Planning a family trip and searching for the best things to do in Koh Samui with kids? You’ve come to the right place! Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is a paradise packed with family-friendly attractions and fun activities that both kids and adults will love.
Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, thrilling adventures, animal encounters, or rich cultural experiences, Koh Samui has it all. Whilst the island is known for its lively party scene, it’s also a fantastic destination for families, offering sandy shores, warm turquoise waters, vibrant markets, and unforgettable day trips.
We recently spent 8 days exploring Koh Samui with teenagers as part of a 4-week Thailand adventure. In this guide, we’ll share the top attractions, must-see spots, and best activities in Koh Samui for families. Keep reading to get ready for an amazing family adventure!
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Relax on the beach
With over 40 beaches and hidden coves, Koh Samui offers a beach experience for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for tranquillity or vibrant beachside energy, this tropical paradise has you covered.
Our accommodation overlooked the Mae Nam beach on the North coast, an idyllic beach with very few people. With its golden sand, crystal clear waters, and huge palm trees, Mae Nam Beach feels like it’s straight out of a holiday postcard. This tranquil spot is perfect for those who prefer quieter, less crowded beaches.
If you’re after a more energetic vibe, Chaweng Beach on the northeastern coast is the place to be. This lively stretch of shoreline is packed with options for bars, restaurants, and thrilling water sports, making it a favourite for families and groups.
One of the best things about the beaches in Koh Samui is the warm sea water, which stays a balmy 29° throughout the year.
Go Snorkelling
Many boat day trips around Koh Samui also include snorkelling as part of the experience. During our visit, we took an unforgettable day trip to Pig Island, which included snorkelling in the waters near Koh Tan.
Feed the pigs on Koh Madsum (Pig Island!)
One of the best day trips from Koh Samui for kids is a visit to Koh Madsum, otherwise known as Pig Island.
That’s right, an island with pigs! It’s not really what you imagine when you think of Thai beaches.
The small, tropical island is off the southern coast of Koh Samui and can only be reached by boat. We visited as part of a half-day tour, which included snorkelling offshore at Coral Island (Koh Tan) too.
When you arrive at Pig Island, buy some pig food from the bar. You’ll be given a plate so the kids can feed the pigs themselves. Once they see you have food, the pigs will come running over. Don’t put it all on the plate at once or some of the greedy big pigs will scoff the lot!
The pigs are not completely wild but do roam freely around the island. They belong to the restaurant owner, who takes care of them. However, they are extremely cute, and kids (and adults) will love feeding them.
READ MORE: A visit to Pig Island, Koh Samui
Visit Wat Plai Laem (Lady Monk Temple)
While visiting a temple might not be at the top of your kids’ must-do list in Koh Samui, Wat Plai Laem (also known as the Lady Monk Temple) is an exception. With its colourful and intricate architecture this vibrant temple is a real show stopper!
At the heart of Wat Plai Laem is the Ubosot, a stunning pink ceremonial hall set on a small lake. This ornate structure is where monks are ordained and offers a unique glimpse into local culture and traditions.
One of the highlights for kids is crossing the bridge over the temple’s moat, where they can spot catfish and turtles swimming below. For just 10 THB, you can purchase fish food.
Wat Plai Laem’s combination of culture, colour, and kid-friendly activities makes it a must-see attraction for families exploring Koh Samui.
You can enter the temple, but must remember to dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and removing shoes.
Take a look at the Laughing Buddha
One of the most delightful statues at the Wat Plai Laem temple complex is the Statue of the Chinese Laughing Buddha.
Towering at an impressive 30 metres, this cheerful figure is hard to miss with its beaming smile and round belly, symbolizing wealth and prosperity in Thai culture. It’s a favourite spot for families, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a bit of cultural storytelling for kids.
Nearby, on an adjacent platform, you’ll find another eye-catching statue, the Ganesha elephant statue. This colourful and whimsical depiction of Buddha features the head of an elephant and four arms.
The vibrant statues make Wat Plai Laem a fun destination for families visiting Koh Samui.
Check out the Guanyin Statue (Goddess of Mercy)
Another must-see attraction on Koh Samui is the towering Guanyin statue, which depicts the 18-armed Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. This striking figure is not only an incredible sight but very symbolic, with her multiple arms representing her ability to help many people simultaneously.
Together with the Laughing Buddha, the Guanyin statue highlights Koh Samui’s deep Chinese heritage and cultural influences. They are a testament to the island’s rich spiritual traditions and provide a memorable experience for families exploring the area.
Take a tour of Koh Samui island
On our half-day tour, we visited several iconic destinations, including:
- Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
- The Mummified Monk
- The quirky Grandma and Grandpa Rocks
- A serene waterfall
- Chaweng Noi Viewpoint
Each stop allowed about 30 minutes to explore at our own pace. This tour is an ideal way to see the highlights and learn about the island’s culture.
See the Mummified Monk
Another of the more unusual things to do Koh Samui with kids is visit the Mummified Monk, Luang Pho Daeng. You can see him in a glass casket at Wat Kunaram.
Daeng was a Thai monk, who’d dedicated his life to Buddhism. When he died during meditation in 1973, his body remained in the same position without decomposing. In accordance with his wishes, his family kept him in this upright position in the cabinet, where he has remained ever since.
The body has remained in a well-preserved condition, apart from his eyes. However, there’s not need to worry about scaring the children, the monk is wearing sunglasses! And, doesn’t he look cool!
Visit an ethical Elephant Sanctuary
One of the most amazing places to visit in Thailand with children is an elephant sanctuary.
Koh Samui has two elephant sanctuaries, both for retired elephants who have spent their lives working in logging and tourism industries.
