As a family with young children, we were excited to explore the beautiful islands of Thailand. After researching and considering several options, we narrowed down our choices to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. We wanted to see what it’s like to live on each of these islands and we actually managed to spend some time on each of them, thanks to which we can point out the advantages and disadvantages of them.
Each island has its own unique characteristics and attractions, but which is the best offer for families with children?
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the largest of the three islands, and it offers a wide variety of activities for families with children. One of the most popular attractions on the island is the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, where visitors can see a variety of sea creatures and big cats. The Samui Butterfly Garden is another great family-friendly attraction, where kids can learn about the different stages of butterfly metamorphosis and see hundreds of colorful butterflies in one place. We really enjoyed our visit in an Elephant Sanctuary where we were able to pet and feed this amazing animals.
For outdoor activities, Koh Samui has many beautiful beaches that are perfect for children. The water is warm and clear, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and playing in the sand. Some of the most popular beaches for families include Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Choeng Mon Beach.
Another great family-friendly attraction on Koh Samui is the Paradise Park Farm, which offers a unique and educational experience for children. Visitors can interact with a variety of animals, including goats, sheep, rabbits, and more. There are also beautiful views of the island from the top of the hill where the farm is located.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan may be known for its party scene, but it also offers plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions. One of the most popular places to visit on the island is Salad Beach, which is known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery. This beach is perfect for families with young children as it is less crowded than other beaches on the island and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and playing in the sand.
Another great attraction on Koh Phangan is Koh Ma Beach. This is a protected area that offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. The water is clear and there is plenty of colorful fish and coral to see, making it an unforgettable experience for both children and adults.
For families who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore on Koh Phangan. One of them is the Paradise Waterfall trail, which is a relatively easy hike. Families can also take a trip to the Namtok Wang Sai, where they can swim in the natural pools and explore the jungle.
Koh Phangan also has a variety of restaurants and cafes that cater to families with young children. Many of these places offer child-friendly menus and play areas, making it easy for parents to enjoy a meal while their children are entertained.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a smaller island known for its diving and snorkeling opportunities. The island has some of the best diving spots in Thailand, and there are plenty of dive centers that offer courses and equipment rental. The water is clear and there is an abundance of marine life to see, making it a must-do activity on the island.
What’s more, Koh Tao has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The sand is soft and white, and the water is crystal clear. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Sairee Beach, Sai Nuan Beach, and Tanote Bay.
Koh Tao is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, which means that the island can get overcrowded, especially during peak season. This can make it difficult to find a quiet spot on the beach or avoid crowds while diving or snorkeling. Also, the island is very mountainous, so getting around can be a problem for families with children.
Koh Tao is facing some environmental issues, including waste management and coral reef degradation. The island’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the influx of tourists, and the coral reefs are suffering from the impact of diving and snorkeling.
In conclusion, Koh Tao may not offer as many options for young children as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Overall, we found that Koh Phangan was the best choice for our family with young children. With its beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and variety of outdoor activities, it offered something for everyone in our family to enjoy. It is a less crowded and quieter option than Koh Samui but this last one is also very nice.