Having traveled to Thailand over 100 times and currently planning our fourth trip with baby in-tow, we’ve come to appreciate the Gulf of Thailand as a destination that stands apart. If you’re planning a family trip to the Gulf Islands this high season, this is the guide that will help you spend more time enjoying the adventure and less time navigating the details.
While Thailand’s Andaman Coast offers well-known hotspots like Phuket and Krabi, the Gulf of Thailand is a gem of its own, with calmer seas, a more relaxed vibe, and some of the best family-friendly beaches in the country. The Gulf Islands—Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao—each bring their own flavor, from Koh Samui’s luxurious resorts and lively beach towns to Koh Phangan’s serene stretches of sand and Koh Tao’s hidden snorkeling coves.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines adventure, tranquility, and accessibility for families, the Gulf is your ideal choice. This guide covers everything you need to know to make your family trip seamless, from where to stay to what to avoid, so you can dive straight into the experience.
Koh Samui: Where Luxury Meets Family Fun on Thailand’s Most Exciting Island
Koh Samui is the Ultimate Family Playground
Koh Samui is the largest of the Gulf Islands and offers a mix of high-end luxury, vibrant beach towns, and family-friendly activities. Whether it’s lounging at the resort, exploring bustling markets, or visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries, Samui gives families the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.
Getting to Koh Samui: The Easiest Island Escape
Fly Right In: Koh Samui is the only Gulf Island with its own international airport, making it the most accessible of the three. Bangkok Airways flies directly to Koh Samui International Airport (USM), putting you just minutes from the beach.
Top Family Stays on Koh Samui: Where to Sleep, Play, and Relax
Consider staying at Smile House Resort
Expect a charming beachfront resort right on Bophut Beach with cozy family bungalows, a laid-back atmosphere, and easy access to the lively Fisherman’s Village market. Starting from approximately $90 USD/night.
What makes a trip to Koh Samui Unforgettable?
Ang Thong National Marine Park: The Adventure of a Lifetime
Cruise through the breathtaking limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons of Ang Thong, where families can kayak, snorkel, and discover Thailand’s pristine marine world.
Fisherman’s Village Walking Street: A Feast for All the Senses
Explore one of Samui’s most vibrant markets on a Friday night, packed with local food, crafts, and live music that will delight the entire family.
Exploring Koh Samui: The Best Ways to Get Around
Whether you're staying central or want to explore further, **taxis**, **songthaews** (shared trucks), or renting a car are all easy options for navigating the island’s well-paved roads. For families, a car offers the most flexibility, especially for visiting the quieter beaches.
Koh Phangan: A Family Hideaway, Just Watch Out for the Party Scene
Koh Phangan is Secret Paradise for Families
Koh Phangan is more than its famous Full Moon Parties. Beyond the party scene lies a treasure trove of serene, family-friendly beaches like **Thong Nai Pan**, where the calm waters and quiet resorts offer a perfect escape. Whether it’s beach hopping or jungle adventures, Koh Phangan provides a more intimate and peaceful experience for families.
The Truth About Full Moon Parties: What Families Should Know
Full Moon Parties are best avoided if you're traveling with kids. The party happens monthly, and during those times, Haad Rin Beach gets loud, crowded, and expensive. For a family-friendly escape, stay on the island’s quieter northern or eastern beaches, far from the party crowds. This will keep your stay peaceful and stress-free.
Cruise to Ko Phanang on a High Speed Ferry
From Koh Samui, take the ferry from Big Buddha Pier or Maenam Pier and enjoy a scenic 30-minute ride to Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan. Ferries are frequent and easily booked through hotels or local agents.
Best Family Retreats on Koh Phangan: Tranquil Stays Away from the Chaos
What to Expect: Located on Ao Nai Wok Beach, this quiet resort offers spacious family bungalows, a relaxed atmosphere, and is just a short walk from the quaint Thong Sala village, starting from approximately $100 USD/night.
