The perfect 2 week Thailand Itinerary with kids
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The perfect 2 week Thailand itinerary with kids

I donโ€™t think we could ever get bored of visiting Thailand – its tropical beaches, lush rainforest, bustling cities, magnificent temples and amazing food.

The first time we went, it was just the two of us – newlyweds on an adventure. Ten years later we returned with a toddler and a baby and it was even more magical.

Planning a trip to Thailand – especially with kids can feel overwhelming. But trust me, it’s one of the most family-friendly destinations out there.

From the moment we arrived, the locals welcomed us with open arms. Travelling around was easy and exciting, and best of all โ€” it was surprisingly affordable. In fact, we managed the entire trip (flights, accommodation, transport, food and spending money) for under ยฃ3000 as a family of four!

If you’re dreaming of a Thailand adventure with your kids, then our 2-week Thailand itinerary for families will show you exactly how to make it happen – where to go, what to do, where to stay and how we did it all.

Thailand really is magical for families โ€” and I hope to help you see just how doable (and unforgettable) it can be.

Our family of four standing on a wooden deck at Jungle Club, Koh Samui, enjoying a scenic view of lush green hills and tropical surroundings in Thailand, perfect for a family itinerary with kids.
The Jungle Club, Koh Samui

Why Thailand is the perfect destination for kids

Known as โ€˜The Land of Smilesโ€™, the Thai people are amongst the nicest and friendliest people on the planet… and they absolutely love children.

Our kids were 4 years old and 11 months old when we visited and the Thai people made such a fuss of them. It felt like we were travelling with celebrities!

Thailand really is a perfect destination to take kids and this 2 week itinerary allows you to explore by staying in four different places, without spending too much time travelling.

Our top family friendly selling points (particularly with this itinerary) are:

Short travel times

The longest journey was one of the most exciting parts for us, which was the overnight sleeper train! I mean, what better way to make a journey go quicker than to sleep through it… and in a bed too!

Affordable prices

This is seriously why we love Asia. The flights may be more but you certainly save money when you’re there. Food, transport and accommodation are all super cheap so perfect for family budgets.

Tons of family-friendly activities

There are so many activities to suit the whole family, from temples and markets to boat rides, waterfalls and swimming pools. Plus the bucket list experience of meeting the gentle giants – ELEPHANTS of course!

Delicious food

Whilst I love introducing my kids to new culinary experiences, I know some parents find introducing new foods a challenge with their kids.

In Thailand, there is something to suit everyone. My absolute favourite is Pad Thai, and our girls love it too.

There are plenty of curry options to choose from but if you’re looking for safe options for kids, then there are plenty of plain rice and noodle dishes (mango sticky rice is another winner with our kids).

Plus coconut milk is a real novelty that all the family should try!

Our youngest child enjoying fresh coconut water while seated at an outdoor wooden table in Thailand, a perfect highlight for a family itinerary with kids.
Drinking Fresh Coconut

A quick look at our Thailand itineraryโ€ฆ

Planning your 2 week Thailand itinerary

Letโ€™s rewind 10 years when we first visited Thailand on our honeymoon (yes, no family, no kids). Back then, I wanted to break away from the traditional “package holiday” approach.

Instead, I wanted to plan my own Thailand adventure and be in control of creating a bespoke itinerary within an affordable budget (I knew I could be travel savvy and save loads on the costs).

At the time, I was scared about booking things individually, I worried about missing things and had so many questions.

But I threw myself into the deep end, learning as I went and second time around (and this time with kids), it was a breeze. In fact that’s when I really realised that I had a real passion for travel planning.

If you want to plan your perfect Thailand trip but have questions likeโ€ฆ

And the list could go on! But if that resonates, then this is exactly what you need to plan your trip.

Our 2 week Thailand itinerary is designed to help you plan and book your whole trip starting with booking your flights. Then you can move on to booking accommodation and using our recommendations of things to do and advice on how to travel around in Thailand.

Although this Thailand itinerary is brilliant for families and kids, it would also suit anyone from solo travellers, couples etc.

