Best Family-Friendly Holiday Destinations In Asia (2023)

As the largest continent in the world, Asia has plenty to do and offer for family travellers. Here are the best family holiday destinations to visit in Asia.

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With so much diversity and things to experience, Asia has some of the best family-friendly holiday destinations on the planet. 

So pack your bags, and get ready to explore stunning landscapes, iconic attractions, man-made marvels and more in our guide. 

Table of contents

• Langkawi, Malaysia
• Tioman Island, Malaysia
• Phuket, Thailand
• Koh Samui, Thailand
• Bali, Indonesia
• Tokyo, Japan
• Beijing, China

Langkawi, Malaysia

While Malaysia is home to many majestic and beautiful islands, Langkawi perhaps takes the cake for being one of the most popular family destinations, with plenty of family-friendly resorts and activities to do. 

Consisting of 99 islands, the Langkawi archipelago is known for its powdery beaches, azure waters, and lush landscapes. 

What to do

Beaches and water activities: Langkawi offers plenty of stunning beaches, including Pantai Cenang, Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Tengah, and Paradise 101, where the calm waters are perfect for activities such as swimming, snorkelling, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and more.  

Cable car and Sky Bridge: the Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands and forests. Kids will enjoy the exciting cable car ride up to the top of Gunung Machinchang, and the suspension bridge adds an element of adventure.

Wildlife and nature: the Langkawi Wildlife Park is home to diverse flora and fauna, where children can get close to various animal species. The Kilim Geoforest Park offers boat tours through the mangrove forest and caves. 

Langkawi Underwater World: home to over 4,000 aquatic species, the Langkawi Underwater World allows you to get up close and personal with sharks, giant stingrays, turtles, and fishes. There are also scheduled animal shows and feeding sessions.

Duty-free shopping: Langkawi is also a duty-free island, so one of the top things to do is duty-free shopping. Most of the duty-free shops are located in Kuah, but there are also duty-free shops scattered around the island.
 

Best time to visit

The high tourist season is between January to March, which also happens to be the dry season where there’s plenty of sun with little to no rain. However, many tourists also visit from end-October to April as it coincides with international school holidays. 

Do note that hotel, car rental, and tour package rates tend to go up with higher demand, so expect to pay more than normal and book in advance if you intend to travel during this period. 

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, April to August is the best time to visit. The temperature is mild and temperate with occasional thunderstorms and hotels and booking companies tend to offer discounts, which is great for travellers who want a quieter and cheaper holiday. 

September to October is the rainy season which most tourists will avoid as most activities will be restricted. But if you don’t mind the rain, there are benefits to visiting at this time of year, especially if you want to avoid the scorching sun. 

Also read: Best Travel Insurance Plans for Travelling to Malaysia

Tioman Island, Malaysia

Located off the southeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia lies Tioman Island, a tropical island paradise well known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant wildlife, and lush rainforests. 

The island isn’t as commercialised and touristy compared to other islands in the country, so the tranquil environment is perfect for kicking back and relaxing with the whole family.
   

What to do 

Beaches and water activities: Tioman Island is renowned for its idyllic beaches, such as Salang Beach, Juara Beach, and Tekek Beach. 

The island is also popular among scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, as it boasts a diverse marine life and coral reef ecosystem. Take your family on a snorkelling trip to Renggis Island and Coral Island, and there are also plenty of scuba diving centres throughout that offer courses and programs for both beginners and veterans alike. 

Aside from that, you can also engage in other water activities such as kayaking, swimming, surfing, and water sports.

Jungle trekking: Tioman Island is also surrounded by lush rainforests, which is great for jungle trekking and exploring the diverse wildlife with the family. For those up for a challenge, you can hike up to the 1030-metre-high Gunung Kajang for amazing views, but there are also shorter trails, such as from Tekek to Juara, Salang Bay to Monkey Bay, and Genting to Paya.

Visit Juara Turtle Project: the Juara Turtle Project is a conservation centre dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their nesting sites. Here, you can learn about sea turtle conservation efforts, participate in hatchling releases, and get involved in volunteering activities. 

Tioman Marine Park: Tioman Marine Park is a protected area that aims to preserve coral reefs and marine ecosystems. You can explore the marine park or enjoy water activities such as snorkelling, diving, or boat tours.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from end-February to October. This is when most attractions are open, and the visibility and calm waters are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.  

The busiest periods are from June to July, so if you want a quieter holiday, visit in September before the monsoon season starts (late November to February).

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is one of Thailand’s premier destinations, and thousands flock to the island each year to experience its beautiful beaches, amazing food, and friendly locals. The island is also highly developed and commercialised, offering a good range of resorts, activities, and attractions for the entire family.
 

What to do

Enjoy the beaches: no trip to Phuket would be complete without visiting its many beautiful beaches. 

Patong Beach is the most popular, with lots of fun activities to do, including jet skiing, paragliding, snorkelling, swimming, and banana boat rides. It’s also the best place to be if you want to be accessible to shopping malls, night markets, local souvenir shops, clothing, and food. 

But if you want somewhere that’s less crowded, there are also other quieter beaches, such as Kata Beach, Karon Beach, or Khao Lak Beach. 

Visit Splash Jungle Water Park: Phuket’s wildest and wettest water park offers various water slides, rides, pools, and a lazy river. It’s a fantastic place for a day of family fun.   

Explore Phang Nga Bay: take a boat ride to Phang Nga Bay and discover its stunning limestone cliffs, caves, and emerald waters. You can also visit the iconic James Bond Island (locally known as Khao Phing Kan and Ko Ta Pu), named after its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun.

