With kids · Koh Samui · Thailand
Koh Samui with kids
Family-tested sights, a calm base and the practical details that make travelling with children easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gunther Dihlmann, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Samui is a strong family destination, with calm, shallow bays such as Choeng Mon and Maenam, resorts with kids' clubs, waterfalls, an ethical elephant sanctuary and easy boat trips. Choose a beach away from central Chaweng for quieter evenings. Top picks: Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), Wat Plai Laem and Na Muang Waterfalls. Families usually base themselves in Choeng Mon.
Key facts
- Family picks
- 6
- Best area for families
- Choeng Mon
- Rainy-day options
- 1
- Busiest months
- February and August
Best things to do with kids
Religious site · Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach)
1.Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
A 12-metre golden seated Buddha built in 1972 stands on a small islet joined to the north-east coast by a causeway. Steps lead up to the statue, which looks across the bay towards Koh Phangan, and the base is ringed by bells and souvenir stalls.
Go at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light; cover shoulders and knees, and wraps are available at the entrance.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Photo spot
- Views
Religious site · Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach)
2.Wat Plai Laem
A short drive from the Big Buddha, this temple stands on a lake with an 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, and a colourful, Chinese-influenced ordination hall. Visitors buy fish food to feed the huge catfish in the lake.
Combine it with the Big Buddha; children enjoy feeding the fish from the walkways.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Kids
- Photo spot
Nature · Lipa Noi and the west coast
3.Na Muang Waterfalls
Two waterfalls in the island's interior: Na Muang 1, about 18 metres high with a swimming pool at its base and a short walk from the road, and the taller Na Muang 2, reached by a steeper trail through the forest. They flow strongest after the rains.
Visit after rainfall for the best flow, wear sandals with grip and avoid climbing on the wet rocks at the top.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
Experience · Chaweng
4.Samui Elephant Sanctuary
The island's ethical elephant sanctuary cares for elephants retired from logging and tourism; visitors observe them, prepare food and walk with them, with no riding or bathing shows.
Choose the morning programme, when it is cooler and the elephants are most active.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Book ahead
- Programmes are small and sell out; book a few days ahead, especially in high season.
- Kids
- Nature
Experience · Chaweng
5.Thai cooking class
Several cooking schools in Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut run half-day classes covering curries, tom yum, pad thai and desserts, often starting with a visit to a local market.
Book a morning class with a market visit so you learn about southern Thai ingredients such as fresh turmeric.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Couples
Beach · Chaweng
6.Chaweng Beach
Samui's signature beach runs for several kilometres of fine white sand and turquoise water on the east coast. The north end, near Chaweng Noi and the reef, is quieter; the centre has beach clubs, water sports and evening fire shows.
Walk the north end in the early morning, when the sand is empty and the water is clearest.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Kids
- After dark
Rainy-day ideas
- Thai cooking class — Book a morning class with a market visit so you learn about southern Thai ingredients such as fresh turmeric.
Where families should stay
$$$$ · Best for families, luxury, couples and quiet stays
Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon's crescent bay has shallow, calm water, a small island you can wade to at low tide and a cluster of high-end resorts. It is close to Chaweng's restaurants and the airport, but far quieter, making it a favourite with families.
- Good
- Calm, shallow swimming; Quiet but close to Chaweng; Excellent resorts
- Watch out
- Expensive; Limited independent restaurants
- Nearby
- Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, Chaweng, Samui Airport
Family travel tips
- Choeng Mon, Maenam and Lipa Noi have the calmest, shallowest water for young children.
- Rent a car rather than a scooter for family trips around the ring road.
- Pick large, stable boats for Ang Thong trips with children, and avoid the monsoon months.
- Bring reef shoes for rocky shores and sea urchins.
- Travel from February to August to avoid the heaviest rains.
Day trips for families
- Ang Thong National Marine Park (About 1–2 hours by boat) — An archipelago of more than 40 limestone islands with kayaking among the karsts, snorkelling, a steep climb to the viewpoint on Koh Wua Talab and the enclosed Emerald Lake on Koh Mae Ko.
- Koh Tan and Koh Madsum (About 20–30 minutes by longtail) — Two small islands off Samui's south coast with calm, shallow snorkelling reefs, quiet beaches and simple seafood restaurants.
When to go with children
The best months overall are February–April and June–August. February and August are the busiest, so book the big sights early. Weather by month.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Koh Samui good for kids?
Samui is a strong family destination, with calm, shallow bays such as Choeng Mon and Maenam, resorts with kids' clubs, waterfalls, an ethical elephant sanctuary and easy boat trips. Choose a beach away from central Chaweng for quieter evenings.
+What can kids do in Koh Samui?
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), Wat Plai Laem, Na Muang Waterfalls, Samui Elephant Sanctuary and Thai cooking class.
+Where should families stay in Koh Samui?
Choeng Mon: Sheltered north-east bay of upmarket resorts.