Koh Samui With a Baby
When we started planning our parental leave trip to Thailand, Koh Samui quickly rose to the top of our list. Beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, warm weather, and a relaxed pace made it seem like the perfect destination for traveling with a baby.
After spending time exploring different parts of the island with our son Parker, we can confidently say that Koh Samui exceeded our expectations.
If you're considering visiting Koh Samui with a baby or toddler, here's everything we learned during our stay.
Is Koh Samui Good for Babies?
Absolutely.
Koh Samui offers many of the things parents need to travel comfortably:
Warm weather year-round
Family-friendly accommodations
Plenty of pools and calm beaches
Affordable transportation
Restaurants that welcome children
Access to groceries, pharmacies, and baby supplies
Unlike larger cities such as Bangkok, Koh Samui feels slower and easier to navigate, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a more relaxed vacation.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Koh Samui?
We recommend at least 5–7 days.
While it's possible to see the highlights in a shorter visit, Koh Samui is best enjoyed at a slower pace, especially when traveling with a baby.
The island offers enough beaches, attractions, restaurants, and day trips to easily fill a week or more.
Best Areas to Stay in Koh Samui With a Baby
For a detailed breakdown of the three very different areas we stayed, including beachfront villas, private pool villas, and Fisherman's Village accommodations, check out our dedicated guide: Where to Stay in Koh Samui With a Baby.
Getting Around Koh Samui With a Baby
We primarily used Grab during our stay.
Grab worked well for most trips around the island and allowed us to avoid the stress of driving ourselves.
While transportation is generally affordable, costs can add up if you're staying in a more remote area and making multiple trips each day.
If you're planning a longer stay, you may want to consider staying somewhere more central to reduce transportation expenses.
What About Car Seats?
One thing to be aware of is that car seats are not commonly available in taxis or ride-share vehicles.
Parents should be prepared for this before arriving and decide what level of risk they are comfortable with.
Some families choose to bring a lightweight travel car seat, while others rely on transfers arranged through hotels.
Beaches We Loved With a Baby
Not all beaches are equal when traveling with little ones.
Some of our favorites included:
Lipa Noi Beach
Quiet, uncrowded, and perfect for sunset walks.
The calm atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy time together as a family.
Tidal Pools Near Laem Sor
While the beach itself wasn't our favorite, the tidal pools that appeared during low tide provided safe, shallow places for Parker to sit, splash, and explore.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
One pleasant surprise was how welcoming restaurants were to children.
Many restaurants provided high chairs, and staff often interacted warmly with Parker.
At several locations, staff even brought fruit for him without us needing to ask.
Dining out felt easy and stress-free compared to some destinations we've visited.
Baby Supplies in Koh Samui
One concern many parents have before traveling is whether they'll be able to find baby supplies once they arrive. Thankfully, we found Koh Samui to be well-stocked with most essentials.
For larger grocery runs, Lotus's was our go-to store. It carries a wide selection of diapers, wipes, snacks, formula, and other household items. If you're staying for more than a few days or in a villa, it's worth making a trip there shortly after arrival.
For smaller purchases, 7-Eleven and Tops are convenient and easy to find throughout the island. We frequently stopped in for snacks, drinks, and baby essentials.
One thing we did notice was that diaper selection can be limited depending on your child's size. While diapers were readily available, we found that only pull-up style diapers were available in Parker's size. If your child is particular about diaper brands or styles, it may be worth packing enough for the first few days of your trip.
For the best prices, don't overlook smaller locally owned shops. While selection may be more limited, we often found better deals than at the larger convenience stores.
Our Favourite Activities in Koh Samui With a Baby
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
This was one of our favorite experiences on the island.
The sanctuary focuses on ethical elephant care and offers visitors the opportunity to observe rescued elephants in a responsible environment.
Fisherman's Village
The combination of restaurants, shops, and ocean views made this one of our favorite places for evening walks.
Beach Walks
Some of our best memories came from simply slowing down and enjoying the beaches.
Early morning walks before the heat of the day often became highlights of our trip.
What We Would Do Differently
If we returned to Koh Samui with a baby, we would likely split our stay between two areas.
A few days in a quieter beach location combined with a few days near Fisherman's Village would provide the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience.
Final Thoughts
Koh Samui turned out to be one of our favorite destinations in Thailand for family travel.
The combination of beautiful beaches, welcoming locals, family-friendly accommodations, and relaxed island life made it an easy place to enjoy with a baby.
Whether you're planning a short vacation or a longer parental leave adventure, Koh Samui offers a wonderful balance of comfort, convenience, and adventure for families traveling with young children.
