The Best Family Hotels & Resorts in Phuket

SDThailandPhuket › Kid-Friendly Hotels
Updated: July 21, 2022
By Santorini Dave

Kids swimming in Centara swimming pool on Phuket.

My kids swimming at a beachfront pool in Phuket.

Phuket Family Hotels – Tips & Advice

  • Book Phuket hotels as early as possible – especially for December to March when the best resorts can be fully booked months in advance. (When is the best time to visit Phuket?)
  • Where to Stay in Phuket: Kata Beach and Karon Beach are two wonderful beach towns that have a very family friendly vibe and beautiful sandy beaches. Kata is the quieter of the two.
  • Patong is the main tourist town in Phuket. It has a seedy feel in parts but is not terrible. There are better areas to stay for families but I wouldn’t say Patong is a no-go area (though after dark it becomes more unpleasant). Jung Ceylon is the best and biggest mall on Phuket and a good fallback if the streets of Patong feel too sleazy for your tastes.
  • The best weather on Phuket is from December to April when it’s dry, sunny, and the beaches are great for swimming. The wet season runs from May to October when the sea gets rough and is often unsafe for swimming. September and October are the rainiest months. During the wet season Koh Samui is usually a better choice if you’re after good beach weather.

The 11 Best Hotels for Families in Phuket

Karon Family Hotels

1. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

Extremely kids-friendly resort with superb facilities and 4 pools
Endless opulence, unique beach frontage, outstanding for families. Spread across low-level hills facing the beach and quietly hidden from the main road, the Centara is truly remarkable. The 4 lagoon-shaped pools with ‘islands’ of palms and even ‘beaches’ never seem to end, tropical plants invade every possible space, and the beach is vast and virtually private. Rooms are elegant and spacious, with more colonial-style touches, and some feature a plunge pool or Jacuzzi on the balcony. Many rooms have 2 double beds, some rooms connect through the balconies, and a few more have an extra bedroom (ideal for a third child). The Camp Safari Kids’ Club is large, welcoming and one of Phuket’s finest, with separate rooms and activities for teenagers and younger ones. Added to the list is a playground, children’s pool, impressive water slides, games arcade and activities such as Thai crafts and evening movies. And the whole family can enjoy tennis, beach soccer, yoga and aqua aerobics. At the far northern end of the bay, it’s the only resort that directly fronts the beach. It can feel a little isolated but is only 10 mins along the beach to central Karon.

2. Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket

Extremely kids-friendly mega resort with multiple pools and tropical gardens
Family-friendly mega-resort that doesn’t feel like one. A narrow entrance along the main road belies serene grounds so enormous that guests need buggies. The resort offers an extraordinary range and number of rooms in 5-level blocks and villas dotted among vast tropical gardens. The design, setting and layout of the villas differ greatly, while all rooms feature a likeable Thai décor with colourful prints, exceptionally long wooden desk, and bamboo curtains across a sliding door to the sizeable balcony. All offer an extra single bed and some have connecting doors, while a few villas and suites contain a kitchenette and 2 bedrooms. The 3 lagoon-shaped pools are shady and immensely inviting, with a kids’ pool and water slide attached. Numerous activities are offered (some free), including Thai boxing, aerobics and arts and crafts, while the younger ones would enjoy candle-making, face-painting and musical games. The Little Birds Club is airy, supervised and free, with an area for parents to join or watch, and the Play Zone features a decent playground, games room and reading area. Midway along Karon, it’s just a short stroll to the town centre.

3. Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort & Spa

Special children's pool at kids-friendly Novotel
Dazzling design, breezy location, wonderfully family-friendly. With sizeable grounds and a serene setting along the uncrowded northern part of the bay, the sparkling-white exterior blends in perfectly with the sparking-blue pools. The main pool is lined with inviting cabanas, and features ‘waterfalls’ and ‘islands’, while a wide relaxing beach is just across the road. The Deluxe Family Rooms are spacious enough for a king-sized bed, twin bunks and sofa without feeling cramped. In a special wing, these rooms face the huge children’s pool or the second family-oriented pool. Otherwise, some suites and villas have 2 bedrooms, a few standard rooms have connecting doors, and most rooms and villas can fit in an extra single bed. The resort clearly values families, offering free children’s meals and affordable daily packages for youngsters inclusive of meals, drinks and activities. The Kids World Club is colourful and airy (but mostly suitable for under 10s), while the older ones would enjoy the triple-loop water slide, in-room movies and range of fun activities. What’s more, it’s only 5 minutes along the beach to downtown Karon.

4. Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

1 of 4 pools with amazing kids' facilities
Exceptional style, graceful gardens, families welcome. The antithesis of a bland motel-style resort, the Thavorn is truly different: proudly Thai-owned for 3 generations, the gardens are reminiscent of an English cottage and the design is more colonial than Thai. And the charm continues inside with an adorable mix of Thai décor and old-world furnishings. A few suites contain 2 or 3 bedrooms, and there’s enough space for an extra single bed in any room. Better still are the Family Deluxe Rooms, which are 2 standard rooms with connecting doors; 1 with a king-sized bed, the other with 2 singles. The 4 lagoon-shaped pools feature spouts, bridges, ‘islands’ of palms and a kids’ pool, but the public beach over the road is surprisingly scruffy. The kids’ club (for under 12s) is brightly-colored and supervised, while the young ones can also search for rabbits and turtles among the gardens. Pleasingly set back from the road, it’s in a quieter stretch of southern Karon, but still walkable to the town center and to Kata beach, with a better range of facilities.

Patong Family Hotels

1. Holiday Inn Resort Phuket

Extremely family-friendly and huge resort with multiple pools
Massive, central, and terrific for families. The deceptively extensive grounds fronting the esplanade house 2 wings with almost 400 rooms, suites and villas. Most face inwards, minimising traffic noise, although some overlook car parks and adjoining hotels, and any possible sea views are blocked by lofty palms. Rooms are comfortable, functional and spacious with a vague seaside holiday theme. The sofa can convert into a single bed, and an extra single bed can be squeezed in, too. Otherwise, book 2 rooms with connecting doors. Far better are the adorable Family Suites in a special wing with corridors of murals. They feature a standard bedroom and an adjoining kids’ room (suitable for under 10s) with turtle-shaped beds, video games and a separate bathroom. In addition, there are sizeable separate pools for children and toddlers with a water slide, a tiny playground, and range of absorbing activities, e.g. Thai language and dance. The free Kids’ Club is colourful and well-supervised, offering far more than just video games, and opens some evenings. With access from the esplanade and quietish side-street, it’s very convenient to the beach and a myriad of tourist facilities.

2. Millennium Resort Patong Phuket

Kids-friendly resort with colourful rooms, large pool and shopping centre with cinema
2 hotels for shopaholics, and sheltered from the unsavory. For some, shopping is more essential than sunbathing. So, merged within the world-class Jungceylon shopping center, the Millennium offers rooms in 2 buildings about 200m apart. Both differ in facilities, appeal, and name: Beachside (although 500m from the ocean) and Lakeside (although no lake is nearby). The former soars 5 floors above the shopping center, with cinemas, shops and ice cream parlors within meters from the bottom of the hotel lift. The pool is smaller, and some rooms face the car park or street (which still may be quieter than those overlooking the shops). Both buildings contain colorful rooms with a sizeable balcony and inviting sofa, and the possibility of an extra single bed. But the suites with a separate living area also have a maximum occupancy of 3, so a larger family would need rooms with connecting doors. The classier Lakeside features a large pool, with a kids’ pool attached, and some rooms on the ground floor have direct pool access. And perhaps, this is somewhere to protect younger ones from the unsavory elements of Bangla Road and its environs (still only 100m away).

