10 Family-Friendly Destinations in Asia for Relaxing Week-Long Getaways

With the September school holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning a family vacation with your loved ones to take your minds off the hustle and bustle of daily life. But where exactly are the best spots for a family vacay?

Don’t fret! We’ve come up with a list of the top family-friendly destinations in Asia just for you so that you and your family can enjoy some well-deserved time off from work and school! 

Also read: Luxury Travel Edition: 4 Best Locations to Save Up for

1. Sapa, Vietnam

Image credit: Darren Lawrence

For a fun family getaway during the upcoming school holidays that offers a temporary respite from city life, consider a therapeutic trip to Sapa, Vietnam! The best thing about visiting this mountainous region in the north of Vietnam is the picturesque alpine scenery — picture majestic landscapes, lush valleys, and alluring terraced rice fields. 

One of the must-do activities for families visiting Sapa is hopping on a cable car ride to Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in the Indochina region. The whole family can enjoy breathtaking views of the scenic valleys and mountain passes on their way up. Once at the peak, you can enjoy the view of the mountains and explore the lovely temple gardens in the area. 

Other activities to check out with your little ones in Sapa include shopping at the bustling Sapa Market, enjoying cultural performances at Cat Cat Village, embarking on an excursion to the lovely waterfalls around Sapa (such as Love Waterfall), and enjoy quality time with a relaxing stroll around Sapa Lake. Don’t forget to also try out some of the unique local cuisine! 

2. Tokyo, Japan

Image credit: Colton Jones

When it comes to family-friendly destinations in Asia, perhaps none are as exciting for both adults and children as the vibrant metropolis that is Tokyo, Japan. Simply put, Tokyo is like a wonderland for travellers of all ages, offering unique and quirky experiences, rich history, innovative attractions, and delicious food. 

For kids (and those who are young at heart), one of the must-visit attractions in Tokyo is Tokyo Disneyland, arguably one of the top family-friendly attractions in Japan. There’s also the equally exciting DisneySea, a fantasy theme park inspired by maritime myths and legends that are only found in Tokyo! In addition, you can also bring your children to Asakusa Hanayashiki, a nostalgic theme park that is supposedly the oldest of its kind in Japan. 

For a more relaxing day out with the family, bring your little ones to the Ueno Zoo, where they can observe and interact with fascinating wildlife in a safe environment. Alternatively, you can visit the Legoland Discovery Center or Kodomo no Mori Park for a fun but educational time. If yours is a family of anime and manga lovers, then make sure to spend some time in the Akihabara district, a haven for all lovers of otaku culture! 

3. Phuket, Thailand

Image credit: Yannick Apollon 

For an island-themed family getaway, one of the best family-friendly destinations to look forward to visiting during the school holidays is the alluring island of Phuket, Thailand. Known for its pristine beaches, serene atmosphere, and fun island experiences, Phuket promises a fun time for the whole family!

When in Phuket, some of the must-visit beaches are Karon, Kamala, and Patong. Not only will you and your family enjoy plenty of fun in the sun, but these beaches are also the base camp from which you can hop on a boat ride to hop between the nearby islands and islets. Just remember to put on some sunscreen!

Beyond the waves and sand, travellers to Phuket can enjoy fun times with the family at the interactive Phuket Trickeye Museum or the Baan Teelanka Upside Down House where plenty of whacky photo opportunities await. For something a little more adventurous, head to Kathu’s Flying Hanuman and challenge yourself at the treetop adventure course. Don’t worry, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities too! 

4. Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Image credit: Aaron Lee 

If you’re looking to escape the heat during the upcoming school holidays, then one of the best family-friendly destinations in Asia is undoubtedly the popular Genting Highlands in Malaysia! 

For one, the newly-opened SkyWorlds Outdoor Theme Park features a plethora of exciting rides, many of which are based on popular tv shows and movies like Rio, Ice Age, and Indiana Jones. It is also here where you can watch exciting performances and live shows with your family. 

Meanwhile, the vibrant Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park offers yet more attractions, ranging from amusement park rides to arcades and even unique bowling alleys where you and your kids can enjoy some friendly competition. Once you’ve had your fill of family fun, head to Genting SkyAvenue to indulge in delicious food and a bit of retail therapy!

5. Bali, Indonesia

Image credit: Henry Sutanto

While Bali is often seen as a romantic destination for couples, it’s actually one of the underrated family-friendly destinations in the region. Beyond the beautiful beaches, Bali is known for its alluring natural scenery, rustic experiences, and chill vibes. 

While visiting Bali with your family, opt to stay at the underrated Nusa Dua area instead of Kuta, which is often crowded by tourists. Not only will you and your family enjoy a quieter stay at Nusa Dua, but you can also try your hand at surfing, or visit The Pirates Bay, a pirate-themed dinner cruise that is sure to get the kids excited!

As for activities during the day, one can fill the family itinerary with trips to some of Bali’s iconic sights or, for those who prefer a more action-filled adventure, visit the Waterbom Bali Waterpark for a splashing time of fun. Alternatively, you could head to the Bali Treetop Adventure Park for a thrilling day exploring the alluring rainforests of Bali. 

