Koh Samui with Kids - 16 Tips for Families

For us, Koh Samui has long been much more than just an island for a beach vacation. Since we started traveling as a family, we’ve been rediscovering many familiar places from a completely different perspective. And it quickly becomes clear just how easy it is to explore Koh Samui with kids. There are peaceful beaches, temples, waterfalls, boat trips, and now a surprising number of activities specifically for families. You’ll also find plenty of options for rainy days or when the kids simply want to experience something different after several days at the beach.

Koh Samui With Kids: 16 Family-Friendly Excursions, Activities, and Experiences

Of course, which activities you choose always depends a little on your kids’ ages. With toddlers, beaches, animals, and short excursions will probably be higher on your list, while older kids might also enjoy football golf, go-karting, or a water park. For some kids, regular sightseeing on Koh Samui might even be an option. Let our 15 tips for Koh Samui with kids inspire you.

Accommodation in Koh Samui – Our Hotel Tip

One hotel where we felt completely at home right from the start is the Amari Koh Samui. The resort is located directly on beautiful Chaweng Beach, but not right in the busy center. Despite its central location, the Amari has a relaxed atmosphere. And you’re just a few minutes away from all the action.

The hotel offers two swimming pools and beautiful, modern rooms in various categories. All rooms have air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi. You can choose between garden and sea views. The beds are excellent quality and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

If you’re looking for more hotels on Koh Samui, including in other areas such as Lamai, Maenam, or Bophut, it’s best to check out this overview.

1. The Most Beautiful Beaches on Koh Samui With Kids

If you’re visiting Koh Samui with kids, you’ll probably spend a large part of your time by the sea. However, we should mention right away that not every beach on Koh Samui is equally suitable for families. One of our favorites is Choeng Mon Beach in the northeast, for example. The sheltered bay is relatively small and easy to navigate, and the water is often calm. You’ll also find restaurants and plenty of space along the beach. Another great option is Mae Nam Beach in the north. This long beach offers lots of space and feels very peaceful in many areas.

Bophut Beach near Fisherman’s Village is also great, with plenty of places to relax, Coco Tam’s Beach Restaurant, and water sports activities. Another of our favorites is Chaweng Beach, even though the area can get quite busy. The water is often very shallow, making it great for kids, especially if you’re staying directly at one of the beach hotels on Koh Samui. Otherwise, the public beach access near Seen Beach Club is a great option. You can rent lounge chairs there or simply lie down on the sand. Many local kids also come here with their families in the late afternoon.

In the west, Lipa Noi Beach is another great choice. We particularly love the relaxed atmosphere and the sunsets here. The beach slopes relatively gently into the water in many sections, although you should always pay attention to the current tides when visiting with kids. The small Silver Beach between Chaweng and Lamai offers a completely different setting. Surrounded by granite rocks, this bay is one of the most scenic beaches on the island. As you can see, there are more than enough beaches on Koh Samui that are suitable for kids.

2. Fisherman’s Village and Fire Show at Coco Tam’s

If you’re looking for something to do in the evening on Koh Samui with kids, check out Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. It’s essentially a long street right behind the beach. You’ll find restaurants, small shops, cafés, and historic buildings here. Things get especially lively during the Walking Street, which takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 5.00 PM.

The fire shows on the beach in front of Coco Tam’s are also very popular with families. They usually take place at around 7.15 PM and 9.00 PM. However, the fire shows can get very crowded, so it’s worth arriving a little earlier. Fridays are usually particularly busy. You don’t have to pay an admission fee for the fire show, but if you want a good spot at Coco Tam’s, you can order something to eat or drink there. Coco Tam’s is a little more expensive, but it’s worth it because the food, including pizza and pasta, is delicious and great for kids too.

3. Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem

Two of the most famous temples on Koh Samui are just a few minutes apart, making them ideal to visit together. The Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai is located on the small island of Koh Fan, which is connected to Koh Samui by a causeway. You can spot the twelve-meter-tall golden Buddha statue from quite a distance. The temple is open daily from approximately 7.00 AM to 6.30 PM, and admission is free. A staircase leads up to the platform surrounding the Buddha. From there, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of Bangrak and the coastline. Allow around 30 to 45 minutes when visiting with kids.

