Asia is a vast continent with various cultures and landscapes to explore. Whether you are looking for stunning beaches, ancient ruins, or bustling cities, there is something for every family vacationing in Asia that can be an incredibly enriching experience.
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We know it can also be daunting to decide which destinations are best when traveling with kids. To help make things a little bit easier, here are some of the best family travel destinations in Asia from fellow travel bloggers.
Read More: The Best International Places to Travel with Toddlers
Best Family Travel Destinations in Western Asia
Dubai, UAE
Recommended by Travel Mad Mum
Dubai has to be one of the safest places in the world! It is incredibly clean and has a lot of activities that are both educational and fun.
The best time to visit Dubai is between October and May to avoid the unbearable heat and humidity.
Although the city is a little expensive, Uber is also quite an affordable way of getting around. You can also take advantage of the beach and parks to save money.
Some free activities for kids include the Dubai fountains at night, a day at Jumairah beach, or an afternoon wandering through the souk.
There are also plenty of other activities, such as the aquarium, Oli Ol kids museum, the Miracle Garden, Legoland Dubai, and Ski Dubai.
Kids often eat free at some restaurants during term holidays. There are also apps, such as The Entertainer and Best Bites, that offer huge discounts on many restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
Overall, if you want to enjoy fun indoor theme parks, shopping, and visit the tallest building in the world, then Dubai is one of the best travel destinations in Asia.
Read More: 12 Tips for Traveling with Toddlers
Izmir, Turkey
Recommended by Marya from The BeauTraveler
Izmir, Turkey (now Türkiye) is a family-friendly destination for digital nomads as it has a lot of kids-friendly open spaces where you can bring your kids for a playdate or just a pleasant stroll around the city.
There are plenty of kid-friendly activities in Izmir. In the city center, head to Konak to picnic or stroll around Kordon Alsancak and use the public facility there.
Whether you want to use the public gym or bring your kids to take selfies around the seaside. It is a perfect spot to have quality time with your family without breaking the bank!
You can also enjoy quality time with your family around Inciralti in Balcova. Enjoy a family picnic on the seaside or try some of the restaurants there to enjoy their famous Turkish breakfast or kahvalti.
The shopping market there, Ozdilek, is also known as a family-friendly grocery shop with an amusement park for kids in the building. Plus, the Maritime Museum is only within walking distance.
Visit the Agamemnon Thermal Springs for both healing and relaxation. Many people believe it to be where they brought the soldiers who got wounded in the Trojan War.
To explore history beyond the hot springs, the ancient Greek city Ephesus is only an hour from the Izmir city center. While you can drive to Selcuk, the town where Ephesus is, you can commute from Alsancak train station to Selcuk using Izban.
Izmir is a great place to explore with your family if you want to learn more about ancient history.
Best Family Travel Destinations in South Asia
Mysore, India
Recommended by Penny from Globe Trove
Mysore is one of the most underrated family travel destinations in Asia. Most travelers fly into Bangalore and drive to Mysore.
Accommodations in the city are affordable at less than $80 a night. It is a quiet city with a lot of things to do in it.
One of the most popular attractions is the Mysore Palace. The palace is one of the best-maintained monuments in the city and draws tourists from around the world. There are loads of museums and temples for your family to explore.
Kids will love the laid-back city. It is quiet, and peaceful, with outdoor places for kids to play/explore.
The zoological gardens and Brindavan gardens are epic spots to explore with kids.
Plus GRS fantasy park is close by too! The Mysore sand sculpture museum is another location that children enjoy.
This family travel destination is best for families with older children or teenagers. The quiet city also is located in a great spot for day trips.
There are loads of lovely spots a short drive away, making day trips quick and easy.
Plus, the food is amazing. From the famous Mysore Pak to the iconic dosas and coffee. There is a lot of different food to try.
If you want to go off the beaten path, then Mysore is a hidden gem.
Goa, India
Recommended by Soumya from NatureDiary
Goa, India is a fantastic destination and is highly recommended by Soumya from the travel blog NatureDiary.
Although it is known as a romantic tourist attraction for couples, Goa is also excellent for families with kids.
The economy depends on tourism. The local government facilitates and promotes sustainable tourism practices.
If you are a family that loves the beach, Goa has more than 30 sea beaches spread along the coastline of the Arabian sea. Arambol, Anjuna, Palolem, Cola, and Candolim are the most picturesque beaches in Goa.
For adventure-loving families, trekking to the Dudhsagar waterfalls and visiting the churches of Goa are exciting day-outs for families.
There are plenty of activities for kids, including the waterpark, hiking to the spice plantations, the snow park, the science center, the planetarium, and so much more.
Transportation in Goa is not a problem. The best way to get around the city is with local taxis. Unlike in most parts of the country, Uber is not available.
Goa is the perfect home base to travel throughout the country. The state is connected to the rest of India via railway, road, and domestic airways.
If you are looking to explore India, Goa is the perfect destination for your next family vacation in Asia.
Best Family Travel Destinations in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a favorite destination for backpackers, but it’s also the perfect vacation destination for families.
Not only is it affordable, but this region of Asia also offers quick flights between countries and kid-friendly activities. It’s the perfect blend of education and fun.
