Koh Phangan With Kids - 10 Things to Do

Koh Phangan is not just a destination for party-goers and beach lovers, but also a wonderful place for families with kids. Away from the popular nightlife, Koh Phangan offers a diverse range of family-friendly activities and attractions that cater to the needs and interests of all age groups.

Our Tips for Traveling to Koh Phangan with Kids

With its idyllic beaches, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed atmosphere, Koh Phangan is a true paradise for families longing for an unforgettable time in Southeast Asia. From gentle waves that invite splashing with the little ones to playgrounds, Koh Phangan offers numerous opportunities to have fun together and experience unforgettable moments.

How to get to Koh Phangan

The island of Koh Phangan doesn’t have its own airport, which means that a boat trip to reach the island is necessary. With a flight to Koh Samui or Surat Thani you can only bring one leg behind you. Tickets for flights are best found at Skyscanner.

In addition, you can travel by bus or train to Surat Thani, but even there you have to change to a boat at the end. There are several providers to choose from such as Lomprayah, Seatran, Raja Ferry etc. Tickets and connection times can be found on 12go.asia or GetYourGuide.

Accommodation in Koh Phangan with kids – our hotel tip

The Green Papaya Beach Resort is an idyllic accommodation that you can find directly on Haad Salad Beach. The rooms have a private terrace or balcony with sea view and offer you a very cozy atmosphere. You can relax in the large outdoor pool, which is of course also suitable for children, or do something for your body in the gym. The bar and restaurant provide culinary delights.

Children will definitely feel at home at the Green Papaya Beach Resort. There are many activities on the beach and in the water that children love, such as snorkeling and playing in the sand. The friendly staff of the resort are always on hand to help and advise you to make your vacation as pleasant as possible.

You can find even more accommodations in our article Koh Phangan Family Hotels.

1. Going to the beach

The number one activity on Koh Phangan with kids is definitely the beach, and the island has plenty of them! A family trip to the beach, if your accommodation isn’t directly located there, is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Thai island together with children.

Especially the Koh Phangan beaches on the west coast (e.g. Haad Yao) are often very shallow and are perfect for children. But also in the north, the Malibu Beach, Chaloklum Beach, and Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach are not to be forgotten, as well as the Haad Rin Beach, if the Full Moon Party isn’t taking place. At most beaches, you’ll find numerous restaurants along the coast, which are great for a meal. Moreover, various water sports activities like snorkeling or kayaking offer a fantastic opportunity for older children to actively explore the coastal landscape.

The island also hosts various family-oriented resorts and accommodations tailored to the needs of children. Some resorts offer special kids’ clubs and activities to provide the little guests with an entertaining time while the parents can enjoy moments of relaxation. Whether collecting shells, building sandcastles, or just swimming, your children will surely have fun at the beach. But be careful: the sun in Thailand is not to be underestimated, and good sunscreen to protect your little ones is essential. Also, think about appropriate headgear – a sun hat is perfect for this.

2. Visit the island’s playgrounds

On Koh Phangan, there are also some playgrounds for children. One small one at the Baan Tai Pier (see photo), another one can be found in the small park at Thong Sala at the Pier, and another one at the Baan Tai Vintage Night Market opposite the Bangkok Hospital.

In addition, for example, there is an indoor play hall with a small ball pit and parkour as well as other toys in the Big C Supermarket. For 30 minutes, this costs 50 Baht and you can let your children play there while shopping.

If you are in Koh Phangan for a longer period, you can also send your child to kindergarten, for example, to Kiddies World or to Little Panda Kindergarten. But if you are here just for vacation and your child still wants to play with other children, then try indoor playgrounds like the Messy House (daily 9.00 – 19.30) in Thong Sala or The Nest (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10.00 to 18.00) in Maduea Wan near the Zoo Café. Even the youngest children can meet new playmates there, and it doesn’t have to be a whole day – even 1 to 2 hours are perfectly fine. Cost: from 200 Baht per hour.

3. Admire animals at the Zoo Café

The Zoo Café is located directly at the Paeng Waterfall on Koh Phangan and is a great destination for families with children. Here, parents can enjoy a cup of coffee or other drinks like fruit shakes while children can explore the animals in a safe environment.

On-site, there are colorful fish to feed, rabbits, deer, ostriches, turtles, and kangaroos. Various fruits are also offered for purchase to feed the animals. A worthwhile stop if you want to explore the waterfall.

4. Feeding elephants – Elephant Sanctuary

Not far from the Zoo Café is the Elephant Sanctuary. It is a new facility that only opened in 2023. Here, rescued elephants are allowed to live relatively freely. However, since it is a lot of effort and especially expensive to feed the elephants, the Elephant Sanctuary always appreciates support.

As befits a sanctuary, there is obviously no elephant riding and no elephant show here. Bathing with elephants is also not offered. Nevertheless, you are allowed to visit the large pachyderms, get close to them, and feed them. Especially for children, it’s an exciting experience. Prices start at 1500 Baht for children and 2000 for adults. There are two different programs. You can find out more on the website, where you can also book a visit directly.