Bophut Beach in Koh Samui, Thailand, with a wooden pier stretching over calm waters and a peaceful tropical backdrop.
Bophut Beach

Getting to Thailand with kids

There are 10 international airports in Thailand but the majority of travellers fly into Bangkokโ€™s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Like many, this 2-week Thailand itinerary starts in Bangkok.

I always start my travel planning by searching for and booking my flights. There is always an abundance of accommodation (unless there is some kind of event taking place). But there is a limited supply of flights to any destination.

Quite often, Iโ€™ll have inspiration for a holiday destination but find that the flights are too expensive and so choose an alternative destination. Flight prices also vary considerably, so try and be as flexible as you can.

If you are flying from the UK, flight duration will be just over 11 hours. However, don’t let this put you off if you are travelling with kids.

For many kids, the flight itself becomes part of the adventure!

We actually enjoy longer flights because of the added comfort. You get more leg room, meals, drinks and most importantly (well according to our kids), amazing in-flight entertainment!

Here’s some top tips for surviving long haul flights.

Our youngest was 11 months at the time and slept for most of the flight in a basinet. And our eldest who was 4 years old at the time, we barely heard a peep out of as she made her way through the Disney films on offer!

Days 1-3: Bangkok

Getting to Bangkok

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Bangkok from the airport, is by the Airport Rail Link (ARL).

Once you’ve gone through arrivals and baggage claim, head down to the Basement Level (B Level) via the escalator or lift. The station is directly below the airport. I’d recommend buying your train tokens from the ticket counter instead of the machines so that you can get right fares for your family.

The trains runs really frequently (usually about every ten minutes) and take about 30-minutes to get you to Phaya Thai station in Central Bangkok. 

From Phaya Thai station you may need to then get the BTS Skytrain to your accommodation. We took the Sukhumvit Line, two stops to our hotel located near the Siam station stop. 

Top Tip – Google Maps is the best tool to use to help with transport. It tells you exactly what route, platform, time and stop you need.

There are also public buses and Grab taxis, or if you prefer to pre-arrange your transport you can book ahead, although this is often a more expensive option.

Where to stay in Bangkok with kids

When it comes to family-friendly accommodation in Bangkok, then you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. There is something to suit every travel style and all budgets.

Covering an area of nearly 1,600 square kilometres, figuring out the best area to stay with kids can be a huge job in itself. I spent a long time researching the different neighbourhoods in Bangkok before deciding which would suit our family best.

If you want to learn more, Nerd Nomads have written an excellent post on โ€˜Where To Stay In Bangkokโ€™

We stayed for 3 nights in the family-friendly Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok Ploenchit and found it an excellent choice for both comfort and location.

The hotel itself provides modern, comfortable rooms with amazing views across the city.

There is a gym and an outdoor swimming pool (which is most refreshing after a busy day in the city and of course the kids loved it) and the breakfast buffet is incredible! My husband enjoyed eating curry and dim sum for breakfast and there is lots of choice for kids.

The hotel location was a huge benefit for us with the kids and a stroller. It is conveniently situated next to the BTS Skytrain โ€“ Ploenchit Station. Within walking distance, you can reach Sukhumvitโ€™s popular shopping, restaurants and bars.

Or if you are looking for Bangkokโ€™s โ€˜Green Lungโ€™, Lumphini Park is also close by – a great place for kids to run around.

2 Week Thailand Itinerary with Kids - Bangkok

What to do in Bangkok with kids

While many travellers only spend a few days in Bangkok, the truth is there is too much to see and do everything in such a short time.

It’s one of my favourite cities and I’d never tire of it. There is so much energy and culture, and plenty of family-friendly things to do that both kids and adults will love!

