One of the absolute best things about having a child (in my opinion) is the chance to show them the world and watch their faces light up as they see something new and awe-inspiring. What’s not so great is trying to plan activities that will make everyone happy as you try to keep them alive.
We, however, are all about making your life a little bit easier. So, no matter how old your kids are, we’ve rounded up some of the best activities and sights in Koh Samui for them to enjoy.
To find out where to go, scroll down or click the link that best matches your kids’ ages below!
If they’re toddlers
Wat Plai Laem
Where: Bophut
What: As much as we’d like to recommend the temple and the many-armed goddess, Guanyin as the primary attraction here, it’s probably not for your toddler. You may bask in the sheer wonder of this active temple, but your child is going to be much more interested in what’s around it. Visitors who donate to the temple receive a free bag of fish food, and well, Wat Plai Laem is surrounded by a lake teeming with fish. Your toddler will have heaps of fun tossing the food at the fish, hopefully, keeping them entertained for hours.
Secret Buddha Garden
Where: Na Mueang
What: The Secret Buddha Garden aka Magic Garden is the kind of cultural activity that your toddler on the move will love (you’ll just have to keep a close eye on them). The garden, which was set up in the 1970s by a farmer, is a fun place for kids, who still have that sense of wonder, to explore as it is set in the rain forest, high in the hills and with tons of sculptures and houses for them to wander around.
Read also: Cara G Mcilroy’s top tips on travelling with kids in Samui
If they’re under 12
Samui Easy Kart
Where: Bophut
What: Let your kids unleash their need for speed in some very low-speed go-karts (max speed of 25 kilometres per hour). The low-speed kids’ karts are available to those over the age of seven, but kids can ride with you in a two-seater kart (max speed of 35 kilometres per hour) if they are over 110 centimetres tall.
Samui Football Golf
Where: Bophut
What: What better way to entertain your little one than with some silly sport? Football golf is exactly what it sounds like – you kick a football (or soccer ball to you Aussies and Americans) along an 18 hole course and try to get the ball in the hole with as few strokes as possible.
Pink Elephant Samui Water Park
Where: Mae Nam
What: In case the beach isn’t exciting enough for your kids, one of Koh Samui’s top water parks will thrill both young and old with its fifteen high-speed slides, lazy river and children’s area. Plus there’s a restaurant and bar, so you can kick your feet up and relax.
Read also: Gorgeous Koh Samui private pool villas for your family holidays
If they’re teenagers
Ziplining at Canopy Adventures
Where: Mae Nam
What: Unleash your inner child and your teenager’s sense of glee. Adrenaline lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see some of Koh Samui’s rainforests, waterfalls and sea views from the top of the canopy. Anyone over the age of 7 can zip line, but it’s possible for children under that age to ride tandem with a parent or guardian.
Lamai Muay Thai Camp
Where: Bophut
What: Help your teen blow off some steam and angst with a Muay Thai lesson or two. Lamai Muay Thai Camp is one of the most established gyms on the island and trains everyone from beginners to pros. The camp overlooks Lamai Beach, making it a perfect place for you to hang out while the kids are in lessons – if you don’t want to join them that is.
Read also: Alternative Travel Ideas for Cool Kids (And Even Cooler Parents)
Whatever their age
Ang Thong National Marine Park
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Where: Off the coast of Samui
What: An archipelago of 42 islands off the coast of Samui, Ang Thong is a great day trip for the entire family as you explore towering limestone mountains, thick jungles, beaches, waterfalls and hidden coves. The whole area is protected, so it is absolutely pristine. At Ang Thong, you can snorkel, hike, kayak, scuba dive or sit back and relax.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Where: Bophut
What: Who doesn’t love elephants? These gentle giants could melt anyone’s heart, and the Samui Elephant Sanctuary is the perfect place to get a good look at and interact with them. This ethical sanctuary sits on ten acres of land and is a retirement home for elephants which were once exploited by the logging, entertainment, and tourism industries. You and the kids can spend the day feeding, walking with and observing the elephants as they enjoy life.
Read also: Travelling with Family: The Five Emotional Stages.
