Exploring Thailand with a Baby: Our Three-Week Adventure

We embarked on a three-week adventure in Thailand with our nine-month-old, DanDan. While this was not our first trip with a baby, traveling with DanDan revealed how quickly babies grow and change. Each month brought new challenges and adaptations. At nine months, DanDan was active and playful, so we sought a relaxing vacation at a destination conducive to traveling with a baby. Thailand turned out to be the perfect match, offering us the slow pace and comfort we needed.

What to pack

General Tips

Mosquito Protection

We came prepared with a ParaKito wristband and mosquito repellent suitable for babies, but DanDan had a skin reaction to the repellent. It's wise to test such products before you travel. Afterward, we purchased a natural spray from a local shop, which worked well with minimal bites.

Food

DanDan was eating two solid meals a day during our trip. We brought formula and a variety of smoothies from home. Breakfasts were made from buffet selections at our accommodations, and they were fantastic. In Northern Thailand, we found amazing smoothies at Rimping supermarkets.

Diapers

Local diaper brands didn’t absorb as well as Pampers or Huggies. Pampers are available in larger supermarkets but usually only the pant-style diapers, and they're pricey. It’s best to bring a sufficient supply from home.

Medications

Before leaving, we consulted DanDan’s pediatrician and got prescriptions for medications such as ear drops and allergy relief.

Vaccinations

Our travel clinic advised against vaccinations for Dan because children under two aren't typically vaccinated for travel. Always consult a travel clinic before your trip.

Flights

We learned the hard way that it’s crucial to plan your travel itinerary before booking flights. We mistakenly flew to Phuket and back from Bangkok without intending to visit Phuket. This resulted in a long journey, followed by a ferry to Koh Phangan.

Multiple flights and a ferry in one day with a baby is challenging. Proper itinerary planning can prevent such issues.

Make sure to reserve a bassinet seat early if flying with Emirates, as these are limited.

Itinerary

We traveled in late September to early October, a great time for Eastern Thailand and the northern region. The western side was rainy and flooded, so we skipped Phuket.

Our route included Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.

All About Thailand

Accommodation

When traveling with a baby, consider if the hotel has children’s facilities. On hot days, indoor play areas are essential. Fortunately, all our hotels provided high chairs and were family-friendly.

Healthcare

DanDan developed an ear infection and fever, requiring medical attention. Thailand, being tourist-friendly, offers quality private hospitals on larger islands such as Koh Samui. On smaller islands like Koh Tao, healthcare facilities are limited. In emergencies, one might need to travel to a larger island.

Hiring a Nanny

Traveling with a dedicated nanny can be a great help, though it depends on personal preferences. We explored this option after reading about other families' experiences on a Facebook groups. We contacted Rosie, who runs an agency for babysitters in Koh Samui, and planned the arrangements before our trip. She traveled with us, providing help that made our journey more like a genuine vacation.

Things to Consider

Finding sitters on smaller islands can be challenging, with hotel-based babysitters often costly. Bigger islands offer more options. While independent babysitters are common, some are affiliated with agencies, which can affect costs. Always inquire about these details during your planning.

Embarking on this adventure with DanDan was memorable, and we hope our tips help you plan a seamless trip to Thailand with your own little travelers!