The best family-friendly holiday destinations in Asia
1. Hokkaido, Japan
Best for: winter holiday, outdoor adventures, fantastic food
Soft serve ice cream; need we say more? Now that we've got the kids' attention, this northern Japanese island has fun (and food) for the whole family. In the winter, hit the slopes at Asia's best ski resorts, like Club Med Tomamu, with beginner slopes and three different kids' clubs tailor-made to various ages. In the summer, book a family room at The Vale Rusutsu, a high-end hotel that connects to Rusutsu Amusement Park. You could spend an entire week riding the roller coasters and splashing around in the waterpark. Then, drive along the flower fields of Furano and Biei, trying the world's best melons and local baked cheese tarts.
2. Maldives
Best for: island life, kids' clubs, water activities
What was once a destination reserved for starry-eyed newlyweds, many of the country's 175+ private island resorts are now family-forward. From gargantuan kids' clubs to some of the world's most incredible marine life, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids off their devices. Lux South Ari Atoll is one of the country's most family-friendly resorts with a kids' club, teens' club, spa menu designed for little ones, and an ice cream shop with island-made scoops.
At Joali Maldives, the Muramas Kids' Club offers island treasure hunts, cooking classes, and arts and crafts—all included in your stay. Six Senses Laamu is another favourite, with some families returning year after year. The resort's incredible marine conservation centre inspires young ones to learn about the country's manta rays and turtle populations. Families can organise a private movie on the sand, enrol kids in the island Sustainability Camp, or drop them off at the kids' club—trust me, you'll need to bribe them to leave.
3. Sumba, Indonesia
Best for: going off-the-grid, natural beauty, ocean activities
Sure, Komodo has dragons, and Bali has beach clubs, but if you're a family looking for something less trodden and more peaceful, hop on a plane to Sumba. Here, you can hike to remote waterfalls, jump in gin-clear lakes, and learn to surf on deserted beaches. Nihi Sumba is the island's premier family-friendly resort. Home to a group of native horses, families can saddle up for rides on the beach, make local chocolate, and weave traditional textiles. In another part of the island, Cap Koroso offers family villas with private swimming pools, a team of babysitters, and a kids' club dedicated to learning about island life—from sand to stars.
4. Singapore
Best for: a city escape, amusement parks, museums
Arguably the continent's most family-friendly location, there's something for every member of the family in Singapore. Take the little ones to the Children's Museum Singapore for immersive cultural experiences, or your teens to Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island, which also offers go-karting, ziplines, skywalks, and mini golf. A visit to Gardens by the Bay for its Flower Dome and evening light show is a must. But it also has a brand-new and completely free playground called the PropNex Family Zone.
And when you need to rest your feet, book one of the Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay's whimsical family rooms. These gnome-themed rooms have imaginative bunk beds, video games, and board games. For something a bit for chi-chi, Raffles Singapore ticks all the boxes for older kids. A fantastic pool, butler service, and one of the world's great afternoon teas are a true treat.
5. Bhutan
Best for: bucket list trip, spirituality, outdoor adventures
Looking for the fastest way to make your teenagers smile? Take them to Bhutan, known as the happiest country in the world. A place with endless postcard hiking trails, fascinating temples, and deep spirituality, its high daily visa cost makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hike two hours up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro and visit the Royal Takin Preserve near the capital of Thimphu. Stay at Pemako Punakha, a luxurious, locally owned resort with stunning tented villas. When you're not relaxing by your private pool, visit Punakha Dzong, the country's most beautiful, followed by white water rafting. Then, drive past horned yaks to Gangtey Lodge, a small and serene valley lodge with heated floors, fireplaces, and soaking tubs in each room. While mom and dad enjoy a traditional hot stone bath, teens can practice archery with the staff, play soccer with young monks, and mountain bike through the valley.
6. Hoi An, Vietnam
Best for: cultural activities, charming streets, biking
Vietnam has a reputation for being chaotic, but in Hoi An, things slow to a molasses pace. This riverside town has an ancient Old Town, serene rice paddies, and long stretches of beach. Travellers can ride between these sights, stopping for a coconut coffee, a lantern-making class, or a tailor shop for custom-made clothes. Stop into Madame Kanh, The Banh Mi Queen for a banh mi, then wander over to LiMe, a stylish tailor known for her linen clothing.
If you're after the beach, stay at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, home to a small kids' club, immersive cooking classes, and one of the warmest staff around. For a river retreat closer to town, book Namia River Retreat, with an adorable kids' club, all-pool villas, complimentary yoga and daily complimentary spa treatments, plus sunset cruises up the Thu Bon River.
7. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for: historical sights, cultural attractions, city experiences
This Cambodian city serves as the gateway to the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat. You may have to bribe your kids to wake up before the sun, but sunrise at this bucket list destination is well worth the whining. It's easy to spend all day in this massive temple complex, but once the heat becomes unbearable, head to the Apopo Visitors' Centre. Free for children under ten, this non-profit centre trains African Giant Pouched Rats to detect landmines so they can be safely cleared. This unique guided tour is hugely popular, so book in advance. And in the evening, buy tickets to Phare, The Cambodian Circus, a combo of music, dancing, storytelling and acrobatics. This circus supports over 1,000 students at its Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school.
Stay at the Anantara Angkor Resort, which has multiple family suites, a dreamy pool, and tons of excursions, including a hot air balloon ride over the countryside.
8. Koh Lipe, Thailand
Best for: island hopping, beach holidays, relaxed atmosphere
This far-flung Thai island isn't a piece of cake to get to, but once you do, it sure is sweet. This small, walkable island has every ocean activity imaginable, from swimming and snorkelling to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in its clear, calm waters. Jump on board a longtail boat and explore the various islands nearby, like Koh Adang. Back on Koh Lipe, things are seriously cruisy. Days here are spent enjoying a fresh coconut, taking photos on one of its many sand-side swings, or basking on the island's best beaches, including Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach and North Beach. Kids will love the rustic wooden beachside bungalows at Ten Moons Sunrise and the massive infinity pool at Akira Lipe Resort.
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