The 5 best cities in Asia for families

Pack your sense of adventure and your appetite for the unknown as we reveal the hottest experiences (and some hidden secrets) for families in five of Asia’s coolest capitals.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city where tradition, neon and nature collide with cloud-bursting skyscrapers and ancient shrines. An endless feast for curious minds and hungry bellies. Dive into alleys to devour sushi, yakitori and steaming ramen beneath watchful neon dragons. Join the river of humans to cross the iconic Shibuya Scramble Square – Tokyo’s busiest crossing – or wander under towering torii gates to the peaceful Meiji Shrine. Conquer the heights of the Tokyo Skytree and the city shrink as you travel up 345 floors to one of its two observation decks. Picnic beneath spring’s cherry blossoms or colourful autumn leaves in the tranquil parklands of Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi. Marvel at robots pouring tea with human grace at robot-run café, Dawn. In the quirky neighbourhood of Harajuku, cosplay kids channel their favourite anime and manga characters. And when the adrenaline itch strikes say Konnichiwa to Tokyo Disneyland Resort’s two incredible theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. The rides, characters, and magical parades will create memories that glitter brighter than any neon sign.

Tokyo’s top six attractions

1. Explore ancient traditions at Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest, then wander Nakamise Street’s traditional souvenir shops
2. Immerse yourselves in the adorable world of Hello Kitty and her friends at Sanrio Puroland theme park
3. Explore the wonders of the Wizarding World at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
4. Step into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli, the animation powerhouse behind Spirited Away, at the Ghibli Museum
5. Explore digital forests, enter a virtual black hole and wade through interactive water pools at TeamLab Planets
6. Dress up as a ninja and learn the ancient art at Ninja Samurai Tokyo

Even more: 25 things to do in Tokyo with kids

Kid-friendly Tokyo accommodation

Experience a roarsome stay in the heart of Shinjuku in a Godzilla View Room at Hotel Gracery, where a reptilian eyeball gazes into your room, or in the Godzilla Room with its life-size statue and green claw shadow.

Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel is an immersive hotel in Fantasy Springs with themed rooms, direct access to Tokyo DisneySea, special tickets, and exclusive restaurants for guests.

Add an air of golden-age glamour to your stay at the lavish Tokyo Station Hotel. Boasting vaulted ceilings, multiple dining venues, a hot spring spa, and special kids amenities such as pyjamas.

2. Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant metropolis of diverse cultures and modern marvels. The island country and city-state overflowing with more fun than cities ten times its size is safe and easy to get around thanks to the city’s MRT public transportation system. Families can visit vibrant food markets for a feast of local delights, stroll around the architectural marvels of Marina Bay Sands, enjoy a wall crawl through laneways adorned with colourful street art, and ascend the panoramic heights of the Singapore Flyer, as the city unfolds below like a pop-up book.

A cultural cornucopia, explore Chinatown, strewn with Peranakan culture shophouses and hawker markets; Kampong Glam, home of the impressive Masjid Sultan Mosque; and Little India’s Hindu spice-scented streets. Nature enthusiasts will find more than 300 parks and nature reserves, including the futuristic Gardens by the Bay with towering ‘Supertrees’ that come to technicolour life by night. Bike along the river at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, explore colonial-era relics in Fort Canning Park or take a walk in Bukit Batok Nature Park. And on the island resort of Sentosa, tropical beaches, top-shelf attractions and fabulously flashy hotels await.

Top five things to do in Singapore

1. Hop on a traditional bumboat and sail down the historic Singapore River, taking in the colourful waterfront landmarks.
2. Take the cable car to Sentosa Island to enjoy beaches and attractions like the HydroDash Aqua Park in The Palawan.
3. Movie-inspired Universal Studios Singapore boasts everything from rollercoasters to dazzling parades.
4. Art meets science at the ArtScience Museum with its immersive exhibits and interactive Future World.
5. Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to world famous Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and Bird Paradise.

Go on: 42 best things to do in Singapore with kids

Singapore city secret

Did you know you can enjoy year-round snow fun with ice-sculpting, skiing, and Arctic experiences in tropical Singapore? Snow City, located in Jurong East, is the island’s only indoor snow centre with 3,000 square metres of real snow in a minus five degrees Celsius chamber. Along with tubing, zorbing, snow slides and ice bumper cars, kids can build snowmen and throw snowballs in a dedicated children’s zone.