3. Patong Merlin Hotel

1 of 3 lagoon-shaped pool at extremely kids-friendly resort
Immense, quieter location, ideal for families. Huge grounds stretch from the main road, lined with cafés and shops, to the esplanade in the more relaxed southern part, distant from the unsavory Bangla Road. The overall design is attractive, the balconies drip with bougainvillea, and the meandering paths are lined with palms and vines. Some rooms overlook the road and car park, but most face inwards, diminishing traffic noise, but none have sea views. Rooms are compact and functional like a motel, and colorful, with a sizeable desk and lovely sliding doors leading to the balcony. More spacious and appealing are the Superior Rooms, with a sofa that can convert to a single bed, while rooms on the ground floor have direct access to a pool for only those guests. (And many rooms have connecting doors.) The other 3 lagoon-shaped pools feature tiered sections packed with inviting lounge chairs. And the amenities for families are impressive, including 2 separate kids’ pools with inflatables; a bright, thoughtful and supervised kids’ club with engrossing activities, such as origami and mask-making; and a decent play area for toddlers.

Bang Tao Family Hotels

1. SAii Laguna Phuket

Large kids-friendly pool at luxurious and charming resort
Luxurious, convenient, beachfront and excellent for families. One of few with a genuine Thai design and beach frontage, this place oozes opulence and charm. Many rooms have been recently renovated, but less appealing are those facing the ‘tropical lagoon’ (just an unexciting man-made lake). All feature stylish Thai influences, and many boast world-class sea views from a balcony metres from the sand. An extra single bed is available for all rooms, while most are large enough for a second extra bed, and many have connecting doors. The beach offers extensive views, and the numerous sparkling-blue pools feature spouts and waterfalls. Facilities for families are outstanding, e.g. a playground, sandpit, games room and kids’ pool with inflatables and a decent water slide. The supervised and secure Koh Kids’ Club offers engaging activities (for free), such as Thai painting and dancing, as well as movies and a special menu with an emphasis on healthy eating. Also offered are tennis, squash, water sports (some free), and courses in Thai language and cooking. What’s more, it’s within 100m of a cluster of beachside cafés.

2. Sunwing Bangtao Beach

Fully-contained family resort with multiple pools
Convenient, beach frontage, and ideal for families. The focus of this self-described ‘fully-contained family resort’ is continually apparent. The rooms (called ‘studios’) have views of the gardens and pools, while many are angled towards the ocean for hopeful glimpses, and those on the ground floor have direct pool access. All are spacious, with motel-style furnishings (e.g. fridge and microwave), sizeable balcony and curtains separating the bedroom from a lounge area with a sofa that converts to a single bed. In fact, all rooms can fit in 2 single beds and many have connecting doors. Family Suites feature 2 bedrooms and bathrooms, while the Happy Baby Studio is specifically designed for the very young. There are 6 lagoon-shaped pools, and part of the shady beach is cordoned-off from jet skis. And the facilities for families are extraordinary: a kids’ club, 2 special pools (including one for babies) with water slides, educational playground, and games room. A range of absorbing activities is offered, and at night there’s family-style entertainment and ‘kids eat for free’ buffets. It’s also handy to beachside cafés and a few shops along the main road.

Chalong Family Hotels

1. Vijitt Resort Phuket

Infinity pool with sea view at elegant and kids-friendly resort
Superlative elegance and family-friendly in underwhelming area. The Vijitt offers magnificent villas dotted among landscaped gardens of palms and ponds vast enough (and steep in parts) for guests to need buggies. All are attractively designed, spaced apart along meandering paths, and fitted with gates and fences ensuring total seclusion. Other features include high thatched ceilings, a lovely tiled floor, complete windows on 2 sides and space for an extra single bed. And some feature a private pool (more than just a plunge pool) and 2 bedrooms for families. Activities offered include Thai yoga and botanical walks through the hotel gardens, and the supervised Rotunda Kids’ Club is particularly welcoming, with a children’s pool, games area, movie room and playground. A range of engaging activities are also available including Thai crafts, cooking and language. The Infinity pool facing the beach has edges that seem to merge into the ocean, and the sea views are particularly scenic. The beach is virtually private (with no public access), but the sand is gritty and the water brown, and the general area is unexciting and lacks tourist facilities nearby.

