Thailand

 

 

 

Phuket

Bangkok

Cosa Moie

 

 

 

 

Phuket

 

 

Why Phuket:

Lush, green jungle, perfect blue skies and stunning tropical sunsets. This is what will greet you, should you decide to take a vacation in Phuket, Thailand. Located in the Andaman Seas, Phuket is a mountainous Island with very famous beaches (namely Patong Beach), very traditional temples and amazing sunsets on the Western shores of Thailand. The fun, beachside city of Phuket is full of activities, adventures within the city and around the outer regions. Whether you wish to spend the days at the beach, the evenings in the night markets or days wandering and sightseeing through traditional temples and surrounding sights, your trip to Phuket will be relaxing and casual.

 

 

Highlights of Phuket:

In fact, there are numerous highlights of Phuket that you almost need to spend at least 5-6 days there to experience what Phuket has to offer. 

Phuket is home to a vast number of world class Resorts as well as extremely affordable hotels and accommodations. Finding accommodation will never be troublesome. The restaurants and eateries are plenty, the sights are interesting and the people are welcoming and polite. Ensure to include in your visit the Wat Chalong temple and the Big Buddha overlooking Chalong where the view from the top is magnificent and enchanting. 

 

Don’t forget to….

If you can manage the time and opportunity, the must-see adventure for Phuket is the boat-trip to Phi Phi Island. A beach fronted jungle with an immensely beautiful ocean-fortress like outlook. Experience simply one of the most beautiful Islands in the world by visiting Phi Phi Island, where it is famous for its feature on the year 2000 film “The Beach”. Make sure to take an early boat out to the Islands, as the hype will build and you will find yourself sunbathing or swimming with hundreds of keen beachgoers. Our tip is to hire a private boat and visit the Island very early to ensure you have the chance to see the Island with only a handful of other people…. It is very much worth the effort and cost.

 

 

 

 .  Read on to find out what you can do 

with the kids in Istanbul, Turkey.  

In this review:

* A little bit about Istanbul

* 5 things to do with the children

* How to get there

* Where to stay

* Some beautiful pictures of Istanbul

 

 

The weather in Istanbul is beautiful and mild pretty much all year round. 

The summer (June-August) can reach averages of 27degrees (80 F) and 

be as low as 5 degrees (41 F). 

Where is Istanbul?
Istanbul is located in North-Western Turkey.

Coordinates: 

41°00′49″N 28°57′18″E

 

Click on the map to the Right to zoom in to the Town using Google Maps.

 

 

A quick history lesson on Istanbul... 

Founded on the Sarayburnu promontory around 660 BC as Byzantium, the city now known as Istanbul developed to become one of the most significant cities in history. For nearly sixteen centuries following its reestablishment as Constantinople in 330 AD, it served as the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire (330–395), the Byzantine Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922).[5] It was instrumental in the advancement of Christianity during Roman and Byzantine times, before the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453 and transformed it into an Islamic stronghold and the seat of the last caliphate.[6]  (courtesy of Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five (5) things you can do in Istanbul with the kids includes:

 

 

1. Take a Cruise along the Bosphorus

If the weather suits, take the children for a ride on one of the Cruise boats along the Bosphorus Strait. I think it is one of the most beautiful waterways in the World. You can view the Ancient Walls and enjoy a relaxing ride along the wide straight that separates the Europe/Middle East and Asia. Bosphorus Tours offers a good afternoon Cruise. 

2. The Topkapi Palace

Overlooking the entire Strait of Bosphorus is Topkapi Palace. A former Royal Residence of Sultan Mehmed II (the conqueror of Byzantine Constantinople), Topkapi Palace began constructed in 1459. At the end of the Ottoman Empire, the Palace was transformed by a government decree (1924) into a museum. 

Note: This museum has cultural significance for Muslims as it contains important holy relics including Muhammed's cloak and sword. 

Read more about Topkapi Palace's history here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The Istanbul Aquarium 

The entire family will love the Istanbul Aquarium. The unique thing about this aquarium is that it is categorised into 16 themes; covering Oceans, Seas and Canals throughout the Earth. 

This is worth a visit, and is located in Florya.

For more about how to get there and what to expect...  read here  

4.  Miniaturk

Miniaturk is an open-air miniature park on the Golden Horn, containing scale models at 1/25 of the original Istanbul, Anatolian and Ottoman structures. There is also a life-sized chessboard, a labyrinth and a playground. It is open from 9am to 5pm (and later in Summer). English guides are available.

 

 

5. Visit the Bazaar (Souq/Markets)

Whether it be Locus (Turkish Delights), gold, jewellery, carpets , toys or spices, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. Covering 60 streets and 5,000 shops it is a huge attraction in Istanbul. Read more for what to see and how to get there.

 

 

Of course, the above recommended attractions are most suitable for visiting Istanbul with Children, however, some of the best attractions and for us must-see attractions also include:

* The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

* Hagia Sophia 

Two of the most beautiful constructions in the world, we think!

 

 

How to get there?

Find some options on how to get to Istanbul. 

 

Where to stay?

We have many options for where to stay in Istanbul. 

Learn more here