Some of the most popular countries for families include Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Related Post: How to Live as a Digital Nomad Family
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Recommended by Our Offbeat Life
Kuala Lumpur is a city full of culture, food, and fun. The city is one of the best travel destinations for families in Asia.
From visiting the iconic Petronas Towers to exploring the Batu Caves, there are a lot of kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.
Kuala Lumpur is a city that has something for everyone—even the little ones.
Families with young children will enjoy spending time at KLCC Park, which has a large playground and splash pad. The best part is this park is free, so you can have fun without breaking the band.
I highly recommend visiting the Petaling Street Market, where families can bargain for souvenirs and try delicious street food.
Older kids will love exploring the Batu Caves, a series of limestone caves. These caves are home to Hindu shrines and temples.
If your family enjoys museums, check out Aquaria KLCC or Petrosains Science Center. Everyone will enjoy riding on KL Towers Revolving Restaurant, which offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city.
There are hotels for any budget in Kuala Lumpur, which makes it one of the best travel destinations for families. The city is affordable, but you can have a luxury experience without the price tag.
With its abundance of kid-friendly activities, diverse community, great food, and affordable hotels, it’s easy to see why Kuala Lumpur is fast becoming a popular vacation spot for families all over the world.
Ubud, Indonesia
Recommended by The Wandering Daughter
The city of Ubud on the Indonesian island of Bali is the perfect family travel destination for your next vacation in Asia.
A city in the center of Bali known for its rich culture, Ubud offers families plenty of opportunities to learn about Balinese culture.
There are many things to do in Ubud for kids. Some of the most enjoyable activities focus on learning about the local culture.
Families can take their pick of enriching cultural activities. Popular activities within Ubud include watching a dance performance at the royal palace or hiking along Campuhan Ridge walk.
Families can also take advantage of cooking classes, dance classes, and batik painting classes throughout Ubud.
Of course, a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must for any family visiting Ubud.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is where you can see freely roaming monkeys and learn about their role in Balinese culture.
Besides activities within Ubud, families can also take advantage of day trips around Ubud.
The city is easily accessible to the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Families can also visit Tegenungan Waterfall or spend time in the hot springs around Mount Batur.
No matter how long you intend to stay in Ubud, you will fall in love with the rich culture and vibrant way of life. Ubud is a must-see destination for any family.
Read More: How To Live as a Digitial Nomad Family
Bangkok, Thailand
Recommended by Mums on Flip Flops
Bangkok is one of the best family travel destinations because its a city that offers perfectly balances culture, adventure, and affordability.
There are tons of things to see, do and eat. You can fill your itinerary with day trips or explore the city.
Bangkok is also home to some of the best kid-friendly activities in the region, such as amusement parks, zoos, and water parks.
Bangkok is also very affordable, with most attractions and activities costing just a few dollars apiece.
Some of the best things to do in Bangkok with kids include visiting the floating market, exploring colorful temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun, or spending a day in one of the major theme parks. If you want something unique, take a bike tour through the city!
If your family loves food, Bangkok is the perfect destination for you.
The city is well known for its delicious and varied cuisine, with something to please your taste buds. From street food stalls to fancy restaurants, there is no shortage of places to eat in Bangkok.
Bangkok is one of the safest and most welcoming cities in Asia. This charming city is also the perfect travel destination for families with young children.
Bangkok is an incredibly diverse and exciting city, and there is no doubt that your family will enjoy every minute of your stay here!
El Nido, Philippines
Recommended by Lena from Not Another Backpacker
If you are looking for a true gem with gorgeous white sand and blue water, then El Nido in the Philippines is of the best family travel destinations in Asia.
Thanks to the beautiful beaches, accommodation prices have increased over the last few years. Even with the increased costs of hotels, the beaches are worth the costs.
Since El Niso is an island, most activities available are water sports. Some of the activities include snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, island hopping, and exploring lagoons with little ones.
The island-hopping tours in El Nido are by far the best thing to do with kids in Palawan. The boat tours will take you to different islands in El Nido’s bay, where you can swim, kayak, and snorkel to explore stunning corals and plenty of fish – something I guarantee your kids will enjoy!
As if the beaches aren’t enough, the surrounding islands have beautiful limestone cliffs that make great photo opportunities. You can also explore the islands for gorgeous waterfalls.
If you are looking for a unique travel destination in Asia for your family, then El Nido will not disappoint.
Phú Quốc, Vietnam
Recommended by Elizabeth of Two Week Traveller
Phu Quoc Island is in southern Vietnam near Cambodia. This island is a popular beach destination for locals and foreign visitors.
Vietnam, in general, is an affordable destination. Your family can easily spend two weeks in Vietnam without spending a fortune.
Food is very affordable. You can enjoy a meal at local restaurants for $20, while street food is as cheap as $1-$1.50 per serving.
Phu Quoc has many family-friendly activities. They include heading to the starfish beach and enjoying building sandcastles. But the most popular thing to do in Phu Quoc is to visit the waterparks.
There are two waterparks in Phu Quoc. Both offer fantastic slides and rides, which are enjoyable both for young children and parents.
If you visit the aquapark in the southern part of Phu Quoc, you can take the scenic cable car ride to the park.
Your family can also take a boat tour to incredible snorkeling spots and fishing locations. If you are a water lover, there is a sunset cruise that includes squid fishing at the sun sets.