A trip to Thailand will always be the ideal destination for a honeymoon, but let’s not forget that it is also the perfect place to go to for a family vacation! Lush Samui Island has so much to offer especially when it comes to family-friendly activities. In addition, the island boasts of a unique culture and exquisite natural beauty, which are expected from this tropical country. Travelers who bring their children along must add these eight places in Koh Samui to their itinerary – which will definitely make for an exciting yet relaxing vacation no one will ever forget!

Related: What to Know When Traveling to Koh Samui With Kids

1. Coco Splash Adventure & Water Park

This modestly-sized Water Park is not just for children. Parents get to experience the same wonder and excitement as their children do when they visit this park. Located near Lamai Beach, Coco Splash Adventure & Water Park features several water slides and four swimming pools, plus a Jacuzzi and plenty of shady sitting areas. The park also features an airbag jump –  where patrons can freely leap onto a large inflatable airbag; bungee trampolines; bumper boats; an inflatable castle with climbing areas and slides; and a ropes course. The park is designed and caters to visitors of all ages. Hence, both the oldest and the youngest family members will enjoy all of these activities together. Best of all, a delicious restaurant with an extensive menu and conveniently located within the park offers delectable dishes after engaging in any of these fun family-oriented activities. Everyone will surely find something they’ll love to do.

2. Paradise Park Farm

Located in the mountain at one of the highest points of Koh Samui, this 20-acre nature reserve is overlooking Bann Talingam and the Gulf of Thailand. Children and adults alike will be enchanted by the sounds of the exotic birds and get the opportunity to hand-feed the deer and goats, and visit emu and a pony. Families can cool off in Paradise Park Farm’s infinity pool, and enjoy good food at the farm’s restaurant offering an eclectic menu consisting of both Western and Thai dishes. Tour packages are available which means that visitors can purchase admission tickets that cover transportation fees and a meal at the restaurant. This makes for an excellent family activity when in Koh Samui!

3. Crazy Mini Golf

Located in central Chaweng, Crazy Mini Golf makes for a great family activity especially for families who do not have their tiny children in tow. Children who want to try this activity are entitled to a discount on their golf games from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Families can enjoy a game of pool or foosball, catch a game on the large screen TV or satisfy their cravings at one of the two restaurants – the Outback, which specializes in BBQ, or Gringos Cantina – Samui Island’s first authentic Tex Mex restaurant.

4. Aquapark Chaweng

This special waterpark is actually located right on Chaweng Beach – the park features a series of fun, giant inflatables made to float on the ocean waters. People of all ages are sure to have the most wonderful time climbing, bouncing, sliding, and jumping off these giant inflatables. Guests can take their pick from the human catapults, water trampolines, and even the wipe out courses. The park features kids games and offers large group discounts on specials events like birthday parties.

5. Big Buddha

One of the most famous attractions in Koh Samui which families should not miss is this Buddhist temple. Located near the Samui airport, the Big Buddha temple sits on a rocky island called Koh Faan which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Visitors should know that it’s important to dress properly when visiting a temple. From the central courtyard, children and adults can marvel at the gigantic golden Buddha statue. A visit to this temple makes for a great educational opportunity. Visitors have the chance to see the monks who come to chant and the Buddhist followers who lit up incense and offer fruits and flowers to the giant Buddha. The breathtaking beach views will definitely be appreciated by visitors of all ages. After visiting the temple, families can take a walk to Bang Rak Beach where they can enjoy the numerous shops and restaurants found in this area.

6. EasyKart Samui

For a little taste of adventure when travelers’ vacation starts to feel a bit boring, families can visit the EasyKart racetracks together for a little friendly competition. Located right along Lake Chaweng, families will absolutely enjoy stunning views of the lake and the verdant mountains as they try to beat each other to the finish line in go-carts. EasyKart features a track for beginners and a track for the experienced go-cart riders. They offer go-carts designed for children, adults, and special two-seat carts that allow a child to ride with an adult. After the race, families can either go for a refreshing swim in the pool or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. The tracks are completely lit at night, making EasyKart a fun evening adventure for those too young to visit bars or clubs.

7. Samui Canopy Adventures

Samui Canopy Adventures is the closest flying experience travelers will have while on vacation. Located further inland in the pristine rainforests, Samui Canopy Adventures is within convenient proximity to Tan Rua Waterfall. Families are picked up from their hotels in special four-wheel drive vehicles and are taken through miles of rainforest to the base camp. Here, with the help of expert and professional guides, guests can zip line across the green rainforest canopy at rushing speeds – providing the opportunity to see the beauty of Koh Samui from the sky. Visitors also get the chance to see and swim in the Secret Waterfall. Samui Canopy Adventures gets high rates when it comes to safety – e.g., the guides on all 22 platforms make sure that all visitors are properly secured before taking off. They also go across the zip line with those who need extra help. This type of activity is great for kids as young as seven years of age – they will surely have loads of fun and memorable bonding moments with their families.

8. One-Stop Service at Fairways

Travelers with toddlers or young children will definitely not want to miss a visit to Fairways, located within the Bang Rak Beach area. If the weather is not perfect for families with little ones and are looking for a place to beat the heat, they can come to this air-conditioned, soft indoor playground where children can have a great time going down the slides, jumping up and down the bounce houses, soaring in the swing and rolling around in giant ball pits. Similarly, adults will have their own thing to enjoy – the delicious yet reasonably priced coffee shop downstairs. Fairways also offers nursery and babysitting services for children regardless if they are just visiting the island of Koh Samui. They also specialize in organizing elaborate events and birthday celebrations. Even if parents are not looking for a babysitter, Fairways is still a great place to relax while their children burn off some energy in this cool play area.

When planning family vacations, many people are confined to the usual and common things to do. They often restrict their options to the usual destinations or attractions like the giant theme parks or other similar attractions. A beautiful and exciting place like Koh Samui actually makes for a more enjoyable and wise choice for everyone. With a plethora of family-friendly activities, delicious food that is sure to please all palates, picturesque landscape, and unique and rich culture. Hence, choosing Koh Samui will certainly be a smart decision if travelers are looking for a great family vacation in Thailand.
Related: Best Family-Friendly Villas in Koh Samui, Thailand

Image sources: samuiwaterpark.com, kosamui.pl, easywaysamuitour.com, minigolfsamui.com, roomsbooking.com, layoverguide.com, easykart.com, canopyadventuresthailand.com, fairwayssamui.com