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Ten great holiday destinations for families in Southeast Asia


If you’re looking to holiday in Southeast Asia but are overwhelmed by the multitude of options, here’s our pick of the best destinations for families


Sentosa, Singapore

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

Sentosa island has heaps of fun activities for families


What’s there

Sentosa is a veritable playground for families and boasts theme parks, beach clubs, water parks and myriad resort hotels. What’s more, everything is linked by free-to-ride, low-rider buses, perfect if you’re juggling children and strollers. Major attractions include Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Central Beach Bazaar, Fort Siloso and Fort Siloso Skywalk, Singapore Cable Car and Skyline Luge. And if you manage to exhaust all that, there’s always the city of Singapore to explore.


Where to stay

There are plenty of resort-style hotels to choose from but Rasa Sentosa is the island’s only beachside resort. It comes with a huge resort pool including shallow areas for littlies, water slides and a splash pad. Kids will love the dedicated ‘Cool Zone’ kids’ club with treehouse and a kids’ club team organising daily activities around the resort. The resort also boasts Nestopia, a huge outdoor play area with 17 different play sections and two of the longest slides on Sentosa.


When to go

Singapore’s tropical equatorial climate makes Sentosa a great destination at any time of the year.


Fly into Singapore and head to the island resort of Sentosa, around a 45-minute drive from Changi airport. Sentosa is connected to Singapore by road, cable car, boardwalk and monorail. 



Desaru Coast, Malaysia

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

Relax at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas


What’s there

Malaysia’s Desaru Coast, just across the Johor Strait from Singapore, has long been a favoured beach hang-out for local Malays and Singaporeans looking to relax and recharge. The biggest draw is the gorgeous 17km stretch of golden sand. In 2017, the 3,700-acre coastal area was launched as Malaysia’s first ‘premium integrated destination’ and now boasts a raft of international five- and even six-star hotels as well as two championship golf courses, a retail village and a waterpark. Watersports such as jet skiing and parasailing are available on the beach and the inland area is a mecca for nature enthusiasts with mangrove cruises on the nearby Lebam river, hiking and biking trails and bird watching opportunities. 


Where to stay

The plush Anantara Desaru Coast opened just prior to the pandemic with rooms, suites and kampong-style pool villas right by the beach. There’s an idyllic infinity resort pool to stretch out in with a tasty and health-conscious a la carte breakfast menu served to table each morning. The beach is just steps away and the resort also provides bikes with child-seats for guests to explore. There’s also a kids’ club on-site.


When to go

The Desaru Coast enjoys warm year-round temperatures of between 25 and 30 degrees but seasonal weather means April to November is the optimal time to visit.


Fly into Singapore and catch a 90-minute ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Desaru. Alternatively, it’s a one-and-a-half hour drive by private car or taxi.



Danang, Vietnam

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

Coconut leaf craft at Danang Marriott Resort & Spa Nun Nuoc Beach Villas


What’s there

If you’re looking for an easy holiday escape with stunning beaches, great local cuisine and a little bit of culture, Danang has it all. For families looking to venture beyond their hotel resort, there’s a lot to discover. Head into Hoi An for charming architecture, vibrant markets and heaps of tasty restaurants, many of which offer fun Vietnamese cooking courses. The legendary Marble Mountains are located a few kilometres from Danang. Their five limestone peaks are home to a network of caves, tunnels and pagodas; take a tour early in the morning when the air is cooler and the paths quieter. Further afield is the charming city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam.


Where to stay

Danang Marriott Resort & Spa Nun Nuoc Beach Villas is located on Non Nuoc beach and just 20 minutes from Danang airport. This luxurious yet laid-back all-villa property is ideal for family groups. The two-to-four-bedroom duplex villas have private pools and there’s also a beachfront resort pool. Kids can enjoy the children’s club and further activities including two tennis courts. 


When to go

For the best of the weather, head to Danang from March through to August. The wettest time of year is through October, November and December and the dry season begins in January.


Fly into Danang international airport to access the resorts located along the golden stretch of sand that runs from the city of Danang all the way to the ancient UNESCO heritage city of Hoi An.



Langkawi, Malaysia

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

Million-year-old forests roll down to the sea at Datai Langkawi


What’s there

The main island of the Langkawi archipelago is dominated by forest-covered mountains, lush jungle and golden beaches. The quiet roads make it straightforward to hire a car and explore. Popular attractions for kids include the Langkawi Skycab which soars more than 700m over jungle and waterfalls to Mount Mat Cincang, the 100m high Sky Bridge with two stunning viewing platforms (on a clear day you can see as far as Thailand and Indonesia) and Langkawi Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise with more than 150 different species including monkeys, snakes, meerkats and deer. Crocodile Adventureland, which is registered with the Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species, is also worth a trip. There are also island hopping trips, jet-ski tours and mangrove cruises.


