Have kids, will travel … to Asia

Parents looking to plan a family holiday no longer have to resign themselves to the screaming crowds of Disneyland. With an abundance natural wonders, cultural experiences and kid-friendly activities, Southeast Asia is attracting more families than ever.

Flip Key travel blog recently listed Phuket, Thailand and Nha Trang, Vietnam among their top five family destinations in Asia. While we couldn’t agree more these vacation spots will be a hit with parents and children alike, they aren’t the only destinations for those families looking for fun-filled adventures.

Our country directors weigh in on some of the most child-friendly options from across the region.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

The temples of Angkor aren’t just for historians. The well-worn ruins hold enough wonder to keep both young and old in awe. Complete with a kids club, the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Siem Reap and surrounding area. There are plenty of other activities to test out after the little ones exhaust themselves playing Tomb Raider.  Families can check out the country side on bicycle or quad-bike trips or enjoy some arts and culture with hands-on pottery classes. There is also a local Fun Fair (read carnival, complete with rides and carnie games) down highway 60 — a hotspot for locals and their kids on Sunday nights. A few hours drive from Siem Reap is Phnom Kulem National Park, where outdoorsy families can day trip to check out the lush forest and natural waterfalls.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Not the most child-friendly of Southeast Asian countries, Laos is still accessible to the more adventurous parents. Relatively untouched by modernity, Luang Prabang presents the opportunity to unwind, de-stress and take in lush landscapes. Small and easy to navigate, Luang Prabang is the perfect Southeast Asian town to navigate by bicycle — many shops cater rentals to younger cyclists.

Surrounded by pristine environments, nature-lovers will find no shortage of  out-door activities — from trekking and boat rides to waterfall exploration, fresh air is in abundance in Laos. Check out the Julianna Hotel, Villa Santi Resort or Luang Prabang View for hotels with large pool for chilling out by after a day of touring.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Our experts agree that the coastal city of Nha Trang is Vietnam’s ultimate family destination. With its great weather and soft sandy beaches the ocean provides enough fun filled days to please both youngsters and their parents. Those looking to be further entertained can head to the Vinpeal Amusement Park, a mini Six Flags complete with rides, carnival games and musical shows. Accessible by ferry or by cable car — an attraction in and of itself — the park is popular with locals and tourists alike. For an educational day out try the Cham towe and Institute of Oceanography, where budding biologists will get to check out live aquariums as well as a 8,000-specimen exhibit. Afterwards, why not head to nearby Monkey Island is an excellent spot to check out to snorkel and check out coral ecosystems firsthand.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

For those looking for a cultural and adventurous holiday with their loved ones, look any farther than Chiang Mai; from tree-top trekking and animal adventures to traditional Buddhist rituals this northern city has it all. Spend the day learning from the earth’s largest land animals at the Patara Elephant Farm is sure to create lasting memories, as well as a life-long friend — after all an elephant never forgets. High flyers can check out Flight of the Gibbons where guests climb, trek and zip-line their way across the jungle’s tree tops or instead head into Doi Inthanon National Park to Thailand’s highest summit. Adrenaline kicks aside, the city also offers the opportunity to learn more about Buddhism by joining locals in offering morning Alms to monks.

Want to do it all? We’ve got it covered.

For families with children old enough to get out and enjoy the sites, who are looking to create a lifetime of memories, Journeys Within has prepared a month long itinerary that has it all. The Epic Family Journey will have your family trekking, kayaking and floating through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. This is a chance to experience Southeast Asian culture first hand by getting off the beaten track and into the homes of locals — an epic experience that is bound to keep your family talking for years to come.

Preparation, the key to success.

There is no doubt that traveling with children presents some unique challenges — long plane rides, unexpected health issues and “weird” food complaints — it also presents children the opportunity to learn about a new culture, separate from their own. Traveling in Asia is an opportunity to learn about new traditions and experience diversity first hand, taking children out of their comfort zone helping foster tolerance, empathy and compassion for those different from themselves.

Here is a letter CEO Andrea wrote from one mother to another filled with honest commentary and great advice.

From around the web — Tips on flying with young children, TSA rules on flying with infants and from planning to execution — 50 tips for traveling with kids.