Afterward, head to Wat Plai Laem. This temple complex also offers free admission and is open from approximately 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM. There are several large statues to see, including the 18-armed Kuan Yin and the Laughing Buddha, which may leave some kids amazed. Numerous fish and turtles live in the surrounding water. You can buy food for 10 Baht and feed them. For younger kids, this is often more interesting than the temple itself, as an incredible number of fish gather when food is thrown into the water. It’s best to avoid the midday heat and visit in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable.

4. Khao Hua Jook Pagoda

One little hidden gem for Koh Samui with kids is the Khao Hua Jook Pagoda. It sits on a hill above Chaweng. While the golden pagoda is impressive, the view is particularly exciting for kids. From here, you can look directly onto the runway at Koh Samui Airport and watch planes landing and taking off. My son is definitely a huge fan of airplanes.

Khao Hua Jook Pagoda is open daily from 8.00 AM to 5.30 PM. Admission is 50 Baht for adults. You won’t need much time to explore the temple, as the complex is very small. Still, make sure to allow some extra time for plane spotting. We’d also recommend avoiding the midday heat, as there’s very little shade here.

5. Visit Waterfalls on Koh Samui

If you want to experience more jungle and nature on Koh Samui, plan a visit to one of the waterfalls, such as Na Muang Waterfall 1. This waterfall is particularly suitable if you’re traveling with kids. You don’t have to go on a long jungle trek, and it’s only a short walk from the parking lot to Na Muang Waterfall 1. Here, the water cascades down dark rocks into a natural pool below. However, the waterfall can look very different depending on the rainy season.

You can visit Na Muang Waterfall 1 daily from approximately 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM. There is no admission fee, although parking costs 20 to 40 Baht for scooters or cars. Allow a good hour if your kids also want to swim in one of the natural pools. However, we’d avoid visiting after heavy rainfall, as the current can become quite strong. Water shoes can also be useful for kids because of the rocky ground.

If you’re looking for a little more jungle adventure, you’ll also find Na Muang Waterfall 2 nearby. With older kids, you can follow the trail through the jungle, but we wouldn’t recommend it with younger children.

6. Experience Elephants With Kids

For many kids, elephants are among the animals they absolutely want to see in Thailand. At Samui Elephant Haven, you can meet rescued elephants without having to attend a show or go on an elephant ride. The full program lasts approximately three hours and is currently offered in the morning from 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM and in the afternoon from 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM. Adults pay 3,000 Baht, while children between 4 and 11 years old pay 1,500 Baht. Kids under four can participate for free. Round-trip transportation from your hotel is also included in this program.

Even if you don’t want to participate in a program but would still like to see elephants, you should definitely stop by Samui Elephant Haven. There’s also a restaurant and café on site. So you can have something to eat or drink while watching the elephants, which is also a lovely experience for kids.

7. Boat Trips to the Surrounding Islands

A boat trip is a great way to explore some of the islands surrounding Koh Samui. Koh Madsum and Koh Tan, south of the island, are particularly easy to visit. Most group tours last around five to six hours. Depending on the boat and tour operator, prices range from approximately 1,350 to 1,500 Baht for adults and 1,150 to 1,300 Baht for kids. Hotel transfers, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment are often included. Many tours to Koh Madsum also charge an additional island fee of around 50 Baht.

Info: Koh Madsum is also often called Pig Island because pigs live on the beach there. Kids usually think that’s pretty cool, but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend petting the animals.

Another really beautiful day trip is a boat tour to Ang Thong Marine National Park. However, you should allow around eight hours for this excursion. Budget-friendly tours on larger excursion boats currently start at approximately 1,200 to 1,300 Baht for adults and around 1,000 Baht for kids. Speedboats and smaller group tours cost more. If the national park fee isn’t already included in the tour price, visitors currently pay an additional 300 Baht per adult and 150 Baht per child. In return, you’ll get to experience limestone islands, beaches, kayaking stops, snorkeling, and viewpoints. You can read more about what such a tour looks like in our article about Ang Thong National Park.

8. Water Parks on Koh Samui With Kids

Another highlight on Koh Samui with kids, and one that offers a little more action, is visiting a water park. There are actually two on the island, although they’re quite different. The Samui Ninja Water Park is part of the Samui Pier Beach Resort in Bangrak, right next to Haad Rin Queen Pier, where boats depart for Koh Phangan. If we had to describe Samui Ninja Water Park, we’d call it a giant inflatable obstacle course right in the sea. Fun is guaranteed. It’s open daily from 10.30 AM to 6.30 PM, weather permitting. A day pass for the water park and resort pool costs 500 Baht per person. If you only want to use the pool, the price is 200 Baht. Kids under 17 must wear a life jacket in the water park, and children under six must be accompanied or supervised by an adult.

