Where to Take Your Family in Southeast Asia

When planning a family vacation, you want to make sure everyone will enjoy the trip. Whether you’re culture seekers or nature lovers, Southeast Asia has so much to offer.

WILDLIFE

Borneo: Orangutans in Danum Valley & Sandakan

Experience Borneo, home of the orangutan with your family. Hop in your private 4WD and travel to Sandakan and the Danum Valley where you’ll be able to explore natural rainforests, lush jungles and learn about conservation projects as a family. Our expert guides will get you up close to a whole range of wildlife including rare Bornean pygmy elephants, tarsiers, Sumatran rhinos, clouded leopards, sun bears and of course, awesome orangutans. 

Thailand: Elephants in Chiang Rai

Visiting elephants in Thailand is an unmissable experience. Take to the great outdoors of beautiful Chiang Rai and discover the verdant and mountainous scenery, a truly wonderful experience for all to enjoy and one at your fingertips when you stay at the Four Seasons, or Anantara in Chiang Rai, both of which have their own exclusive on-site elephant camps. At Jacada, our travel experts will help you decide which of these fantastic hotels better suits your family. 

  

Komodo Islands: Komodo dragon

Sail the seas around Komodo Islands for a chance to see the indigenous Komodo Dragon, a reptile that will excite and impress, regardless of age. Board one of our luxury yachts that our travel experts will suggest and recommend, then wind down and enjoy quality time together as a family with an awe-inspiring backdrop. 

Sumba: Sea turtles, dolphins and more

Look no further than Sumba for plenty of opportunities to see magical marine life. At Jacada Travel, we propose Nihiwatu, Sumba’s sole luxury resort: an enchanting eco lodge with fun for all the family. Have a shot at almost any exciting water-based activity, whether it be surfing for the first time, swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding or spear-fishing for dad. One of the highlights of this amazing property has to be their sea turtle hatchery. Releasing hatchlings into the sea is a unique experience your family will never forget. 

ADVENTURE

Cambodia: Quad biking in Siem Reap

Quad biking with your family around the charming Cambodian countryside is one of the best ways to appreciate the rural life of Cambodia and an easy way to making touring fun for all ages. Our private guides and specialists will ensure your ride will be both safe and full of stunning sights. This is a real opportunity to get a glimpse of the traditional Cambodian lifestyle. 

Java: Offbeat adventure

There are so many reasons to travel to Indonesia as a family: Java is one of them. Discover this gem by taking a scenic drive through the plantations and rainforests on the slopes of Mt. Ijen. If you’re an active family, you’ll love the hike up to the crater rim where you can enjoy the most spectacular of views. Explore Borobudur temple and then take a horse and cart ride through the surrounding villages. With Jacada Travel, you can tailor each tour to your family’s individual wants and tastes. 

Thailand: Rock climbing & sea kayaking in Krabi

Krabi has its own airport making it a perfect destination for families, as it’s easily accessible without lengthly boat transfers. Whether you’re a sporty family or not, you’ll still be spoilt for choice here. We recommend checking into the Rayavadee, a great destination because of its extensive list of family-friendly activities and excursions. Enjoy the blissful beach surroundings from your villa and then tackle the limestone cliffs above emerald green waters: a haven for rock climbing. Afraid of heights? Stick to the ground and go kayaking for the afternoon, through mystical lagoons. Those looking for more of a thrill can go on a waterfall hike or even try out white-water rafting. The lush scenery makes it tempting for all, but for less active types there are also traditional Thai cooking classes and fruit carvings, activities to enjoy together on those lazy days.

Laos: Cycling in the Oudomxay Province

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about holiday memories made on two wheels, and Laos is the perfect place to make them. Take a bike ride in the northern Oudomxay Province and cycle through the beautiful and remote Khamu villages dotted along the banks of Nam Phak River. When your legs get tired you can stop to meet the locals and learn about their daily lives and traditional beliefs. Pause in the village of Tad Muan to see how local houses are constructed and meals prepared.

CULTURE

Thailand: Maeklong railway, Bangkok

This energetic, vibrant, buzzing city of Bangkok is a feast for all the senses and a city that never ceases to amaze. It is possibly one of the most exciting destinations a family could travel to, with plenty of palpable experiences to share. Known as a shopper’s paradise, famous for its Grand Palace and markets, the Thai capital should be on your bucket list. Head to the Maeklong Railway Market, otherwise known as the “Umbrella Pulldown Market” just an hour away from the city, for a fun day out. The train drives alongside the copious market four times a day, a sight your children won’t believe, and the only train track they’ll ever be allowed to walk along. Savour the local Thai produce, and make time to take a refreshing break with a fresh coconut. 

Bali: Dance workshop & temple

Experience Bali’s traditional Kecak dance together as a family, for a genuine glimpse into the world of Balinese culture. Their unique storytelling is something that toddlers and teenagers alike will enjoy – a fun and entertaining way to absorb their colourful culture. This theatrical and expressive spectacle will leave you in awe and will inspire you to get involved: Jacada can even organise your own private dance workshop for you and your family. If the Kecak dance experience leaves your family wanting more, head to Manggis’ Pura Besakih temple, one of Bali’s most important and impressive Hindu complexes surrounded by tranquil mountainous scenery. 

Vietnam: Rice paddies & floating markets

Vietnam is the perfect family-friendly destination in South East Asia. With beautiful landscapes, exciting cities, intriguing towns, fascinating traditions and kind locals, there will always be something to keep everyone in the family captivated. Travel to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, where you can attend bustling floating markets which will delight young and old. Row past verdant rice paddies, encourage your family to have their first tantalising pho soup and other various market goodies, visit coconut candy workshops and take that family shot of everyone in the traditional Vietnamese hats – a real Kodak moment.

FOOD

Vietnam: Food tours in Saigon

Food tours are a great way for you and your family to get to know the culinary scene of Vietnam. You’ll get to know Saigon like the back of your hand, by foot or motorbike (depending on preference). Our private guides will take you to the best street vendors, local restaurants and producers who sell an exciting variety of foods such as boiled quail eggs, green mango, pho, barbecue seafood and beef for you and your family to try. Tours can be customised to your tastes and can accommodate younger, picky eaters. Find out how these delicious dishes are made and discover the different flavours of the regions; dare each other to be as adventurous as possible.

Thailand: Chiang Mai street food tour

Thai cuisine has so much more to offer than the classic signature dishes that we know and love, and the best place to discover the colourful Thai food scene is in Chiang Mai. With our specialists who know hygienic and safe spots, introduce your family to true Thai flavours and mouth-watering specialities from typical, high quality market stalls. Most of our hand-picked hotels in Thailand offer incredible cooking classes for the whole family to participate in, too.