Various questions about Bangkok with kids

Hi there,

Here are a few answers based on my experiences:

To avoid traveler’s diarrhea: - Good hand hygiene, obviously - Brush your teeth with bottled water (including rinsing the brush afterward—start with hot tap water and finish with bottled water) - Avoid all non-Thai restaurants (no pizza, no burgers, no big touristy spots...) - Go easy on raw veggies/unwashed fruit—but don’t deprive yourself of exotic fruits either, right? - Stick to local food / Thai street food stalls and markets! Plus, it’s delicious 😐 - I always skip ice cubes—supposedly they’re made from bottled water, but who knows... - I’d avoid artisanal ice cream for the same reasons

Bangkok: You arrive at 9 AM, but with customs and the trip to your hotel, you won’t get there before 11 AM or noon. I’d suggest a short nap and a relaxed stroll late afternoon nearby (or a tuk-tuk ride to a temple)

Grand Palace: There are far fewer people early in the morning, it’s less hot, and it helps you adjust to the new time zone quickly—win-win 😉

Hi,

mineral water

Which water are you talking about? The kind you find everywhere in 1-liter unbranded bottles, with slightly soft plastic, for 8 to 15 baht, or the half-liter branded plastic bottles (like Minéré, for example) you see on the table at some street stalls or restaurants?

Hello,

What tips can you give us to avoid getting traveler’s diarrhea (especially for our 6- and 9-year-olds)?

I’m not a doctor. You need to give your body time to adjust to the change in meal times and cuisine. For the first 4–5 days of your trip, avoid overdoing fresh fruit and fruit juices (though fizzy drinks are fine) as well as spicy food. Unfortunately, spicy dishes make up about three-quarters of Thai cuisine, but not all of them are pre-prepared, so I’d recommend specifying when you order that you don’t want chili in your dish. Here’s how: They won’t expect you to speak Thai at all, so starting by telling them you’re about to do so will make things easier than the gibberish they’ll hear coming out of your mouth—they’ll listen more carefully: Speak Thai (poud thaï): Then follow up with: maï saï plik krap/kaa* (don’t add chili) and continue with: ahan pèd maï chaup krap/kaa* (I don’t like spicy food). Be firm, because if they don’t understand you, their culture will prevent them from admitting it.

* Use "krap" if you’re a man speaking, "kaa" if you’re a woman (regardless of the listener’s age).

Should we really avoid ice as well?

No, that was at least 30–40 years ago. Nowadays, ice is made industrially with highly filtered water, so you can use it without worry.

We arrive in Bangkok at 9 a.m. (...) What do you recommend doing on this first day, which will likely be tiring after the long flight and jet lag?

It depends on where you’re staying... But after clearing Immigration, collecting your bags, traveling to your hotel, dropping off your things, and taking a shower, you won’t be ready to go out before 12–1 p.m.—the worst time of day for the scorching heat. Do what the Thais do: stay indoors until 3–4 p.m. Then take a stroll around your neighborhood, but don’t go too far. Don’t feel like you *have* to "see" something—the sights you’ll encounter just wandering the streets will probably be enough.

Is the Grand Palace really best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds?

Crowds or no crowds, like all sites, it’s best visited before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the worst heat and get the best light for photos that aren’t washed out.

Is there a market on Friday evenings?

There are no more "authentic" floating markets. However, there are markets like the one in the photos below. You’ll find them all over the city every day, usually in the morning from 6–9 a.m. and/or in the afternoon from 4–8 p.m. The "problem" is that if you don’t know where to look, you’ll usually stumble upon them by chance. Alternatively, ask your hotel if there’s a morning or evening market nearby.

At a Bangkok market:

Sawadi Ka,

Having made around fifteen trips to Thailand over the past 30 years, I’d also advise you not to worry too much about traveler’s diarrhea. Just follow basic hygiene tips, use bottled water sold everywhere—even for brushing your teeth. It’s usually not mineral water but treated to be safe to drink. For hand hygiene, you should find cheap bottles of hand sanitizer in stores like Seven-Eleven.

Street food is generally fine, except for the amount of chili, as mentioned above. But I’d advise against trying to speak Thai—a word is often just one syllable, but the language is tonal, with five tones: the same syllable pronounced high, mid, low, rising, or falling can mean five different things. If your French-speaking guide is Thai, ask them to write down the phrases you’ll need to order non-spicy dishes.

That said, tourist favorites like Pad Thai or fried rice (kao pad) are usually mild. You can let your kids try those first—they’ll often eat them—and you can sample real Thai cuisine in the meantime.

The best food isn’t in tourist-heavy areas. Like anywhere, you’ll find the best spots where locals eat.

The fruit is often amazing—why skip it?

Traveler’s diarrhea is one of those unpredictable things: you can take all the precautions and still get it. I know people who aren’t careful at all and never have issues.

