The best family-friendly holiday destinations in Asia

For sea, sand and sun

The Maldives has always been a hot spot for couples, with its sunset suppers and private pools. But the tropical paradise is also a hit with families as it offers an exciting blend of adventure and relaxation. Kids can snorkel with vibrant fish, build sandcastles on pristine beaches, and explore seashell treasures while parents delight in peaceful moments at the spa.

DO Enjoy water sports activities like snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters – you might even spot a turtle or two. Many resorts offer family-friendly snorkeling excursions.

STAY COMO Maalifushi offers parents a breather by keeping the kiddos busy with activities such as crystal growing, palm leaf parrot folding, and Dhivehi language basics. But if you want to get the whole fam involved, there’s also family yoga sessions and watersports. Book a beach villa complete with a garden and plunge pool.

For a cultural escape

Bali is the ultimate family playground with natural beauty, cultural richness, and family-friendly amenities. Dreamy beaches like Kuta and Nusa Dua are great for some fun in the sun. Meanwhile, the island’s cultural heart, Ubud, awaits curious minds. For a sense of adventure, there are lush jungles, rice terraces, and a volcano to hike or bike around. The warm and welcoming Balinese people add to the island's charm too, making it an ideal family retreat.

DO In Ubud, explore the sacred Monkey Forest with the cheeky little macaques. Then partake in an all-immersive Balinese cultural experience, complete with puppet-making, traditional dancing, gamelan, and feasting. For a panoramic view of Bali against the sunrise, hike up Mount Batur – this is great for older kids.

STAY The Westin Resort Nusa Dua is all about feeling good. It has a specially curated family program designed to enhance the well-being of its mini guests through exploration and discovery, while parents unwind amid five-star tropical lushness. The Westin Family Kids Club offers supervised fun such as outdoor games, face-painting, kite-making, and even a kiddy spa.

For a futuristic city break

South Korea’s bustling capital is the ultimate combo of tradition and futuristic fun, ensuring a blast for the whole fam. Historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung offer a glimpse into its past. Technologically advanced amusement parks such as Lotte World guarantee endless fun and thrills. This concrete jungle also has your back with a safe, user-friendly public transport system which is easy to navigate even if your Korean is a little rusty. 

DO Besides Lotte World, check out the Seoul Children's Grand Park, where there are hiking trails, a zoo, garden, and even an amusement park. Your kids will definitely be spoiled for choice here.

STAY Your pint-sized travel buddies will love the Lego-themed lounge at Four Seasons Seoul. It's decked with a giant Lego brick pool, a Lego brick wall, a movie screen, and the speed champions race track. For a stress-free experience, the hotel is also located in the heart of Seoul, and offers children’s menus and family-friendly amenities.

For all your favourite characters

Tokyo is the place to be for both kids and kidults. It’s home to Tokyo Disneyland, iconic Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, the SEGA-themed indoor amusement park Joypolis, the anime heaven Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, and the wondrous teamLab Borderless. The city also boasts cleanliness, safety and an array of modern conveniences – robot waiters, anyone?

DO You’d be hard-pressed to find everything you need to keep the little rascals entertained in one single location as this man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Odaiba is home to a wealth of family-friendly attractions including the teamLab Borderless digital art museum, the iconic Daikanransha Ferris Wheel, the KidZania theme park, and – get this – a beach complete with sand.

STAY If Tokyo Disneyland is the main draw, its hotel makes for the perfect family lodging with themed rooms, character dining, exclusive Disney perks, and kid-friendly amenities. The hotel's enchanting atmosphere, exceptional service, and in-house entertainment provide a seamless and magical stay, allowing families to maximise their Disney experience with ease and comfort.

For a luxurious getaway

Dubai beckons families in pursuit of a luxurious holiday. Its opulent resorts, from Atlantis, The Palm to the Burj Al Arab, promise unparalleled extravagance. Families can indulge in world-class dining, private beach access, and spa experiences. And there’s no denying that its pristine beaches, upscale shopping, and captivating desert safaris provide a lavish backdrop for unforgettable moments.

DO Let your little ones feel on top of the world by ascending the tallest building on the planet, the Burj Khalifa. Thrill-seekers will love the dune bashing and camel rides in the desert. If you want to beat the heat, cool off at Wild Wadi Waterpark where a wide range of waterslides await.

STAY Jumeirah Beach Hotel puts luxury front and centre. Great for families with young children, it offers a fun kids club, splash park, and private beach with gentle slopes into the sea. Interconnecting rooms, diverse dining, and babysitting services enhance the family experience, while its convenient location makes exploring Dubai hassle-free.

For fun across the Causeway

For something not too far from home, pop over to Penang. Thanks to its artsy scene and lush greenery, its capital George Town was recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008. This glittering gem in the Andaman Sea isn’t holding back on the beach beauty either, perfect for some serious seaside shenanigans! 

DO Art is the name of the game here in Penang. Take some family selfies as you stumble upon the many Instagrammable street art. For a bit of schooling, check out the Made In Penang Interactive Museum which is home to attention-worthy murals and displays for history buffs, young and old.

STAY The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang offers stunning sea and mountain views. It provides a complimentary shuttle to George Town, Gurney Drive, and Batu Ferringhi Night Market. Kids can enjoy the Kids' Club, a teddy bear-themed museum TeddyVille, and a dedicated children's pool. There’s occasional free dining for the little ones too at Makan Kitchen, but with an accompanying adult of course.

For a slice of both Asia and Europe

Istanbul Airport was crowned the World's Most Family Friendly Airport 2023, so it's a no-brainer to add Istanbul to the list. The unique city spans two continents – Europe and Asia – divided by the Bosporus Strait. With a rich history, diverse culture, and numerous must-see attractions, the city is an enjoyable destination for all ages. Did we also mention how much Turkish people love babies?

DO For a unique learning experience, explore the Topkapi Palace and its Harem. Then check out Miniaturk, a miniature park with replicas of famous Turkish landmarks where kids can pretend to be giants. The Istanbul Toy Museum ignites children's imaginations with its extensive collection of toys, fostering nostalgia and creativity. Keep your eyes peeled for the puppet shows too!

STAY Swissôtel The Bosphorus is highly kid-friendly, offering spacious rooms, a children's pool, a kids’ club, family dining options, babysitting services, and a central location close to the city’s iconic landmarks. Did we also mention the stunning views of Bosphorus?