Tips for Kids- Thailand and Cambodia

Thailand and Cambodia. We went in 2016 when our kids were ages 11,10 and 7.

AIR

If you are flying from the United States like we were, this is a very long trip to get across the continent.  Make sure to find the fastest route there.  It may cost you a little extra, but worth it in the end.  Luckily because it was international, in-flight entertainment meant we didn't need to worry about ipads or iphones or downloading millions of shows or movies.  The kids had access to so many movies and tv shows.  This was also a problem, because it meant they would be stuck and probably not get any sleep.  Set limits.  Make sure they get 5-6 hours of no TV time and hope that they get some sleep during this time. Or else you are doomed.  As far as food is concerned, it is always a good idea to pack some snacks.  We flew Air Emirates, they kept us well nourished and when it wasn't meal time they had baskets of fruit and candy.  They also had drinks available the entire time. Of course, our kids hoarded the candy.
 We didn't need the snacks, but it was good to have as you never know what could happen at customs or baggage claim.  Chances are if you are flying from the United States, you are going to have a layover.  It's painful, but it does get some energy out and gets the kids tired for the second leg of the flight.  Hopefully they will get some sleep on this flight.  If not, so sorry.  What's great is arrival into Bangkok is at night, so after all the travel most kids just completely crash.

FOOD 

Don't go nuts and pack bags of snacks.  Most hotels have familiar foods for breakfasts and this is an opportunity of kids to be adventurous and try new things.  Our daughter took us by surprise when she declared that fish sauce and lemongrass were the worst things ever.  That's a problem, as most Thai cuisine uses these two ingredients.  Luckily, 7-Eleven is on every street corner and you can always find a substitute, even if it means your child eats snacks for the majority of the trip.  Your child will be thrilled, you will figure s/he will be malnourished and life will correct itself and about 2 or 3 weeks.

TRANSPORTATION

Rules don't apply in Thailand and Cambodia.  Forget everything the American Academy of Pediatrics tells you.  It's like living in the 70's, the kids are free of constraints and they love every moment of it.  Good luck.  Don't take Tuk Tuks in Bangkok, as they will take you to businesses that they have set up partnerships in hopes that you will go in and buy and the driver will get a commission.  They will not take you to your destination.  Anywhere else is fine.  Kids love the Tuk Tuks.

WHAT TO PACK-

 Laundry is cheap.  Laundry is cheap. Laundry is cheap.  Repeat over and over. There are places all over that do laundry, so pack accordingly.  We paid the equivalent of about two dollars per kilo for someone to wash and fold our laundry.  I would say we packed enough clothing for four to five days per person and raincoats for the time of year we went.  Don't forget to bring sweatshirts and one pair of long pants as the air conditioning on the planes can be cold. Synthetic fabrics stay cool and dry quickly. In our case the kids wore so much Under Armor, we should've been paid for the product placement. Remember that Thais would like (and deserve) respect in their places of worship, which means long pants and long skirts, with shoulders covered. Synthetic hiking pants and travel dresses worked well in the heat and with Thai laundry services. We also packed two swimsuits per person and left room for souvenirs.

Here is a great resource.https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/travel-clothing.html

You will end up buying the elephant pants. You will never wear them when you get home!