Family travel doesn’t have to be a headache! The experts at Kayak break down the top spots around Asia where everyone from baby to grandparents can enjoy!
As we move through life we all learn how important the value of family time really is. This can be reflected in the growing trend in taking holidays with the entire family, with grandparents and even cousins. Travelling with your parents and your children can be a hassle, but when you also need to accommodate various age groups and interests, a holiday can be incredibly difficult to plan for. That’s why the travel experts at KAYAK.sg have put their heads together to find the top 5 Asian cities that will satisfy every member of the family.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a perennial favourite with Singaporeans. A mere seven hours away by plane, this city has everything for you, your 3-year-old, your elderly parents and everyone in between. Travelling to Korea in December can get a bit chilly, so take the entire family over to Lotte World in Jamsil to warm up; it’s a massive recreational complex that will take even the most diverse of families a full day to explore. Housing one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, it’ll keep younger tots entertained while the older folks head over to the Lotte Mart, a fantastic place to first taste (and then buy) delicious food items that Korea is known for, like Kimchi and Ramyeon. As the day draws to a close, gather your entire family and visit the aquarium, conveniently located at the shopping centre side of the complex, and be wowed by the aquarium’s star Beluga whale. When the weather is mild, take the family over to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and let the K-drama fanatics in the family relive their “Love in the Moonlight” memories as they traverse the palace hallways. You could also visit a traditional Korean village in nearby Buchon Hanok. Besides learning to make Kimchi from scratch, some lucky aunties and grandmas might get a chance to spot Park Bo Gum.
Return flights to Seoul, South Korea from Singapore begin at $545 per person.
Hong Kong
While Hong Kong may not seem immediately family-friendly with its narrow, crowded streets and the constant hustle and bustle, there is a little something for everyone here. Aside from the theme park wonderland that is Hong Kong Disneyland, the city itself also has plenty to offer. Take a trip on the Star Ferry, rated one of the top ten ferry rides in the world. A trip around the bays is a thrill for all ages and quite unlike any experiences you’d find back home. If the weather permits, make sure to include a trip to The Peak for the most beautiful views of the city and be sure to grab a family photo. Finally, as night falls, be sure to have the family take a stroll along the famed Avenue of Stars, the best vantage point on which to catch the ‘Symphony of Lights’ performance over the Victoria River.
Return flights to Hong Kong from Singapore begin at $511 per person.
Bali, Indonesia
While every family is made up of many different tastes, getting everyone to agree on some beach time is usually pretty easy, and there are few better beach destinations than Bali. With plenty of accommodation options and a variety of hotels, we would suggest the beach resorts or villas in Sanur as the ideal choice for families to enjoy all that Bali offers. Larger families will want to consider the villa option as it will accommodate everyone, right up to the aunties and uncles. Besides relaxing in the villa, head to the Bali Safari & Marine Park in Gianyar for a superb family outing. While the older folk might want to soak up some rays, the more adventurous should spend a day out at Waterbom Bali, one of the city’s largest water parks. The park features 17 waterslides, from free and easy to heart-pounding, so there’s one for every person in the family. Anyone else on the outing, who are not so fond of water, can head to the Discovery Shopping Mall which is just across the water park.
Return flights to Bali, Indonesia from Singapore begin at $301 per person.
Bangkok, Thailand
If cost is a factor, bringing the whole family over to Bangkok will tick the boxes for the perfect budget holiday. With the currency in Singapore’s favour, hotels and family resorts are easily affordable for bigger families. In the city, everyone can enjoy the sights and food that the land of smiles offers on any budget. One of the best shopping centres to visit is the MBK Centre, which offers retail therapy at an affordable price, with a massive kid-friendly selection of interests as well. For a more relaxing look at the city, take a boat trip on the Chao Phraya Express. Our tip to make the most of the river cruise? Stay on the boat and relax on a scenic tour. Enjoy the sights along the entire river instead of getting on and off as the fare is charged per seat and not by the duration. While famous markets like Chatuchak may be where most tourists head, markets tend to be rather packed and difficult to navigate for large groups. Instead head over to Asiatique, where the family has room to breathe while browsing, and don’t forget to take a trip on the iconic ferris wheel.
Return flights to Bangkok, Thailand from Singapore begin at S$214 per person.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Our final recommendation is a UNESCO-preserved port city that’s home to many family resorts ranging from the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, a charming, relaxed and laid-back accommodation, to the Premier Village Danang Resort, a villa with a luxury hotel setting. To really explore Hoi An, take the family on a gentle stroll through the charming streets and learn about the unique culture that blends Eastern and Western influences. Then give the older people’s legs a break and take a boat ride down Thu Bon River on traditional wooden boats with a local guide to better understand the city’s history. Bring the aunties in the group to perhaps Hoi An’s most famous attraction: the local tailors, who are able to replicate world famous designs for a fraction of the cost. This city could easily be the highlight of a family holiday with the abundance of food and culture, all at affordable prices.
Return flights to nearby Da Nang, Vietnam from Singapore begin at $392 per person.
Travelling with so many family members can be very tricky when booking airfares. But no longer! Using KAYAK.sg’s Explore tool you can find a destination that suits your tastes and requirements, while still fitting whatever budget you set. Family is something to be cherished, and travelling with everyone can help to create warm memories that you and your children will always remember. To search and compare prices for flights, hotels, car rental and much more, visit KAYAK.sg or download the app at KAYAK.sg/mobile.