Bangkok with kids

Bangkok can be congested and polluted, but this gateway city also has an exciting energy and there's a lot to offer little ones.

SEE Most families enjoy a trip to Dusit Zoo (www.zoothailand.org), where you'll find rare indigenous animals such as banteng and rhinos, as well as paddleboats and a playground. For more exotic animal action, see the cobras milked for antivenin at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Tel: +66 2252 0161/4).
          If you need to cool down you can head to Central World Ice Skating and for fans of ethnic costume there's the Bangkok Doll Factory & Museum (Soi Ratchataphan, Pratunam). At Tha Thewet pier you can join novice monks and Thai kids in feeding the fish, while the Children's Discovery Museum (Chatuchak Park, Th Kamphaeng Phet 4. Tel: +66 2272 4575) offers hands-on experiences including climbing aboard a miniature fire truck or being enclosed in a giant soap bubble.
STAY Bangkok Christian Guest House (www.bcgh.org) or Asia Hotel (www.asiahotel.co.th).
ESSENTIALS Nappies, formula, wipes and other kid essentials are widely available in Thai cities and resort towns. Bring sun-smart gear for everyone - sunscreen, hats, T-shirts and sunglasses. It's also worth bringing slip-on shoes as you'll be leaving your shoes at the door at most homes and temples.

This is an edited extract from Lonely Planet's Travel with Children 5^th Edition
© Lonely Planet Publications 2009. S$35 + 7% GST.

Posted Sep 09