KOH SAMUI: An Overview On Why Visit Now With Kids?

Why visit now with kids?  Koh Samui rocks and here are the highlights...

• Thailand is famed for its extraordinary cuisine; there is a slew of cooking classes on the island, though none is better than Yings Cooking Home in the south. Samui has ample vendor and high-end dining choices, from bustling street markets and cool cafes to in-villa butler service and international hotel restaurants.
• Private yachts and rickety longtail boats are always on hand for watery quests. You can explore tiny islands, watch pink dolphins play, swim with pigs, or laze in remote boat-only bays. There are plenty of Instagrammable moments with pretty swings, random dinosaurs, secret gardens, and ethical elephant sanctuaries. If you have an adventurous nature, there's ziplining, hiking, 4X4 island tours, diving, waterfall climbing, paintballing, or trying your hand at the art of eight limbs, Muay Thai.
• After almost two years without tourists, Koh Samui is more beautiful and enchanting than ever. The island has seen nature bloom in abundance - turtles return in droves to nest on their once-busy beaches, rare mammals peeking out their snuffly noses to re-explore their native jungle, and the skies are once again full of magical birdsong.
• Koh Samui is synonymous with tropical luxury and is easy to navigate; it takes just an hour to circumnavigate the freshly-laid beach ring road. The island is packed with a wide variety of delicious restaurants, from street-side Thai to freshly imported oysters in a wine bar or lavish lobster in a luxury hotel. There is something for every tastebud and pocket.
• The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand with towering limestone karsts, waterfall-filled jungles, and white-sandy beaches with hidden coves to explore.

WHERE TO STAY IN KOH SAMUI WITH KIDS? Family-Friendly Hotels, Resorts, And Villas In Koh Samui, Thailand

Whether you choose the peaceful shores of south Samui or prefer to be at the heart of all the action in Bophut or Fisherman’s Village, there are seemingly endless hotels, resorts, and villas for you and your family.

Luxury Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts In Koh Samui, Thailand:

• The Tongsai Bay, https://www.tongsaibay.co.th/ - super eco-friendly and avidly against cruelty
• Four Seasons, https://www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui/
• Conrad, https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/usmksci-conrad-koh-samui/
• W, https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/usmwh-w-koh-samui/overview/
• The Ritz-Carlton, https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/koh-samui
• Kimpton Kitalay, https://www.kimptonkitalaysamui.com/
• SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, https://www.salahospitality.com/chaweng/
• Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, https://www.silavadeeresort.com/
• Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/usmvl-vana-belle-a-luxury-collection-resort-koh-samui/overview/
• Hyatt Regency, https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/thailand/hyatt-regency-koh-samui/usmrk
• Intercontinental, https://samui.intercontinental.com/ - try Air Bar for fantastic sunset views
• Banyan Tree, https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/samui

Luxury Family-Friendly Villas In Koh Samui, Thailand:

• Click here for the round-up by Little Steps
• Ministry of Villas, https://www.ministryofvillas.com/category/thailand/koh-samui/

Family-Friendly Boutique Hotels And Villas:

• Villa Nalinadda, http://www.nalinnadda.com/ - best banoffee pie ever
• Maya Resort, https://mayaresortsamui.com/ - super kid-centric
• Cielo Samui Boutique Hotel & Spa, https://www.cielosamui.com/
• Karma Resort, https://www.karma-resort.com/
• Banana Fan Sea, https://www.bananafansea.com/
• Ammantara Pura, https://ammatarapura.com/ - choose a pool villa
• UniQue, https://www.uniquekohsamui.com/
• Tree House Silent Beach, https://www.tree-house.org/

WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN KOH SAMUI? Food In Koh Samui, Thailand

Exploring the land of food, you’ll enjoy discovering the various ingredients that make up some of the nation’s favorite dishes, such as pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai, Som Tam, Pad Krapow, Khao Soi, and Tom Yum Goong. You might choose to go to a local market and chat with the local vendors or join a cooking class where you'll be guided through many mysterious local ingredients and learn about the various influences from neighboring countries. You'll soon discover Thailand has fresh-tasting food with a somewhat fierce kick.

