For families raising kids in Bangkok, one question comes up again and again: daycare, or a nanny? The honest answer is rarely "either / or." For most families the best setup is a combination shaped around your routine — and the right mix changes as your child grows.
Your childcare options as an expat family in Bangkok
One thing to know first: Thailand's public daycare is really for Thai families — expat families almost never use it. So in practice your options come down to three: an international nursery, a nanny at home, or both. Among dual-income families especially, using both is very common.
International nursery (6 months–3 years)
Takes babies and toddlers from around 6 months to 3 years in an English-speaking setting. Clustered in the main expat areas (Sukhumvit, Silom); expect roughly 20,000–50,000 THB a month.
International kindergarten (3–6 years)
For ages 3–6. The kindergartens attached to schools like ISB (International School Bangkok) and Bangkok Prep are popular; Japanese-language kindergartens are an option too if you want a home-language setting.
(Worth knowing) Thai preschools
A few expat families choose a Thai preschool to save money or for Thai-language immersion — roughly 5,000–15,000 THB a month — but it's a minority choice.
What a nanny covers that daycare can't
Daycare and kindergarten give you set hours of group care — but these needs only a nanny can meet:
- Early mornings and evenings (outside opening hours)
- Sick days, when your child can't go in
- The school run (pickup and drop-off)
- After-school: homework, playtime and bath-time support
- Different-aged siblings — keeping a younger one at home
Cost and fit: three common setups
Daycare only (no nanny). Covers roughly 7:30–17:30. If you or your partner work late or travel a lot, that often isn't enough on its own.
Nanny only (no daycare). Ideal for the 0–1 baby stage. By 2–3, though, your child may start to miss group play and time with other children.
Daycare + nanny (the most common choice). Group care and learning in the morning; a nanny for the school run and the afternoon. This is the setup that lets both parents work with peace of mind.
The best mix by age
- 0–1 (baby): nanny-led (a postpartum nanny early on), daycare as a top-up
- 2–3 (young toddler): morning daycare + afternoon nanny, or 3 days daycare + nanny
- 4–6 (kindergarten): full-day kindergarten + after-school nanny (pickup, homework)
- School age: an after-school nanny (homework, activity runs) becomes more useful
How to decide: a quick checklist
- Your working pattern — home, commute, how often you travel
- Your child's age and stage
- The language environment you want (English / Japanese / Thai)
- Budget — daycare fees and nanny fees combined
- Your backup for sick days and sudden late nights
In short
Daycare and a nanny aren't rivals — they complement each other. Finding the right combination for your child's age, your family's routine and your budget is what really makes childcare in Bangkok work.
Many nannies on the Hello Nanny Plus app already have experience with nursery and school pickup — just tell us your schedule, or talk to our team, and we'll match you with someone who fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare or a nanny better in Bangkok?** A. For most families, neither on its own — it depends on your child's age and your work life. Under 1, a nanny usually fits best; from 2–3, many families combine morning daycare with an afternoon nanny.
How much does daycare cost in Bangkok?** A. Roughly 20,000–50,000 THB a month for international nurseries, and about 5,000–15,000 THB for Thai kindergartens. Add nanny costs on top if you combine the two.
Can a nanny do the school run?** A. Yes — many nannies handle nursery and school pickup and drop-off, plus after-school homework and playtime. Just share your schedule when you're matching.
Related reading: How to Hire a Nanny or Maid in Bangkok · Finding a Babysitter in Bangkok
