Phuket with kids by car

With small children a car makes Phuket much easier: no waiting for taxis in the heat, the pushchair and beach bags stay in the boot, and the air conditioning is always there. Thai law requires small children to ride in a child seat, so book one together with the car — we fit it before the hand-over for ฿100 per day.

Updated 2026-09-18

Child seats

Since 2022 Thai law requires small children to ride in a child seat; roughly, children under six and shorter than 135 cm.
We have infant seats, child seats and boosters, ฿100 per day each, fitted with ISOFIX before you arrive.
Send us the child’s age and weight when you book, so we bring the right seat.
Taxis and Grab cars usually have no child seats at all — one more reason to take your own car.

Which car for a family

Two adults and one child with normal luggage fit in a Toyota Yaris Ativ; its boot takes a folded pushchair and two suitcases. For two children with seats, a lot of luggage or grandparents travelling too, take the 7-seat Toyota Fortuner.

Beaches that are easy with children

Nai Yang: calm water most of the year, shade under the trees, parking right by the sand, 10 minutes from the airport.
Kata and Kata Noi: soft sand and restaurants by the beach; park early in the high season.
Nai Harn: a lake behind the beach for a walk when the sea is rough.
Laguna and Bang Tao: long beach, quiet roads, large free car parks at Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket.

Planning drives with children

Drive during the nap: the island’s longer drives — the airport to Kata, or the day trip to Phang Nga — are easy when a child sleeps in the seat.
Avoid the midday heat for walks; the car cools down in minutes with the engine on.
Keep water and a small bag of snacks in the car; shops and 7-Eleven are everywhere, but traffic on Patong Hill can hold you for half an hour.
Never leave a child in a parked car, even for a minute — the inside heats up very fast in the sun.

Questions

Are child seats mandatory in Thailand?

Yes, since 2022 small children must ride in a child seat — roughly under six years old and under 135 cm tall.

How much is a child seat with a rental car?

With us ฿100 per day for an infant seat, child seat or booster, fitted before the hand-over.

Which car is best for a family of four in Phuket?

A Toyota Yaris Ativ is enough for two adults and two small children with normal luggage. With child seats for two, a pushchair and big suitcases, the 7-seat Fortuner is more comfortable.