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With the summer holidays on the horizon, it might be time to plan a family trip to Koh Samui! Here’s your family-friendly guide for a fuss-free vacation with the kids.
It’s always a good time to take a trip to Thailand! If you’ve already ticked Bangkok and Phuket off your list, you might want to explore Koh Samui with the kids. With everything from sleepy white sand beaches to lush jungles, ultra-luxe villa escapes and everything in between, it’s a great place to spend a relaxing vacation with the family.
Read More: Phuket Hotels And Beach Resorts With Amazing Kids Clubs
How To Travel To And Around Koh Samui
You can fly non-stop to Koh Samui (Samui International Airport) on Bangkok Airways in just 3 hours and 20 minutes (perfect if you have little ones in tow).
Once you reach Koh Samui, you’ll be happy to know that many Koh Samui villas come with a car and/or a driver, but if not, there are still plenty of ways to get around the small island. If you’ve got older kids, you can hop on a songthaew (a pick-up truck with two back benches), plus, taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Where To Stay In Koh Samui
Sunset Rock Villa
There are more reasons than one as to why a villa getaway is perfect for families – your own private pool, multiple rooms under one roof, stunning views and a private escape. Villa Finder is the place to book a stay for your family, we’re highlighting the serene Sunset Rock Villa surrounded by a lush jungle with two private terrazzo pools (one comes with a Jacuzzi and a small paddle pool for kids) overlooking the ocean. The villa has a total of five spacious and independent bedrooms and can accommodate up to 10 people, and has a team of super helpful and friendly staff to ensure you have the most fulfilling and relaxing stay.
Use the code SASSY to get $300 off on a minimum booking of $5,000. Simply mention the code when you’re making your reservation.
Sunset Rock Villa, www.samui-villa.com
Villa Finder, +852 5803 5658, Facebook: Villa Finder, Instagram: @villafinder, www.villa-finder.com
Bophut
A popular beach town on the north coast of Koh Samui, Bohput (also known as Fisherman’s Village) is a wonderful choice for a vacation with kids. There’s plenty to keep them entertained, including watersports, fire shows at the beach (which is free of rowdy backpackers!), night markets and so much more. Here’s where to stay at Bophut.
Read More: Best Beaches In Hong Kong To Visit With The Family
Bo Phut Resort & Spa
Head to this secluded resort for its gorgeous Thai-style villas and suites, restaurants serving up international and Thai breakfast, lunch and dinner and a kids’ pool. For adventurous families, the resort can also arrange a selection of watersports including scuba diving, kayaking and snorkelling. Plus, it offers basic babysitting activities (colouring, arts & crafts) so you can be sure your little one will be entertained throughout your stay.
Bo Phut Resort & Spa, 12/12 Tambol Bo Phut, Amphur Koh Samui Surat Thani 84320 Thailand, www.bophutresort.com
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa
With large family suites that have easy access to a beachfront pool and restaurant and a lily pond where kids can play, a family stay here will never disappoint! The resort has a kids club for children from 4 to 12 years old (kids under 4 are allowed if they are accompanied by a guardian), plus games, crafts and educational activities organised by the resort’s entertainment team. If you want a romantic date night to yourself, the resort provides babysitting service though you’ll have to provide 24 hours’ notice.
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, 99/9 Bophut Bay, Samui Island, Surat Thani, 84320, Thailand, www.anantara.com
Bandara Resort & Spa
Bandara Resort & Spa offers a refined yet relaxed experience to guests of all ages. Parents will love the luxury spa, salon and nail services and fitness centres while kids’ will have hours of fun at the Monkey Club – a kids’ club for ages 5 to 12 years old. There’s also a children’s pool along with an adult swimming pool and two beachfront pools, plus restaurants and bars serving up delicious Thai fare.
Bandara Resort & Spa, 178/2 Moo 1, Tambol Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Thailand, www.bandaragroup.com
Read More: The Top 12 Public Swimming Pools In Hong Kong For Kids And Families
Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon is a charming area in Koh Samui with a beach-front lined up with bungalows, massage huts and restaurants, giving it a cosy feel. It’s located just a few minutes drive from the airport, meaning your holiday starts sooner! The soft white sand on Choeng Mon beach is perfect for making sandcastles with the kids. If you choose to stay in this area, here are the family-friendly resorts that won’t disappoint.
MELATI Beach Resort & Spa
Looking for a truly relaxing vacation with the family? MELATI Beach Resort & Spa has suites and private pool villas. There’s also a family pool and a children’s pool, a kids’ club (with activities including seashell collection, painting, kite-making and more!), cooking classes for the family, plus sports activities such as snorkeling, bicycle tours and excursions.
MELATI Beach Resort & Spa, 9/99 Moo 5, Bophut, Thongson Bay Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand, www.melatiresort.com
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SAii Koh Samui Choeng Mon
Escape to this picture-perfect paradise with spacious villas, private pools and stunning views of the Hanuman Bay. A child-friendly resort, it offers a free stay for kids under 4 years, plus it has babysitting servics (only THB 500 per hour!) for a maximum of 2 children per room.
