot for a gentle family stroll and (if desired) a short traditional massage — many places offer child-friendly options.
THB200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Supanniga Eating Room or Krua Apsorn

Family-friendly restaurants near the river that serve Thai comfort food with milder options for children (rice, mild curries).
THB350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Long-tail river & klong boat tour

A 60–90 minute guided boat trip on the Chao Phraya and canals shows local life — entertaining for kids and cooler in the afternoon; many operators run 9:00am–5:00pm.
THB400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Lumpini Park playground & paddle boats

Let kids run in playgrounds or try paddle boats on the lake; a relaxing green break from busy streets. Park is open daily (early morning–late evening).
THB0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner in Chinatown (Yaowarat) — family-friendly eateries

Evening street-food scene with many kid-friendly noodle shops and simple desserts; go early to avoid late-night crowds. Streets bustle after 6pm.
THB300, 1h30m

Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 3, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast & transfer to Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang airport

Have an early breakfast and depart for the airport; domestic flights to Chiang Mai take ~1h20. Arrive at airport 1.5–2 hours before flight if checked baggage is needed.
THB0, 1h0m

8:30am

Flight Bangkok → Chiang Mai

Quick domestic flight (approx 1h20). Low-cost airlines and legacy carriers run frequent services; book morning slot for a full day in Chiang Mai.
THB1200, 1h20m

10:30am

Arrive Chiang Mai & hotel check-in

Drop bags and freshen up; pick a centrally located family hotel (Old City or Riverside) for easy access to attractions.
THB0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — try khao soi (Khao Soi Khun Yai)

Khao soi is Northern Thai comfort food — mild curry noodle soup many kids enjoy; casual spots welcome families and are quick.
THB120, 45m

1:30pm

Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium

Large zoo with a modern aquarium and panda/children’s areas (check for panda exhibits); easy to pace with a child and educational. Typically open 8:00am–5:00pm.
THB200, 2h0m

4:00pm

Art in Paradise (3D interactive museum)

Hands-on 3D-art museum where kids pose in optical illusion scenes — great for family photos and indoor (air-conditioned) fun. Usually open ~9:00am–9:00pm.
THB300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner & Chiang Mai Night Market (Chang Klan Road)

Casual dinner followed by a stroll through the night market for souvenirs and snacks; many stalls offer kid-friendly treats. Markets run from ~6:00pm to late evening.
THB300, 2h0m

Day 4: Elephants & Waterfalls

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat a hearty breakfast — the day is active and includes an ethical elephant experience followed by an outdoor waterfall visit.
THB0, 45m

8:00am

Elephant Nature Park (ethical elephant sanctuary) — half/ full-day option

A rescue-and-rehab sanctuary focusing on observation, feeding and walking with elephants rather than riding; perfect for teaching kids about animal welfare. Must pre-book; most programs run morning pick-up ~8:00am and last 4–6 hours. Minimum age/child policy varies—confirm when booking.
THB3300, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch back in Chiang Mai (riverside or Old City café)

After sanctuary return, choose a relaxed riverside café or family-friendly spot to refuel; many places offer milder dishes for children.
THB200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Bua Thong 'Sticky' Waterfalls (Bua Thong)

A unique limestone waterfall you can climb safely with kids — excellent afternoon outdoor activity. Site typically open 8:00am–5:00pm; pack swimwear and water shoes.
THB50, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Good View or riverside restaurant

Family-friendly riverside restaurant with kids’ menu and open-air seating — pleasant way to unwind after an active day.
THB450, 1h30m

8:30pm

Optional Chiang Mai Night Safari (if kids still energetic)

Night Safari offers tram rides and animal shows — check age recommendations and whether an evening activity suits your child (can be late). Open evenings, 6:00pm–11:00pm.
THB600, 2h0m

Day 5: Doi Suthep & Depart

Chiang Mai → Bangkok on September 5, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast & pack

Early breakfast and pack; leave valuables at the hotel if you plan to return to Bangkok late or depart internationally.
THB0, 30m

7:30am

Doi Suthep visit (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep)

Scenic mountain temple with sweeping views over Chiang Mai; short uphill drive or stair option — great morning outing before travel. Open ~6:00am–6:00pm.
THB50, 2h0m

10:30am

Hotel check-out & transfer to Chiang Mai airport

Return to the hotel to collect bags and transfer to CNX for afternoon flight; allow 60–90 min for transfer and check-in.
THB0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Flight Chiang Mai → Bangkok

Midday flight back to Bangkok (approx 1h20); choose a flight that aligns with your international connection or onward transportation.
THB1200, 1h20m

2:30pm

Arrive Bangkok (for connection/departure) & airport lunch

If connecting, have a relaxed airport lunch; if this is final leg, plan onward transfer. Bangkok airports have family rooms and children’s facilities—check your departure terminal.
THB200, 1h0m

4:00pm

End of itinerary / onward travel

Head to international departure or your next destination. If you have a late international flight, consider an airport lounge or family play area for kids.
THB0, Varies
0