Kamala Family Hotels

1. Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach

Terrific kids facilities at Novotel
Unappealing exterior but lovely position and Kamala’s best family option. Although the design is unattractive, the location is superb: facing a serene beach at the uncrowded northern end of the curved bay. All rooms feature a contemporary décor, extensive windows and motel-style appliances and furnishings. Some Pool Villas have 2 bedrooms, while suites contain a separate lounge area and 2 TVs, toilets and balconies. Most rooms have a sofa that converts to a single bed and all can squeeze in an extra single bed for a second child; some also have connecting doors. The pool is smallish and the attached bar sometimes noisy, but facilities for families are terrific, e.g. a daily package for children, including meals, movies and of course, ice cream, and a kids’ club (more suited to those under 10). Also offered are painting, aerobics and music classes, lessons in Thai dance and language, and free rental of bikes and kayaks. It is about 15 minutes along the beach to the centre of Kamala, which is significantly quieter than Patong (to where free shuttle buses are offered).

More Kid-Friendly Hotels in Phuket

Siam Palm Residence (moderate) – Patong

2 bedroom apartments are spacious and have fully equipped kitchens. Pool area has lots of shade (maybe too much if you’re really looking for sun but perfect for kids). Good location for restaurants. Phone: +66 76 290-402
Phuket Siam Palm Hotel with Kids

Centara Karon Resort Phuket (luxury) – Karon

Wonderful resort for families with waterslides, huge pools, and a family-friendly vibe. The kids’ club is one of the best in Phuket.
Resort in Phuket with water slides for kids.

Andaman Seaview Hotel (moderate) – Karon

Large rooms (though a little dated), 2 beautiful pools, and across the street from an idyllic stretch of beach. Great breakfast. Phone: +66 76 398-111
Phuket Andaman Seaview Hotel with Kids

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (luxury) – Kata

Large resort with 6 swimming pools and 6 restaurants. Interconnecting junior suites are available for large groups. Awesome beach in front of the hotel. The kids’ club is fun. Phone: +66 76 330-124
Phuket Katathani Hotel with Kids

The Boathouse Phuket (luxury) – Kata

Family suites are great and recently remodeled. The beautiful pool area (not huge) fronts an idyllic stretch of beach. Phone: +66 76 330-015
Phuket Boathouse Hotel with Kids

Centara Kata Resort Phuket (moderate) – Kata

Family suites are huge (1 king bed and 3 singles) and have a kitchenette. Kids club is nice for kids younger than 7 or 8. There are 3 pools (one is an adult pool, another has water slides). Free shuttle to the beach but the walk isn’t far. Phone: +66 76 370 300
Phuket Centara Hotel with Kids

Banyan Tree Phuket (luxury) – Bang Thao

Huge 2-bedroom villas (some with private pool). Great if you’re after a semi-secluded family getaway. Far from Phuket’s touristy spots in the south (which may be good or bad). Bicycles available and several restaurants and beach bars are within an easy walk or cycle. The beach here is wonderful. Great kid-friendly pool. Phone: +66 76 372-400
Phuket Banyan Tree Hotel with Kids

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket (luxury) – Bang Thao

One bedroom suites and two-bedroom villas (with private pool) are both good for families. A couple of baby elephants roam along the beach (usually in the morning). Pool is huge and kid-friendly. Phone: +66 76 362 999
Phuket Dusit Thani Hotel with Kids

JW Marriott Resort & Spa (luxury) – Mai Khao

One-bedroom suites are large. There’s a babysitting service and a top-notch kids’ club (with lots to do). The beach is quiet and secluded. 3 pools – one of which is adults only. Phone: +66 76 338-000
Phuket JW Marriott Hotel with Kids

Andaman House (moderate) – Mai Khao

Suites are huge and have full kitchens. Free access to the Splash Jungle waterpark which is part of the resort. There’s not a lot nearby so I wouldn’t stay here for longer than 2 or 3 days but the water slides make it a very fun treat for the kids. Phone: +66 76 372-000
Resort with waterslides in Phuket.

Family Villas and Apartments in Phuket

Family Villa in Phuket for kids.

Private pool at the The View near Kata Beach in Phuket.