Where to stay

The Datai Langkawi is a stunning property set within a ten-million-year-old rainforest with a private white-sand beach. The 46-acre resort offers room categories that include stilted rainforest villas built over the stream that runs to the beach and one- and two-bedroom beachfront villas with private gardens and butler service. Kids will love the on-site playground and guided nature walks.


When to go

Malaysia’s west coast is sunniest and driest from November through to April. In May the wind starts to pick up and the rainy season begins from June onwards.


There are currently no direct flights to Langkawi from Hong Kong but there are transit options through Kuala Lumpur. 



Sabah, Malaysia

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

Explore the marine parks of Sabah (image courtesy Sabah Tourism)


What’s there

If you're looking for great holiday destinations for families in Southeast Asia, Sabah has plenty to do. The state boasts tropical rainforests, mountain ranges including Mount Kinabalu which is the highest point in Malaysia, and Kinabatangan River, the second longest river in Malaysia. Organise a river cruise, passing limestone caves, forests, freshwater and mangrove swamps, lakes and with the chance to spot Borneo’s indigenous orangutans. On the coast, Sabah is considered one of the top diving destinations in the world. Head to Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu for speedboat links to the marine park that sits just off the coast. Spot green and hawksbill turtles, giant clams and many species of shark. Out of the water, kids will enjoy the Coral Flyer Zipline between the islands of Sapi and Gaya. And JSK Borneo Reef, with snorkelling, kayaking and an inflatable water park, is also accessible from Jesselton.


Where to stay

The beachside Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort is a 55-minute drive from the airport but worth the effort. This sprawling property has heaps for families with a fun kids’ club, large landscaped gardens and adventure playgrounds. Upgrade to the Ocean Wing to enjoy huge balconies with outdoor tubs, a second, larger, pool and plenty of staff proffering water bottles, fresh fruit and poolside massages. Dive and snorkelling trips from Jesselton can be arranged through the hotel.


When to go

Kota Kinabalu has a tropical rainforest climate with year-round warm temperatures. The dry season runs from January to April while the wettest months are October, November and December.


Sabah is located on the island of Borneo can be accessed by flying into Kota Kinabalu International Airport.



Lombok, Indonesia

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

The Sira offers convenient access to the Gili islands


What’s there

Increasingly referred to as the ‘new Bali’, Lombok is cheaper than its popular neighbour and has fewer crowds. This quiet destination benefits from white sandy beaches, waterfalls and jungles and is a great destination for families, with plenty of space to relax and a slower pace of life. Lombok prioritises eco-tourism and sustainable development and tourist infrastructure is much less developed than in Bali. Lombok is a great destination for surfing and snorkelling; surf breaks and the island’s famous Pink Beach can be found on the south coast, along with resort accommodation at Kuta (not to be confused with Kuta, Bali) and Selong Belanak beach. Senggigi in west Lombok is one of the island’s most developed tourist destinations, while the north coast is ideal if you’re looking to visit the Gili islands. 


Where to stay

The Sira, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa opened at the end of 2024 on Sira beach on the north coast and around 90 minutes from Lombok’s international airport. With suites and pool villas, accommodation is family-friendly and for larger groups there’s a three-bedroom Beach House with direct beach access. There are plenty of dining options plus a 70m infinity pool, a spa and a fitness centre. 


When to go

Peak season in Lombok is from May to October when the weather is driest - the best time to visit is considered to be July and August. The off-season runs from November to March when the rainy season hits.


Lombok is located 40km from Bali in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province. Fly into Bali’s international airport and change planes or transit through Singapore. Alternatively catch a ferry or speedboat from Bali.



Phu Quoc, Vietnam

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is perfectly positioned for families


What’s there

Famous for fish sauce, pepper and pearls, Phu Quoc (pronounced 'foo kwok') is Vietnam’s largest island and similar in size to Thailand's Phuket. It falls under a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, boasting powdery white-sand beaches, mountains and hiking trails through the forests and jungle. Unsurprisingly, it's a fast-emerging holiday destination for the region and has heaps to recommend it for a memorable family holiday. Calmer beaches favoured by families include Long beach and Sao beach and the crystal-clear waters ensure fantastic swimming, snorkelling and dive opportunities. Away from the beach, VinWonders theme park is a fun day out, as well as Vinpearl Safari & Conservation Park and Phu Quoc Pearl Farm where you can learn about Phu Quoc’s pearl industry.


