Press Room
Family Friendly Holiday in Phuket
Booking a family holiday is both exciting and challenging. You need to plan activities that everyone of all ages will enjoy. Additionally, you need to make sure that everything you plan for is affordable. While there are a lot of high-cost holiday destinations in the world, there are also plenty of fun-filled getaways you can take without breaking the bank. Phuket, Thailand, is one of those places. While you’ll spend a lot of money on a flight to get there, once you do, you’ll have an excellent family holiday without spending a bundle.
THE PRICE OF A HOLIDAY IN PHUKET
A local meal for six people in Thailand can cost less than 30 pounds. A beer costs about 1.5 pounds, while a cocktail at a hotel bar costs about four pounds. A massage on the beach is just five pounds while manis and pedis are between five and seven pounds. You can book a five-star hotel for the same price you’d pay for a four-star hotel elsewhere. Kids’ clubs are often free or included in your hotel cost, including things like cooking classes, paddle boarding lessons and excursions.
Consider a twin-stop flight to save some money and see even more of Thailand. For example, you can have a stopover in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok to add some culture to your beach holiday. Plus, indirect flights tend to be less expensive than direct flights, so this is a perfect way to save even more money.
A Family First break at Aleenta Phuket or Aleenta Hua Hin includes accommodation, daily breakfast, a children’s concierge, unlimited babysitting services, kid’s welcome activity packs and free dining for all children under the age of six. High chairs, baby cots and car seats are all available free of charge. Single adult families can enjoy a 15% discount.
MUST-VISIT PHUKET ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PLANNING A FAMILY HOLIDAY IN PHUKET
While amenities will change based on where you stay and what your preferences are, here are a few things to consider when planning your Phuket family holiday:
• Is there a kids’ club? What’s the range of ages it accepts? Many don’t take kids older than 12 years old or younger than four years old.
• What is the kids’ club itinerary? Are the activities that are offered ones that your children will enjoy?
• What can the adults do while the kids are participating in the kids’ club? Is there a fitness center or spa on the premises?
• How big is the pool? Will it get too crowded during the daytime? Are there enough lounge areas around the pool for you and your family?
• Does the pool bar have options for kids, like milkshakes and frozen hot chocolate?
• How secure is the resort? Are there gates and security personnel?
• Can you walk to the beach from your hotel?
BIG BUDDHA
The Big Buddha sits 45 meters high, making it one of Phuket’s most iconic, must-see landmarks. The statue is located on Naked Hills, which is between Kata and Chalong. You’ll also get to see beautiful panoramic views of Phuket Town, plus the coast and beaches. Make sure to look around as you take the road that winds the way up to the statue.
KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK
If you and your kids love the great outdoors, make sure to visit the Khao Sok National Park. If you go inland, you’ll get a true jungle experience, including lazy rivers, wildlife and tree houses. As one of the world’s oldest rainforests, it’s gorgeously scenic, with lovely waterfalls and limestone.
OLD PHUKET TOWN
Old Town in Phuket is the best way to see the history of the island. The area is small enough to check out by foot and there are plenty of historical spots to stop at. The architecture is gorgeous and there are plenty of places to eat.
PHUKET WEEKEND MARKET
The Phuket Weekend Market is well-known and known as the Naka Market to the locals. Located on Chao Fa West Road on the outside of Phuket Town, the market is bustling and chaotic. Just about everything you can imagine is sold there, from clothing and handbags to food. If you have a kitchen at your hotel, this is a great place to stock up on ingredients for the week.
SONGKRAN
The Songkran festival is celebrated throughout the country by people of all ages. Ultimately, this festival is one enormous water fight. Every April, the Songkran festival is held, indicating the beginning of the Thai New Year. The entire island of Phuket celebrates this annual event.
WAT CHALONG
The biggest temple in Phuket, Wat Chalong, is colorful and gorgeously decorated with images of the Buddha, plus imagery from mythology. Many Buddhist statues are in this temple. Make sure to see the Poh Than Jao Wat statue, which is the most revered statue int he temple.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT PHUKET
Phuket is great year-round, but if you’re able to avoid visiting the area in January or February, it’s best to do so. Phuket gets especially crowded between January and February, so some travelers want to avoid the rush. The rainy season is from April to October, and while at first you may not want to holiday during your destination’s rainy season, it’s actually a great time to visit Phuket. Regulars say that this is the best time of year to visit because hospitality rates are low and the beaches aren’t crowded. While there is some rain most days during the early evening, the rest of the day tends to be sunny.
Traveling to Phuket is amazing whether you have children or not. However, it’s an exceptionally ideal area for families, thanks to the many kid-friendly activities that adults will love too.