If you’re wondering what to do in Bangkok with kids then here are some of our highlights and recommendations that you should consider for your itinerary…

  • Explore the Grand Palace (former residence of the Thai monarch) and within the ground the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
  • Visit the cityโ€™s largest Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.
  • Visit Wat Arun, some may say the cityโ€™s most stunning temple.
  • Look around the elegant Thai style house that formerly belonged to the famous American silk entrepreneur and art collector, Jim Thompson.
  • Take in the magnificent sights from the river by riding the Chao Phraya Express Boat – a fun and scenic way to travel with kids.
  • Browse some of the countryโ€™s artistic riches at The National Museum.
  • Pick up a bargain from one of the thousands of stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
  • Enjoy traditional Thai food at the Central Embassy shopping mall.
  • Treat your senses to the delicious smells and tastes from China town’s street side cuisines.
  • Hang out at the trendy Siam Square and treat yourself to some retail therapy at Siam Paragon shopping mall.
  • Escape to the shade and greenery of Lumphini Park – a great place for kids to run free away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • Embrace the backpackerโ€™s paradise of Khao San road.
  • Enjoy a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars overlooking the vibrant city – and yes, many welcome kids too.

The list really goes on and on, so if you research anything, make sure itโ€™s what you want to get the most out of your time in Bangkok.

We crammed lots into our few days in Bangkok, ticking many of the above off our list. And everything is suitable for kids, even cocktails on the rooftop bars!

If you’re wanting to take things slower then check out this more relaxing 3-Day Itinerary or if you don’t have as much time then take a look at this 1-Day Itinerary.

Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring ornate Thai architecture and vibrant colors.
Emerald Buddha Temple
Long-tail boat on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, with traditional Thai temples in the background, showcasing vibrant river life and cultural heritage.
Chao Phraya River Boat in Bangkok

Is Bangkok suitable for kids?

Like us, some people fall in love with Bangkok’s vibrant chaos, whilst others are eager to escape it.

We personally love the fact that you can spend a few crazy and diverse days in a vibrant city, then escape to the beaches, jungle and islands where the buzzing city seems so distant.

So is Bangkok good for families with kids? Absolutely!

Bangkok is bursting with colour, culture and excitement for kids. Itโ€™s easy to get around with a stroller/pushchair and exploring the city is simple using the BTS Skytrain and MRT underground (although it may be a good idea to avoid at rush hour when it gets very busy).

Our kids favourite activities? The tuk-tuk rides and the cruise on the Phraya River Express boat.

The great thing about Thailand is that itโ€™s cheap, so all of these amazing things to do are affordable.

Just remember to take plenty of cool clothes, hats, sun cream and water as it can get very hot and humid.

Top Tip – we bought these hand held fans for our kids to keep them cool and they were a lifesaver. They have a long battery life and are rechargeable, plus have a lanyard so easy for kids to carry.

EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan Rechargeable 3000mAh Battery Portable Personal Pocket Fan Up to 15 Hours 3 Speeds with Lanyard, Detachable Base for Kids Elderly Women Mother's Day Gifts Pink
EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan Rechargeable 3000mAh Battery Portable Personal Pocket Fan Up to 15 Hours 3 Speeds with Lanyard, Detachable Base for Kids Elderly Women Mother’s Day Gifts Pink
 

Brightly colored tuk-tuk taxi in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring red and blue accents and striped seats, parked on a paved area.
Bangkok Tuk Tuk

Day 4-6: Sam Roi Yot

Getting to Sam Roi Yot

The cheapest, easiest and most fun way of getting to Sam Roi Yot is to take the train from Bangkok to Hua Hin, which takes approximately 4 hours.

The kids loved it and we were even able to make the bed up above us for our youngest to have a sleep on.

We bought our tickets from Hua Lamphong Station the day before we travelled, whilst exploring Bangkok. You can easily get to Hua Lamphong Station via the MRT underground.

You can also buy tickets online but we preferred to discuss the options at the main desk in Hua Lamphong Station before buying our tickets, especially with kids in tow.

You can check out the train times from Bangkok to Hua Hin here.

From Hua Hin, you can get a taxi to your accommodation. If you choose to stay at our recommended accommodation, the amazing Oriental Beach Pearl Resort, they offer a seamless transfer service.

We were lucky enough to have a driver waiting for us when we arrived at Hua Hin Station, making the journey even more relaxing.

Train Travel in Thailand

Where to stay in Sam Roi Yot with kids

For our 3 night stay in Sam Roi Yot, we found the most amazing, luxurious villa at the family-friendly Oriental Beach Pearl Resort.

This was probably ours, and most certainly the kids favourite accommodation of the whole trip!

