Koh Samui is a wonderful destination for families looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of Thailand. The island offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to all ages, making it a great choice for a family holiday. From stunning beaches to cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The best accommodation in Koh Samui for families can mean something different for everyone. Perhaps your family and kids would love a beachfront resort just moments away from crystal seas, or a secluded retreat to wind down after an adventurous day exploring.
Whatever it is you’re searching for, our guide will help you discover the top places to stay for a memorable family vacation on one of my favourite Thai islands – Samui…
1: Peace Resort
Peace Resort, located on the northeast coast of Koh Samui, is an ideal spot for families who want the best of both worlds. I stayed in one of their beachfront bungalows, which were modern, spacious, and a perfect retreat for my family.
The resort has a total of 122 rooms, bungalows, and villas, each designed to make you feel like you’re living in a tropical village.
And with their 11 different room types, you’ll no doubt find a layout and amenities that work best for your family.
Here, adults get to unwind while their children enjoy the onsite facilities. My children had a blast in the playground while I relaxed in the Jacuzzi. The large free-form swimming pool offers stunning views of Bophut Beach, which is just moments away.
Dining at the Sea Wrap restaurant was nothing short of delightful. The chefs serve mouth-watering Thai and international dishes from morning till night – a luxury that suited every appetite in the family. We also made the most of the happy hours that take place daily from 3pm-5pm.
It has a small but well equipped gym, the breakfast was delicious with a range of cuisines available (including a wok station) and the entire complex is very well looked after.
The resort’s activities also include snorkelling trips to Angthong National Marine Park and Koh Tao, which I highly recommend for an unforgettable island adventure.
Location: 178, Bo Put, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 77 425 357
2: Nora Buri Resort & Spa, Koh Samui
Nora Buri Resort & Spa, located on the northern end of Chaweng beach, offers a mix of luxury and comfort. I found the stunning ocean views from the resort simply breathtaking.
The resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering exclusivity and beauty to families within.
It’s also conveniently located close to Samui Airport, with no need for painstaking transfer trips before and after your stay. A mere three-minute ride from the airport, and you are welcomed with open arms into a modern and inviting space.
The resort’s design blends fluidly with the surrounding landscape, breathing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere into your stay.
Nora Buri dazzles with two magnificent swimming pools, one on the hillside and the other by the beach. Both of these pools are family-friendly with attached kids’ pools if they want some adult-free time.
The resort’s dining options are varied and cater to all tastes, ensuring everyone in the family finds something they love.
I also recommend visiting The Anodas Spa. It offers a variety of treatments that blend Eastern and Western traditions, and my experience there was nothing short of blissful. The staff were also simply outstanding, ensuring our stay was comfortable and enjoyable throughout.
Location: 111, Moo 5, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 77 913 555
3: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the impressive Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui with my family, which was an experience none of us will forget. This luxurious resort is located at Lipa Noi beach, which sets the scene for stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
In its own little paradise, the resort is surrounded by tropical gardens, which dramatically yet softly add to the beauty and tranquillity of this location.
You have a choice here of rooms, suites, and villas that cater perfectly to families. We stayed in the Pool Access 2 Bedroom Family Suite, which had a spacious king-size bedroom and a connecting twin bedroom.
The suite opened directly onto the river-like swimming pool, making it easy for the kids to enjoy a swim anytime.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa offers various dining options that delighted our taste buds. We particularly enjoyed the breakfast buffet with its wide range of fresh and delicious options.
I must make a special mention for the signature cocktails by the beach – a highlight for us adults, with breathtaking views as the backdrop.
The resort has a blend of modern and traditional Thai designs that create a unique and stylish look. From the poolside cabanas to the private beach beds, everything is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind.
The staff were very attentive throughout this wonderful stay, ensuring we had everything we needed.
Location: 96, 3, Lipa Noi, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Contact: +66 77 914 500
4: Avani+ Samui Resort
Avani+ Samui Resort is a standout for family holidays. The resort features just 58 rooms and pool villas, offering plenty of options to suit different family needs and budgets.
We stayed in a beachfront pool villa, which was idyllic. The view of the ocean is one I won’t be forgetting, and the villa’s private pool added real privilege.
Alongside the peaceful scenes, the resort offers many activities to keep everyone entertained. My children loved kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, both of which are complimentary for guests.
For a truly memorable day, we took a longtail boat trip to Koh Madsun, also known as Pig Island. The kids had a blast seeing the pigs roam freely on the beach.
Dining at the resort was a real treat, too. At Essence Restaurant, there were vegan and vegetarian options available, which was great for our diverse family preferences.
The vintage VW truck serving cocktails was a fun addition, offering us great drinks and a unique experience. Plus, the beachside setting added to the relaxed atmosphere.
The resort’s location on the serene southern part of Koh Samui made it feel like a true getaway. Despite being somewhat isolated, the complimentary shuttle service to Chaweng Beach and Lamai made exploring other parts of the island easy.
Location: Avani+ Samui Resort, Ko Samui
Contact: +66 77 485 299
5: Coral Cliff Beach Resort
If you want to escape the busy beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, Coral Cliff Beach Resort in Koh Samui. Our stay here was incredible.
