A guide to visiting Koh Samui with children

Mysterious, beautiful, tropical and tempting — Koh Samui is a dazzling destination, perfect for families seeking a luxurious retreat. Fringed by pristine rainforests and white-sand beaches lapped by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, it’s the epitome of paradise. Thailand’s rich culture, stretching back thousands of years, gives the island a unique and vibrant character. The food is utterly delicious, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the welcome is always warm. If you’re dreaming of an idyllic family getaway, Koh Samui is hard to beat.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Koh Samui for families, along with a range of activities to keep travellers of all ages entertained. We’ll also share practical tips, including the best time to visit if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, and highlight some of the island’s finest beaches, towns and attractions. Plus, our expert Travel Advisors are always ready with personalised recommendations to help make your Koh Samui family holiday truly unforgettable.

Koh Samui is also a very safe destination, allowing you to explore without any worries or concerns. The amenities are excellent, and the sugar-soft sandy beaches makes this the ideal beach holiday location. Things to do in Koh Samui for families include jungle treks and water sports, cultural treats and child-friendly entertainment such as traditional puppet shows, music and dance.
 

The best time to go

If you want sunny days for island hopping, beach-based activities or exploring, the best time to visit Koh Samui is during the dry season from December to March. This is also when most of the island’s festivals take place, so it’s a busy and fascinating time of the year when you can really immerse yourself in island life. It’s best to avoid November, as this is the height of the rainy season. Temperatures in December average around 25-29°C (78-85°F).

You’re close to all the major beaches in this region, as well as attractions such as the Fisherman’s Village, where you can find out more about the history and culture of the island, as well as browse independent stores selling handmade goods. The area has a growing art scene, and you'll find plenty of galleries selling work by local artists.

You’re also close to one of the biggest attractions on the island, the Big Buddha, and plenty of restaurants, cafés and beach shacks for snacks and food on the go or a family meal.

Best beaches in Koh Samui for families

Koh Samui is a large area divided into smaller regions. Here is our pick of the best beach destinations and what makes each one so special for families.

There’s more than enough room for everyone, and the waters are shallow, calm and safe for paddling and water sports. It is best to stay away from the main hotel and resort areas, which can be a bit touristy. But Chaweng is big enough for you to avoid the noise and buzz of the local bars and find a quiet spot where you can all relax. With jungle palms tumbling all the way down to the shoreline it’s the quintessential tropical escape.

From here you can kayak to the islet of Ko Fan Noi or snorkel in clear blue water. It’s ideal for snorkelling and swimming, as well as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. 

This is the place to come for some peace and quiet, and is the ideal destination if you want to spend some time in Koh Samui with the kids.

The water is clean and safe for swimming, and the sunsets are incredible. You may need to travel a little further afield to find some Koh Samui attractions for children, but after a long day at an amusement park, Mae Nam is the ideal place to come back to.

Top things to do in Koh Samui with kids

Some top water parks in Koh Samui include Aquapark Samui, just a few metres away from Chaweng Beach, and High Park, located on a hill above Chaweng Beach and home to some of the steepest water slides on the island. This is a great park for older children and teens who want something a little more exciting.

Practical tips for stress-free travel

· You cannot fly direct to Koh Samui so your journey will involve a stop-over, usually in Singapore. Tracing the journey on an atlas is a good idea so your children understand the distances involved. Your dedicated concierge will arrange transfers so you don't have to worry about any element of the journey.

· Let your children play a part in choosing the excursions, tours and day trips so they feel they are part of the adventure.

· Jet lag can really affect young children. It's important to ensure they stay well hydrated and follow as normal a routine as possible.

· Arrange car hire so that you can get around the island easily. With over 250km² to explore, there are plenty of opportunities for days out and adventures all over the island.

· Try introducing your children to Thai food before you travel so that they can really enjoy the culinary aspects of life on the island.

· Koh Samui is hot and humid, so ensure you pack for a beach holiday. However, it can also rain in Koh Samui, so it's wise to bring a rain jacket and to have some 'rainy day' plans, such as bringing some games along just in case.

· If your children want to see the elephants, ask your concierge for recommendations for ethical parks where the animals are looked after properly with consideration for their welfare.

Koh Samui with children – the perfect family holiday

From water parks and zip-lining to simply spending time together relaxing on the beach, you can do as little or as much as you want.

While Koh Samui is considered a 'long-haul' destination, the island paradise is well worth the planning, preparation and effort to fly to.

Once you arrive, you have some of the best beaches in Asia to explore and underwater wonders to see. Blue oceans and white sandy beaches will bring a smile to any young traveller's face. The fact that there are water parks and nature reserves to discover also adds to Koh Samui's attraction as a destination.