For families with young children looking for a tropical getaway, there is no better destination than Koh Samui. Stunning beaches, lush jungles, and family-friendly activities are abundant, with something to offer everyone.

While The White Lotus may have made Thailand’s islands synonymous with drama and wild partying, Koh Samui’s charm still lies in its laid-back, family-friendly appeal.

Keep reading for must-visit spots, travel advice for families, tips on getting around the island, and recommendations on where to stay.

Travelling to and around Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s airport (USM) offers direct flights from major Asian cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong. Choose flights that align with your family’s schedule and book tickets well in advance for better deals to help optimise your Koh Samui vacation.

Upon arrival at the airport, depending on the type of accommodation booked, many resorts offer round-trip airport transfers that help minimise added stress during arrivals. Should resorts not have that option, ride-sharing apps such as Grab are available. However, there is no better way to get around the island than on a songthaew, a pick-up truck with a converted bed which fits 8-10 adults inside.

For those coming from nearby islands, Koh Samui is accessible by ferry. Aside from being spacious and comfortable, the journey provides picturesque views of the Gulf of Thailand!

Travel spots

Koh Samui is packed with destinations and activities for kids – here are a few of them:

Bophut Beach

Bophut Beach offers abundant activities for families with young kids. Stroll the length of the beach and you’ll find different water sports to try – from paddle boards to jet skis and even banana boats. Kids can also enjoy just playing in the sand or cooling off in the shallow azure waters where tame waves reside. Bophut also allows families to hop on a 30-minute Thai longboat ride to Koh Madsum, a gorgeous island escape nearby with free-roaming pigs.

Our villa pick: Villa Mullion Cove, a 4-bedroom hillside villa featuring an in-villa spa and swimming pool with a shallow end – perfect for families with young kids. Plus, it’s a short drive from Fisherman’s Village—Koh Samui’s dining hub and a favorite foodie spot for The White Lotus cast.

Read also: Dine your way through Koh Samui’s Fisherman’s Village at these 12 Eateries

Lamai

Located in southeastern Koh Samui, Lamai may not have nightlife as vibrant as other areas, but its long sandy beach and calmer surroundings make it a perfect choice for families with kids. With breathtaking waters perfect for swimming, Lamai is lined with palm trees, restaurants and beach bars. Head to the night market if you’re there on a Sunday for souvenirs and street snacks, or head up to the Lamai viewpoint for a spectacular view with a drink in hand, and a zipline adventure to get your adrenaline going.

Our villa pick: Baan Hinyai, a stylish beachfront villa with 5 bedrooms and top-tier amenities, including a private pool with a shallow end, a table tennis court, and watersports equipment like kayaks and paddleboards.

Taling Ngam

The closest thing to authentic Thai living on Koh Samui, Taling Ngam is surrounded by villages, which are wonderful spots to interact with locals selling from stalls next to the roadway. It also possesses stunning views of the Angthong Marine National Park, a 42-island archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand. Take a 15-minute drive to the Laem Sor Pagoda in Bang Kao, where its riveting yellow shades positively glow in the sunlight.

Our villa pick: For extended families, Ban Sairee is the private beachfront estate of your dreams. The 9-bedroom property boasts ample lawns, beachfront swimming pools, kayaks, a tennis court, and bunk rooms for the kids.

Travel Tips

Travelling with family can get stressful, so here are some tips to make your next family vacation to Koh Samui as smooth as possible.

Packing smart is always important. Ensure you have all necessary items, including sunscreen, insect repellent, first aid supplies, and prescription medications. Hydration is key for a hot and humid place like Koh Samui. Indulge in tropical living and sip on the island’s fresh coconut water, often sold on roadside stands and beaches.

Respecting the local culture is something strongly believed in and important to teach kids about, such as Thai customs and traditions like removing shoes before entering a temple or showing respect to elders. Learning basic Thai phrases can also go a long way in creating positive interactions with locals, while introducing your family to Thai cuisine allows them to savour the many flavours that Koh Samui has to offer.

Where to Stay

Already sold on the destination but not as much on the villas mentioned so far? Don’t worry, Koh Samui has an array of top-tier accommodations, with at least one sure to suit your family’s needs.

Ban Mekkala is a spacious beachfront villa with six ensuite bedrooms, a T-shaped pool with a shallow area for children, and other kid-friendly amenities including a home theatre. The villa also comes with a private chef who can prepare delicious meals for the whole family. 

Baan View Talay, on the other hand, is a luxurious villa that comes with 6+1 bedrooms and a variety of amenities such as an infinity pool, a gym, a putting green, and a field for badminton, volleyball, or soccer – perfect for families who like to stay active.

Finally, consider a hillside getaway at Ban Kinaree, a 5-bedroom property with stunning views, a tropical garden, and expansive space for kids to explore – from the 19.5m infinity-edge pool to the 20m terrace.

Ready to plan your Koh Samui family getaway? Book your dream stay with The Luxe Nomad today.