6 Best Islands In Thailand For Families That Are Worth Exploring

Thailand boasts a large number of islands, which can add up to more than 1400! Among so many amazing destinations to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the top six best islands in Thailand for families. Let’s discover hidden treasures and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Phuket – One of The Best Islands in Thailand for Families

The only province entirely composed of islands in Thailand is Phuket. On this paradise, there’s always something to see and do, from man-made to natural, from land-based to aquatic activities. All these marvels are just a short drive or sail away from one another, which is what makes it so beautiful.

Amazing religious and cultural buildings, strange and fascinating museums, unique performances, a lively nightlife, and some stunning beaches with soft white sand, tropical surf, and breathtaking scenery can all be found there.

  • Location: In the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of peninsular Thailand.
  • Best time to visit: The best months to visit Phuket are from November to April when the weather is perfect for beach activities like swimming and boating. The monsoon season lasts for six months, from May to October. While lodging costs are significantly cheaper during this period, the water can still be hazardous.
  • Need to know: On the island of Phuket, there is some sketchy nightlife to be wary of in the towns that border Patong Beach and, to a lesser extent, Kata and Karon beaches. Especially after dark, stay off Bangla Road in the center of Patong.
best-islands-in-thailand-for-families-1
Phuket boasts breathtaking view

> Read More: Top 8 Best Beaches in Phuket For Families To Visit

Koh Samui – The Enchanting Island Gem of Thailand’s Gulf Coast

Koh Samui, on the southern Gulf, has many of the same tourist attractions and lodging options as Phuket but with superior amenities. Enjoy entertainment such as Spark Circus, examine Hindu and Buddhist statues at Wat Plai Laem and Wat Phra Yai, unwind at waterfalls like Na Muang, and peruse the Fisherman’s Village night market. Its highlights include day visits to Koh Matsum and the Ang Thong Islands. Particularly for families, private villa rentals provide great value because of features like kitchens and plunge pools. 

  • Location: In the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 km northeast of Surat Thani town
  • Best time to visit: In terms of weather, Koh Samui is most pleasant during the dry season, which lasts from December to August. At this time of year, the weather is hot and bright, with average highs of about 30°C. Heavy rains and high humidity are the hallmarks of the wet season, which lasts from September to November.
  • Need to know: Certain communities that line the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, particularly Chaweng’s Soi Green Mango, feature a sketchy nightlife. Choose to fly to Surat Thani Airport (URT) on the mainland instead of directly to Koh Samui. You can save money by arranging bus and ferry transportation to Koh Samui (as well as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao) either in advance or upon arrival.
best-islands-in-thailand-for-families-2
Koh Samui with many tourist attractions and lodging

Koh Phangan – Where Serenity Meets Vibrancy

Parts of this quirky island north of Koh Samui are great for kids, but it’s also known for a hippie-stoner lifestyle and wild parties like the monthly Full Moon Party on Haad Rin. Even while the island doesn’t have as many kid-friendly attractions as Koh Samui, it’s still a fantastic choice for older kids who like the great outdoors.

  • Location: Off the east coast of Surat Thani province in the Gulf of Thailand.
  • Best time to visit: Since the monsoon is still far off and the humid season has begun to end, December and March are the ideal months to explore Koh Phangan. The busiest months are December and January because everyone gets excited about the big events.
  • Need to know: Koh Phangan’s eastern and northern regions are peaceful and great for families, while its southern regions, Haad Rin and Ban Tai, are popular with backpackers.
best-islands-in-thailand-for-families-3
Koh Phangan is a fantastic choice for families with kids

Koh Samet – Thailand Tropical’s Jewel

Situated about 170 km southeast of Bangkok, this stingray-shaped island in the eastern Gulf is an ideal destination for a few days of beach leisure towards the end of a journey.

