Family Vacations In Thailand: Why Koh Samui Is Perfect
You deserve a getaway and where better than paradise? Gather your loved ones and prepare for an unforgettable family escape to Koh Samui, a tropical island haven in sunny Thailand.
To help you get ready, this guide covers everything you need to know. From top travel tips to family-friendly spots and a bucketful of activities to make your trip unforgettable, we’ve got you covered!
What To Pack For A Family Vacation In Koh Samui
An island escape requires a few vital items. Before jetting off, make sure you pack these essentials for the whole family:
Breathable clothes: stay comfortable in the heat and avoid crankiness from little ones (or grown-ups) with lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Swimwear: the water’s lovely, come on in! On Koh Samui, the waves are crystal clear and inviting. And at Santiburi Resort, the pool awaits with refreshing dips, so don’t forget your swimmers.
Sun Protection: avoid heat stroke and sunburn in the tropics with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen – we recommend SPF 30 or above.
Insect Repellent: Koh Samui is a natural paradise home to beautiful flora, fauna and insects! Save yourself from itchy bites with repellant.
Travel adaptor: Keep all your devices charged with a universal adaptor – outlets in Thailand work with flat parallel prongs (like in the US and Japan) and double round pins (like in most European and Asian countries).
Younger travellers have extra special needs, and you might want to consider adding a couple of items for them in particular:
Toys and games: there’s plenty to do when you reach your destination (more on that later), but long flights and drives may require a little distraction. Don’t forget those special toys, books or gadgets to beat the boredom.
Special snacks: there are so many tasty delights to try on Koh Samui, but sometimes there’s no substitute for a familiar favourite.
Leave it at Home: Family Essentials You’ll Find in Thailand
While you may need to bring that irreplaceable teddy or a hand-held games console for the flight, most of your family holiday essentials are easily found in Thailand, especially if you’re arriving in Bangkok – the bustling capital is full of pharmacies and convenience stores where you can pick up anything you need or forgot, including:
Sweet Treats: You’ll find all your favourite candy bars, from Kit Kats to Snickers, in the 7elevens that stand on every street. Not to mention fresh tropical fruit from local vendors.
Snorkels and Sandcastles: Island destinations are well stocked with masks and fins to rent or buy, buckets and spades for digging and building on the beach, and inflatables for blissful ocean floating.
Cash: While you might need a little local currency for tips or street food, credit cards are widely accepted and (especially post-Covid) cashless transactions are normal.
The Best Time Of Year For Family Travel In Thailand
While most of Thailand experiences an annual climate broken down into a dry season from November to February, a hot season from March to May and a monsoon season from June to October, Koh Samui has its own microclimate, which differs slightly. Here’s what to consider, weather-wise, when travelling to the island:
Dry Season (December to February): Temperatures are warm and pleasant, humidity is low and the skies are clear. This is a delightful time to visit Samui with the family; it’s also the most popular.
Hot Season (March to August): Heat and humidity climb way up during this period, but it’s still possible to enjoy outdoor activities if the ocean or swimming pool is nearby.
Monsoon Season (September to November): Rainfall can be heavy but it’s usually in short bursts, making way for sunny spells. This season is usually quieter, and in Samui, there’s the added bonus of exploring rushing waterfalls, swollen with the monsoons.
Why Choose Koh Samui For Your Family Escape?
Thailand has no shortage of stunning settings – fascinating cities, verdant mountains and tropical islands. So what’s particularly family-friendly about Koh Samui?
Ease of travel: with an international airport, you can fly in from abroad or hop over from Bangkok, and, unlike some of the more rural and rustic islands, it’s easy to get around on well-paved roads in rental cars or taxis.
Safe beaches: Samui’s sands are soft, shaded by towering palms and lapped by generally gentle waves so you can bask in comfort and safety with family members of all ages.
Spectacular nature: from protected marine parks filled with colourful fish to rushing waterfalls perfect for easy hikes and picnics, Koh Samui is bursting with beauty spots that outdoorsy kids and adults will love.
Fascinating culture: Marvel at ornate temples or giant Buddha statues; Stroll through a meditation garden. The island’s history and traditions capture the imaginations of young and old.
Vibrant shopportunities: Chaweng and Lamai both have buzzing night markets; Central Mall is the glittering home to familiar brands; and Fisherman’s Village comes alive with souvenir and food vendors every evening.
Family-friendly resorts: relax in comfort with all the conveniences and amenities you need. Koh Samui has plenty of accommodation options designed with families in mind…
Family Accommodation: Where To Stay in Koh Samui
…Speaking of which, make yourself at home at Santiburi Samui, where you’ll find room categories perfect for accommodating everyone at the finest Koh Samui Resort.
The Two-Bedroom Duplex Suite features a bedroom on each floor, two bathrooms, a balcony overlooking the pool and a spacious living area, where you can all relax.
For beachfront stays, choose from two-bedroom villas with a Jacuzzi or a pool, and enjoy space to spread out indoors and out.
For ultimate luxury and privacy, opt for the Grand Reserve Pool Villa with its stylish spaces, private swimming pool, sun-soaked deck and garden.
Family-Friendly Activities at Santiburi Samui
Once you’re settled in, there are endless ways to spend your days:
Non-motorised watersports: get active with kayaking, paddle-boarding and snorkelling with all equipment included and connect with each other and the aquatic life that surrounds the island.
Tennis: play a friendly family match or tune up your skills with a professional instructor on our hard courts.
Panya & Yim’s Junior Camp: Our state-of-the-art play centre offers endless fun from a karaoke stage and PlayStation room to the outdoor treehouse and sandpit. Plus, there’s cooking, crafting, kids yoga and more.
Bikes: Tour the resort on bicycles – the perfect way to explore as a family.
Cooking class: make memories over tasty Thai food as you learn the secrets of local dishes and cook and eat as a family.
Nature trail: Head out on a journey through the local ecosystem and discover the rich and diverse flora and fauna, from towering banyan trees to tiny stingless bees.
With Thai boxing, tennis, and sailing for older kids and fun and adventures at Panya and Yim’s Junior Camp for little ones, plus a date night for parents built in, there’s something for everyone.
Come together every day for a delicious breakfast and bond over a Thai Set Dinner for the whole family at the best restaurants in Koh Samui. Plus, with airport transfers included, you’re truly on holiday from the moment you land.
Package includes
Daily breakfast
Roundtrip transfers from Samui International Airport
Kids under 12 years old eat free when accompanied by adults
Family Thai Set Dinner at Sala Thai Restaurant
Babysitting for kids aged 4+ every Thursday
Find out more and book your family escape to Koh Samui now.
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Offers
Exclusive offer when you book direct
Use promo code STB10 to earn 10% additional discount off your stay.