6. Taipei, Taiwan

Image credit: Vernon Raineil Cenzon

For families who enjoy food-filled getaways, then one of the top destinations to visit during the upcoming school holidays is the ever-popular city of Taipei! From mouthwatering street food and modern city vibes to lovely natural scenery, Taipei offers plenty of fun experiences to help refresh your daily routine. 

Start your family trip to Taipei at the popular night markets where you and your family can dig into popular Taiwanese delicacies. While the Shilin Night Market is the most famous foodie spot, we recommend checking out Ningxia Night Market instead to avoid the crowd. You could also head to Ximending and indulge in the Insta-famous food there. 

For a fun day out in Taipei, bring your little ones to see the pandas at the Taipei Zoo, and hop on a gondola to Maokong for some scenic views of the city. You could also head to Beitou to enjoy a family hot springs session or enjoy some shopping at the iconic Taipei 101, which also features a stunning viewing platform at the top. 

For a more underrated family-friendly activity in Taipei, book a day trip to Leafoo Village Theme Park, a local amusement park with rides, shows, and cuddly animals that are popular among the local youth. 

7. Shanghai, China

Image credit: Zhou Xian 

With Singapore passport holders now able to visit China again (for 15 days) without having to apply for a visa, it’s the perfect time to plan a vacation to the Middle Kingdom. And one of the top family-friendly destinations in China is the bustling city of Shanghai, filled with plenty of themed attractions and eateries, cultural sites, and shopping meccas. 

Without a doubt, the number one attraction in Shanghai for both children and the young at heart is Shanghai Disneyland, the newest Disney-themed resort park in the world! But Shanghai isn’t just a place for Disney fans to rekindle their childhood memories. There’s also the Shanghai Zoo, Shanghai Wild Animal Park, and the Dino Beach Water Park, all of which are exciting attractions that are perfect for quality family time. 

For those with children who love learning, they will thoroughly enjoy a trip to the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, which houses the world’s longest underwater tunnel. You could also head to the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel and hop on a scenic rail car, or indulge in some unique foodie experiences at the plethora of themed restaurants in the bustling city. 

8. Hong Kong

Image credit: Yuhan Du 

Another fantastic destination you could consider for your next family vacation is Hong Kong, known for its bustling metropolitan vibes, multitude of unique, kid-friendly attractions, and being home to some of the best food in Asia. 

Much like Shanghai, Hong Kong is famous for having its own Disneyland Resort where families can expect thrilling rides, fun performances, and an all-round good time. However, if you’re visiting Hong Kong and looking for some fun in an amusement park, a better option would be Ocean Park which also features a mini zoo and a brand-new water park with exciting water slides! 

Speaking of new attractions in Hong Kong that the kids will love, check out Monopoly Dreams, the very first Monopoly-themed attraction in the world, or the vibrant Legoland Discovery Centre where kids can play and learn at the same time. Of course, don’t forget those iconic experiences in Hong Kong either, such as The Peak (now with a newly-refurbished tram), the bustling night markets of Mong Kok, and the natural gems on Lamma Island. 

9. Jeju, South Korea

While Seoul is always a popular destination for both families and group travellers, Jeju is a better choice when it comes to week-long holidays, perfect for the upcoming school break. And despite Jeju being known as South Korea’s most romantic island, it also offers plenty of family-friendly attractions too! 

One of the newest attractions in Jeju that promises fun for the whole family is 9.81 Park, a brand new integrated smart playpark which features plenty of fun indoor and outdoor experiences like laser tag, AR arcade games, and a thrilling Gravity Racing track (think of a go-kart that races down a winding track pulled by gravity). And yes, a kid-friendly version is available too for the young ones. 

Apart from that, you can also spend a relaxing time with the family at the Insta-worthy Snoopy Garden, or be whisked away to a mesmerising world of art at the Jeju Arte Museum, both of which are some of the newer experiences in Jeju. For some outdoor adventures, head to the therapeutic Seogwipo Healing Forest or catch the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchubong. And in between all these activities, make sure to indulge in delicious seafood and Korean barbeque! 

10. Cebu, Philippines

Image credit: Ken Suarez 

Finally, another potential family vacay spot to consider this upcoming school holidays is the beautiful island of Cebu in the Philippines! Compared to Manila, Cebu boasts a more relaxing vibe, perfect to help take your mind off work, and your little ones’ off school! 

For families that enjoy learning about culture and heritage, Cebu is a treasure trove of historical sites, such as Fort San Pedro and Magellan’s Cross, both of which are popular attractions in their own right. But what makes Cebu one of the best family-friendly destinations in Asia is its natural beauty and experiences. 

Whether it’s basking in the sun in Oslob, walking amidst butterflies at Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary, or admiring colourful blooms at Sirao Flower Farm, Cebu has plenty of lovely locations where you can make picture-perfect memories. For a wildlife-themed getaway, you can head to Cebu Ocean Park for an intimate experience of local aquatic life, or head to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park for an exciting day out amidst fascinating wildlife. 

And there you have it: 10 of the best family-friendly destinations in Asia with a multitude of experiences and attractions that promise fun for the whole family! All that’s left to do now is to decide on which one you like best and book that vacay for the fam! 

Also read: Travel in Style for Less: How to Make Frequent Flyer Miles Work for You

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