SAii Koh Samui Choeng Mon, 63/182 Moo5, Bophut Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320, Thailand, www.saiiresorts.com/kohsamui
SALA Samui Choeng Mon
With a variety of villa and dining options, you can’t go wrong with booking this resort. Check out its Family Getaway Package, featuring a free stay for children under 12 years old, free dining from the kids’ menu (they’ll have to be accompanied by an adult), plus discounts on spas.
SALA Samui Choeng Mon, 10/9 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Thailand, www.salahospitality.com/samui
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Taling Ngam
Located in the south coastal area, Taling Ngam is all about local villages and deserted beaches, making it ideal for a family vacation. One thing to note is that the beaches here are shallow and rocky, so if you’re looking to go for a swim, you’ll have to head north. Here are our picks of family-friendly resorts in the area.
The Intercontinental Samui
Indulge yourself at this stunning 22-acre beachfront hotel overlooking the ocean and private beaches for the kids to play. You’ll find homemade ice-cream at the beach, a kids playground, family-friendly board games, watersports, cooking classes and more. It also has a kids’ club with games, crafts and other Thai-inspired activities.
The Intercontinental Samui, 295 Moo 3 Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140 Thailand, www.samui.intercontinental.com
Sunset Beach Resort
Head to this luxury boutique resort and spa with spectacular views of the Koh Samui coast and nearby islands. Dine at Restaurant L’Ananas which uses fresh indigenous produce (it also has a kids’ menu) or sip on cocktails at the pool bar. The resort also provides babysitting service for an extra charge.
Sunset Beach Resort, The Sunset Beach Resort & Spa 126/9 Moo 3, Taling Ngam, Samui 84140 Thailand, www.thesunsetbeachresort.com
Read More: 15 Bali Resorts And Hotels With Amazing Kids Clubs
Things To Do With Kids In Koh Samui
There is no doubt that Koh Samui is a family-friendly island, with plenty to do to keep the kids entertained. Other than exploring beaches, pools and watersports, these are our top picks of activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Samui Canopy Adventures
Love the green outdoors? Hop on a zip line and explore the tropical rainforests of Koh Samui. This activity is open for kids over 7 years old and needs no previous experience.
Samui Canopy Adventures, www.facebook.com/canopyadventuressamui
Read More: Kids’ Activities – Things To Do With Kids In Hong Kong This Month
Central Festival Samui
Koh Samui’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, Central Festival Samui offers plenty of outdoor and indoor restaurants, cafes, boutiques and more. It has a kids’ playground with a seating area for parents, a “Pirate Adventure Horror House”, and a Super Mario-themed arcade.
Central Festival Samui, 09 209/1-2, Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, www.central.co.th
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Lamai Viewpoint
Located on the South East of the Island, Lamai Viewpoint offers amazing views of the jungle and the serene turquoise sea. Along the way you’ll also walk by waterfalls, a heart-shaped stone and a fish-foot spa.
Lamai Viewpoint, 127/199 Moo 3 Tambon Maret, Lamai, Amphoe Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand.
Read More: Things To Do In Hong Kong For Kids And Families
Ang Thong National Marine Park
A super fun day full of discovery, tropical land, seascapes, snorkelling and kayaking will always be a hit with the family. This national park is a great place for island hopping with older kids.
Ang Thong National Marine Park, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand, www.thainationalparks.com/mu-ko-ang-thong-national-park
Pink Elephant Samui Water Park
Located near Maenam, this is Koh Samui’s first professional waterpark that will be a hit with the family. You’ll also find beach cafes offering vegan and kids’ menus featuring Thai and European cuisine, salads and desserts.
Pink Elephant Samui Water Park, 28, 41, Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand, www.gosamuiwaterpark.today
Read More: The Best Outdoor Playgrounds And Parks In Hong Kong
Family-Friendly Restaurants In Koh Samui
- Sala Thai Restaurant – Authentic Thai cuisine with live music, friendly staff and customisable spice levels for the kiddos. www.santiburisamui.com/sala-thai
- The Hungry Wolf – Restaurant in Chaweng Beach specialising in pizzas, pastas and burgers. www.thehungrywolf.xyz
- Lamai Food Market – Food stalls in Tambon Maret serving up BBQ, pancakes and more.
- Crystal Bay Beach Club – Delicious Thai curries and an extensive kids menu. www.crystalbaybeachclub.com
- Jungle Club – Thai, French and Italian dishes including curries, pizza and more. www.jungleclubsamui.com/restaurant
Read More: Family Restaurants – Eat With The Kids At These Hong Kong Restaurants
Editor’s Note: “Koh Samui Family Travel Guide: Resorts, Restaurants And Things To Do” was most recently updated in May 2023 by Najuka Redkar.
