Travelling in Asia with kids
From impromptu lessons with locals, to bathing in spring water pools and spotting tigers in the jungle, Asia is nothing but intrigue and imagination for kids.![]()
Is Asia suited to families? In a nutshell, yes. But, as every family is different, so is every country in Asia and what each brings to the table in terms of facilities, food and infrastructure differs greatly. You can go modern and fast-paced, opening your kids’ eyes up to the bright lights of China, or you can opt for a more traditional, slow holiday in somewhere like Burma or Borneo. Travelling anywhere in Asia with kids will bring challenges though, whether that’s long journeys, heat, insects, or upset tummies, so have a think about what essentials you can and can’t cope with before taking the plunge.
Things to do in Asia with kids
Kung Fu Schools
Way before the likes of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan muscled in on the party, China’s Shaolin monks were dedicated to the study of Kung Fu for centuries. Learn all about the history behind the discipline before joining the monks at a monastery for a lesson, perhaps picking up a few moves to impress your friends back home.Homestay with a local family
Asia’s rich tapestry of cultures is not something that you experience, but something that you remember too – especially if you’re a wide-eyed, judgment-free child: opt for a homestay in places like Mongolia, Nepal or Indochina and live with a local family to see just how much you can learn from mutual curiosity.
Whale watching
You can see whales in Sri Lanka? Who knew… In fact, you can spot up to 10 different species languishing in Sri Lanka’s big blue from late November to early April and the mighty blue whale is most likely to bask in the Indian Ocean’s warm waters from late March to mid-April.
Sri Lanka family holiday
A fabulous family holiday including the best of Sri Lanka
From
£2750 to £3250
15 days
ex flights
Sri Lanka family adventure holiday
Sri Lanka active tour with children with best family hotels
From
£2980
13 days
inc UK flights
Japan family holiday, private departure
Explore the highlights of Japan on this family holiday
From
£3995
14 days
inc UK flights
Family holidays to Vietnam
A 2-week, escorted Vietnam family tour, from north to south
From
£1590
13 days
ex flights
Thailand wildlife holiday, elephants & waterfalls
Elephants, jungle trekking & wildlife. Can add beach stay.
From
£1840
15 days
inc UK flights
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Tips for families
Liddy Pleasants, from our supplier, Stubborn Mule, who cycled across Southeast Asia with her two children aged two and five-years-old, shares her thoughts on Asia for families: “If we had to pick the ideal continent for a family holiday, then it would have to be Asia as there just isn’t anywhere else that packs in quite so much culture, scenery, wildlife, history and sheer colour. Southeast Asia offers a relatively gentle introduction to travel whilst still being incredibly exciting – the children will love taking ziplines through the jungle in northern Thailand, riding the bamboo train in Cambodia, kayaking through the gorgeous landscape of Halong Bay in Vietnam and exploring Inle Lake by longtail boat in Burma. The Indian subcontinent is also fabulous with a kaleidoscope of colour, tuk tuks, sacred cows, crazy buses and dreadlocked holy men in India, and a more relaxed vibe in Sri Lanka where you can cycle through peaceful paddy fields, search for leopards and explore the ruins of ancient cities. Then there’s China, with its futuristic skylines, stunning scenery and cuddly pandas…The question is where to start?!”
More Asia articles
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Our guide does its best to provide responsible travellers with a balance of rated, underrated and overrated things to do.
Make the most of your time in Asia by studying our map highlighting our favourite places to go.
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to dust off your old backpack and dig out your 1980s hostelling handbook.
From the fattest of noodles to the stickiest of rice to the fun-nest of foodie tours.
Our top walks feature everywhere from Kyoto to Kerala to Everest Base Camp.
Find out where to watch wildlife, as well as the benefits this has for communities living around the habitat of endangered species.
Listening and learning from local people and our travel experts is the way to get the best travel advice.
Find all of our Asia guides in one place, for particular countries and styles of travel, such as cycling.