Where to stay in Singapore

Unwind in the heart of the city at Shangri-La Singapore. From world-class children’s facilities to a selection of mouth-watering dining options, its unwavering dedication to creating the ultimate family vacation is undeniable. Parents can rest assured that their little monkeys are well looked after, while also being equally delighted by the hotel’s spectacular dining concepts. Youngsters will love Shangri-La Singapore’s huge array of play areas and activities, including buds by Shangri-La’s giant interactive playspaces and a dedicated kids’ pool. Families will delight in the themed family suites with Safari, Treetop, Castle, Underwater or Outer Space to choose from.

Read: Shangri-La Singapore’s family deal provides loads of family fun

Experience a beachfront paradise at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa on Sentosa Island. Family-friendly amenities, a kids’ club, and direct access to the beach make it the perfect family retreat.

Five-star Pan Pacific Singapore has an outdoor swimming pool, themed family rooms, a jungle-themed play area, tennis coursts and eight dining options for families. The 790 room hotel has incredible sea and city views and is directly connected to Marina Square Mall.

Read: Pan Pacific Singapore’s new children’s play area and themed family suites

Keep reading:

• Planning a Southeast Asia holiday with kids? Look no further
• 12 of the best hotels with kids’ clubs and babysitting in Singapore

3. Bangkok, Thailand

Dazzling and dynamic, Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is one of the world’s most visited cities. Central to the city’s soul are more than 400 wats (temples). They are a testament to the city’s history and the significant role Buddhism plays in Thai culture. Must-visit sites include the intricately adorned Wat Arun and Wat Pho, home to the giant reclining Buddha. Then there’s the glittering Grand Palace, adorned with golden roofs and shimmering statues of mind-boggling mythical creatures sure to captivate kids.

Navigating the city is effortless thanks to an efficient public transportation system. Families can explore vibrant markets, famous landmarks, and lush green spaces. Dive into Thai culture at a Thai cooking lesson. Learn Muay Thai kickboxing or get your kicks at Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives, a fun introduction to the martial art of kickboxing that’s more Broadway than biffo. Or, simply coast into one of the city’s epic theme parks including DreamWorld and Pororo Aquapark.

Top five things to do in Bangkok

1. Experience the grandeur of the Grand Palace, home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, intricate architecture and glittering pagodas.
2. Take a scenic boat ride down the Chao Phraya River at sunset to see landmarks like dazzling Wat Arun and Wat Pho glowing with golden light.
3. Let your kids loose on the rollercoasters, water slides, and arcades at Siam Amazing Park, an amusement park with rides, shows, and shopping.
4. Hunt for bargains at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand’s largest market. With more than 15,000 stalls, there’s something for everyone.
5. Bangkok National Museum is one of Bangkok’s most family-friendly museums. Hire a guide to learn more as you explore its extraordinary exhibits.

Bangkok city secret

Explore Thailand’s history and culture at Muang Burang (Ancient City). It is the world’s largest open-air museum. It’s both an educational and stunning experience. The museum features 100 replicas of Thailand’s most iconic sites from more than 4,000 years of history. Kids will love wandering through the scaled-down versions of iconic landmarks, from ancient temples to dazzling royal palaces.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Experience luxury in the heart of the city with family-friendly amenities and spacious rooms at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. A central location ensures convenient access to renowned attractions.

Revel in the stunning city views from the comfortable and stylish family suites at Centara Grand At CentralWorld. Located within walking distance of major shopping and entertainment hubs, it provides an ideal base for enjoying the vibrant culture and sights of Bangkok.

Enjoy a Bangkok getaway at Shangri-La Bangkok. There are elegant, well-appointed rooms, views of the Chao Phraya River, and an array of facilities that cater to adults and children alike.

4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In Kuala Lumpur (KL), an intriguing blend of modernity and cultural richness sets the stage for exhilarating family adventures. This bustling metropolis is a playground for families, with an efficient public transportation system making it easy to explore the city’s vibrant markets, landmarks, and gorgeous green spaces. Dive into the eclectic food scene, from street food in Petaling Street and the Jalan Alor Night Market to upscale dining in the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Then take the elevator to its 42nd floor Skydeck to gawk at the city’s skyline from above.