What to Expect: This beachfront resort on Haad Rin Nok Beach offers a family-friendly escape with a kids’ pool, spacious rooms, and easy access to the beach. Just avoid Full Moon dates for a peaceful stay. Starting from approximately $115 USD/night.
Top Things to Do with Kids in Koh Phangan
Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach: Peaceful Paradise for Families
With its shallow waters and soft sand, this quiet beach is perfect for young kids to splash and play. It’s one of the most serene and family-friendly spots on the island.
Phaeng Waterfall: Jungle Trails and Cooling Off
A short, easy hike through the jungle leads to this stunning waterfall where families can cool off and enjoy the natural beauty. It’s an easy adventure with a rewarding view.
Getting Around Koh Phangan: Simple and Stress-Free
On Koh Phangan, **taxis** and **songthaews** are the easiest ways to get around. Most resorts are near the island’s key spots, so long rides aren’t needed. If you're staying near **Thong Sala** or the northern beaches, most activities are within walking distance, keeping things relaxed.
Koh Tao: The Island of Hidden Beaches and Snorkelling Bliss
Koh Tao is a Snorkeler’s Dream
Koh Tao is the smallest of the Gulf Islands, but it’s known for its incredible underwater world. This island offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in Thailand, with hidden beaches and stunning coral reefs that families will love. What sets Koh Tao apart is its quieter vibe and secluded spots, perfect for families seeking a more peaceful retreat.
A Note About Koh Tao’s Hills: Play It Safe
Koh Tao’s rugged terrain means it’s not the best place for scooters if you’re traveling with kids. The roads can be steep and tricky to navigate, so it’s best to stick to central, flat areas near Sairee Beach or hire a private transfer for exploring more of the island.
How to Get to Koh Tao: Ferry Rides with a View
From Koh Samui or Koh Phangan: Ferries run frequently to Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao’s main hub. The journey is scenic, and you’ll arrive ready to explore this snorkeling haven.
Best Family Stays in Koh Tao: Beachfront Bliss
What to Expect: Located toward the secluded end of the main road on the island, past Sairee Beach, Koh Tao’s most popular and family-friendly area, this resort offers easy access to the beach, restaurants, and shops, but still in a quiet, serene area close to world-class secluded snorkelling spots. Starting from approximately $85 USD/night.
What to Expect: This centrally located beachfront resort on the edge of the islands lively, central Sairee Beach offers a stunning pool and nice family rooms with good amenities, in an easy-to-navigate area. Starting from approximately $120 USD/night.
Family-Friendly Activities on Koh Tao
Shark Bay: A Snorkelling Adventure for Kids
Shark Bay is ideal for families looking to introduce their kids to snorkelling in shallow waters. With harmless blacktip reef sharks and colorful fish, it’s an exciting yet safe adventure.
Discover Koh Tao’s Secret Beaches by Boat
Take a family-friendly boat tour around Koh Tao to discover secluded beaches and hidden coves perfect for swimming and snorkelling. These tours are easy to arrange through most hotels.
Getting Around Koh Tao: Stick to the Center or Hire a Driver
Because of Koh Tao’s steep terrain, it’s best to stay in the central areas if you want to avoid the major inclines in and out of secluded bays. For families looking to explore beyond these central areas, either walking or taking a car with driver from the ferry will be the safest option, as the island's steep roads can be tricky, especially with kids. Avoid renting scooters since even experienced drivers are likely to have accidents on the intense inclines with loose rocks. Notice the backpackers covered in bandages and think twice before getting on a bike.
Final Thoughts: Gulf Islands, Thailand’s Hidden Family Paradise
Thailand’s Gulf Islands each offer something unique, making them ideal destinations for families looking to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re lounging on a luxury beach in Koh Samui, discovering hidden waterfalls in Koh Phangan, or exploring the vibrant coral reefs of Koh Tao, these islands have it all—each with its own distinct flavor.
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