The resort is located about 240 kilometres south of Bangkok, in a peaceful, picturesque area near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.

Sam Roi Yot is the complete opposite to Bangkok’s hustle and bustle. Here you really appreciate Thailandโ€™s natural beauty with surrounding wildlife and a dramatic backdrop of lush green mountains.

The spacious villas offer up to three bedrooms, kitchen/living area and rooftop terrace with outdoor kitchen and private spa pool – pure luxury!

Swimming pool at Oriental Beach Pearl Resort in Sam Roi Yot, Thailand, flanked by palm trees and resort buildings, with a scenic mountain view.
Oriental Beach Pearl Resort Poolside
Rooftop jacuzzi at Oriental Beach Pearl Resort in Sam Roi Yot, Thailand, with guests enjoying the scenic mountain views and tropical surroundings.

The best thing about the Oriental Beach Pearl Resort has to be its swimming pool, which is one of the longest in Thailand. The villas line the swimming pool so you can walk out of your villa doors and jump straight into the pool.

They also cook amazing pizzas in their authentic outdoor pizza oven, which can be washed down with a glass of wine from their 500 bottle wine cellar. It really is the perfect spot for a family meal.

Oriental Beach Pearl

What to do in Sam Roi Yot with kids

Located so close to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, there are plenty of things that you really must see to appreciate the natural beauty of Thailand.

Sam Roi Yot is more off the beaten track than other, more popular destinations so perfect for families looking to connect with Thailand’s nature.’

We had an unforgettable time exploring this stunning area with our kids, and here are some of the top activities that we did and are ideal for families…

  • Climb 430 metres up to Phraya Nakhon Cave and be rewarded with the spectacular sight of the Kuha Kharuehat pavilion, showcased by the sunlight that cascades through the open ceiling of the cave. It may be a challenge for little legs but we managed with out youngest in a carrier and the promise of ice cream for our 4-year old.
  • Explore Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh and the mangrove forests in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
  • Hire a scooter and sidecar and explore the area โ€“ this is so much fun and so exciting for kids. We hired ours from Oriental Beach Pearl Resort.
  • Treat yourself to an amazing fruit smoothie or Thai toast, banana, honey and ice cream at Sweet Honey cafe. This is definitely a must for both adults and kids!
  • Visit nearby Pranburi village for traditional local Thai culture and authentic markets.
  • Relax on Pranburi beach or back at your accommodation, let the kids have fun in the swimming pool and enjoy the peaceful and beautiful surroundings.
Scenic road in Sam Roi Yot, Thailand, flanked by palm trees and tropical vegetation, with green mountains in the background.
Scenic Sam Roi Yot Views
Hikers walking up a rocky trail surrounded by dense greenery, heading towards the iconic Phraya Nakhon Cave in Thailand.
Hiking to Phraya Nakhon Cave
Majestic Phraya Nakhon Cave

Is Sam Roi Yot good for kids?

If you are looking for some family adventure and outdoor activity that shows you the natural beauty of Thailand, then Sam Roi Yot is the perfect place.

A Tranquil Escape for Families

Sam Roi Yot is an ideal spot for families with kids, thanks to its quiet beaches and few tourists – a peaceful haven after the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

There are plenty of beaches and youโ€™ll often find you have places all to yourself, so you can really relax, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors with your little ones.

Although it’s less well known with tourists, there are still plenty of family-friendly activities from beach days to hiking to boat rides and embracing nature.

Easy to Get Around with Strollers (and Baby Carriers)

Sam Roi Yot is fairly stroller/pushchair friendly for the most part, so exploring with kids is easy.

Of course, certain activities like trekking to Phraya Nakhon Cave, will require more effort and a baby carrier for little ones unable to walk.

Strollers are fine unless you want to trek or climb the mountains. We are adventurous and were not going to let having kids in tow put us off. Iโ€™m not going to lie… it was hot and hard work but I climbed all the way with our 11 month old in the Baby Bjorn harness and our 4 year old managed like a champ the whole way.

The kids were very red but we took plenty of water and it was definitely worth it when we reached the cave (and of course they got an ice cream to cool down with).