Where to stay

The Bill Bensley-designed JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay resort began life as a nineteenth century French university but is now reimagined as a lavish beachfront playground. Accommodation options run from rooms and suites to villas with private plunge pools. There’s a family-friendly beach and a kids’ club with direct access to the dedicated family pool. Kids can also take advantage of the ‘Family by JW’ activity programme.


When to go

The best time to visit Phu Quoc is during the dry season which runs from November to April.


Fly into Phu Quoc’s international airport. Phu Quoc is the only destination in Vietnam that operates a visa exemption policy whereby no visa is required if you are staying for fewer than 30 days and you are not travelling elsewhere in Vietnam.



Khao Lak, Thailand

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

Khao Lak is renowned for its gorgeous beaches


What’s there

Khao Lak is a series of villages on the Andaman Sea around 60km north of Phuket. The area is renowned for its beautiful beaches and lush landscapes and has become something of a tourist drawcard in recent years. Khao Lak’s beaches are large enough to draw waves suitable for surfing, particularly between March and November. Island tours are a fun activity for the family with trips to Similan and Surin islands for snorkelling and diving. Children will love a trip to the Royal Marine Sea Turtle Conservation Sanctuary where they can enjoy a guided tour of the turtle tanks. Or head to Khao Sok National Park for a day of kayaking and hiking through the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest. 


Where to stay

Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort is located on the beautiful Bank Sak beach and was fully refurbished in 2022. All rooms, suites and villas come with a balcony or terrace with magnificent views of the Andaman Sea. Children can take advantage of the Coral Kids Club and games room and further hotel-organised activities include sunset beach picnics, day trips to the Similan islands and Thai cooking classes.


When to go

The dry season is between November and April and the monsoon season lasts from May to October. If you want to surf, the best waves are between March and November (rainy season).


Fly to Phuket international airport; Khao Lak is around an hour’s drive from the airport.



Boracay, Philippines

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

Cooling breezes on Boracay island (image courtesy Unsplash)


What’s there

Boracay’s big pull is its beaches, the most famous of which is the four-kilometre White Beach. Other notable stretches of sand include Puka beach, Bulabog beach and Diniwid beach. If you tire of the sun lounger, there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. Slides ‘n’ Splash water park is 15 minutes from White Beach and is suitable for non-swimmers. Boracay is renowned for its glass-bottomed boat tours which is a great way for non-swimming kids to get up-close with the marine world. Take a short jungle hike to the Bat Cave on the northeastern end of the island, or enjoy an island-hopping cruise. There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports like kite surfing, paddle boarding, banana boating, kayaking and diving.


Where to stay

The award-winning Boracay Shangri-La is one of the more luxurious hotels on the island. The property is located in a sheltered bay on the northern coastline and fronts onto two secluded beaches. Children can head to the Adventure Zone, an indoor playground with a drop slide and activity corner. At the Entertainment Centre they can enjoy arcade games, table tennis, karaoke and billiards, and there are daily scheduled activities such as dancing, arts and crafts and cooking.


When to go

The dry season runs from November to April with milder temperatures of around 25 to 32 degrees and minimal rainfall. The rainy season starts in June. The Philippines can be hit by typhoons.


Fly to Manila and then to Cataclan airport. From Cataclan, Boracay is a short boat ride away.



Koh Samui, Thailand

great holiday destinations for families Southeast Asia

Wat Plai Laem, part of the Big Buddha complex on Koh Samui's northeast coast


What’s there

Stunning Koh Samui has a lot to offer holidaying families. Thailand’s second largest island is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, including Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam and Choeng Mon beaches. Away from the sand, Wat Phra Yai, or Big Buddha Temple, is one of the most iconic landmarks on Koh Samui and well worth a visit. Further popular destinations include the Na Muang waterfalls and the lively Fisherman’s Village night markets at Bophut beach. Children over seven years can tackle Samui Canopy Adventures, a thrilling 14-station zipline adventure through the rainforest. Or cool down at the Pink Elephant Samui Waterpark.


Where to stay

The expansive Santiburi Resort on the north coast of Koh Samui spills onto a palm-fringed beach with sheltered swimming and plenty of watersports. The resort even provides toy chests filled with help-yourself beach toys on the sand. The resort pool is one of the largest on the island and there’s also a kids’ club with a huge grassy outdoor space filled with climbing frames, swings, slides and a trampoline, as well as a daily activity programme in the air con. Sports activities run to a Thai boxing ring and children’s boxing camps, football pitches, tennis courts, golf putting and a yoga studio.


When to go

The rainy season in Koh Samui runs from October until December. Most visitors head to the island from Christmas through to April when the weather is warm, dry and settled. The hottest month is June.


Fly direct to Koh Samui international airport. The airport is privately owned by Bangkok Airways.




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