Check with your doctor and bring any necessary medications for kids and adults, just in case. Worst-case scenario, there are excellent international hospitals where, within a few hours, you’ll be seen with a translator, get all the tests and scans you could imagine, and leave with medication... (I tested this in Chiang Mai for a serious intestinal infection—after drinking water from a bottle meant for handwashing in the countryside).

Kids are usually fascinated by the Grand Palace, with its monster guardians at the entrances and all the glittering gold and bright colors—*if* you go early when the temperature is bearable... and there’s a hotel pool waiting for them afterward. Local life can interest them too: a boat tour on the canals, or taking the water bus to its terminus on the Chao Phraya with a walk and meal in a local market.

For cooling off, there are some incredible air-conditioned malls—check out the latest ones that might wow the kids.

The floating markets marketed to tourists are staged performances replacing old, now-defunct markets. Chatuchak is huge and packed—I wouldn’t go there with kids—but local markets are great, especially food markets. Some are held in the evening because most Thais don’t cook; they buy their meals. You’ll find tons of prepared dishes and local sweets and snacks for next to nothing.

Have a great trip with your little family!

Good evening,

- I wanted to visit a night/floating market, but they’re all on weekends. Unfortunately, we’re in Bangkok from Wednesday to Saturday morning (then we’re taking the train to Ayutthaya in the morning, I think). Is there a market on Friday night? I saw Chatuchak, but Friday night doesn’t seem like the best time… not sure if it’s worth going? Thanks in advance and have a great evening! :-)

Hi, for Friday night you can go to Talat Rodfai (Train Night Market). It’s a big night market popular with young Thais, not many tourists, lots of diverse food stalls, musicians in the bars at the entrance, and antique dealers in old buildings—one of my favorites. However, it’s not in the center, so you’ll need to take a taxi, and it’s located behind Seacon Square.

Another thing that can work well with kids is Changchui Creative Park, because there’s a real airplane right in the middle! Same as the other place, though—you’ll need to take a taxi to get there.

Or, for a daytime activity, the Bangkok Aquarium is great with kids! !

Hello,

mineral water

Which water are you talking about? The one found everywhere in 1-liter unbranded plastic bottles, a bit soft, for 8 to 15 Baht, or the half-liter branded plastic bottles (like Minéré, for example) on the table at some street stalls or restaurants?

Hello, Yes, I meant mineral water, but I was definitely thinking of those plastic water bottles for a few Baht that you find everywhere ;)

Yes, I said mineral water, but I was obviously thinking of the plastic water bottles for a few baht that you find everywhere 😉

Okay, but that water isn’t mineral at all—it’s filtered water (the same as what comes out of our taps at home, actually). True mineral water does exist in Thailand, but I’ve never seen it anywhere except in supermarkets. It’s imported and costs around 80–90 baht for a 1.5-liter bottle.

Good evening, I think you're overthinking things a bit too much. Just go with the flow. We’ve taken our kids all over the place, and they’ve never gotten sick—they ate just like we did. It all comes down to common sense. Avoid drinking too much the first few days. Don’t eat too many raw veggies, and only eat peeled fruit. One thing that always makes me smile: Tap water won’t make you sick just from brushing your teeth—you’d have to swallow a certain amount. At 6 and 9 years old, can’t they handle that?!

Hi Christelle,

I recommend reading my travel journal with our 3 daughters, who were 1, 4, and 6 years old last year when we went. We spent several days in Bangkok at the beginning and end of our trip. https://www.voyagesetenfants.com/thailande-centrale-en-famille-et-koh-chang/

Regarding the free package, I had the same one and didn’t change my SIM card—no issues using Grab, it’s super convenient. But the metro is easy to use, and don’t miss traveling by boat, especially to the Grand Palace or Wat Arun. Don’t hesitate to use Google Maps to get around the city. Google Translate also works pretty well, and when it doesn’t, it’s kind of funny.

For traveler’s diarrhea, we’re doctors, so we’re pretty relaxed about it, but of course, that doesn’t make us immune. A simple trick: make a point of eating rice every day. Also, stick to well-cooked dishes. It’s best to avoid ice, but in the absence of hot coffee, we really enjoyed the iced coffees sold on the streets or at 7/11—where there’s more ice than coffee—and had no problems. For brushing teeth and filling water bottles in the morning, I usually boil water (there are kettles in all hotels) and let it cool. We had no issues, even eating at street stalls. But I’d still recommend getting a prescription and explanation for any meds you might need from your doctor, just in case.

For your first day, we also arrived early, and despite the fatigue, I’d suggest getting out and about rather than vegging at the hotel. You’ll sleep even better the next night with less jet lag impact. We visited Lumphini Park and then took a "touristy" klong tour.

For markets, we could’ve gone to the Saturday one, but it’s quite far out. After passing Wat Arun by boat so many times, we couldn’t resist stopping there. We loved the Silom night market—you can eat there, but there are also clothing stalls and more.

For the Grand Palace, don’t stress. Yes, it’s crowded, but the site is huge, so you don’t feel cramped. Don’t miss the dance performance times—it’ll be a hit with the kids.

