Surat Thani is Thailand's largest southern province, renowned as the gateway to world-famous Gulf islands including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The province combines pristine island beaches, the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, and the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake, making it one of Thailand's most diverse destinations.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Koh Samui Beach Day (West Coast)
The calm, shallow waters of Koh Samui's west coast (Taling Ngam, Lipa Noi) are perfect for families with young children. Safe swimming, natural rock pools for exploring, and beautiful sunsets.
Duration: Full day
Na Mueang Waterfall Visit
Koh Samui's beautiful Na Mueang No. 1 Waterfall has a natural pool safe for children to splash in, surrounded by jungle scenery. Na Mueang No. 2 is accessible by ATV for older children.
Duration: 2 hours
Khao Sok River Tubing
Gentle river tubing down the Klong Sok river in Khao Sok National Park, floating past jungle scenery with wildlife spotting opportunities. Supervised by guides throughout.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ang Thong Marine Park Day Trip
A boat day trip to Ang Thong's 42-island marine park, with snorkeling, kayaking through sea caves, and a viewpoint hike. One of the most memorable family experiences in Southeast Asia.
Duration: Full day
Elephant Sanctuary Visit (Koh Samui)
Ethical elephant encounter at a rescue sanctuary on Koh Samui, where children can feed, walk with, and learn about rescued elephants in a responsible, non-riding format.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Snorkeling from Koh Tao
Guided snorkel trips from Koh Tao explore coral gardens, sea turtles, and tropical fish at sites accessible to confident swimmers with basic snorkel skills.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Khao Sok Jungle Trek
A guided jungle trek in Khao Sok National Park suitable for older children with good fitness. Wildlife spotting, river crossings, and encounters with ancient rainforest make it a genuinely educational adventure.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Thai Cooking Class
Family Thai cooking classes on Koh Samui are fun for older children and teens. Learning to make pad thai, spring rolls, and mango sticky rice creates lasting memories and transferable skills.
Duration: 3 hours
Discover Scuba Diving (Koh Tao)
Introductory Discover Scuba Diving session on Koh Tao — no certification required. Teens experience the underwater world with qualified instructors in safe, shallow conditions.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Centara Grand Beach Resort Koh Samui
The most family-oriented major resort on Koh Samui, with a dedicated kids' club, multiple pools including a children's pool, beachfront access, and extensive facilities
Family features: Kids Club (ages 4-12), 3 pools, children's pool, family rooms and connecting rooms, beachfront with calm water, babysitting service
Novotel Samui Resort
A mid-range family-friendly resort on a quiet stretch of beach in Chaweng Noi with a good pool and straightforward family amenities
Family features: Kids pool, family rooms, on-site restaurant, calm beach, good value family packages
InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam
A spectacular hillside resort on the quiet west coast with calm water beach access via private shuttle, ideal for families wanting luxury with safe swimming
Family features: Multiple pools, kids area, calm west coast beach, babysitting, connecting rooms, organized family activities
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most restaurants in Koh Samui and the islands welcome children warmly
High chairs are available at all resort restaurants and most mid-range establishments
Kids menus typically offer simple dishes at 80-150 THB ($2.50-4.50) — chicken fried rice, noodles, and pancakes are staples
Fresh fruit and fruit smoothies are widely available and excellent for children — a healthy snack option at all markets
Stick to fully cooked food for young children at street food markets; avoid raw seafood
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Pack a baby carrier for jungle walks in Khao Sok — strollers are impractical on jungle paths and island terrain
Mosquito repellent is essential in jungle areas and at dawn/dusk — use child-safe DEET formulations
Pharmacies in Chaweng (Koh Samui) and Thong Sala (Koh Phangan) stock most children's medications
Book early morning activities to avoid the hottest part of the day
Most luxury resorts on Koh Samui offer free babysitting services — check with your hotel
The west coast of Koh Samui (Taling Ngam, Nathon) has calmer water than Chaweng and is better suited for young swimmers