The majority of the east coast is covered in beaches, and while Sai Kaew Beach in the north can get crowded, the more isolated south has many peaceful coves. Don’t miss the statues depicting a big ogre, a flute-playing prince, and a mermaid from Sunthorn Phu’s narrative Phra Aphai Mani, written in the 19th century in Thailand and partially inspired by Koh Samet’s landscape.

  • Location: In the Gulf of Thailand off the coastline of the Thai province of Rayong, approximately 220 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.
  • Best time to visit: The tranquil waters of October to April make this the ideal time of year to explore Kohh Samet.
  • Need to know: Many unspoiled islands to the east, like Koh Thalu with its gorgeous beach and natural stone bridge, are accessible by boat from Koh Samet. It should be noted that Koh Samet becomes congested with Bangkokians during weekends and holidays, making last-minute accommodations difficult to come by.
best-islands-in-thailand-for-families-4
Koh Samet is truly a pristine tropical paradise

Koh Phi Phi – A Tropical Paradise with Endless Adventure Experiences

It’s not accidental that Koh Phi Phi is considered to be among the best islands in Thailand for families. This well-known location consists of two adjacent islands: Koh Phi Phi Don is extensively developed, while Koh Phi Phi Leh is under official protection and is only accessible by day trip.

With its glistening coves and lagoons, the latter is perhaps Thailand’s most stunning island. With the rehabilitation of the coral and the closure of the once-crowded Maya Bay to tourists, the authorities of Koh Phi Phi Leh have worked diligently to preserve the island’s ecosystem. In 2022, it is anticipated to reopen under tight guidelines.

  • Location: In the middle of the Andaman Sea, 42 km away from Amphoe Mueang.
  • Best time to visit: November through March are the ideal months to visit Phi Phi because of the lowest humidity, average temperatures of 28°C, and pleasant mild breezes.
  • Need to know: Families on Koh Phi Phi Don frequently choose to stay on the more sedate Laem Thong Beach over the more popular and central Tonsai. If you would merely like to see the two islands, consider taking a boat tour in Krabi from Phuket, Koh Jum, or Ao Nang.
best-islands-in-thailand-for-families-5-ko-phi-phi
Koh Phi Phi is the most stunning island in Thailand

Mu Koh Surin – A World of Pristine Coral Reefs and Marine Biodiversity

Mu Koh Surin Marine Park is located in the Andaman Sea, far north of Thailand. It encompasses two islands with robust reefs between.

The majority of the islands are inaccessible to tourists, but the breathtaking Mai Ngam Beach is open, featuring white sand and crystal-clear water that remains serene because of the surrounding high headlands. At low tide, harmless black-tip reef sharks visit to feed, and sea turtles are frequently seen.

  • Location: In the far north of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea.
  • Best time to visit: November to April is the ideal time of year to go. Thailand’s ancient and traditional Songkran festival takes place in April, which also promises meaningful participation that tourists can enjoy.
  • Need to know: You may reserve day trips to Koh Surin from locations as far away as Khao Lak and Koh Phayam, but they all dock at a port in Khuraburi, which self-sufficient tourists can get to on their own. If you want to camp or stay in a basic cottage at Mai Ngam Beach, you can reserve a speedboat tour in Khuraburi and request to be picked up on the day you specify. Koh Surin is close to some of Thailand’s top dive locations, such as Richelieu Rock. Closed from May 1 to November 1 is the marine park.
best-islands-in-thailand-for-families-6
Mu Koh Surin with white sand and crystal-clear water

Conclusion

Thailand provides a multitude of possibilities for fantastic family vacations, whether you like the facilities of larger islands, the tranquil beauty of lesser-known gems, or the natural wonders of marine park islands. There is always one island to fit the preferences of any family, ranging from busy tourist destinations to remote havens. By taking the time to carefully assess the available options, you can ensure that your family will enjoy a memorable and fulfilling experience on one of Thailand’s top family-friendly islands.

Ready to craft your tailored Southeast Asia adventure?
Send us your plans. Share your idea by submitting a request today.
Send Inquiry