Traveling with a Stroller in Southeast Asia: Best Tips & Destinations for Families
Traveling with young kids through Southeast Asia can be an incredible adventure. But if you’re like me, juggling a stroller and navigating busy streets, crowded markets, and uneven sidewalks, you’ll want some honest tips. We’ve been there, done that, and learned a lot along the way. Here’s what you need to know to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Best family-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia for traveling with kids and a stroller
Some places are easier to navigate than others when you have a stroller. I found that destinations with good infrastructure, wide sidewalks, and accessible attractions make a huge difference.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok surprised me with its surprisingly stroller-friendly spots. The malls—like Siam Paragon and MBK Center—are massive but have wide, smooth walkways, elevators, and changing facilities. The Jim Thompson House was manageable with a stroller, and the outdoor markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market are lively but can be tricky—pro tip: bring a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller for crowded areas.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Traffic is chaotic, but many hotels and attractions are accessible. The Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica has paved paths, and the Union Square area is flat, with plenty of cafes and benches. The Binh An Riverside in District 2 is a lovely, less crowded spot with a paved riverside walkway perfect for strollers.
Singapore
This city is a stroller paradise. The Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo, and Sentosa Island are fully accessible. The public transport system is excellent—easy to navigate with strollers—and many attractions have ramps and wide paths. The wide, smooth pathways around Marina Bay Sands are perfect for strolling with kids.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is more mixed. Ubud’s narrow, busy streets aren’t stroller-friendly, but areas like Seminyak and Nusa Dua are better. The beaches in Nusa Dua have smooth, wide walkways and calm waters, so they work well with a stroller. Hotels like The Westin Resort Nusa Dua are spacious and have accessible amenities.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang boasts the best kid-friendly beaches in Vietnam. My Khe Beach has soft sand and plenty of space for strollers, plus calm waters. The city itself has smooth sidewalks in the city center. The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is super family-friendly, with good access and lovely pools.
Best hotels and accommodations for traveling with a stroller in Southeast Asia
Choosing the right place to stay makes a huge difference. Here are some family-friendly hotels that made our trip easier.
Bangkok
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort: Located along the river, this hotel has spacious grounds, flat paths, and a lovely pool. Kids loved the outdoor space, and it’s easy to get around with a stroller thanks to its layout and elevators.
Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Nikko Saigon: Central, modern, and spacious, with easy access to sights. Rooms are large enough for a stroller, and the hotel is near parks and markets.
Singapore
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore: Located near Orchard Road but feels like a retreat. They have large rooms, a kiddie pool, and very accessible pathways. The staff was extremely accommodating with stroller requests.
Bali
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua: Family-oriented with spacious grounds and easy paths. The pools and beach access are stroller-friendly, and kids can play in the supervised kids’ club.
Da Nang
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort: A luxury stay that’s still very family-friendly. The paths are smooth, and the pools are safe for small kids. Plus, the beachfront location is perfect for stroller walks.
Kid-friendly attractions and beaches in Southeast Asia
Finding attractions that are accessible and interesting for children is key.
Bangkok
- Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World at Siam Paragon: Kids love the giant tanks. Pro tip: visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and have room for strollers.
- Lumphini Park: Wide paths, shaded areas, and a playground make it a great spot for a stroller picnic.
Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Wide paths, plenty of space for strollers, and animals that kids love.
- Bitexco Tower Skydeck: Offers great city views. Elevators are stroller accessible.
Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay: The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are indoors, so perfect even if it rains.
- Sentosa Island: Beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, and the S.E.A. Aquarium—all accessible with strollers.
Bali
- Nusa Dua Beach: Calm waters, soft sand, and shaded areas.
- Bali Safari and Marine Park: Wide paths and family-friendly shows.
Da Nang
- My Khe Beach: Soft sand, shallow water, and calm waves make it ideal for kids.
- Asia Park: Some rides are stroller-friendly, and it’s a fun place for a quick family outing.
Practical tips for traveling with a stroller in Southeast Asia
Navigating busy streets and uneven terrain can be tricky. Here’s what I learned.
- Choose a lightweight, compact stroller. The folding type is a must—many places have stairs, narrow shops, or crowded markets where a bulky stroller gets in the way.
- Bring a stroller rain cover. Weather can be unpredictable, especially during monsoon seasons. A good rain cover kept our stroller dry and protected.
- Use a backpack or sling for crowded areas. In markets or historical sites, a stroller might not fit. We kept essentials in a small backpack and carried our kids when needed.
- Plan for downtime. Kids get tired fast, especially with all the new sights and sounds. Have a park or pool day to recharge.
- Pro tip: Download offline maps of the city. Navigation apps are great, but they drain your phone and may not work well in remote areas. Offline maps helped us find the best routes with strollers.
Tips for navigating crowded street markets, busy streets, and uneven sidewalks
Crowds and uneven terrain are the biggest hurdles. Here’s how to handle them:
- Pick your timing carefully. Visit markets early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
- Stay in areas with paved sidewalks. Avoid markets or streets with cobblestones or dirt paths.
- Use a stroller with good wheels. Air-filled tires or all-terrain wheels help handle uneven surfaces better.
- Bring a small, portable fan or misting spray. Southeast Asia can be hot and humid. Keeping the kids cool is a must.
- Pro tip: Carry a small, lightweight towel or cloth. It’s handy for wiping sweat or shielding kids from dust.
Conclusion
Traveling with a stroller in Southeast Asia is definitely doable — and worth the effort. Focus on destinations with good infrastructure, choose accommodations that cater to families, and plan your days around your kids’ energy levels. Bring the right gear, and don’t be afraid to adapt on the fly. Southeast Asia offers incredible sights, friendly people, and plenty of kid-friendly beaches and attractions to keep everyone happy. Just keep your stroller lightweight, your plans flexible, and your sense of adventure high.