The former Pink Elephant Water Park is now often simply called Samui Water Park. Located in the Maenam area, the park offers water slides, a lazy river, areas for younger kids, and other water attractions. Admission costs 1,250 Baht for adults and 900 Baht for children. Kids under 90 centimeters tall pay just 100 Baht. It’s open daily from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM.

9. Holiday Inn Resort Samui

The Holiday Inn Resort on Bophut Beach is particularly family-oriented. The Jungle’s Book Kids Club is open daily from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM. It’s designed for kids up to 12 years old. Younger children under four must be accompanied by a parent or babysitter. There’s also a pool, a playground, and an approximately 220-square-meter splash pad with water features and slides. The splash pad is open daily from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM.

You don’t necessarily have to book a room and stay overnight at the Holiday Inn to enjoy these attractions. Family Day Passes are also available, although they’re sometimes only offered during the low season. Prices start at 2,000 Baht (1 adult and 2 children), including 1,500 Baht in food and beverage credit. A larger package for up to two adults and four children costs 4,000 Baht, including 3,000 Baht in food and beverage credit. If you’re interested, it’s best to book a day in advance.

10. Monkey Dome

If your kids enjoy being active, Monkey Dome might be a great option. It’s a small skate park located in Chaweng Noi and mainly geared toward kids and teenagers who want to go inline skating. It’s open Tuesday through Friday from 3.00 PM to 7.00 PM and on weekends from 3.00 PM to 9.00 PM, closed on Mondays. That makes Monkey Dome particularly appealing in the late afternoon, once the worst of the heat has passed, and a great way to keep the kids entertained.

Admission costs 50 Baht per hour. If you want to rent skates, it’s an additional 120 Baht per hour. If your kids would even like to take a private lesson to learn inline skating, it costs 500 Baht per hour.

11. Samui Football Golf

Another fun activity with kids is a round of football golf. Instead of hitting a small golf ball across the course with a club, you use a soccer ball and try to get it into large holes with as few kicks as possible. There are 18 holes in total, set in a tropical garden. It can be great fun for the whole family. Allow around 90 minutes for a round.

Samui Football Golf is located in Choeng Mon and is open daily from 9.00 AM to 6.30 PM. Adults pay 750 Baht, kids 350 Baht, and spectators who don’t play pay 100 Baht. A soft drink, the soccer ball, and shoes if needed are included in the price. Smaller futsal balls are available for younger kids.

12. EasyKart Koh Samui

Right next to Chaweng Lake, you’ll find another activity for those looking for more adrenaline and speed. EasyKart definitely delivers on that front. The track is open daily from 10.00 AM until midnight, making it a great activity for the late afternoon or evening. Kids between 7 and 13 years old who are at least 125 centimeters tall can drive the Kid Kart themselves. One ride currently costs 499 Baht. The Regular Kart is available for kids aged 12 and older who are at least 135 centimeters tall and costs 699 Baht per ride.

There’s also a two-seater kart for younger kids. This means you can drive as a parent while your child rides as a passenger, although your child still needs to be at least 110 cm tall. This ride also costs 699 Baht. The faster karts are only suitable for drivers aged 15 and older who are at least 150 centimeters tall. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory when driving, and helmets are provided. For families with older kids, EasyKart is definitely one of the more action-packed activities on Koh Samui with kids.

13. Indoor Activities for Rainy Days

Of course, it can rain in Thailand too. While that’s not ideal when you’re on vacation, there are a few alternatives on Koh Samui with kids that you can enjoy even when it’s raining. One great option for a rainy day is KidTopia on the second floor of Big C in Chaweng. This indoor playground is open daily from 10.00 AM to 9.00 PM. One hour currently costs 150 Baht per child and 50 Baht per adult. Discounts are available if you stay for several hours. Socks are mandatory, but you can also get them on site if needed. With slides, climbing areas, and a ball pit, KidTopia is a great option, especially for younger kids who have lots of energy to burn.

