Are you about to travel to Thailand? You’re most likely to end your trip on one of the many islands in the south of Thailand. After adventuring in the big cities and the tropical rainforest it’s lovely to unwind on one of the long beaches that Thailand has to offer. We’ve written down the most fun child friendly beaches in Thailand that are recommended by the travel mothers of RiksjaKids. They’ve been to Thailand with their families and know like no other where to find the best beaches to visit with your kids.
# 1 Bo Phut Beach on Ko Samui
Ko Samui is known as a large and crowded island. And that’s true, although that doesn’t mean all beaches are crowded. In the north of Ko Samui you’ll find Bo Phut Beach. No jet ski’s here but just a wide, outstretched sandy beach that slowly descends into the sea. There are hardly any waves so even the smallest kids can enjoy the sea. You can choose to overnight in luxury or in a more authentic ambiance. The best part of Po Phut Beach is the wide variety of restaurants at walking distance where you can discover the Thai cuisine. Po Phut Beach certainly is one of the best child friendly beaches in Thailand.
# 2 Khanom Beach
Khanom? That’s right, Khanom. It’s certainly off the beaten track because this beach has not really been discovered yet and you probably haven’t even heard of it. Khanom is on the mainland, just off the coast of Ko Samui and the beach is entirely surrounded by green palm trees. The beach is wide and is shared with the locals who walk the surf in the evening in search of cockles and other shellfish. You won’t find many restaurants in the area so peace is the secret word. And if you are looking for adventure? Go out to sea, because it’s the only place during your trip through Thailand where you may spot pink dolphins.
# 3 Thong Nai Pan Yai on Ko Phangan
Ko Phangan is well known by the full and half-moon parties, certainly by the youth. So as a parent you may not think it’s a good idea to visit Ko Phangan, but that’s certainly not true. These parties take place in the south of Ko Phangan and if you drive up north for three quarters of an hour you’ll find Thong Nai Pan Yai, a small bay with the brightest water you’ll ever see. Just perfect for you and your kids to end your trip through Thailand with.
The beach descends quickly so you can see tiny fish swimming when your just ankle deep in the water. There are nice little restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the Thai cuisine in the afternoon with your bare feet in the warm sand. And the kids? If they’re not playing in the sea, they can play football with the Thai who gather there each day at 16:00hrs.
# 4 Klong Dao Beach on Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta is ‘the’ family island of Thailand, located on the west coast. You may come across a little monsoon rainfall in the summer so the winters are even better to visit which makes it the perfect place to celebrate Christmas or New Years. It has such a relaxed ambiance and the beaches are really spacious. Are your kids old enough? Take them snorkeling in the sea. Klong Dao Beach lies to the north west of Ko Lanta and in the evenings you can literally watch the sun set in the sea. Here you can relax in a hammock while your kids play on the beach or jump around in the surf.
# 5 Hua Hin
Hua Hin is located on the mainland at a 2.5 hour drive from Bangkok. Don’t feel like starting your journey off in the busy capital? Head on south a bit. Hua Hin is the best spot to acclimatize. Let your kids run freely on the beach and enjoy the fresh fruit. Need to cool down? Jump into the pool! In the evenings you can walk a stretch, up to the sea during ebb-tide and you can enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants along the shore. Why not ‘go local’ and visit the night market. There are enough stalls to still your hunger and try out all kinds of new dishes.
Looking for more “beachspiration” in Thailand? The Phi Phi Islands have lots to offer as well!
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This article “ Child friendly beaches in Thailand, where to find them?”, is written by the travel mothers of RiksjaKids.