Our Favorite Baby Gear for the Trip

In cooler countries and when the kids were smaller babies, I loved this sling wrap as it kept them securely snuggled close to me, but in hot countries I always relied on the trusty BabyBjorn Carrier for all three kids. They are super comfortable, provide plenty of support and cooler than the wraps.

I used my BabyBjorn Carrier a lot on this trip and it meant that we didn’t have to miss out on once in a lifetime opportunities like climbing up to Phraya Nakon cave.

When it comes to a stroller/pushchair, I’m not embarrassed to say that our Baby Jogger City Mini lasted all three kids and accompanied us all over the world for 12 years (it’s certainly taken a battering and withstood many baggage reclaim carousels!).

We love the Baby Jogger City Mini so much because its effortless to push, can be used from birth and collapses super easily with one hand. We love it that much I wrote a whole post on why it’s so good for family travel.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Pushchair | Lightweight, Foldable Stroller | Opulent BlackBaby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Pushchair | Lightweight, Foldable Stroller | Opulent Black  

BabyBjรถrn Baby Carrier Move, 3D Mesh, AnthraciteBabyBjรถrn Baby Carrier Move, 3D Mesh, Anthracite  

Scenic view of Thailand's coastline with green mountains, a sandy beach, and clear blue sea, captured during the climb to Phraya Nakhon Cave.
Stunning View near Phraya Nakhon Cave
Relaxing – Oriental Beach Pearl Resort

Day 7-8: Hua Hin

Getting to Hua Hin

After enjoying the peaceful charm of Sam Roi Yot, getting to Hua Hin is quick and easy so perfect for continuing your Thailand itinerary with kids.

We took the daily shuttle bus from Oriental Beach Pearl Resort in Sam Roi Yot to Hua Hin, which takes about half an hour.

If you plan to stay somewhere else, they will be able to arrange transportation to Hua Hin for you or you may choose to have car hire.

Where to stay in Hua Hin with kids

We stayed one night at the family-friendly Asira Boutique HuaHin and wished we could have stayed longer.

Located just a short walk away from the beach, shops and restaurants in the centre of Hua Hin, Asira Boutique HuaHin is a beautiful modern and chic boutique hotel.

It’s ideal for families as everything is so close.

The rooms are bright, airy and comfortable with a mix of features โ€“ our room had a private sala (gazebo) on the balcony for relaxing, which was a great spot for reading and colouring!

The staff are so friendly here and canโ€™t do enough for you. They were really good with the kids.

Things to do in Hua Hin with kids

Hua Hin is a fantastic destination for families, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of fun.

Whether you’re after cultural experiences, animal encounters, or just great food, there’s something here for everyone…

  • Join the locals and eat delicious, fresh fish for super cheap prices at the Hua Hin night market. This really is a culturally buzzing experience that you mustn’t miss.
  • One of our main highlights was meeting the rescued elephants at Hutsadin Elephant Foundation – this is a magical experience for the kids but also, a great way to learn about elephant conservation in Thailand.
  • Climb the steps up to the Buddhist temple, Wat Khao Takiap. The climb is short but steep, but worth the reward at the top. Just keep an eye out for the cheeky monkeys that live around the temple. They’re playful and fun to watch, but keep your food hidden well out of their way!
Thai Cuisine – Hua Hin Night Market
Family standing next to an elephant at Hutsadin Elephant Foundation in Hua Hin, Thailand, highlighting ethical tourism and wildlife conservation.
Hutsadin Elephant Foundation

Is Hua Hin good for kids?

Hua Hin is absolutely another great place for kids.

It offers a more relaxed vibe and less tourists than other busier resort, yet still has plenty of beautiful and modern hotels that were perhaps originally catering for wealthy Thai locals.

This means you get to experience real Thai culture and amazing food at really cheap prices – what’s not to like?

Everywhere we went was stroller/pushchair friendly apart from Wat Khao Takiap where there are lots of steps.

Luckily there is an air-conditioned cafรฉ at the bottom where we had cold drinks and were able to leave our stroller whilst we climbed up to the temple.

