Who in their right mind would trade the serenity of sun, sand, and sea for the raw, upbeat energy of Phuket’s nightlife? And with their child? I did and I didn’t regret it!
More than the sun, sand and sea, you’ll find tons of things to do in Phuket with kids. From family-friendly hotels and holiday resorts to cultural and shopping spots! But Patong, a family-friendly destination? That’s hardly what anyone would think when you mention this infamous party spot. Yet, despite its wild reputation, our family trip to Thailand turned out to be both fun and enriching, filled with curious conversations and valuable life lessons for my early-teen.
Understanding the teenage brain
As parents, we know that the teenage years are nothing like childhood. We struggle with their increasing need for independence and autonomy, their tendency to prioritise friends over family, and perhaps the most worrying part, the disregard for consequences. But really, this has nothing to do with their upbringing (or us)! This is all about their brain growing and developing, while shaping their sense of self and identity in relation to society and the world.
Taking my teen son to his first ever nightlife experience in Phuket
With their innate sense of exploration, teens will, at some point in their lives, venture into the after-dark playgrounds. So, I decided that my son’s first nightlife experience should be with me. And what better place to do it than at Phuket’s party central – Bangla Road. There’s no minimum entry age for this street!
Flashing lights, bar top dancers, Ladyboys, and (overly) happy patrons, Bangla Road sets the stage for us to get curious about human behaviours in such spaces. It was a Friday night, slightly chaotic, but the crowd was having a good time. Between ploughing our way to the end of the street and trying to steer clear of tipsy folks, we devised ways to stay safe in such environments and observed the people around us. We talked about people who had a drop too much to drink and explored why people choose certain professions over others. We even spoke about gender diversity, though he still can’t wrap his head around the fact that Ladyboys are, well, boys.
Talk about thrills and spills: Conversations around certain substances
At this stage, our teens’ brains are wired for risk-taking. The rational prefrontal cortex is still developing and they rely largely on the amygdala, the brain’s impulsive and emotion-driven centre, to make decisions. This explains their urge for thrills and the occasional disregard for long-term consequences. My current concern? Vaping.
Cannabis cafes are everywhere in Patong, but it was on Bangla Road that my teen picked up on a strange, lingering scent — weed. At first, it was just a whiff, but as we walked on, we felt a rising sensation at the back of our throat. As the discomfort intensified, we knew it was our sign to leave. Obviously, he didn’t like how he felt. I grabbed that moment to talk more about weed, vape, and other undesirable substances. This experience left him concerned and ready to listen. So we had an open chat about substance use and its effects, peer pressure, and even how our bodies tell us when something is off. Although Phuket is generally safe for kids, I don’t recommend walking through Bangla Road at night with young children as it might overwhelm their senses.
Expanding horizons and newfound appreciation
The most unexpected lesson of the trip came when we visited the public toilets of Phuket. In Singapore, we rarely pay for public toilets. But at Patong Beach, not only do we have to pay for the toilets, but even feet washing comes at an extra charge. Appalled by the additional fees, my teen started to take an interest in how and why things work differently. He even has a newfound appreciation for public toilets in Singapore, especially those located near the beach and in the parks that come with washing facilities, for free. From there, our conversations flowed to things like the cost of living, currency exchange, and even how overpriced some meals were. Nothing better than lived experience to learn these practical lessons!
At a time when our children’s brains are so primed for learning, new experiences like these help shape their thinking, build awareness of consequences, and draw connections to their own life. Travel does indeed expand our horizons, and sometimes the most unexpected places offer the most interesting life lessons. That’s why even tourist traps like Patong in Phuket can be just as enriching as cultural spots for kids.
Traveling to Phuket? Here’s 30 more things to do in Phuket, with or without kids.
