Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024: Asia’s most family-friendly getaway

Welcome to the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards: our flagship awards which celebrate everything that makes the world so amazing – as voted for by you, our global community of members. Discover the winner that captured your hearts – and your votes – as well as the contenders that made it to the shortlist. 

Not a member yet? It’s free to sign up and unlock a world of benefits, rewards and experiences – not to mention the chance to vote in next year’s awards. 

Winner: Phuket, Thailand

Some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches can be found in Phuket. Long a favourite destination for family getaways, this idyllic island is synonymous with calm turquoise waters, luxury resorts and wildlife galore. While exploring the Andaman Sea, travellers will have a chance to see surreal rock formations and snorkel with colourful fish, manta rays, turtles and the occasional whale shark. Back on dry land, the jungled mountains are home to elephant sanctuaries, zipline adventures and breathtaking views from the island’s Big Buddha statue.

Sri Lanka

Leopards and elephants and whales, oh my! Fans of the animal kingdom will fall in love with Sri Lanka, where families can book a wildlife safari in national parks like Yala, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe. Head to the southern coast to explore the charming remnants of the 16th-century Galle Fort and enjoy a bit of whale-watching together in Mirissa, where blue whales come to mate from November to April, before kicking back at one of the many family-friendly beachside resorts.

Sanya, the Chinese Mainland

Nicknamed “China’s Hawaii”, Sanya is a tropical paradise that offers something for people of all ages. With an abundance of family-focused resorts featuring amenities like family rooms, kids’ clubs and children’s menus, there’s less stress for busy parents looking to unwind on the pristine beaches of Hainan. Spend a little quality time together on an outing to adventure-packed attractions like Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark and Monkey Island – perfect for making lasting memories.

Singapore

For a weekend of family fun in Singapore, head straight to Sentosa Island and visit Resorts World Sentosa. This integrated resort is packed with exciting activities and attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Trick Eye Museum and Dolphin Island, where kids can meet dolphins and learn more about these intelligent creatures. It’s also home to one of the world’s largest aquariums, the S.E.A. Aquarium, which houses over 1,000 marine species.

Hoi An, Vietnam

For those seeking unique cultural experiences and delicious cuisine that the whole family will love, Hoi An ticks all the boxes. At the heart of this small coastal city in central Vietnam is the well-preserved ancient town, a Unesco World Heritage site where visitors can take boat rides and make lanterns while learning about local traditions. There are also plenty of kid-friendly beach resorts along the golden coastline where families can relax and enjoy some fun in the sun.