Traveling in Asia with Kids: Safety, Food, Transport & Budget Tips for Families
- rachnamone
- Sep 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 3
As a traveling doctor and mom who has taken short breaks to Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bhutan, Maldives, Thailand and Singapore, I’ve learned that family travel in Asia can be smooth, fun, and budget-friendly—with the right preparation. Here are the most common questions families ask about traveling in Asia with kids, along with practical examples from our own adventures.
1. Food and Meal Planning for Kids
Asian countries are wonderfully diverse in cuisine, and most offer both adventurous and kid-friendly options. You’ll often find Indian food readily available across Asia, which can be a lifesaver when kids want something familiar. At the same time, it’s worth encouraging them to sample local favorites For example:
In Malaysia, our kids loved roti canai (flaky bread with curry) and nasi lemak without the spicy sambal. International chains are widely available in KL for fussy eaters.
In Sri Lanka, kothu (chopped roti stir-fry) and hoppers became a family favorite, but we always carried bananas and biscuits for snack emergencies.
In Bhutan, food is spicier, but most hotels happily prepare milder rice and noodle dishes for children.
In Thailand, Mango sticky rice is an absolute family favourite!
Few handy tips when travelling:
Carry: Pack instant noodles, cereal bars, and a few comfort foods from home.
Buy locally: visit a localSupermarket/vegetable vendor to pick up fresh fruit (mangoes, bananas, dragon fruit), yogurt, bread, or steamed buns. A lot of Asian countries have 7/11 that provide popular snacks at reasonable prices.
Restaurant tip: Don’t be shy about asking for less spicy versions of dishes. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate children.
Water: In many parts of Asia, tap water isn’t safe to drink. Always choose bottled or filtered water.
Travel days/day trips: pack a snack bag containing enough snacks and water bottle.
Planning a family trip to Malaysia? Use our 3-day Kuala Lumpur with kids guide - 3 Perfect Days in Kuala Lumpur with Kids: Best Family Activities & Food Guide
2. Transport: Self-Drive, Cabs, Public Transit, or Flights?
What’s the best way to get around with kids in Asia?
Singapore & Malaysia: The MRT and LRT are stroller-friendly and clean. You can take the MRT straight from Changi Airport into the city, saving money and avoiding taxi queues. However, in Mayalasia, Grab taxis (ride-hailing app) are a widely used option and made late-night rides back to the hotel simple and safe.
Sri Lanka: We chose to hire a private driver (a surprisingly affordable option), which allowed us to explore the country without the stress of navigating on our own. Having a driver in the hill country was especially helpful, as we could stop at tea plantations and waterfalls at our kids’ pace. Since distances in Sri Lanka can be long—particularly when trying to see and do a lot in a limited timeframe—a driver really takes the stress out of travel.
Bhutan: Self-driving is not allowed for tourists. Instead, every itinerary includes a licensed driver and guide—perfect for families, as you don’t need to worry about mountain roads.
For travelling to various destinations in Asia, budget airlines like AirAsia are a lifesaver in Southeast Asia. We once flew from KL to Langkawi for under INR 3000 per ticket! You can compare other carriers for price and convinience, especially Scoot.
Curious how this works in practice? See our Langkawi with Kids: 2-Day Family Itinerary & Complete Travel Guide where we balanced domestic flights, cabs and walks.
3. Medical Emergencies & Health Prep
How to prepare for medical issues while traveling in Asia? This is something I take seriously as a doctor mom.
In Singapore and Malaysia, medical facilities are excellent—private hospitals are modern and English-speaking doctors are common.
In Sri Lanka, basic care is available in towns, but we kept a first-aid kit handy when exploring remote waterfalls or beaches.
In Bhutan, larger hospitals are in Thimphu and Paro; on treks or road trips, you may be hours away from care.
Pack a small first aid kit for all trips - paracetamol/ibuprofen, ORS (oral rehydration salts), allergy meds, bandaids and a thermometer. I once had to treat my child’s mild fever in Sri Lanka late at night, and being prepared saved us a hospital run.
Planning your next family adventure? Get real answers from parents who’ve been there! From packing hacks to safety tips, food, and transport—this guide has everything you need to travel stress-free with kids. Read on and make your trip smoother, easier, and full of memories!Travel with Kids FAQ: Top Questions Parents Ask
For our complete travel health checklist for kids, see our FAQ: Traveling with Cubs.
4.Budgeting Your Trip
Budgeting for a trip to Asia can vary widely depending on your destination. Many countries offer excellent value for money, but some—like Singapore—can be more expensive for accommodation, food, and activities. Here’s a quick idea of what to expect at popular family destinations:
Malaysia: With excellent public transport and plenty of affordable hotels, Malaysia is a great value destination. Airbnbs are also a fantastic option—many budget-friendly stays can be found right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. A full meal for four at a hawker centre cost us around ₹300–400.
Sri Lanka: Both accommodations and hiring a private driver are surprisingly affordable here. Having a driver not only saves time but also makes long-distance travel less stressful. Expect to spend under ₹500 for a family meal at a restaurant.
Bhutan: Travel costs are higher because of the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (USD 100 per person per day). However, this fee includes guides, hotels, and meals, which actually makes budgeting simpler since most major expenses are bundled.
See how we budgeted our Sri Lanka with Kids: Perfect 6 Day Family Itinerary and still managed kid-friendly hikes and amazing animal experiences.
5. Safety & Peace of Mind
Which Asian destinations are safest for kids?
Singapore is famously safe—you can walk late at night and public spaces are clean.
Malaysia is family-friendly, but stick to reputable cabs and watch belongings in crowded areas.We once forgot our stroller at a café in KLCC and found it untouched an hour later—a relief as parents!
Sri Lanka is safe, though traffic can be chaotic—always use car seats when possible.
Bhutan is one of the calmest places we’ve been: low traffic, helpful locals, and well-regulated tourism.
6. Choosing the Right Attractions
When traveling with kids, it’s important to balance cultural stops—like monasteries, temples, or the Batu Caves—with fun activities such as playgrounds, aquariums, or animal encounters. Mixing culture with play keeps the whole family engaged and excited.
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur is packed with kid-friendly attractions such as Petrosains Discovery Centre, KLCC Aquarium, and the Bird Park. For a quick getaway, budget flights make it easy to hop over to Langkawi or Penang, both of which are family-friendly and affordable.
Sri Lanka: Families can enjoy a variety of experiences—from spotting elephants at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, to holding baby turtles at hatcheries in Bentota, going whale watching, or strolling through lush tea gardens. There’s plenty to keep kids curious and entertained. Check out our blog- Whale Watching in Sri Lanka with Kids: Our Family Day at Sea
Bhutan: While adults may be drawn to iconic sites like Tiger’s Nest Monastery, kids often enjoy shorter hikes, archery demonstrations, and exploring the colorful local markets. Check out our blog- 10 Tips for Hiking Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery with a Toddler.
Singapore: A paradise for kids, with world-class attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay, both of which can easily fill a full day.
For detailed examples, explore our Malaysia with Kids itinerary and Sri Lanka with Kids guide.
Traveling in Asia with kids isn’t about rushing—it’s about choosing safe, engaging experiences and staying flexible. From savoring roti canai in Malaysia to hiking gentler trails in Bhutan and Whale watching in Sri Lanka, Asia offers family adventures that balance fun, culture, and comfort - and are a gerat value for money!
Your next trip can be both stress-free and enriching—just plan ahead with food, health, and budget in mind, and let the continent’s diversity surprise your little explorers.