Family-Friendly Adventures in Lopburi, Thailand!

Lopburi

Why Visit?

Lopburi, a charming city just a couple of hours north of Bangkok, offers a unique blend of history, nature, and monkey antics, perfect for a family adventure! Here"s a delightful one-day itinerary.

Morning: Lopburi Monkey Temple (Phra Prang Sam Yod)

Start your day at the iconic Monkey Temple. Catch a local tuk-tuk from your hotel to this ancient Khmer temple, easily accessible and located right in the heart of Lopburi. Known for its three linked spires, this temple is famous for its resident population of playful macaques. It’s a wonderful spot for families to learn about Hindu mythology and interact with the monkeys. Remember to secure your belongings and carry some bananas for your new friends!

Noon: Lunch at Krua Nannum

Around midday, head to Krua Nannum, a nearby restaurant famous for its traditional Thai cuisine. Enjoy dishes like Pad Thai or Som Tum (Papaya Salad) in a kid-friendly environment.

Afternoon: King Narai"s Palace

Post-lunch, walk to King Narai"s Palace, just a 10-minute stroll from the restaurant. This historical site was a major royal residence in the 17th century during King Narai’s reign, who is known for initiating diplomatic relations with foreign countries, notably France. Explore the ruins and the museum showcasing artifacts that reveal Lopburi’s importance during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The site is spacious with plenty of room for kids to run around.

Late Afternoon: San Phra Kan

Conclude your tour at San Phra Kan, another site famous for its monkeys and a revered shrine. It"s a short tuk-tuk ride from the palace. The shrine features a mix of Hindu and Buddhist influences and offers a serene atmosphere to wind down your day.

End your Lopbureian adventure by catching the sunset at the Lopburi Dam, a peaceful spot perfect for families to relax and reflect on the day"s journey before heading back to your accommodation.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

CentralWorld

Why Visit?

Welcome to CentralWorld, Bangkok"s ultimate family-friendly shopping and entertainment hub, located in the bustling heart of the city!

### Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day by hopping on the BTS Skytrain to either Chit Lom or Siam station, both a short walk from CentralWorld. The mall opens at 10 AM, perfect for beating the early crowd. Begin on the ground floor at Groove, which offers a variety of eateries to fuel up with a hearty breakfast.

### Mid-Morning: Ice Skating and Gaming

After breakfast, head to "The Rink Ice Arena" on the first floor. This Olympic-sized ice skating rink offers a cool escape and fun for all ages. Whether you"re gliding along or holding onto the sides, it’s a great family bonding experience. Just nearby, explore the world of virtual reality and video games at "Major Cineplex".

### Afternoon: Lunch and Learning

For lunch, dine in at one of the family-friendly restaurants such as "Din Tai Fung" for some delicious Taiwanese cuisine, famous for their xiao long bao (soup dumplings). Post lunch, visit the "Genius Planet Zone" (Level 6), an edutainment center that makes learning fun with interactive displays and activities related to science, environment, and technology.

### Late Afternoon: Shopping and Snacking

CentralWorld houses a plethora of kids’ brands, from toys at "Toys “R” Us" to fashionable attire at "Baby GAP". It’s a great opportunity for some family shopping. Don"t miss out on the delicious treats like ice cream from "Cold Stone" or pastries from "BreadTalk".

### Early Evening: Relax and Enjoy

Conclude your visit by catching a family movie at the "SF World Cinema" or enjoy a splendid sunset view over Bangkok from one of the rooftop bars, suitable for all ages with non-alcoholic beverages available.

Each space within CentralWorld is designed to offer something for every family member, ensuring a day packed with joy, entertainment, and relaxation. Enjoy your family day out at one of Asia"s largest shopping complexes!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Wat Suthat Thepwararam

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Wat Suthat Thepwararam

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by catching a taxi or tuk-tuk to one of Bangkok’s oldest and most impressive temples, Wat Suthat Thepwararam. Located in the heart of Bangkok, near the Giant Swing, it’s easily accessible from most parts of the city.

Exploring Wat Suthat

Upon arrival, immerse yourselves in the tranquility of the temple. Wat Suthat is famed for its stunning architecture and intricate wall paintings that depict the previous lives of the Buddha, making it a fantastic visual treat for both kids and adults. Spend about an hour wandering through the temple grounds, admiring the exquisite craftsmanship.