Apartment rentals for families in Phuket. All units have kitchens and swimming pool. Most have washer/dryer and free-wifi.

  • The View Phuket – Kata
    Luxurious 2-bedroom villas sleep family of 4, 3-bedroom villas sleep family of 6.
  • Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara – Karon Beach
    Beautiful 2-bedroom suite with kitchen, 1 full bed and 2 twins is perfect for family of 4.
  • Kata Hill View Villas – Kata Beach
    3-bedroom villa (split level) has 3 double beds and sleeps 6.
  • Kata Sea View Villas – Kata Beach
    4-bedroom villas have private pool and sleep group of 8.
  • Karon Sunset Sea View – Karon Beach
    2-bedroom apartment has 2 queen beds and sofa bed for family of 5.
  • Duangjai Residence – Rawai Beach
    1-bedroom apartment has double bed and 2 sofa beds for family of 4.
  • Jirana Patong – Patong
    2/3/4/5-bedroom villas sleep families of 4 to 10.
  • Hill Myna Condotel – Bang Tao
    2-bedroom suites have 2 double beds and sleep family of 4 (cheap but not near beach).
  • Casuarina Shores Apartment – Bang Tao
    2-bedroom apartments sleeps family of 6. Penthouse apartments have private pools.

Read More

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Author Bio. Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers on a mission to deliver the most helpful travel content on the internet. We specialize in Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece and recommend the best hotels, best neighborhoods, and best family hotels in top destinations around the world. We also make hotel maps and travel videos. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.

  1. Best Beach Resort in Phuket for Family of 4

    Hello Dave,
    I am traveling to Phuket with my wife and two boys (7 & 9). I would like to book a luxury resort with easy access to a nice beach with sun loungers. What resort would you recommend?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Yes, the choices in Phuket can be overwhelming.

      With a family, and assuming you are a first-time visitor, it’s important to take into consideration several things.
      (1) The most popular area, Patong, won’t be suitable. The crowds, noise, and traffic can often be overwhelming; and sections of Patong are packed with strip clubs and other places of ill-repute.
      (2) Don’t stay somewhere too remote from shops and family-fun activities.
      (3) Some beaches have dangerous surf and undertows.
      (4) Some resorts are actually designed for families, with fun activities for all.

      The best area to stay would be Bang Tao, distant from the crowds but not too far to visit attractions around the island by taxi. Bang Tao is packed with 4 and 5 star resorts, but some are based around inland lakes rather than a beach.

      These 3 resorts face a glorious beach of white sand and calm waters, and are focused on families:
      (1) Sunwing Bangtao Beach – recently renovated with a kids’ club, playground, and grounds vast enough for 6 pools!
      (2) SAii Laguna Phuket Beach Resort – fabulous Thai design, numerous pools, and a wide range of fun activities for the family.
      (3) Andaman Bangtao Bay Resort – more secluded, with virtually a private beach, and less expensive rates.

  2. Phuket with Kids – Where To Stay

    Dear Dave, Your blog posts are very helpful! I have been reading them carefully. However, I would love your advice for a family of 6 (kids ages 12, 10, 5, and 3 yrs.). I am having some difficulty confirming accommodations with adjoining rooms/suites that will fit our group– and I prefer not to split the family. Of course, the kids would LOVE waterslides and beach access. I am leaning toward Centara Karon, but now realize the beach access is about a 10 min walk. We are flexible about location but plan to just stay in one place for 4 nights (this will be at the end of a long international journey). Hauling our crew around can be a bit of challenge at times, so would like to find a place that is rather centrally-located and family-friendly. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Leah

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Phuket is very family-friendly and Karon is a great destination for families, with a wide beach, minimal traffic, and plenty of shops and cafés.

      The Centara Karon is a few minutes’ walk from the beach, but this shouldn’t necessarily be a drawback, because it does offer vast gardens, and the central location means there are plenty of places to eat and shop very close by.