Take a stroll through the Merdeka district to admire the Moorish-inspired architecture of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, or head to the top of the Kuala Lumpur Tower for 360-degree views of the city. Embrace cultural diversity in Chinatown’s vibrant markets and temples, or pack a picnic to explore Perdana Botanical Gardens, a tranquil oasis perfect for a bicycle ride, walks or exploring the butterfly park. KL’s family appeal also extends to attractions like the kid-approved National Science Centre.

Read: Malaysia’s 9 best theme parks for families

Top five things to do in Kuala Lumpur

1. Beat the heat and get soaked at Sunway Lagoon, a sprawling theme park with water slides, wave pools, rides and the Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon.
2. Get hands-on with science at the Petrosains Discovery Centre, 7,000-square-metres of everything from space age exhibits to rainforest rides.
3. Escape the tropical heat at Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, an indoor amusement park packed with kid-friendly rides.
4. Take a ride to the observation deck of Menara Kuala Lumpur, the tallest tower in Southeast Asia, and enjoy panoramic views.
5. Immerse yourselves in a lush wheelchair-friendly aviary teeming with more than 3,000 birds from 200 species at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.

Go on: Top 19 things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids

Kuala Lumpur city secret

Escape the city sprawl at Batu Caves, ancient cave temples tucked away in a limestone hill just twenty minutes from the city. Kids will be awed by the towering Murugan statue, marvel at colourful cave paintings, and witness elaborate Hindu rituals. Climb the 272 colourful steps and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

Experience the resort oasis of Sunway Resort Hotel. With a water park, multiple dining options, and loads of kid-friendly amenities, this resort provides the perfect city escape for families.

Nestled in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, Berjaya Times Square Hotel offers spacious rooms, interconnecting options, and kid-friendly highlights like cascading pools, a kids’ club, cooking classes, and a handy Kids’ City Guide.

A haven for families, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is a stunning city resort offering elegant rooms with city views, family-friendly suites, and enticing amenities. Enjoy pool fun, a kids’ club, and weekend family activities for a holiday to remember.

Read: These resorts were voted the best in Malaysia

5. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is an exciting playground for families with interactive museums, futuristic theme parks and lively festivals ensuring there’s never a dull moment. It is a city where emperors once ruled from golden palaces and neon dragons now dance across skyscrapers.

Families can dive into the K-pop scene exploring entertainment districts like Gangnam, or catch a live performance at one of the city’s many theatres. History buffs will be wowed by the changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace. For a taste of modern Seoul, board the Namsan Cable Car to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city and a family-friendly meal at the rotating restaurant. Head back to Earth and the emerald embrace of Seoul Forest, known for its cherry blossoms and ginkgo trees, to paddle across peaceful ponds and chase friendly squirrels through rustling leaves. Embark on a culinary journey savouring Korean barbecue, street food, and delightful treats like tteokbokki rice cakes and mountains of bingsu, irresistible Korean shaved ice crowned with fruit and sweet surprises.

Top five things to do in Seoul

1. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul’s iconic royal palace to see the changing of the guard and the National Folk Museum
2. An amazing amusement park option, Lotte World is an indoor-outdoor entertainment complex with thrills for all ages
3. Immerse yourselves in the world of K-pop and its biggest stars at the vibrant district of Gangnam and K-star Road
4. Stroll through the charming traditional alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, lined with centuries-old Korean houses
5. Let the kids burn off energy at Seoul Children’s Grand Park, a sprawling park with playgrounds and a petting zoo

Seoul city secret

Unlock your inner martial artist at Taekwondowon, a living cultural heritage site dedicated to the Korean martial art of taekwondo. Spanning 243 hectares, visitors can take taekwondo lessons, explore its immersive museum, or stroll through tranquil gardens. Highlights include the World Taekwondo Headquarters, the International Taekwondo Hall of Fame, the Experience Center for interactive learning, and Bandi Land, a family-friendly theme park with taekwondo-themed fun.

Where to stay

Rakkojae Seoul Main Hanok is a traditional Korean guesthouse with a rooftop terrace boasting city views. Kids will love the courtyard, ondol-heated rooms (think cosy floor heating!), and they can even learn about Korean tea ceremonies.

Henn-na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong isn’t your average hotel. It is a place where tech meets whimsy, with robot receptionists, dinosaur-themed rooms, and teddy bears you can rent for your stay.

Nestled in the heart of the city, Lotte Hotel Seoul offers elegant rooms with city views. Enjoy family-friendly amenities, including a swimming pool, and explore nearby shopping districts.

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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