Not all vacation spots are created equal when it comes to being family-friendly. As parents, it is much easier sticking to tried and tested destinations near Singapore that we know from experience and reviews to be child-friendly.
However, if you’re tired of the usual destinations and are looking to discover new horizons with your young ones, here are three unexpected cities to check out:
-
Thimphu, Bhutan
The capital and only city of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is an intriguing combination of small town feel and an emerging metropolis. However, the juxtaposition of old and new is an integral part of its charm.
A destination often not considered by families, Thimphu offers visitors the best of both worlds: a bustling city and untamed nature.
Although travelling with kids in Bhutan isn’t going to be a walk in the park, a classic tour spanning five days, customisable to your family’s needs will definitely ease your foray!
Some activities to consider when planning your itinerary are short nature walks (1-2 hours) such as the Taktsang (The Tiger’s Nest) hike, lighting lamps at a local monastery or even a splash around in the Po Chu River at Punakha.
The all-inclusive tour includes accommodation, meals and even car transport to make getting from point A to B a breeze. Sit back and experience the best of Bhutan’s cultural and historical sights. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of their rare national animal – the Takin!
-
Helsinki, Finland
Known as the “Daughter of the Baltic”, Helsinki is Finland’s capital and famed for its magnificent architecture surrounded by the bold seascape of the Baltic ocean.
It is recommended to visit Helsinki in the summer but we feel that this city has much to offer in winter. A brilliant opportunity to experience the delights of winter: ice-skating, warm glögi and twinkling lights, take your family on a fairy-tale adventure!
Among the world’s most northern capitals, elevate your wintery adventure a notch by meeting Santa Claus!
An all-inclusive tour, on top of experiencing the best that Helsinki has to offer, journey to Santa’s hometown of Rovaniemi to meet him and cross the Arctic Circle.
Don’t forget to send yourself a postcard via Santa’s Post Office, it’s the perfect souvenir for your family to reminisce about your escapade when you’re back in humid Singapore.
-
Pattaya, Thailand
The city’s reputation as a raunchy capital precedes itself but Pattaya is home to a growing number of cultural and action-packed attractions and international restaurants.
A short flight from Singapore and the perfect day trip from Bangkok, avoid the seedy areas easily and make the most of its beautiful beaches, spectacular performances and water parks!
A day of unlimited fun for the whole family awaits at the Ramayana Water Park, the biggest water park in Thailand covering an impressive area of 184,000 square meters.
More than just exhilarating water slides, the park offers an extensive array of uniquely designed activities and top-notch facilities to entertain and pamper any visitor! So, make sure you have your ticket early to avoid waiting around in a long line in Pattaya’s scorching heat.
Just 15 kilometers south of central Pattaya, the water park is situated amidst scenic surroundings and close to famous attractions like Khao Chi Chan and Silver Lake, if you want add on some extra sightseeing to your visit.
Another water park to check out is Cartoon Network Amazone, the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark. Based on the popular children’s channel, this family-friendly water park is sure to excite thrill-seekers and animation fanatics alike!
Splash out with all of your favorite Cartoon Network friends, including Adventure Time’s Finn and Jake, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and many more. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Pattaya, this water park should be high on your itinerary!
Mums and dads, if you are a new Klook user, use ‘ASIANPARENT5‘ to get $5 off your first purchase!
Offer valid until 31 December 2017.