      But if you are keen on a hotel with a beach consider the sister hotel: the Centara Grand Beach Phuket. Quietly hidden from the main road, it is unique among resorts in Karon, because it directly fronts a magnificent private beach. It also boasts four lagoon-style pools (one especially for children) and tropical gardens in every direction. The kid’s club is probably the best in Phuket – and separated for teenagers and pre-teens – and the two water slides are impressive. There are also tennis courts, a playground, games arcade and plenty of family fun, such as movie nights. The resort offers a huge range of rooms and villas. Each room can easily sleep three and many have connecting doors. Otherwise, rent a villa with two bedrooms.

      Alternatively, family-friendly resorts in Karon that are close to the beach, and provide space for extra beds in most rooms, as well as connecting rooms and a children’s pool, include:

      1) Movenpick Resort – convenient to shops, with enormous grounds and a water slide
      2) Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort – affordable packaged deals, with a triple-loop water slide, and Deluxe Family Rooms containing bunk beds
      3) Thavorn Palm Beach Resort – more traditional and charming, with suites featuring two or three bedrooms. Four lagoon-style pools, and walkable to Karon and neighboring Kata beach.

  3. Le Meridien or JW Marriott in Phuket

    Hi we are thinking of staying in Le Meridan or JW Marriot when visiting Phuket. Do have any thoughts suggestions? our son is 15 months old and we chose Karon as a location based on your suggestion but wanted to know if you had experience in this hotel. JW is near to the airport and so if we stayed there is it easy to get around Phuket Island?
    Thanks your website is great!
    Bridgett

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      The JW Marriott is more kid-friendly but the Meridien has a much better central location. The JW is closer to the airport but I wouldn’t call it close. Not easy or convenient to get from the JW around the island.

  4. Centara Karon vs Centara Kata Beach

    Hello
    Love your hotel recommendations for family. Thank you!

    I am debating between Centara Karon Resort vs. Centara Grand Beach. I have booked Centara Karon thinking it is on the beach, but it looks like hotel is 10 minutes walk from the Karon beach. Above photo you have linked with Centara Karon seems to be incorrect photo. Photo is perhaps Centara Grand.

    So, just want to ask if I should book Centara Grand Beach instead? I’d like a beach front hotel with walking distance to town.
    Best regards, Tae

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Neither the Centara Karon nor Centara Kata are directly on the beach but both have shuttle buses to the beach (or it’s a short walk). Both have very kid-friendly pools. The kids club is better at the Centara Karon if that’s a consideration. (You’re right, I had mis-labeled the photos. Thanks.)

  5. Luxury Resort for Kids on Phuket

    Hi David,
    We are travelling to Phuket in June. We are 2 families consisting of 2 adults and 2 children each, which means 4 adults and 4 children total. The children are 4 and 2 years old. We are looking for a great 5 star luxury beach resort property that is especially good for our kids. Great kids club, pools etc. Also restaurant options inside the property. A nice beach on the property would be amazing! What would you suggest? I had a look at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket and also the JW Marriot, but I’m totally unsure and confused where to stay? Please recommend a few options that suit our needs.

    Harvy

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Of the two you’re looking at (which are both great choices by the way), the JW Marriot ticks all your boxes while also being a notch classier and more luxurious than the Outrigger Laguna Phuket. It’s also close to the airport (making the trip there after a long flight a breeze). Mai Khao Beach is lovely, powdery, and white and the kids will be very happy splashing around here. There are restaurants at the resort and also in the little town just adjacent; there are dedicated children’s pools and lots of services for families. This is the more quiet of your two choices and it will let you see a glimpse more Thai culture as well.

      The Outrigger’s plus side is that it’s in a compound with several other resorts so there’s more going on and you’ll probably see/meet more families as well. On the downside, there is very little Thai culture since you’re gated off from local areas. The beach area here is good but not as nice as at the Marriot and there are lots and lots of restaurant choices at the resort and at the nearby resorts. Again, there are swimming pools for the kids and plenty of activities and care service – probably more than at the Marriot.