The visit to the elephant sanctuary includes feeding the elephants, rubbing them with mud and bathing. It really is one of the most fun things to do in Koh Samui with kids.
Climb up to the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
A visit to the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is one of the top things to do with kids in Koh Samui. Located on a small offshore island connected to Koh Samui by a causeway, the temple is home to a towering golden Buddha that stands as one of the island’s most iconic landmarks.
The impressive Buddha, built in 1971, stands 12 meters high (39 feet) and is perched atop a staircase flanked by mythological serpents. Climb the stairs for beautiful views over Koh Phangan and the surrounding coastline. If you’re with kids, they will love ringing the bells at the summit.
As you return to the base of the staircase, you’ll find a lively market complex with a variety of food stalls, souvenir shops, and ice-cream vendors.
Swim at Na Muang 1 Waterfall
Koh Samui is home to several beautiful waterfalls, but their flow can vary depending on the season, so there’s no guarantee they’ll have water when you visit!
During our island tour, we stopped by Na Muang 1, Koh Samui’s second-largest waterfall. On a good day, the water cascades into a freshwater pool, providing a perfect spot for a swim. Unfortunately, when we visited, the waterfall was dry, and the pool had turned into a murky brown, so we gave the swim a miss!
The area around the car park is bustling with market stalls, offering a variety of local snacks and fruits. We couldn’t resist stopping for some mangosteen—my new favourite Thai fruit! Even if the waterfall didn’t meet our expectations, the vibrant market atmosphere made for an enjoyable experience.
Island-hopping at Ang Thon Marine National Park
For the best island-hopping experience near Koh Samui, book a day trip to Ang Thon Marine National Park.
Ang Thon Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, most of which are uninhabited. The trip includes fun activities such as kayaking and snorkelling, plus a Thai lunch.
One of the highlights of the Ang Thon Marine Park is the Emerald Lake (Talay Nai), best known as the aqua lagoon in Leonardo di Caprio’s film, The Beach. It’s a steep hike to the viewpoint at Mae Koh, so may not be suitable for younger children.
Click here to book your day trip to Ang thong Marine Park
Expect to pay an extra 300 TBH fees for admission to the National Park.
Take a stroll through Fisherman's Village in Bophut
On Friday evenings, the main attraction is the market along Bophut Beach Road. This bustling market offers a tempting variety of street food that’s sure to tempt both kids and adults.
Our teenagers enjoyed wandering through the market stalls, which featured an assortment of handcrafted goods, jewellery, bags, clothing, and souvenirs.
For families visiting Koh Samui, a stop at the Fisherman’s Village market is a fun and delicious way to experience the island’s local culture.
Watch an amazing fire show
If you’re looking for something to do with kids in the evenings on Koh Samui take them to a fire show on the beach. They will love it.
The best fire show on the island is at Coco Tam’s, an open air beach bar on Bophut Beach. They have two fire shows, one at 7.15 and one at 9.30pm. Coco Tam’s restaurant is very popular, so you need to turn up early if you want to eat first. Or you could eat at the night market then head straight to the beach.
Chill on the beach with a cocktail (or mocktail for kids) and watch the breathtaking fire display. You won’t regret it!
Have a Thai massage
If you have older kids, treat them to a Thai massage. We eased the teenagers in with a foot massage in Bangkok and upgraded to a full massage in Koh Samui.
If you let them know they are teenagers, the Thai masseuse will go easy on them!
Visit Hin-Ta and Hua-Yai Rocks
Would you believe that a pair of boulders resembling male and female genitalia would be one of Koh Samui’s top attractions?
Well, that’s exactly what you’ll see when you visit Hin-Ta and Hua-Yai, the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. (I’ll leave it to you to guess which one is in my photo!)
You’ll find the natural landmark on the rocky coastline just south of Lamai beach. It’s usually included as one of the attractions in the Koh Samui island tours.
It doesn’t really take long to visit the rocks, have a snigger, and take a few “rude” photos. However, as with most tourist attractions in Koh Samui, they have a complex of market stalls and cafés offering drinks, snacks, and crafts.
Go diving in Koh Tao
For the ultimate snorkelling or scuba diving experience, take your kids on a day trip to Koh Tao. This paradise island has a fantastic choice of bays and dive sites, where you can see an array of fish. You can get there by boat from Koh Samui, which takes about 90 minutes.
Although it’s possible to visit Koh Tao independently with the Lomprayah Ferry, it’s far simpler to book a day tour. As well as providing pick-up from the hotel and transport, the one-day tours provide a guide who will take you to Koh Tao’s top diving spots.
If you’re lucky, you may also spot turtles, as the waters off Koh Tao provide a natural habitat for these creatures. You may even see a dolphin or two!
- Click here to book your one day snorkelling tour to Koh Tao.
- Click here to book your one day scuba diving experience in Koh Tao.
Have a go at sea-kayaking
We were lucky to be able to borrow kayaks from our hotel. If not, you can hire them from the beach or book a sea-kayaking trip.
The water is flat and calm, though there are some currents, so may not be suitable for younger children.
Enjoy a smoothie at a beach bar
The kids loved the smoothies in Thailand. And where better to drink one, than at a beach bar overlooking the aqua sea. I think they drank their body weight in smoothies, working their way through the menus. Top choices were the banana, mixed fruit, or mango. Delicious!
Accommodation in Koh Samui
You’ll find accommodation in Koh Samui to suit all budgets and tastes. The island has plenty of luxury hotels and resorts, but a good choice of budget accommodation for backpackers.
We stayed at the Green Coconut Resort, which has villas on the beach and a pool. It was a quiet resort, within walking distance of several restaurants, a beach bar, and shops.
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