Best Area in Koh Samui for families

Koh Samui is a great choice for a family holiday in Thailand. The Island is full of great things to do, stunning beaches and amazing food. The hardest part will be choosing where to stay. Hopefully this guide to the best area in Koh Samui for families will help you to decide where to base yourselves.

Koh Samui is the second largest Thai islands behind Phuket but it’s actually not hard to travel the whole of it in a few hours. Basically, wherever you end up staying you’ll still be able to see everything the island has to offer. The main ring road around the island makes it super easy to get about.

Over recent years its popularity has grown attracting more and more families looking for a relaxing beach break away from the occasional craziness of Phuket. During school holidays and high season (December to February) prices rise and hotels book up quickly so it’s best to reserve your dates as soon as you can.

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Once you’ve finished this post on the best area in Koh Samui for families make sure you read my ultimate guide to Koh Samui with kids. It includes some great recommendations on things to do in Koh Samui, where to eat and some hints and tips on how to plan your trip.

If you’re looking for specific hotel recommendations then have a look at my post on the Best family hotels Koh Samui.

Bophut

Bophut makes a great base for a visit to Koh Samui with children. Located on the North of the island it’s only a 15 minute drive from the airport. It’s believed this is where the first settlers on Koh Samui arrived, setting up home at the Fishermans village.

Pros of staying in Bophut

The beach in Bophut is brilliant for visiting with kids. It has plenty to do whilst still remaining calm and relaxed. You can hire paddle boards, banana boats and jet skis depending on how active you want your holiday to be.

The Fishermans Village is one of the main reasons to stay in Bophut. It has a fantastic night market which is widely thought to be the best on the island.

The famous Big Buddha and temple that you probably saw as you flew in to Koh Samui is just a 15 minute drive from Bophut.

Bophut has heaps of great restaurants, many of them offering stunning views out to sea. Coco Tams is one of my favourite restaurants on the island. They have a nightly fire show and beanbags on the beach which is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained.

Cons of staying in Bophut

Some of the bars and restaurants in Bophut are pretty expensive (for Thailand) and the Fishermans village can feel overcrowded at times. Keep the kids close so they don’t wander off and get lost in the crowds.

Family friendly hotel in Bophut

The Anantara Bophut is a fabulous 5 star property less than ten minutes walk to the Fishermans Village.

Check prices and book your stay at the Anantara in Bophut.

Chaweng

This is probably the best area in Koh Samui for families looking for an exciting and active holiday. The beach is gorgeous and the atmosphere is busy and eclectic. Chaweng also has the wildest nightlife on the island and many hotels will offer a babysitting service if you fancy a night out without the kids.

Pros of staying in Chaweng

Chaweng beach is absolutely stunning the sand is soft and white and gentle sea. You’ll find heaps of small companies offering watersports and many bars and restaurants lining the sand. You won’t get bored at Chaweng beach, thats for sure!

Chaweng is located on the East of the island. Chaweng beach is around a ten minute drive from the airport so it’s super convenient if you’re only on the island for a short amount of time.

Being so popular means that Chaweng has heaps of hotels and hostels so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find somewhere to stay. It’s one of the cheapest spots on the island to find a room.

This area has pretty much everything you need for your family holiday to Koh Samui. There are shops, restaurants, beach clubs, massages, hair braiding and a brilliant night market.

Chaweng has heaps of family friendly activities. Chaweng Festival Samui  is a huge shopping mall with something for everyone. You can also try indoor skydiving, go karting, waterparks, cooking classes, football golf, crazy golf and a cinema. Chaweng also has a huge Muay Thai stadium where you can go and watch Thailands National Sport.

Cons of staying in Chaweng

If you are looking for a peaceful break you’ll probably be a bit disappointed with Chaweng. You can always pop in for a day and early evening to get a feel for the neighbourhood without having to base yourselves there.

Chaweng is a popular area for all ages meaning it can get very busy and feels pretty overcrowded at times. Kids, especially little ones might find it a little overwhelming. It’s impossible to steer a buggy or pushchair around the streets.