      1. Hotels Fully Booked

        David,

        Many thanks for your reply!
        I am still confused! The JW Suites and Villas seem to be completely sold out during our intended stay and therefore now I am considering 2 options as below:
        1. The Laguna complex – which 5 star hotel is best and modern here? and has a good kids club?
        2. Maybe a good 5 star hotel with a good beach in Karon or Kata side? so we are closer to Patong if we decide to venture out one night without the kids?

        Harvy

        1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

          Yes, the most popular hotel do sell out early but there are lots of options so don’t worry too much. In the Laguna area I’d go with the Banyan Tree which manages to remain very elegant and upscale while offering everything you’re looking for for families from a very lauded kids club to a family-friendly pool with lots of fun stuff like water cannons. The resort feels a little more out of the busy zone than some of the other choices in the area. Plus it’s arguably the most beautiful resort in the complex with water gardens, Zen architecture, and a lovely slice of white sand beach in front.

          In Kata/Karon I’d go with the Centara Grand in Karon which feels sort of like Disneyland meets Indiana Jones. Your kids may be a little young to really appreciate it but there’s a real adventure jungle theme here. Everything is big and bold, there’s a waterpark, tons more kid-oriented features as well as a great kids club. The beautiful white beach is right there and you’re close to all Kata and Karon have to offer. The rooms are also quite lovely here with lots of hardwoods, marble bathrooms, and views of the sea.

          Otherwise there’s the Novotel Avista Resort in Kata. It’s not as architecturally gorgeous as the Banyan Tree or as “grand” as the Centara, but it’s a lot of fun while keeping classy. Again there’s a good kid’s pool and a kids club but (like many resorts in the area) it’s not right on a beach, which is a short walk away, which with small kids and the heat, may be a hassle.

          I hope that helps with more choices and you find the perfect place with availability!

  6. Vaccinations for Phuket

    Hi, we are thinking about a family trip to Phuket. We will have a baby, just turned a year old at time of travel. I am confused about whether she will need vaccines, other than the usual ones administered during her first year. We plan to stay at Katathani hotel or similar. Clearly we will get advice from GP but would like some idea before we start booking process. Thank you, I have found your info’ most useful so far.

    Jan Hughes

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      If you’re only going to Phuket then Hepatitis A is probably the only one they’ll consider but do check with your doctor. (Ideally, you should get the Hep A shot more than 2 weeks before departure.) More info about recommended vaccinations for Thailand.

  7. Hotel for Kids with Pool and Slide for Family of 4

    Hi David,
    First time to Thailand. We need some desperate advice please. We think we are going to stay at Karon Beach but we want a resort with water slides and pools, and opp the beach. We have 2 boys 10 and 12 is this a good area to stay in? Also is it far to walk to markets (if any in Patong?). We are so confused we don’t want to stuff this up,cheers Jodie

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Try the Centara Karon Resort. Very kid-friendly, water slide, and great pool. Not right on the beach but easy walk to shops and restaurants.

  8. Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket for Family of 4

    We are currently looking into booking ten days at the Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket. We got two girls, 5 and 2. Since the hotel is not listed here, but I liked the pictures, I’m now wondering if it is suitable at all?
    Thank you.
    Julie

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      It’s a 4 star hotel (needs a refurbishment to be 5 star) with a large pool and nice (semi-private) beach out front. The one caveat is that it’s very isolated from the touristy parts of Phuket that have the shops and restaurants but great if you’re only looking to relax for a week by the pool (some good seafood places aren’t too far away).

  9. Centara Water Park in Phuket for Family of 5

    At the Centara West Sands Resort is the water park fully part of the resort or is it a separate property that you need transportation to access. Would our teen kids be able to walk over by themselves (which is our hope)? We’re tentatively planning 2 days in Kata, 2 days in Karon, 2 days in Khao Lak, then 2 days at the Centara before catching our flight back to Sydney. Does this sound about right?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      The water park is on the same property and 1 to 3 minutes walk from most suites. As a hotel guest you get a wrist band when you first enter and can come and go as you please. It’s a fun water park. The food at the resort is disappointing so I highly recommend making the short walk off the property to eat at the thai places at the end of the hotel’s driveway (where it meets the main road). The rest of your plan sounds great. Your destinations complement each other well.

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