Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap, and Cambodia in general, is an absolute delight of a destination to visit as a family. Despite a devastating recent history (the Khmer Rouge), the people in Cambodia were some of the happiest and most welcoming that we have ever met. You can sense true happiness and a real willingness to share their beautiful country with you. Siem Reap itself provides a perfect blend of culture, adventure, food, and relaxation for every member of the family as well. And that starts with Angkor Wat, a bewilderingly massive temple, and the Guiness World Record holder for the largest religious structure in the world. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you should plan to visit the site at sunrise, where you’ll see the temple get bathed in gentle rays of sunlight. We were simply in awe of Angkor Wat, and that remains one of our favorite travel experiences ever.
Aside from Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is home to the famous Pub Street, which serves as the nightlife hub for the town. It serves as a great place to people watch, experience some cultural performances, and enjoy some really affordable food! When we visited in 2018, we had a full family dinner with drinks for $10. It was delicious! Ultimately, Siem Reap is near the top of our list for places that we’re looking forward to returning to one day. If you want to see some more highlights from our trip there, check out this YouTube video!
Penang, Malaysia
Penang, Malaysia is a small island located off the west coast of Malaysia that is often overlooked by travelers in favor of more popular destinations in Southeast Asia. However, Penang is an underrated destination for families, offering a unique and authentic travel experience that is perfect for all ages.
One of the best things about Penang is its food culture. The island is known for its street food, which is a fusion of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisine. Families can sample a wide variety of dishes, from spicy noodles to sweet desserts, at the many hawker centers located throughout the island. This makes Penang a great destination for families who love food and want to experience the local culture. Another benefit here is that the food is very affordable!
For families with younger kids, the ESCAPE Adventureplay Theme Park is a must-visit. The park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as ziplining, rope courses, and water slides, that are sure to keep kids entertained for hours. There is also a petting zoo, where kids can interact with a variety of animals, including goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. For those that like exploring the city, there are areas and walking tours with fascinating street art. You could easily spend a day losing yourself in the imaginative art that is displayed near George Town. There are also bikes with carriages that you can rent to cycle around town, or have someone do it for you.
Finally, Penang is a safe destination for families. The island has a low crime rate, and the locals are friendly and welcoming to tourists. This makes Penang a great destination for families who want to explore Southeast Asia without worrying about safety concerns.
Hoi An, Vietnam
One of the best things about Hoi An is its charm and beauty. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its preserved historical architecture, quaint streets, and colorful lanterns. The city’s colorful streets are a highlight for families with kids. The vibrant lanterns that adorn the streets and buildings are a sight to behold, and kids will love the bright colors and unique designs. Families can wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere, or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the city.
Hoi An is also a great destination for families who love the beach. The town is located on the central coast of Vietnam, and it boasts a long stretch of white sand beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Families can relax on the beach or take a boat ride along the coast to explore the nearby islands. Boat rides are another popular activity for families in Hoi An. The Thu Bon River runs through the heart of the city, and families can take a boat ride to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby islands. Along the way, they can take in the stunning scenery and see traditional fishing villages.
One of the most popular activities for families in Hoi An is designing their clothes or shoes. The city is famous for its tailors and cobblers, who can create bespoke clothing and shoes for a fraction of the cost of Western countries. Families can design their outfits or shoes, choose the fabric, and have them made within a few days. It is a fun and unique experience that kids will love, and it is an excellent way to take home a souvenir that is both practical and memorable. When we visited, we each had leather shoes made and were fitted for our own clothes, which they crafted and had ready for us in a few days. It was amazing!
For families who want to explore further, Asia Park Sun World Da Nang is only a short distance from Hoi An. It is a massive amusement park that offers rides, shows, and entertainment for the whole family. It features a range of attractions, from roller coasters to water parks, and it is a great way to spend a day away from the city.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Located on a small island in northwestern Malaysia, Langkawi is a paradise that left an amazing impression. Our flight to Langkawi was really short from Kuala Lumpur, and cost less than $20 per person. Langkawi has a really intriguing mix of beaches, mangrove forests, jungles, and hills that provide a lot of fun options for families. One of the attractions that we liked the most there was the Langkawi Sky Bridge and cable car ride. The Sky Bridge itself is one of the longest curved suspension bridges in the world, and the views are simply breathtaking. You can see many islands in the horizon, including some in Thailand. In the nearby Oriental Village, there’s a lot of artisan shops as well as a cool 3D Art Museum that the kids will enjoy.
Langkawi is also a great place to go on a boat tour. We took a private boat tour that took us through mangrove forests and dropped us off on an isolated beach. There, we basically had the beach to ourselves and our kids loved playing with the soft sand. For families who want to relax and unwind, Langkawi also has many beautiful beaches and resorts. The island is not as crowded as some of the more popular destinations in Southeast Asia, allowing families to enjoy a peaceful and laid-back vacation. Families can spend their days lounging on the beach, playing in the sand, and swimming in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. The island is also home to many luxurious resorts, offering families the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Koh Yao Noi, a small island located in the Phang Nga Bay of Thailand, is often overlooked by travelers in favor of more popular destinations in the country like Krabi and Phuket. One of the best things about Koh Yao Noi is its laid-back and peaceful atmosphere. The island is not as crowded as some of the more popular destinations in Thailand, making it a great destination for families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
A long-tail boat trip is the perfect activity to do from Koh Yao Noi. These traditional Thai boats are designed with a long, thin tail that extends from the rear of the boat and propels it forward. They are ideal for exploring the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, which is home to stunning limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and secluded beaches. Families can hire a long-tail boat and take a tour of the bay, stopping at various points of interest to swim, snorkel, and explore the natural beauty of the area. A long-tail boat trip is a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of Koh Yao Noi and its surroundings, and is sure to be a highlight of any family vacation on the island. You might even spot some monkeys on some of the neighboring islands!
Side cars are a fun and unique way to get around Koh Yao Noi and are also a fun activity in themselves. These modified motorcycles have a passenger seat attached to the side of the bike, allowing families to travel together while enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Families can hire a side car and explore the island, visiting local villages, beaches, and other points of interest. The island is small, but also beautiful! Riding in a side car is a thrilling experience, as the open-air design allows you to feel the breeze and take in the sights and sounds of the island. For families with younger children, side cars are a great way to keep everyone together while enjoying the scenery. When we rented a side car moped, we drove around the island, which only takes about an hour. We stopped by the central area, which had the only 7-Eleven on the island, drove through some beautiful rice fields, and stopped along some of the beaches. Our week in Koh Yao Noi was a beautifully slow-paced one, and we highly recommend staying at Coastal Escape!