Family friendly hotel in Chaweng

Buri Rasa Village resort

This is a lovely 4 star hotel with steps straight out onto the soft Chaweng sand. The restaurant is fabulous offering gorgeous views at to sea. They have large sized family rooms and a fabulous restaurant right on the beach.

Check prices and book your stay at the Buri Rasa.

Chaweng Noi

If you are after somewhere a little less frenetic but still close to the action, Chaweng Noi is a good option. Located just five minutes South of Chaweng it feels like a completely different island. It’s picture postcard perfect with a calm, sandy beach, luxury hotels and restaurants and a smattering of watersports. For me this is absolutely one of the best areas in Koh Samui for families, being so very relaxing but also close to all the action in Chaweng.

Family friendly hotel in Chaweng Noi

For a really unique stay near Chaweng Noi then I recommend having a look at The Jungle Club. Although this hotel is set back from the beach up a very steep hill the views from the hotel and it’s onsite restaurant are absolutely fabulous. You can book private villas with one or two bed rooms, all of which offer fabulous views. And don’t worry, they offer a free shuttle up and down the hill. There’s not heaps to do for kids in this hotel so a few nights will probably be long enough.

Check prices and book your stay at the Jungle Club.

Lamai

Located on the South east of the island, Lamai is an absolutely stunning choice for staying in Koh Samui with kids. It’s a very popular part of the island so imagine Chaweng only a lot calmer. There’s no crazy nightlife making it a calmer option for younger kids.

Pros of staying in Lamai

The 4km long sandy beach is breathtaking and the sea is perfect for swimming, particularly towards the South. It’s lined with palm trees, beach bars and restaurants.

Being on the East of the island, Lamai is the perfect spot for catching a sunrise. Grab a blanket and take out coffee and find a quiet spot on the beach. It really is worth getting up early on one of the days.

There are heaps of luxury hotels bordering the beach but still plenty of great value options for larger families. This is where you’ll find the famous Banyan Tree Resort. The ultimate in luxury hotels!

The Lamai Sunday night street market is a great place for street food and souvenirs. Kids will love a chance to negotiate with the local vendors.

Lamai beach is where you’ll find the famous Grandmother and Grandfather rocks or Hin Ta and Hin Yai. It is said that these unusual rock formations look like certain male and female body parts. Kids probably wont even pick up on this and it is quite a fun spot to visit.

Another great place to visit in Lamai is the Lamai viewpoint. It has a small funicular which takes you up to a lovely little viewpoint with a bar and a zip-wire if you’re feeling adventurous. The views across the Andaman sea really are amazing.

If you’re into temples then there are plenty of stunning ones in and around Lamai. Make sure you visit Wat Ratchathammaram which is unique with its dark red colour.

Cons of staying in Lamai

If you’re after lively nightlife then Lamai probably isn’t the place for you. Evening entertainment is pretty much limited to lazy bars and restaurants. There aren’t as many activities available as the more touristy parts of Koh Samui.

Some parts of Lamai can be a bit seedy. These are however fairly easy to avoid.

Family friendly hotel in Lamai

We stayed at the gorgeous Outrigger Hotel which is located on its own small stretch of sand just outside of town. It has a gorgeous colonial style design,  family sized rooms, a fabulous pool, kids club, games room and kid friendly food.

Check prices and book your stay at the  Outrigger Resort, Koh Samui.

Taling Ngam

I think this is the best area in Koh Samui for families looking for total relaxation. Located on the unspoilt South coast this area is all about local villages and deserted beaches.

Pros of staying in Taling Ngam

Come to Taling Ngam if you want the closest thing to authentic Thai life on the Koh Samui. The surrounding villages are great places to interact with Koh Samui locals selling fruit from stalls next to the roadway.

The views out to the Angthong Marine National Park are absolutely stunning. This is the place to come to for postcard perfect photos for your socials.

From Taling Ngam it’s just a 15 minute drive to the gorgeous Laem Sor Pagoda in Bang Kao. It’s gorgeous yellow colour makes it look almost golden in the sunlight and it’s guarded by two colourful yaks. Whilst you’re there, be sure to visit Thong Krut Beach, a small, shallow and practically deserted bay.

Cons of staying in Taling Ngam

The beach here is fairly narrow and the seabed is shallow and rocky. It’s not the best for swimming.