Day 8: Overnight Train to Surat Thani

From Hua Hin, we embarked on our longest but most exciting journey of the trip, the overnight train (approx. 7 hours) to Surat Thani.

This was followed by a very close second, exciting ferry trip over to the island of Koh Samui.

We booked our train tickets at Hua Lamphong Station whilst we were in Bangkok and I would highly recommend doing this.

Make sure your tickets also include the bus transfer to the ferry port and ferry over to Koh Samui.

The sleeper trains often get booked up, especially if you want a first-class cabin (which you definitely want for comfort and privacy). The staff at Hua Lamphong Station will help you find the right tickets.

Click here to check out the train times

Two trains at Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring a red-and-cream passenger train and an orange locomotive under a stained glass arched roof.
Hua Lamphong Station

We shared a first-class sleeper cabin which has two beds in between the four of us.

Yes, it sounds very upper class (well apart from us sharing beds), but don’t expect anything luxurious.

I would definitely recommend this over second-class, which involves sleeping in the main train carriage with curtains pulled across as your only privacy.

This might be fine for solo backpackers on a super tight budget, but when you’re travelling with kids I just wouldn’t feel as safe and comfortable. Plus, the first-class sleeper cabins are really affordable.

The first-class sleeper cabins are practical, private and comfortable enough for the journey but thatโ€™s about as luxurious as it gets.

We chose to save money by topping and tailing in bunk beds and slept fine, but if youโ€™d rather have more room you can book two adjoining cabins and have a bed each.

The thing I love about the overnight sleeper trains is that they are cheap, you save on a nightโ€™s accommodation and you sleep whilst you travel.

The kids found it so exciting and the motion of the train actually helps send you off to sleep – well we all slept really well!

Top Tip โ€“ donโ€™t forget to set your alarm, although the attendants will give you a knock half an hour before you arrive.

Day 9-15: Koh Samui

Getting to Koh Samui

There are two main ways to get Koh Samui – you can fly or get the ferry.

If you are travelling alone, flights may be an affordable and quick form of travel. But for us (travelling as a family of four with checked luggage), flights were more expensive.

If you are following this itinerary, you will have taken the overnight sleeper train from Hua Hin to Surat Thani.

To ensure an easy, stress-free journey, I would recommend buying a combined ticket for transfer which includes:

As already mentioned, we recommend buying these tickets in Bangkok to guarantee your onward journey.

If not, don’t worry you can still buy tickets from travel agents at Surat Thani train station.

Once you arrive at Surat Thani train station, you may have to wait for the bus transfer to Donsak Pier, which takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Surprisingly, our wait went quickly and the kids (who didnโ€™t seem affected by their late bedtime and early get up), were full of energy and kept themselves entertained, especially with the adorable puppy at one of the local cafรฉs!

The bus transfer will drop you at Donsak Pier, where you will then take the 1 hour 30-minute ferry journey over to Koh Samui. The ferry is comfortable, with seating, snacks, and scenic views.

Top Tip – Once you know your arrival time at Koh Samui, arrange a transfer from the pier to your accommodation in advance. It saves a lot of hassle and makes the final stretch of your journey easier, especially when youโ€™re travelling with kids.

Interior of a ferry to Koh Samui, Thailand, with passengers seated and enjoying the journey across the Gulf of Thailand.
Ferry Ride to Koh Samui

Where to stay in Koh Samui with kids

We stayed for 7 nights at The White Lotus Condo,  just a short 10-minute walk away from Bophut village and it turned out to be the perfect base for our family adventures on the island.

Koh Samui offers a variety of areas to stay in, each catering to different types of travellers. If you are unsure which part of the island is right for your family, Travelling King provides a great post on Where to stay in Koh Samui.

After doing our research, we chose to stay in Bophut and we are so glad we did.

Bophut is one of the best places to stay in Koh Samui with kids because itโ€™s lively enough, but not overrun with tourists.

The beach is calm and family-friendly, and Fishermanโ€™s Village (a lovely area with shops, bars and cafes by day) turns into an amazing, vibrant night market in the evening.

Thereโ€™s also a great choice of restaurants and relaxed bars. While Bophut definitely has nightlife, itโ€™s not a wild party scene, nor does it have the ‘Go-Go bars’ you might find in other areas like Chaweng.

