The best family friendly places in Thailand
Thailand is not all full moon parties, backpackers and island hopping. There are plenty of places for a family to don their swimming costumes and relax on golden sands. Since you might be thinking about where to go for your next family vacation, we have compiled a list of the best kid friendly beaches in Thailand.
Phuket
It might sound obvious or nothing special, but Phuket is actually a great place to take kids. There are a multitude of resorts, where you will find creches, kids clubs and plenty of light-hearted entertainment. There are also great beaches that remain popular with tourists. If your family enjoy watersports, then you will be able to find packages catering to your needs. Snorkeling is particularly excellent around Phuket, but you can also try diving, kayaking and boat rides. For the first time traveller, it might be a wise idea to stay in Phuket before exploring the other islands close by. Many are only a short boat trip away, so you will never be far paradise. Remember to do your research before you go, however. There are plenty of places in Phuket that are not safe for children.
Krabi
The coastal town of Krabi is becoming quite the tourist destination. Popular with backpackers for quite some time, it is also geared towards families with plenty of activities to do. It also goes without saying that Krabi has one of the most beautiful backdrops in Thailand. Thanks to its location, Krabi has plenty of options for diving, snorkeling, as well as kayaking to see prehistoric cave art in the caves around Krabi. The best beaches are Railay and Ao Nang, although you are only a stone’s throw from the Phi Phi islands. Krabi is becoming increasingly popular so try to visit before peak season, if at all possible to avoid the crowds.
Koh Samui
Despite being probably the most popular place to visit in Thailand, Koh Samui still has plenty of charm and much to offer for families. Beaches are never in short supply, but there are also jungles and hills to explore inland. In order to do this, you might want to rent a car or hire a guide. Koh Samui has some glorious waterfalls and natural swimming pools, as well as Ang Thong Marine Park. Whilst sounding like a Mediterranean theme park, it is actually a series of islands that have excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta is a wonderful place to visit with children. Klaong Dao beach is the best on the island by far for little ones, as the water is shallow and the waves are gentle. There are also rock pools in the rock formations around the edge of the beach, which make great exploring opportunities. Moreover, Ko Lanta has quite the concentration of child-friendly bars and restaurants. Many of them even offer toys for the kids to play with, whilst you enjoy a cocktail and watch the sun set.