Taling Ngam is a little tricky to get to. It’s to the South West of the island and a fair distance from the main ringroad. It will take around 45 minutes drive from the airport.

Family friendly hotel in Taling Ngam

There aren’t that many hotels to choose from in Taling Ngam but one of my favourite hotels in Koh Samui is located here. The Intercontinental Samui is an absolutely stunning resort perched on its own stretch of private sand. The hotel has a brilliant kids playground and kids club. It has huge family sized rooms and villas and some excellent restaurants and bars.

Check prices and book your stay at the Intercontinental Koh Samui.

Read next: Best islands in Thailand for kids.

Mae Nam

Just down the road from Bophut is Maenam another quieter spot but still close to the action. Kids will love the beach and the views out to sea are amazing. This is the best area in Koh Samui for families looking for peace and quiet with the option of plenty to do nearby.

Pros of staying in Maenam

Maenam has an absolutely huge stretch of beach. Most of it will feel deserted so it’s great if you’re looking for space. There are a scattering of restaurants and resorts bordering the sand if you’re looking for a cold drink or quick snack. You’re unlikely to get disturbed by beach sellers so can enjoy the sand in peace.

Samui Disc Golf is a fun activity for all ages and is located just 1km from Maenam if you fancy a couple of hours away from the beach. Or head to Samui Canopy Adventures if you have thrill seeking kids aged 7 and over with you. Here you can zipline across treetop platforms high in the Maenam forest.

Cons of staying in Maenam

Apart from relaxing in your resort or villa or playing at the beach, there isn’t that much more to do in Maenam. But it is easy to get to all the busier spots on the island.

Mae Nam is where a lot of the adult only hotels are located so there will be fewer families in the area.

Family friendly hotel in Mae Nam

The Santiburi Resort is a luxurious hotel with heaps to do for adults and kids. It has tennis courts, a jogging track and even offers Muay Thai lessons. It has Thai style villas and suites, a kids club and even babysitting nights.

Check prices and book your stay at the Santiburi resort.

We stayed at a gorgeous villa in the Mae Nam hills which had three bedrooms and a fabulous infinity pool. Read about our stay at Villa Victoire to learn more.

Lipa Noi

Being on the West of the island, Lipa Noi is one of the best parts of Koh Samui for Sunsets. They really are breathtaking. This is one of the quieter resorts and you unlikely to come across hoards of tourists.

Pros of staying in Lipa Noi

Lipa Noi is absolutely stunning. It’s the place to come to relax and recharge. To lie on the beach, soak in some sunsets and breathe in the air.

The beach at Lipa Noi is a great place for swimming with no corals or rocks to harm little feet. Plus the water is fairly shallow.

If you fancy some light exercise during your stay in Lipa Noi then you could try a drop in yoga class or an organised jungle trek.

Cons of staying in Lipa Noi

You wont find heaps of restaurants and bars in Lipa Noi, but the ones we tried during our visit were all absolutely brilliant.

Kids might get a bit bored, there aren’t many organised activities although these can be found just a short drive away.

Lipa Noi is one of the furthest parts of the island from the airport. This is a good choice if you have more than a few days on the island.

Family friendly hotel in Lipa Noi

The Nikki Beach Resort is a gorgeous beachfront hotel with a choice of massive one and two bed rooms perfect for family travellers. Some even have private pools. The beach club restaurant will make you feel like you’re in a celebrity magazine. Plus kids under 12 stay free!

Check prices and book your stay at the Nikki beach resort.

I hope this guide to best area in Koh Samui for families has been helpful. Let me know in the comments if you have any areas to add.

My Favourite travel resources for Koh Samui

I mainly use Agoda for booking hotels in Asia. They tend to be one of the cheaper options and have always been great if I need to cancel or change a reservation.

For travel around Asia, internal flights, connections and ferries I use 12go, it always recommends routes I may not have considered and makes it super easy to budget for a trip.

I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest international flights. I love that you can see all the prices for each day so you can plane the best price for within a date range.

For trips and tours I find Get Your Guide has the widest choice. I love that I can read reviews for each of the tours before booking.