In fact Bophut is home to one of my favourite beach bars ever! Coco Tam’s has the most amazing open air, beach vibe atmosphere.

We spent many nights relaxing on the bean bags in front of the sea, listening to the most amazing music with the most incredible cocktails, watching the most mesmerising fire shows… please take me back!

Bophut Beach in Koh Samui

The White Lotus Condo has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen and living area. It was a great space that we really made our own whilst we were there.

We had a balcony, terrace and private swimming pool (well private for the small number of condos in the complex), which the kids made good use of (and most of the time it was just us in the pool).

White Lotus Condo Koh Samui

What to do in Koh Samui with kids

Koh Samui is a dream destination for families. With its picture-perfect beaches, relaxed island vibe, and plenty of culture and adventure, itโ€™s the kind of place that keeps both kids and parents happy.

Here are some of our favourite family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui:

  • Explore Bophutโ€™s Fishermanโ€™s Village night market and try a selection of the amazing food it has to offer. The energy is amazing and there’s something for even the fussiest little eaters.
  • Hop on a songthaew (a cheap pickup truck with two benches in the back) – a real fun way to get around the island.
  • Spend a night out in Chaweng โ€“ while itโ€™s known for nightlife, we found it family-friendly but recommend going early in the evening. We chose to stay later but Go-Go bars pulled curtains respectfully as we walked past, and the kids didnโ€™t even notice.
  • Hire a car to explore the island, there’s plenty of hidden beaches and roadside fruit stalls to keep the kids happy.
  • Chill out at Coco Tam’s – this is hands-down one of my favourite beach bars ever. Itโ€™s family-friendly, has comfy bean bags, incredible cocktails, and dazzling fire shows right on the sand.
    • Visit the beautiful Na Muang waterfalls – the kids will love climbing up through the different tiers in the jungle and splashing around at the base.
  • Catch the sunset at Hin Ta and Hin Yai – these cheeky rock formations resemble the male and female genitals.
  • Head into the mountains to take in the best views on Koh Samui, whilst enjoying a coffee or cocktail at the Jungle Club.
  • Swim and play at Crystal Bay (Silver Beach) – calm, clear waters and soft sand make this one of the best beaches in Koh Samui for kids.
  • Visit the magnificent Wat Plai Laem and The Big Buddha – these stunning temples are peaceful and a great experience of Thai culture.
  • Explore the Secret Buddha Garden, a hidden sanctuary featuring mystical statues in Koh Samuiโ€™s jungle – perfect for family fairytale exploration.
  • Relax with a full Thai body massage (okay remember to ask for gentle if you want it to be relaxing!)
Buddha statue at Wat Plai Laem in Bophut, Koh Samui, Thailand, surrounded by ornate golden decorations and dragon-like figures.
Wat Plai Laem โ€“ Koh Samui
Scenic view of Koh Samui, Thailand, featuring a wooden deck, tropical greenery, and the coastline with the sea extending to the horizon.
Panoramic Koh Samui View
Coco Tam's beach bar in Koh Samui, Thailand, showcasing nautical decorations and a vibrant outdoor setting.
Coco Tam’s – Koh Samui

Is Koh Samui good for kids?

Absolutely! Koh Samui is fantastic for families with kids. I know Iโ€™ve said this about every place we visited in Thailand, but that just goes to show how family-friendly this country truly is and Koh Samui is no exception.

The last part of our Thailand itinerary was all about finding a balance between adventure and relaxation

We purposely chose accommodation with a swimming pool so the kids could just have fun. After a whirlwind of hot and busy days exploring temples, cities, and caves, it was exactly what they needed โ€” and honestly, we needed it too.

Having a longer stretch in one place allows you to get out and do something in the morning,  let the kids play in the pool in the afternoon, then go out for the evening.

Time to head home

Just like getting to Koh Samui, leaving the island can be done by either flying or taking the ferry back to the mainland.

It would have been cheaper for us to return to Bangkok by ferry and train, but for ease and to save travelling time, we chose to fly.

From Bangkok, you can then catch your international flight back homeโ€ฆ or if you are lucky enough, continue your travels.