Visit the Giant Swing

Just outside the temple is the Giant Swing, a historical red structure originally used in an old Brahmin ceremony. Although the swing ceremony is no longer performed, it makes for a great photo opportunity and a chance to teach the kids a bit about local traditions and history.

Lunch Break

For lunch, walk to a nearby local restaurant to experience some authentic Thai cuisine. Try some pad Thai or mango sticky rice, popular with kids and a delightful way to refuel.

Interactive Learning

Post-lunch, join a guided tour available at the temple to learn more about the artifacts and the temple’s significance in Buddhist culture. These tours are typically engaging and adjusted to keep younger tourists interested.

Evening Wrap-Up

Conclude your visit by participating in a quiet moment of reflection and a short family meditation session inside the temple, a peaceful end to a culturally rich day.

Departure

As the day winds down, grab a tuk-tuk back to your hotel, leaving behind the serene atmosphere of Wat Suthat but taking with you memories and lessons from a day well spent exploring Thai heritage.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), located within the historic grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This sacred site dazzles with its architectural brilliance and deep cultural significance, making it a must-visit for families exploring Thailand’s rich heritage.

### Morning Arrival

Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat. The temple opens at 8:30 AM. You can easily reach the Grand Palace by taxi, tuk-tuk, or by taking the Chao Phraya River Express Boat to the Tha Chang pier, followed by a short walk. Remember to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as this is a place of worship.

### Exploring Wat Phra Kaew

Start your tour at the temple, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of jade. Despite its name, the statue is actually made of jade and not emerald. Only the King of Thailand is allowed to touch the statue, as he changes the cloak of the statue three times a year in a ritual marking the changing seasons, which is believed to bring good fortune to the country.

### Enjoy the Artwork and Architecture

Marvel at the intricate murals that line the walls of the compound, depicting scenes from the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana. These stories capture the battle of good vs. evil and are both educational and fascinating for children.

### Visit Additional Structures

Don’t miss the model of Angkor Wat, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings, and the Royal Pantheon, which are part of the grand complex. Each structure has its own story that contributes to Thailand’s royal history.

### Lunch and Souvenirs

Conclude your visit with lunch at one of the nearby local restaurants serving delicious Thai cuisine. Browse the souvenir shops outside the palace grounds to pick up a memento of your cultural excursion.

This family-friendly tour not only offers a glimpse into Thai religion and royal customs but also ensures an enriching experience for both kids and adults.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Erawan Shrine

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating day exploring Bangkok"s Erawan Shrine and surrounding attractions, perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in Thailand"s rich culture and modern delights.

Morning: Visit to Erawan Shrine

Start your day at the Erawan Shrine, located at the Ratchaprasong intersection of Bangkok. Easily accessible by BTS Skytrain, alight at Chit Lom Station, and take a brief walk to the shrine. Dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma, known locally as Phra Phrom, this famous shrine is not only a spiritual destination but also a cultural landmark. Engage with the local traditions by purchasing floral garlands and incense sticks for offerings. Witness the mesmerizing performances of classical Thai dancers, often hired by worshippers to show gratitude for answered prayers. It"s a vibrant spectacle that captivates both adults and children.

Lunch: Street Food at Ratchaprasong

By lunchtime, explore the Ratchaprasong area for a variety of street food options. Try some Pad Thai or mango sticky rice from local vendors, offering a delicious introduction to Thai cuisine for the kids.

Afternoon: Siam Ocean World & Shopping at Siam Paragon

Post lunch, take a short BTS ride from Chit Lom to Siam Station, where you"ll find Siam Paragon Mall. Dive into the aquatic adventures at SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, located in the basement level of the mall. It"s one of Southeast Asia’s largest aquariums, home to over 30,000 marine animals. This underwater journey will captivate the family’s imagination with its glass tunnels and interactive zones.

Evening: Return to Erawan Shrine

Conclude your day by returning to the Erawan Shrine to experience its evening ambiance, where the golden structures are beautifully illuminated against the night sky, creating a peaceful end to a bustling day of adventure and learning in Bangkok.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.