Hope I’ve answered your questions. Happy to help with any others! If your trip is coming up soon, relax—you’re going to love it. Thailand is an easy, very tourist-friendly destination. And remember, as long as you’ve got your passport and credit card, everything will work out. Kids often adapt much better than we do, too.

Two recommendations, though: - The monkeys - Prepare your kids to be photographed and sometimes held without much say in the matter. It’s not how we do things, and it can feel a bit odd, but it’s easier if you’re prepared.

Have a great trip!

Contrary to what’s been said, there’s no reason to avoid all non-Thai restaurants (no pizza, no burgers, no big touristy places...). At least not for food-safety reasons. It’s actually odd to see the same person advising to "Prefer local food / Thai street-food stalls everywhere in the streets/markets!" When you see the utensils and containers used for street or market cooking, you realize it can’t be any better than in restaurants. The oil, in particular, often looks well-used, and you can tell. The cold chain is far from perfect. I’d recommend not eating just anything at markets. That said, I think few people actually get sick from food in Thailand.

Ice cubes are made industrially with clean water, so you’re absolutely safe. In this heat, it’d be pretty uncomfortable to skip them.

A tip for the Grand Palace in Bangkok: make sure adults wear clothes covering shoulders and knees, or you’ll have to queue again to rent some.

For sightseeing ideas in Bangkok, ask again here once you know the itinerary your guide has planned.

Hi there,

I used my French SIM card for getting around via ride-hailing apps. (Trip in March 2025)

Thailand isn’t a country where you need to worry too much about traveler’s diarrhea (classic trip, not a deep-jungle expedition!). I’ve been there several times, I’m pretty sensitive to that, and no issues. My partner didn’t get sick either. No extra precautions beyond what you’d take in France. Brushing teeth with tap water, drinks with ice, fresh fruit juices, fruit... But no pre-prepared food sold at night markets and bottled water for drinking.

For the first day, pool time to relax, then a stroll along the Chao Phraya in the late afternoon (water bus) or sunset from the Golden Mountain. At night, Chinatown (Yaowarat Road).

The Grand Palace is definitely worth visiting early in the morning. By ten, it’s already packed, and by noon, it’s a nightmare. There are clean public restrooms in the underground passage on the sidewalk across from the entrance. Perfect for getting dressed as required by the entry rules (it’s tough to keep long pants on all day in that heat!): for the top, a T-shirt or blouse that’s not too low-cut and has sleeves (short sleeves are fine), and for the bottom, long pants or a mid-calf skirt (women have it easier...😄). No holes, no see-through fabric, no crop tops! You might want to bring an umbrella as a parasol... Contrary to what some websites say, sandals are fine. (Flip-flops are another story...)

Contrary to what was said, there’s no reason to avoid all non-Thai restaurants (no pizza, no burgers, no big touristy restaurants...). Not for health or safety reasons, anyway. It’s actually strange to see the same person advise "Stick to local food / Thai street food stalls everywhere!" When you see the utensils and containers used for street or market cooking, you realize it can’t be any better than in restaurants. The oil, in particular, often looks well-used, and you can tell. The cold chain is far from perfect. I’d recommend not eating just anything from the markets. That said, I think very few people actually get sick from food in Thailand.

Ice cubes are made industrially with clean water, so you’re not taking any risks. In this heat, it’d be pretty uncomfortable to go without them.

A tip for the Grand Palace in Bangkok: make sure adults wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees, or you’ll have to queue again to rent some.

For ideas on what to visit in Bangkok, ask again here once you know the itinerary your guide has planned.

Hi,

I was just sharing my preference for local food and that I’ve never had stomach issues during trips to Asia so far. Maybe I’ve just been lucky, or maybe my stomach is tough 🙂. I love pizza and burgers in Europe, but I don’t feel like eating them at all when traveling in Southeast Asia!

recommendations however: - the monkeys

That lacks some explanation... Do you mean you recommend letting the kids get close to the monkeys to pet them?

Hi, It's just that I detail it in the link I shared. The monkeys are attracted to food, but not only that. In Lopburi, one of the monkeys climbed onto my bag and scratched me when I tried to shoo it away. So yes, kids and adults shouldn’t try to pet them, and you shouldn’t take out food in their presence—so be careful with picnics under the trees. I don’t have anything against monkeys, but I don’t think it’s worth the rabies shots.

Have a nice day

Monkeys really love glasses, caps, and phones. Uh... actually, you can tell we’re descended from them because they just love to steal. In Phetchaburi, we saw one that swiped a k-way a woman had hung on her bike.

Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m saying—no need to go into detail: watch out for the monkeys! ;)

The macaques are total troublemakers... stay as far away as possible, never have food on you. Personally, they scare me now!

Yeah, my husband uses other more southern terms, but the idea’s the same. We’re heading to China in a few days, and my daughters told me, "Oh no, not the monkeys again!"