We hope this 2-week Thailand itinerary with kids has inspired your own family adventure. We made so many special memories, and honestly, I can’t wait to pack up and do it all over again!

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15 Comments

  1. This is an amazing blog post, so informative, I would love to visit Thailand but I know how important it is to do the research beforehand, I feel like all I’d need to do is to read this post again when I’m planning it! I’m glad you had a nice time though, I’ve heard how amazing the beaches are! Thank you for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Chloe x
    http://www.chloechats.com

    1. Chloe, thank you so much much for commenting! It’s so nice that you feel my blog post would give you all of the information you need to visit Thailand – makes me feel like I have accomplished my mission ๐Ÿ™‚ The beaches are absolutely stunning. In Koh Samui, they are postcard perfect! Would love to help with the planning if you do decide to go ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Wow- excellent travel guide! I love that you listed everything we’d need to know in each location! Looks like you had a great time!

    1. Thanks so much for reading and commenting ๐Ÿ™‚
      Great to get feedback on the content, I really want people to read my posts and feel confident about visiting. It was amazing the first time we went but taking the kids was even better!

    1. Thank you so much! You must visit if you can, we can’t wait to go back but there are just so many other places to go too ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Thanks Hannah, Thailand definitely needs to be on your bucket list! It can be very daunting thinking about how to get to places and what to do so research is key. Instead of piecing lots of research together, I hope that people can get everything they need from my blog to help them visit places they may not have had the confidence to go to before ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Brilliant post, Although I’ll have an 8 and 17 year old you’ve given me some great ideas ! Random question – sleeper train, is the bed area tiny ? Husband and teen are both over 6 foot and will just moan if they cant stretch out !

    1. Hi Louise, thanks for your comment. Iโ€™m so pleased it has given you some ideas. We love Thailand so much! We’ve been twice but wouldn’t hesitate to go back (there’s just so many other places to go and see too).
      The sleeper train is so much fun and definitely an experience. The beds aren’t tiny but they certainly aren’t big either. Iโ€™m about 5ft 7 and was absolutely fine but at 6ft, I’m not sure youโ€™d be able to stretch out completely. Try searching โ€˜Thailand sleeper train bedsโ€™ on YouTube to get an idea of how big the beds are.
      Although for 1 night, I would still do it for the experience and brilliant way to travel long distance at a cheap price. Just make sure you get 2 cabins so you get a bed each. We shared our beds with the kids but I definitely wouldn’t want to be doing that with an 8 and 17 year old ๐Ÿ˜†

  4. Hi Gemma
    Thanks for this post. It’s really helpful. We have just sorted our 2-week itinerary in Thailand and have booked the same accommodation in Bophut. Was it easy to book trips out from here (to the other islands and to the waterfalls)? Jan

    1. Hi Jan, thanks for your comment and how exciting that you’ve booked a trip to Thailand… we love it soooo much.
      If you’ve booked the same Airbnb that we stayed in then the owner was really good at providing advice and helping to arrange any trips that you might want to go on. There’s also little tourist shops in Bhoput where you can book trips too, which would include boat trips to other islands.
      We used the bikes that were available at the Airbnb to explore the island which was so much fun. We also hired a car out which is a great way to visit parts of the island further away and the mountains which I would highly recommend (if you drive up the mountains though, the roads are extremely steep so be prepared).
      Hope that helps โ˜บ

  5. Yes, exactly the same Airbnb as you! Hiring a car sounds a good idea too (though I definitely won’t be driving), as we’d like to see as much of the island as possible. We nearly stayed at Oriental Beach Pearl too, but have now decided to visit Chiang Mai instead.
    Many thanks for all your help.
    Jan
    (www.chimptrips.com)

    1. I’m so glad our itinerary has helped you. You’ll have an amazing time!
      Chiang Mai is also a great choice, we went on our honemoon before we had kids. If you’re adventurous, hike up to the villages in the mountains and spend a night with them – brilliant experience! We took some of my niece’s shoes and gave them to a little girl, she was over the moon ๐Ÿ˜Š
      Have an incredible trip,
      Gemma x

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