5 Best Things to Do with Kids in Koh Samui

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is an hour’s boat ride northwest from Koh Samui and offers a grand day out filled with adventure, exploration and stunning exotic scenery. The park is an archipelago of 42 islands with dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and pristine beaches. You can go snorkelling in turquoise waters or kayaking in mysterious coves.

If watersports aren’t your thing, hike up the hills for panoramic vistas or simply relax and play on the beautiful beaches. You might even spot monkeys, monkeys, gibbons and various bird species in their natural habitat. To reach the park, hop on a private speedboat or a larger group ferry which often offer lunch, snorkelling equipment and discounts for kids.

If you want to get your heart pumping and see the island’s magnificent tropical rainforest from a spectacular perspective, add Canopy Adventure Samui to your itinerary. They’ll get you all kitted up to zipline from tree to tree, offering a thrilling activity with excellent views. Anyone from 5 years old and older can take part and you won’t need any particular experience of ziplining, just a dash of a daredevil attitude.

Safety is, of course, at the core of Canopy Adventure Samui. The expert staff on every platform will guide you along your tree-top adventure and you’ll be donning top-quality equipment. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is famous for its giant golden Buddha statue, and it’s a great place to get a glimpse into Thai culture and Buddhism. You’ll see locals saying their prayers, burning incense and offering flowers and food to Buddha. This temple is not only a spiritual center but also an architectural marvel with vibrant murals and serene lotus ponds.

Browse the souvenir stalls around the base of the statue for fun mementoes of your trip or get some refreshing coconut water from the nearby cafes. You’ll find Big Buddha Temple on the Ko Fan peninsula, near the mermaid statue. As the temple is a place of worship, do dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees.

At Samui Football Golf you and your family get to find out who’s best in 2 different sports: football and golf. As the name suggests, football golf is a hybrid of football and golf in which players try to steer a football into the 18 holes in as few ‘strokes’ as possible, only using their feet, of course. 

It will have you and your group playing, laughing and enjoying it for at least 60 minutes. At the same time, you can enjoy a refreshing walk around a beautiful coconut plantation that forms the 'course'. Bring sunscreen, water and a hat to make sure you’re on your best game.

When you need a little break from the sea and beach, head to family-friendly shopping complex of Central Festival Samui and explore its shops, bars, restaurants and recreational activities. It boasts a gaming arcade and multiple play areas where younger children can run around and have fun, such as an outdoor park and a thrilling garden maze. 

You can rest your feet and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants and cafes or grab a quick bite to eat while running errands. If you need to stock up on travel essentials or fill your picnic basket, you’ll also find a grocery shop at this enormous shopping complex.