Introducing kids to diverse cultures and immersive experiences is a fabulous way to encourage creativity and independence. Southeast Asian countries offer a wealth of experiences to captivate curious young minds and spark unforgettable memories. From the mystical water puppet shows of Vietnam to learning how to weave silk like pros in Cambodia, these activities not only educate but also entertain, offering kids insights that go beyond textbooks. So parents, pack your bags and show your kids the world in a whole new way. Here are 7 kid-friendly experiences in Southeast Asia:
Vietnam
Watch a water puppet show
When in Vietnam, don't miss the enchanting water puppet shows. Originating in the Red River Delta over a thousand years ago, this art form was created by rice farmers during harvest season who used their flooded fields as a stage. Today, you can catch these shows at the iconic Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi or cultural hubs in Ho Chi Minh City such as the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. Performed in a waist-deep pool, master puppeteers manoeuvre wooden puppets, with a classical music ensemble on either side of the stage, bringing age-old legends and scenes from Vietnam’s northern villages to life.
Embark on a cycling tour along the Mekong Delta
Looking for an adventure that’s both educational and fun for the whole family? Hop on a cycling tour through towns along the Mekong Delta, including Chau Doc, Cai Be and Can Tho near Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Pedal through rice paddies, passing by floating islands and ancestral merchant homes in Can Tho and lesser-known temples such as the Tay An Pagoda in Chau Doc. As you wind along lush paths, you'll encounter Cai Rang floating market, lotus lakes and the lush foliage of the Mekong Delta jungle. The flat terrain makes it an easy ride for kids, and the frequent stops for fresh coconut water will keep them energised and engaged.
Malaysia
Explore Dino Desert
Located east of Kuala Lumpur, lies Dino Desert, a newly opened dinosaur theme park, housed within Monkeys Canopy Resort. Kids can roam the roughly 11-acre, desert-like landscape and be greeted by hundreds of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs including the T-Rex and Triceratops. The Monkeys Canopy Resort also has two other indoor theme parks filled with thrilling obstacle courses, safari-themed slides, and wall climbs. It even has a virtual reality gaming arena!
Take a canopy walk at Sungai Sedim
Imagine your kid's excitement as they stroll through the treetops, 50m above the rainforest floor. Malaysia offers a number of such canopy walks that provide a bird’s-eye view of the lush jungle, where curious eyes may spot colourful birds, playful monkeys and an array of exotic insects. Along the way, you’ll come across educational signboards about the flora and fauna, turning the walk into a delightful, open-air classroom. The Tree Top Walk, Sungai Sedim features a 925m walk across the namesake Sungai Sedim Recreational Park. After the walk, you and your children can strengthen your bonds over tubing and other outdoor activities.
Thailand
Take a boat ride among floating markets and fireflies
From May to October, along with stars, you’ll see twinkling fireflies illuminate the sky. Thailand has over 100 species of fireflies that live in colonies, spread across water bodies and large cork trees. To see them up close, you can take your entire family on a boat ride at the Amphawa Floating Market in Bangkok, which is open from Friday to Sunday (2-8pm), where they will also have a chance to immerse themselves in the Thai way of life—trying the local delicacies such as fried mussels, Tom Yum soup or refreshing coconut ice cream. Post 6pm, as the sun sets, the boat rides through the Amphawa Canal, where fireflies will sit in cork trees and leave the little ones spellbound.
Cambodia
Weave your own silk at Silk Island
Located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh on the Mekong River, Koh Dach, also called Silk Island, is famous for its traditional silk textiles that have been hand-woven by local artisans for generations. It's a great place for kids and adults, alike, to learn about traditional Cambodian silk production, from rearing silkworms to dyeing and weaving silk fibres. Visitors can see, first-hand, the intricate process of creating the luxurious fabric, and also have a go at weaving their own shawl at the Silk House, an interactive silk museum.
Singapore
Explore space and science at Singapore Science Centre
In the heart of Singapore, the Science Centre is not just a run-of-the-mill museum, it’s a hub where kids can experience the principles and powers of science and technology in everyday life with interactive exhibits and STEM-based experiments. The interactive learning centre includes a 3,000sqm gallery and 20 exhibits of varying sensory levels dedicated to children. For children between the ages 3 and 8, there is a flight and space station with a typhoon simulator and an all-new Ant Kingdom where they can pretend to be ants and explore underground homes. Older kids can visit the kinetic garden and mirror maze to have fun with light reflections and physics, learn more about planets at the Omni Theatre and test their agility at the Laser Maze.