Visit Phuket Old Town: take a stroll down the historic Phuket Old Town, where colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings, cafes, and shops appear at every corner. You can also explore various temples, shrines, markets, and museums, including the Thau Hua Museum.
 

Best time to visit

Like many islands in Southeast Asia, Phuket has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The coolest season and best time to visit is between November and February, which is just after the monsoon season. 

Meanwhile, the dry season is from March to mid-May, which is very hot and humid. That said, this is during the Songkran festival, so expect lots of water fights!

Also read: 17 Best Things To Buy Back from Thailand

Koh Samui, Thailand

Located along the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is known for its beautiful beaches and leisurely activities. Indeed, compared to Phuket, Koh Samui has a more tranquil vibe, making it ideal for families who want to enjoy a quiet holiday. 

What to do

Enjoy its beautiful beaches: Koh Samui is known for being one of the most beautiful places in Thailand; its beaches are quiet and idyllic, and the calm waters and soft sand are perfect for kids. 

Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Bophut all offer water activities like snorkelling, jet-skiing, kiteboarding, and swimming. 

Explore Ang Thong Marine Park: Ang Thong Marine Park is a group of uninhabited islands where you can get up close with the local wildlife. You can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking.

Attractions and activities: visit the Elephant Care Village, Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, and the various water parks on the island.

Best time to visit

The dry season runs from December to August, which is the best time to visit. January and February are the coolest months of the year, while March to May is the hottest months. Meanwhile, July and August are the most popular months as in coincides with many school holidays.    

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world thanks to its natural beauty, cultural richness, affordability, and friendly people. Indeed, there’s so much to do and enjoy on the island that the possibilities are endless. 

Family-friendly beaches: Bali offers many picturesque beaches that are packed with family-friendly activities. Uluwatu Beach and Seminyak Beach are great for swimming and surfing; Nusa Lembong Beach is excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving; and Nusa Dua Beach is best for relaxing and catching the famous water blow. 

Enjoy Bali’s natural beauty: aside from its excellent beaches, Bali is also home to several volcanoes, including Mount Agung and Mount Batur. You can take a volcano tour and hike to the top for breathtaking views or simply enjoy the view from afar.

Bali also boosts several stunning waterfalls that are great for swimming and photos, including Gitgit Waterfall, Tegenungan Waterfall, Munduk Waterfall, and Banyumala Waterfall.

Last but not least, don’t forget to visit Bali’s iconic rice terraces such as Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Jatiluwih Rice Terrace. 

Family-oriented activities: the Bali Zoo, Waterbom Park, Bali Treetop Adventure Park, and Bali Safari and Marine Park all offer various fun activities to do for the entire family.
 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season (April to October). The peak travel season is in July and August, so expect flight and hotel prices to jump. The rainy season is from November to March.

Also read: Bali Travel Guide — What Kind Of Traveller Are You?

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a vibrant and modern city that is a popular destination for families. It’s safe, clean, exciting, and full of interesting attractions. There are beautiful parks to explore, shrines to visit, and lots of cool things to do. Getting around is convenient and easy, as Tokyo's public transport is extensive, clean, efficient, and accessible. 

What to do

Get enchanted at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: these two theme parks are on the must-visit list for most kids. Get thrilled by all the classic Disney rides, meet beloved Disney characters, watch entertaining shows, and immerse yourselves in the enchanting atmosphere.

Odaiba: Odaiba Island was built as a fort in the 1850s to protect Tokyo against sea attacks. Today, this man-made island is a popular shopping and entertainment district with numerous family-friendly attractions and activities. These include the LegoLand Discovery Centre, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. 

Visit Tokyo’s beautiful parks: Most people think that Tokyo is just a concrete jungle. But Tokyo has its share of picturesque parks that are worth visiting, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and autumn with its vibrant colours. Some of the must-see parks include the stunning Inokashira Park and Ueno Park. 

Asakusa: the historic Asakusa district is home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street, where you can experience traditional Japanese culture and buy authentic souvenirs. 

Visit Tokyo’s iconic landmarks: Meiji Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, and Hamarikyu Gardens are all famous points of attractions to see/visit in Tokyo. 

Best time to visit

Tokyo has a temperate climate, so you can visit at any time of the year. That said, the best times to visit are autumn (late September to November) and spring (March to May) as the foliage in the parks is spectacular, and the weather is pleasant. 

Also read:

• A Guide to Cherry Blossom Season in Japan – When and Where to View Sakura Blossoms 2023
• Japan Package Tours 2023: Itineraries, Where to Book, Prices

Beijing, China

As the capital of China, Beijing is steeped in history and culture, making it one of the best places to learn about the country. Moreover, there are also various ancient attractions to explore, from the Great Wall of China to the Forbidden City.

What to do

Visit Beijing’s historical landmarks: get ready to have your jaw drop while you marvel at some of the most impressive structures ever built in ancient history, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO heritage site. 

Food exploration: Beijing is also a culinary paradise that offers a diverse range of Chinese cuisines. From Peking duck and hotpot to dumplings and Zha Jiang Mian, prepare to have your taste buds explode as you sample some of the best food in the world. 

Explore beautiful parks and gardens: Beijing has numerous parks and gardens where families can relax and enjoy outdoor activities. The Summer Palace, Beihai Park, and Jingshan Park are beautiful green spaces that offer boating, picnicking, and walking opportunities.

Best time to visit

The best times to visit Beijing are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The busiest time is October, when hotel rates and air tickets are more expensive.

Winter runs from December to February and is cold and dry. However, you do get to experience some stunning sights, including watching the Forbidden City blanketed in snow.  

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