• Try Ying’s Thai Cooking Home. Ying is known throughout her home island of Samui for her appreciation of the eclectic food scene, hundred-year-old recipes, and her cheeky sense of humor. She invites you into her beautiful jungle home, where cooking classes take place on the open-sided ground floor shaded by tropical palms and indigenous trees. Some of Ying's favorite dishes are the south's famed Khanom Jeen Nam Yaa Poo, a deliciously creamy curried crab with little nests of noodles, Nam Prik Ma Ueg, a gorgeous dipping sauce made with hairy eggplant, and Pla Sai Thot Kamin, an Indian inspired dish of deep-fried turmeric-marinated fish.
• If your child is celebrating a birthday while you are on holiday in Koh Samui, Moran from Octopus Coffee and Events will make sure your little one has the best party. She’s the master of kid-centric activities such as face painting, pinatas, themed birthday cakes, and decorating your resort room or villa for that extra special party.
• On the last Sunday of the month, Greenlight Café & Bar in Fisherman's Village is host to the popular Samui Green Market, where you'll find a range of local artisans that make everything from organic vegan food, delicious Thai dishes, Western cuisine, homemade organic soap, handcrafted candles, and pretty jewelry. All of the products are chemical-free and kind to animals and the planet.
• Across the island, various fruit, vegetable, and wet markets sell an array of Thai goodies, including fresh herbs, spices, coconuts, tamarind, ginger, freshly caught squid, prawns, and fish. Many of the markets serve dishes from giant pans of spicy, freshly cooked curries, soups, and deliciously sweet deep-fried delights. Try the locally-made bubble tea or Thai coffee. Usually, at the weekends, there are walking street markets in Nathon, Lamai, Chaweng, and Fisherman’s Village full of the hustle and bustle, smells that assault your senses, and flavors that drive your taste buds wild, and a sense of fun. Try everything from crispy crickets to spicy curries and heady cocktails to homemade ice cream. Thailand is always vibrant and fun.
• On the last Sunday of the month, Greenlight Café & Bar in Fisherman's Village is host to the popular Samui Green Market, where you'll find a range of local artisans that make everything from organic vegan food, delicious Thai dishes, Western cuisine, homemade organic soap, handcrafted candles, and pretty jewelry. All of the products are chemical-free and kind to animals and the planet.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants:

The great thing about Thailand is the variety of choices. You can pick up a bag of delicious traditional noodles from your favorite mom-and-pop restaurant for about THB60 or dine in one of the luxury hotels for over THB5,000! You’ll know that the local food is excellent if it's packed with Thais enjoying the local dishes. Let your taste buds do the exploring. The following are some of the off-the-beaten-track Little Steps Asia favorites.

• Baan Som Tam, Nathon, https://www.facebook.com/baansomtumnathonkohsamui/ - try the crispy som tam salad
• Road Less Travelled, Nathon, https://www.facebook.com/The-Road-Less-Travelled-Samui-2362963547261252/ - cheeky cocktails for mom and dad
• Papa Croissant, Taling Ngam, https://goo.gl/maps/gwwDpCeQUaamyCLXA - try the freshly made banana fritters
• La Brasserie By The Sea, Lamai, https://www.facebook.com/La-Brasserie-By-The-Sea-100301542621608 - art, interiors, and food
• I-Talay, Taling Ngam, https://goo.gl/maps/UqKN6sjrLM64Q8nj8
• Noodle Mother Shop, Na Muang, https://goo.gl/maps/KM39hZAbsxgKDr3k7
• New French Kiss, Thanod, https://www.facebook.com/thenewfrenchkissthanod/ - try the freshly caught fish
• Island View Restaurant, Taling Ngam, https://goo.gl/maps/uwWgWMbkGUXapcAMA
• Sweet Sisters, Na Muang, https://www.facebook.com/sweetsisters.cafe.samui – delicious Thai and Burmese dishes
• My Cafe, Bophut, https://www.facebook.com/mycafeandrestaurantatsamui/
• Wanngram, Bangpor, https://www.facebook.com/wanngram/ - quirky interiors
• Aromi Diversi, Bangpor, https://www.aromi-diversi.com/
• Lacoppola, Thong Krut, https://lacoppola-garden-bungalow-ristorante-e.business.site/
• The Oyster Bar X Samui, Lami, https://oyster-bar-x-samui.business.site/
• Art Café by June, Bophut, https://www.facebook.com/artcafesamui/
• Le Kiosque Boulangerie, Thong Krut, https://www.facebook.com/lekiosquebakery/
• Baobab, Lamai, https://www.facebook.com/Baobab-Restaurant-1425265817691133/ - check out the specials board
• Chinese Handmade Noodles, Bophut, https://www.facebook.com/CHNsamui/ - the only restaurant on the island with handmade noodles

WHERE TO PLAY WITH KIDS IN KOH SAMUI, THAILAND: The Best Family-Friendly Beach Clubs

• Tembo, Bophut, https://www.facebook.com/TemboSamui
• Chi, Bophut, https://www.facebook.com/chisamui
• Seen, Bophut https://www.facebook.com/seenbeachclubkohsamui
• Shiva Samui, Na Muang, https://www.facebook.com/ShivaSamui
• Maithy, Bophut, https://www.facebook.com/maithy.samui/
• Jungle Club, Chaweng Noi, https://www.jungleclubsamui.com/
• Elephant Beach Club, https://www.facebook.com/Elephantbeachclub/ - kids love the fire shows

TOP THINGS TO DO IN KOH SAMUI WITH KIDS?

