Our first stop on a month-long family trip to Thailand was Amari Bangsaen, and choosing to unwind in the coastal town of Bangsaen instead of heading straight to Bangkok after a 12-hour flight was the best decision we could have made.
Bangsaen instantly brought back the sense of authenticity I remember from travelling around South-East Asia 20 years ago. Predominantly Thai, this peppered resort town is popular with families and locals alike. The beach is a fascinating sight: my view was completely covered by a dense blanket of sun loungers and parasols, packed so tightly together that not a single ray of sun could break through—perfect shade for sun-averse locals. The beach strip itself is palm tree-lined, with a wide paved promenade flanked by a lively market of bucket-and-spade shops and irresistible Thai street food stalls serving local seafood.
Our first morning waking up in Bangsaen, after arriving the evening before, was a true sensory awakening. As soon as we opened our balcony doors, we were hit by the aromatic scent of Thai cooking drifting up from the stalls below. By mid-morning, loud trucks cruised past pumping out pop music and promoting local candidates ahead of the upcoming election.
Amari Bangsaen is a haven of tranquillity right in the heart of the action. It exudes glamour and comfort from the moment you arrive, with an ornate rope-and-fairy-light entrance and a decorative dolphin water feature setting the tone.
We stayed in a Bangsaen Suite, which is a fantastic option for families thanks to the separate sleeping area for the children. Room 4010 is a corner suite with a terrace and sweeping views over both the resort and the beach. The modern, stylish décor feels truly luxurious, and the circular bathtub was a huge hit with the kids, who were convinced they had their own in-room hot tub. The Amari snacks were also very well received.
Breakfast was enjoyed at Amaya Food Gallery, which—true to the Amari brand concept—features live cooking stations serving both Western and Asian favourites, including a noodle cart and a traditional Thai coffee cart. We also had dinner at Aloha Beach Café, right in the thick of the Bangsaen beach scene, where live music and a BBQ atmosphere were enjoyed by all. The Pad Thai Goong was a standout 🩷.
Between dips in the pool, the kids were happily entertained by the resort’s kids’ club staff—and even asked to go back, which says it all.
Overall, we loved our two nights in Bangsaen and could easily have stayed longer. Three to four nights would be ideal. It was the perfect first stop on our family trip to Thailand.
Hannah
ATW Travel Marketing Director