5. Bouncy castle on the Walking Street

Every Saturday afternoon from around 5.00 pm, the Walking Street takes place in the main town of Thong Sala. It stretches with numerous stalls through the old town to the pier. Around it, there’s usually also some entertainment for children. A large bouncy castle is set up in the square by the beach, small trampolines, and often there are tables where children can paint pictures or figures with watercolors. Cost: 30 Baht for about 20 minutes.

6. Play minigolf or football golf

Another activity for Koh Phangan with kids is minigolf or the variant football golf. There are various options scattered around the island. In Baan Tai, you’ll find the Spider Mini and Football Golf, where both options are offered. Another minigolf course is located near the Koh Phangan Hospital at the Wat Phu Khao Noi and a third one can be found in the village at the Thong Nai Pan Yai beach.

Depending on where you are located on the island, a different course is closer. The prices are in a similar range and start at 120 Baht per person. There are also different numbers of courses. The minigolf facility at Wat Phu Khao Noi has 12 courses, the other two a bit more. Often, you can even play a second round for free if it’s not too busy.

7. Sunset Walk

The Sunset Walk not only features the Harmony Beachclub for adult customers, but also offers something for children. Birthdays are regularly celebrated here, there’s a slide for the little ones, and a large skatepark at the entrance. The skatepark is open daily from 11.00 am to 10.00 pm and costs 100 Baht for admission. On-site, you can also rent equipment if you don’t have your own.

Food and drinks are also available at the Harmony Beachclub or Bliss Café. There’s also a small swimming pool for cooling off. A beautiful place with a view of the neighboring islands Koh Samui, to spend the day.

8. Learning kitesurfing

Koh Phangan is known for its diverse water sports opportunities. Kitesurfing is an exciting activity that is also suitable for children if they receive the right instruction and safety precautions. It is important to choose the right school with qualified teachers who have experience with children.

Usually, there is a minimum age to learn kitesurfing of at least 8 to 10 years. For younger children, it is often too dangerous. However, this depends on the individual physical and mental development. The kitesurfing school will provide the necessary equipment such as kite, board, harness, and wetsuit. In addition, the children will receive thorough safety training before they go on the water. This includes understanding kite control, wind behavior, and rescue techniques.

Kitesurfing can be an exciting and educational experience for children on Koh Phangan if the right precautions are taken. It not only offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the island but also to learn valuable skills in dealing with wind and water. A kitesurfing school where acquaintances of ours have taken courses with their children is KBA Asia. If you are interested, you should definitely check it out.

9. Children’s courses

Especially during the Thai holiday seasons, many children’s courses are offered, but you can also find offers from time to time. Here, there are various activities that your little ones can try out, in which many of the island’s children also participate. These include tennis, soccer camps, and even Muay Thai for children (e.g., at the Martial Arts Academy), where they can really exert themselves.

There are also offers for the younger ones, such as crafting, painting, or simply playing with other children in a kind of kindergarten. You don’t have to formally register your children – you can usually just let them play on-site for 1-2 hours. We recommend the following two Facebook groups where such offers are often posted: Kids activities Koh Phangan and Koh Phangan Kids.

10. Additional events for kids on Koh Phangan

In addition to all these activities, events for children are also offered more or less regularly. This includes, for example, the Sunday Funday – Family Day at the Hustle Club with workshops for children, a pool party, food, treasure hunt in the jungle, and more. The Seaboard at Haad Yao Beach also often hosts a children’s festival. You can find more events in the Facebook groups mentioned in the previous section.

Medical care for children on Koh Phangan

Medical care for children on Koh Phangan has noticeably improved in recent years. There are now several medical facilities, such as the Bangkok Hospital (opposite the Baan Tai Vintage Night Market), where specialized pediatricians can be found at certain times.

However, in the other clinics and hospitals, you can also be assisted at any time, as long as there are no serious cases. The facilities offer a wide range of medical services, ranging from routine check-ups and vaccinations to specialized treatments and emergency care. The medical professionals on the island are well-trained and capable of providing appropriate and high-quality care for children.

Furthermore, some facilities work closely with international hospitals, e.g., on Koh Samui, and can transfer patients to these neighboring island hospitals in emergencies, where the medical care is even slightly better. In general, you don’t need to worry, and we as parents have not had any problems with our children on Koh Phangan that the local doctors couldn’t treat.

Dining out with children on Koh Phangan

Eating with children on Koh Phangan is not a big challenge. The island offers a plethora of culinary options that cater to the tastes of young gourmets. From traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai, fresh fruit juices, and delicious fruits to international offerings like pizza, pasta, and burgers, there’s something for everyone.

Many restaurants on the island are child-friendly and have menus suitable for children, and often the staff will engage with the children and take care of them. Thais are generally very child-friendly and you won’t get disapproving looks if the little ones can’t sit still. The relaxed atmosphere and Thai hospitality make dining with children a pleasant experience.

However, it’s advisable to be cautious about the spiciness of the dishes if your children are sensitive to spices. Generally, food for children is not made spicy and special requests are accommodated if your children have certain food intolerances.

Koh Phangan: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Koh Phangan with kids in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Phangan with kids.

What tips do you have for a trip to Koh Phangan with kids? We look forward to your feedback in the comments.