If you and your family have an adventurous spirit, try your hand at adrenaline-pumping ziplining, mountain hiking, geocaching, 4x4 island tours, diving, waterfall climbing, and the art of eight limbs, Muay Thai. Private yachts and rickety longtail boats are always on hand for watery quests. You can explore tiny islands, watch pink dolphins play, or laze in remote boat-only bays. There are plenty of Instagrammable moments with mysterious statues, random dinosaurs, pretty swings, and secret gardens. You could even visit one of only three ethical sanctuaries on the island and meet some happy rescue elephants.

Best Temples In Koh Samui:  Places for peace and reflection

• Wat Ratchathammaram, https://goo.gl/maps/P595Ezmwkid3sTYz5
• Wat Khunaram, https://goo.gl/maps/WTMXDHd8zxmyLjVB8
• Wat Samret, https://goo.gl/maps/NLE8wpchiL1MVGJQ8 - over 80 Buddha statues
• Wat Phra Chedi Laem Sor, https://goo.gl/maps/NKy8ri1j81QWL56y8
• Khao Chedi, https://goo.gl/maps/y3mp4KK7PLqxoPzG8
• Pra Buddha Dīpankara, https://goo.gl/maps/rPWEhF5UqXukU73K6
• Wat Phang Bua, https://goo.gl/maps/mahg6CCp6ittvADh6
• Wat Plai Laem, https://goo.gl/maps/G27Hv4Et8wmUd2YE7 - the famous one
• Big Buddha, https://goo.gl/maps/fmuEst1RjGmLZ6cq9
• Wat Na Phra Lan, https://goo.gl/maps/etLufQLzresa85LX8
• Wat Namtok Hin Lat, https://goo.gl/maps/fFGDw3AAGBLhWYD36
• Wat Saket, https://goo.gl/maps/YNeZo8MHbQYdagd9A

Ethical Elephant Experiences For Kids In Koh Samui, Thailand:

** An ethical sanctuary does not offer riding, bathing, or any form of entertainment with the elephants

• Samui Elephant Haven, https://samuielephanthaven.org/ - they have two baby elephants, Haven Moonlight and Luna

Adventures, Hiking, And Exploring In Koh Samui With Kids:

• Geocaching, https://www.geocaching.com/play - download the app and get exploring
• Namtok Tar Nim and Magic Buddha Gardens, https://goo.gl/maps/AYYeftBtA3Ecg7cR7 – hidden statues
• Hin Lat Waterfall, https://goo.gl/maps/T4Z5dMbFWZjjL2Bc7
• Khun Si Waterfall, https://goo.gl/maps/wJCA5VMmWBTAnwm5A
• Na Muang Waterfall, https://goo.gl/maps/EnGLeGhsW4ujkUFe8
• Hash House Harriers Koh Samui, https://kohsamuihhh.com/
• Koh Samui Hill Walks, https://www.facebook.com/Koh-Samui-Hill-Walks-339571692882249/ - every Sunday

Sports In Koh Samui, Thailand:

• Muay Thai In Koh Samui:
  • Yodyut Muaythai Gym, https://www.yodyutmuaythai.com/
  • Lion Heart Muay Thai, https://www.lionheartsamui.com/
  • Superpro Samui, https://superprosamui.com/
  • Jun Muay Thai, http://junmuaythai.com/
  • Punch It Muay Thai, https://www.punchitgym.com/
  • Taling Ngam Muay Thai Gym, https://www.facebook.com/talingngammuaythaigym/
• Skate Parks In Koh Samui:
  • Samui Skate Park, https://goo.gl/maps/L7YU8mjYoiGB1NJf9
  • Monkey Dome, https://goo.gl/maps/D78cU9qMhQJ3FtkB9
  • Wave Buff, https://goo.gl/maps/85a8Evz6Loo9ob9r8
  • Eternal Skatepark, https://goo.gl/maps/UWZemQZ8HVGkuRb57
• Yoga In Koh Samui:
  • FitKoh, https://fitkoh.com/
  • Air Family Gym, https://airgym.family/
  • Anahata, https://www.anahatasamui.com/
• Adrenaline-Inspired Adventures In Koh Samui
  • Samui Zipline, https://www.facebook.com/samuizipline18/
  • Samui Paintball, https://www.facebook.com/samuipaintball
  • Kiteboarding, https://www.facebook.com/KbaSamui/
  • Samui Circus, https://www.samuicircus.com/
• Quad Biking In Koh Samui
  •  X-Quad Samui, https://www.xquad-samui.com/
  • Samui Enduro Adventures, https://www.samuiislandadventures.com/
  • Samui Quad Tour, https://www.samuiquad.com/en/
• Jetskis In Koh Samui
  • Samui Luxury Boat, https://www.samuiluxuryboat.com/
  • Oceana Samui, https://oceanasamui.com/
  • Siam Experiences, https://www.siam-experiences.com/