Le Blocks is also located in Big C Supercenter and offers a somewhat quieter experience. It’s more suitable for kids who enjoy building things and being creative. The playrooms are open daily from 10.00 AM to 8.00 PM. Prices start at 200 Baht per child per hour. If an adult stays in the play area, there’s a charge of 100 Baht. Additional craft projects, such as foam clay or bead art, cost around 100 to 250 Baht extra. Le Blocks is particularly suitable for elementary school-aged kids who enjoy Lego and other building or craft projects.

A third option is Art in Paradise Studio. However, you shouldn’t just show up spontaneously, but rather reserve a spot in advance. The current children’s classes take place Tuesday through Friday in the mornings from 10.00 AM to 12.30 PM and in the afternoons within the time slot from 3.00 PM to 6.30 PM. On Saturdays, classes are offered from 10.00 AM to 12.30 PM. A current 2.5-hour class costs 1,200 Baht per child. The studio is mainly geared toward kids who enjoy painting, crafting, and creative activities. So, depending on your child’s personality, you can choose between active play, building, and art to fill an entire rainy day.

14. Kid-Friendly Cafés and Play Areas

Visiting a café with young kids doesn’t always mean enjoying a relaxing break. Suzette Samui aims to solve exactly that problem by combining a restaurant and café with an approximately 300-square-meter indoor play area for kids aged 0 to 12. It’s currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. The menu includes crêpes, waffles, wraps, and salads, among other things.

Another option is CatWorld Cat Café in Bophut. It’s open daily from 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM. Adults currently pay 350 Baht for 90 minutes, while kids under 12 pay 250 Baht. One drink is included in each admission. For kids who love animals, a visit can be a really lovely experience. However, it’s important to let the cats decide whether they want to interact. Don’t chase them, don’t pick them up if they don’t want to be held, and leave sleeping cats alone.

There are also a few activities for kids at Central Festival in Chaweng. Downstairs, you’ll find a playground, a carousel, and a type of indoor play area. Upstairs, there’s a small go-kart track, arcade games, and a movie theater. So there are plenty of things to do here if it happens to rain.

15. Paradise Park

In the interior of Koh Samui, you’ll find Paradise Park, a popular destination for family outings. The park is currently open daily from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM. Admission is currently around 400 Baht for adults and 200 Baht for kids. There’s plenty to discover at Paradise Park, including various animals, tropical plants, and viewpoints. So it’s best to allow at least two to three hours for your visit if you don’t want to just walk through quickly.

Another highlight is the swimming pool with views over the island and the coastline. So don’t forget to pack your swimwear, because kids especially can rarely resist the water. It’s also a great change of pace after exploring Paradise Park. In our opinion, it’s a wonderful combination of nature, views, animals, and swimming, making it a fitting final tip for Koh Samui with kids.

16. The Xperience

A somewhat different activity on Koh Samui with kids is The Xperience in Lipa Noi. It’s tucked away a little toward the center of the island. The large grounds feature numerous sculptures and art installations, including giant dinosaurs. There are also several swimming pools and different themed areas. The combination is particularly interesting for families with kids because you can easily divide your visit between walking around, exploring, and swimming.

The Xperience is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. A regular Day Pass costs 1,500 Baht per person. As a family, you should keep in mind that kids aren’t allowed on every day. According to the latest information, visitors of all ages are welcome on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and kids up to two years old can even visit The Xperience for free on those days. We’d recommend visiting in the afternoon with kids. That way, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the pools, and later you can admire the illuminated sculptures.

Koh Samui: 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 Samui in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Samui.

How to Get to Koh Samui

The easiest and fastest way to Koh Samui is with a direct flight from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The international airport of Koh Samui was built by Bangkok Airways and therefore the price for a flight ticket is kind of more expensive, because they preserve a monopoly – with a few exceptions.

It’s cheaper when you go to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat on the mainland of Thailand. Airlines like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly to those cities from the Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. At the destination airport, you can take a bus to the Donsak Pier or Tapee Pier and from there, a ferry to Koh Samui.

You can find the cheapest flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner. I absolutely can recommend Thai Lion Air by the way.

Note: Bus and train connections are also available if you want to arrive even cheaper. However, the travel time increases a lot. Tickets and information on times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.

What other tips for Koh Samui with kids are missing from our list? Let us know in the comments!