Southeast Asia is an incredible destination for kids and families, and
the facts prove that travel and tourism is growing rapidly in the region. With a naturally hospitable and friendly culture, where family traditions are deeply revered, traveling with children is full of memorable experiences. Travel blogger and father of one, Andrew Guerra, shares his top ten destinations that should be on every little traveler's bucket list.
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There are
many benefits of traveling with your children. Aside from helping to create special memories that stay with them throughout their whole life, it's also a great way to give your kids the chance to experience an adventure, venture outside of their comfort zone, and test new and exciting things that they wouldn’t get the chance to do at home. Travelling is also a great way to educate compassion in your kids, as they will get the chance to see different socio-economic backgrounds, especially if they travel to foreign countries.
If you’ve been thinking about introducing your kids to traveling, but have doubts about where to take them, then you might want to consider an adventure somewhere in Southeast Asia, which offers some amazing experiences for children of all ages. Young ones will love the beaches and the wildlife, while older kids can enjoy exciting activities such as jungle trekking, cycling, quad biking, kayaking, and rock climbing. Need some inspiration? Just check out these ten stunning destinations.
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1. Bali, Indonesia
There are a couple of great water parks in Bali, including Waterbom Bali Park and Splash Water Park. Older kids might like trying their hand at surfing, and there are many surf shops near the beaches where they can learn the ropes in a safe environment and hire all the equipment they need to hit the waves.
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Photo credit @sentosa_island[/caption]
2. Singapore
Singapore is loaded with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. The city is not only extremely easy to get around by foot, it also boasts several colourful neighborhoods, and a mind-boggling array of food, shopping, and entertainment options. Kids will be most interested in the
Night Safari on Sentosa Island, and the
Science Centre which offers fun activities, workshops, and exhibitions all year round.
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Photo credit @jaxonlamb[/caption]
3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur has a big list of activities on offer for thrill-seeking kids of all ages. There are unique theme parks with exhilarating rides, animal farms, and fully interactive activities like the
SkyTrex ‘sky-trekking’ experience where they can fly, swing, glide, and dangle on the various aerial obstacles suspended above the tropical Malaysian rainforest. There is also the G-Force X anti-gravity machine experience which is located in the Extreme Park at
Sunway Lagoon.
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4. Sabah, Malaysia
If you and your kids love nature and wildlife, then Sabah is one of the best places in the world to visit. Filled with lush, emerald rainforests, and beautiful beaches, you have a world of animals and marine life to discover together. The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is a great place to spend the day if you want to see these creatures being fed by rangers, and see little orangutans in their nursery. Or if they love water sports or snorkelling, then
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is the perfect spot to spend a fun afternoon at sea.
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Photo credit Sophie Pettit[/caption]
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
With its luscious rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful temples – not to mention elephants, Chiang Mai has a lot to offer curious little travellers. For a totally unique and educational experience, take the kids to the award-winning
Elephant Nature Park which is home to 75 elephants that have been rescued from the circus and those who have exploited them through selling elephant rides to tourists. This huge sanctuary invites children to feed, bathe, and walk alongside the herd, while learning how to be responsible travellers. Alternatively, take them on a thrilling treetop zip-lining adventure at
Flight of the Gibbon where they can also learn about the local wildlife and plants that live there.
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Photo credit @hard129r[/caption]
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting and dynamic city, and is a brilliant place for kids to learn about Asian culture. From fantastic street markets like
Chatuchak to gritty canal trips, and stunning palaces to ultra-modern
sky trains, there are plenty of exciting things to do and see during your stay here. A riverside tour of Bangkok’s canals is a great way to spend an afternoon, and most of the temples along the way sell food pellets and bread for visitors, so your little ones can feed the catfish.
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7. Hanoi, Vietnam
Aside from its exotic markets, delicious eats, and numerous ice cream shops that kids will no doubt love to explore, Hanoi is also home to the stunning
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre show and the kid-friendly
Ho Tay Water Park. If they are feeling brave, there are plenty of high-speed water slides, a deep wave pool, and a lazy river filled with colourful caricatures and water fountains to keep them entertained. The water park is also near an adventure theme park that houses a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and thrilling rides for older kids.
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Photo credit @weiwang625[/caption]
8. Taipei, Taiwan
While Taipei offers interesting culture, fantastic shopping, incredible food, and child-friendly activities, the
Taipei Children’s Amusement Park in the north of the city features 13 carnival-style rides, including a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cars, swinging ship, and monorail, to keep little ones happy. The rides are paid for individually by using a Taipei EasyCard and are all very affordable, and there’s also a free indoor and outdoor playground, with lots of options for younger kids too.
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Photo credit @anna_chupris[/caption]
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Vinpearl Land is the largest and most modern amusement park in Southwest Vietnam, turning the beautiful island of Phu Quoc into a top destination for families. The popular theme park offers rides, shows, a water park, an underwater aquarium, a 5D cinema, and more. And if your children love watching animals, then
Vinpearl Safari might be just what you’re looking for. Here you will find species of wild animals from all around the world, such as the Pile Gibbon, Bengal Tiger, Lemur, Black Antelope, Asian elephant, and One-hump Camel.
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Photo credit @yks_sub[/caption]
10. Tokyo, Japan
With its numerous pet cafes, aquariums, parks and gardens, Tokyo is a suitable holiday destination for the whole family. Little ones also have their pick of theme parks too, with
Tokyo Disneyland,
Sanrio’s Puroland (with its Hello Kitty attractions),
Namco Namja Town in Ikebukuro, and
LEGOLAND drawing in the crowds. The teamLab Borderless digital art museum also offers fantastic light installations and interactive displays for kids to get involved in.
Final Word
Travelling is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your kids. They will learn more about who they are, as well as develop skills and characteristics that they will use throughout their lives. As you can see, Southeast Asia is one of the most wonderful places to visit with kids, giving the endless options of things to change your child's life.
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Localiiz.
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