The lush tropical gardens secluding the resort create a peaceful environment that’s hard to beat.
The rooms offer a stunning view of the ocean, and having a private beach just below the balcony unlocked a piece of the world just for us guests. The crystal-clear waters and white sand made it perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. I loved seeing the vibrant coral reefs up close, and my family adored spending time here.
One thing that stood out with Coral Cliff was the friendly, non-intrusive service. The staff were always helpful and polite, which makes all the difference when you’re on holiday with the family.
The food was also impressive, with mouth-watering dishes that fully satisfied us all.
It’s also conveniently located just 20 minutes from Samui International Airport, which made getting there hassle-free (and much less stressful, especially on checking-out day).
With modern facilities blended with traditional Southern Thai design, Coral Cliff Beach Resort really does offer a memorable holiday experience enveloping both luxury and friendliness.
Location: Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Contact: +66 77 448 500
Why Koh Samui is Perfect for Family Accommodation
So what makes Koh Samui an ideal location for families? It is home to calm beaches, activities that suit both adults and children alike, and is nestled amongst safe neighbourhoods.
These are all important elements to me when booking a family holiday. Here’s what you need to know about Koh Samui being a top spot for families:
Family-Friendly Beaches
If you travel often, you’ll have noted that not all beaches are the best for families. Koh Samui, however, offers several:
- Chaweng Beach offers shallow waters and soft sand, perfect for children to play.
- Bophut Beach is quieter, making it great for young ones to build sandcastles with space around them.
- Lamai Beach has calm waves, ensuring safe swimming for all ages. Lifeguards are often present, adding an extra layer of security.
Many beaches at Koh Samui also have nearby amenities like restaurants and shops. Some even offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.
The combination of beautiful scenery and safety makes these beaches an excellent choice for family visits, so that our children can have fun while us parents soak up nature’s beauty and soundscapes.
Exciting Family Activities
Most families have a variety of passions and personalities amongst them, which is why I love Koh Samui – there’s a lot on offer for everyone:
- The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo is a favourite, featuring diverse marine life and tigers.
- Ang Thong National Marine Park offers boat tours, snorkelling, and kayaking suitable for older children and teens.
- For a fun and educational outing, visit the Paradise Park Farm. It has a petting zoo, swimming pool, and unexpected stunning views.
- You can also explore temples like Wat Plai Laem, where children can learn about local culture.
A gorgeous resort with plenty to do is key to a great family holiday – Koh Samui is generous with both.
Safe and Suitable Neighbourhoods
Safety is a consideration when travelling the world with your family. Koh Samui is a great spot that is considered safe and family-friendly:
- Chaweng is bustling but has many resources like supermarkets and medical facilities. Its resorts are generally family-focused, offering kids’ clubs and swimming pools alongside luxury.
- Bophut is another good choice, known for its relaxed atmosphere and well-maintained streets. The Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is particularly charming, with family-oriented shops and eateries.
- Maenam offers a quieter vibe and is still close to essential services, providing a stress-free environment.
Essential Tips for Choosing Family Accommodation
Not sure what to focus on when planning your family holiday? Choosing the right family accommodation can often come down to these following key points, which I always consider when choosing family accommodation:
Prioritise Safety Features
Safety is paramount whenever you travel, but more so when you’re with your children. Look for accommodation that provides childproofed rooms with features like socket covers, secure windows, and non-slip bathroom mats.
It’s also important to check if the hotel has 24/7 security and safety protocols in place, such as fire alarms and clear evacuation routes.
I stayed at a hotel in Koh Samui where the pool area was fenced off, preventing unsupervised access by young children. This was incredibly reassuring, and allowed me to relax.
CCTV surveillance is also worth asking about if you want that extra peace of mind.
Look for Child-Friendly Amenities
Have you ever stayed at a hotel that allowed you to book your family in, but wasn’t particularly child friendly? I have, and for the whole stay we felt uncomfortable and rather unwelcome.
So, always search for hotels that offer kids’ clubs, play areas, and child-friendly menus at their restaurants. Complimentary baby cots and high chairs are also a clear sign.
My suggestions in Koh Samui mostly include activities designed specifically for children, and are a clear indication that they welcome families to enjoy their time there.
And if you specifically want some child-free time while you’re away, check for babysitting services before you book.
Consider Proximity to Attractions
The location of your accommodation can make all the difference to how enjoyable your entire family find it.
Staying near beaches, water parks, or cultural sites means less travel time and more fun.
In Koh Samui, locations close to Chaweng Beach or the Ang Thong National Marine Park are ideal. They offer a variety of activities for children and adults alike.
Also take a moment to look at the hotel’s proximity to public transport options, especially if you’re not quite so close to excursions beyond the resort. This can help you easily reach other parts of the island and make the most of those precious days away.
With all these considerations covered, not only will your family have an incredible time abroad, but you’ll be stress free too. With the above accommodation recommendations also in mind, you’re halfway there to the family holiday of a lifetime.