Water Fun And Things To Do On The Sea In Koh Samui:

• Scuba Diving In Koh Samui
  • Scuba Birds, https://www.scubabirds.com/
  • The Dive Academy, https://www.thediveacademysamui.com/
  • The Life Aquatic, http://www.thelifeaquatic.asia/
• Boat Trips In Koh Samui
  • Oceana, https://oceanasamui.com/
  • TK Tours, https://www.tktoursamui.com/ - longtail boat fun
  • Koh Samui Boat Charter, https://kosamuiboatcharter.com/en
  • Independence, https://independence-yacht-charter.com/
  • Nautiness Sailing, https://nautiness-sailing.com/
  • Samui Ocean Sports, https://sailing-in-samui.com/
  • 100 Degrees East, https://www.100degreeseast.com/
• Standup Paddleboarding In Koh Samui
  • iSUP Samui, https://www.isupsamui.com/
  • The Little SUP Samui, https://www.facebook.com/thelittlesupsamui/

Cabarets To Visit In Koh Samui (date night!)

• • Divas, https://www.facebook.com/DivasCabaretSamui - ladyboy glam

Art Classes For Kids In Koh Samui

• Art In Mind, https://www.facebook.com/artinmindsamui
• Kaset Art Studio, https://kasetartstudio.com/
• Drama Studio Mangosteen, https://www.facebook.com/mangosteensamui/
• Renaissance Art Center, https://www.facebook.com/RenaissanceArtSamui/

Other Fun Activities For Kids And Teens In Koh Samui

• Fun House Samui, https://www.facebook.com/funhousesamui
• Outdoor Cinema, https://www.facebook.com/events/2764744183658863/2764744200325528/
• Ninja Water Park, https://www.facebook.com/samuipier/

CHARITIES TO GIVE BACK TO ON YOUR VISIT TO KOH SAMUI: Volunteer Or Join A Club

If you and the kids are animal lovers, you can head over to one of the valuable animal rescue centers and give some cats and dogs lots of much-needed love for a day or longer or spend a week living at an elephant sanctuary caring for a herd of elephants.

• Dog And Cat Rescue Rescue Samui, https://www.facebook.com/DCRS-Dog-and-Cat-Rescue-Samui-Foundation-136646143015403
• Pariah Dog, https://www.facebook.com/DogandCatHelp.KohSamui
• Samui Elephant Haven, https://samuielephanthaven.org/
• Happy Tails Koh Samui, https://www.facebook.com/happytailskohsamui
• Sisters on Samui. The community is very active and supports local children, animals, and villages, Sisters on Samui supports an array of life initiatives such as #feedsamui, a massive ongoing drive to support hospitality workers such as hotel workers, restaurant workers, chefs, cleaners, bartenders, gardeners, and taxi drivers when they were out of work due to the pandemic. They have a charity shop and regular lunches.

GREAT KOH SAMUI FACEBOOK GROUPS TO JOIN AND MORE COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

Koh Samui is full of friendly folk, and they are eager to help you answer any questions. There are numerous groups where you can pick the brains of those that live on the island.

• Community Online Pin Board Koh Samui, https://www.facebook.com/groups/389315034467102
• Samui Mums and Dads, https://www.facebook.com/groups/357071714374329
• Samui With Kids, https://www.facebook.com/groups/2714665732153676

TOP TIPS FOR VISITING KOH SAMUI WITH KIDS, TODDLERS, TEENS

• Split the island into quarters and explore each quadrant on-by-one.
• Enjoy the sunrise and set each day.
• The sun can be fierce; ensure that you wear appropriate tropical protection, including suncream and hats.
• If you hire a scooter, wear a helmet. Driving can be a little scary if you are not used to it.
• Drink bottled water.
• Apply natural insect repellent and wear light, loose clothing in the evenings.
• Hire a guide so that you don’t miss anything.
• Explore the markets and meet the locals.