What are the best areas in Koh Phangan for families? Where is it convenient and exciting to stay with kids?
When we arrived on the island in 2019, these were exactly the questions we asked ourselves. Today, we know precisely which places are particularly family-friendly and which you should avoid. We have lived in each of these areas for periods ranging from two months to over a year. So, you can look forward to first-hand information.
Discover the best places for family vacations or long-term stays and be inspired by my testimonials – all from families who have been living here for a long time.
Koh Phangan in a Nutshell
Let’s start with the basics: What kind of island is Koh Phangan? Here are the key details:
Location: Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 70 kilometers from the mainland and about 15 kilometers north of its famous neighbor, Koh Samui. Spanning an area of 125 square kilometers, Koh Phangan is renowned for its white sandy beaches, the legendary Full Moon Party, and hills full of coconut palm trees.
Population: The island is home to approximately 13,000 residents (with a ratio of approximately 75% Thai Nationals and 25% foreigners), though this number swells significantly during peak tourist seasons.
Tourism: Tourism is the lifeblood of Koh Phangan’s economy. The island is famous worldwide for its Full Moon Parties, a monthly event that attracts between 20,000 to 30,000 visitors. In 2019, the island welcomed over 1 million tourists. It feels like, after COVID in 2023 and 2024, the numbers have increased even more.
Economy: Tourism accounts for more than 80% of Koh Phangan’s revenue. Other economic activities on the island include fishing and agriculture, particularly coconut farming, which supports the livelihoods of many local families.
Accommodations: Koh Phangan offers a diverse range of accommodations, catering to all types of travelers, though there are only a few high-end luxury options. With over 300 registered lodging options, visitors can choose from budget hostels, mid-range hotels, to luxury resorts.
Attractions: Koh Phangan has vibrant night markets, temples, and beautiful hikes. I have summarized the best kids’ activities in Koh Phangan in this blog article.
Here you can find a list of all the international schools in Koh Phangan and I’ve revealed the cost of living on the island in this article.
Transport: Koh Phangan is accessible by ferry from the mainland and nearby islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The nearest airport is on Koh Samui, with regular ferry connections to Koh Phangan, making it relatively easy for travelers to reach this tropical paradise.
The Best Areas in Koh Phangan for Families
Now let’s dive into the different areas. I’ll start with the areas I find most family-friendly. When recommending restaurants, it’s mainly about whether kids can safely roam around. I won’t recommend restaurants directly on the road. After that, I’ll give an overview of areas I don’t recommend and why.
Sri Thanu and Hin Kong
Location: West Coast
Attractions: Zen Beach, Sri Thanu Beach, Hin Kong Beach (with a huge sandbank at low-tide), and kid-friendly restaurants right on the beach.
Kid-friendly Hotels and Accommodation:
Kid-friendly Restaurants:
- Indigo Hin Kong (if you sit inside or upstairs, your child is completely safe from the road)
- JJ’s (directly at mangrove beach with mini playground)
- Summer Salts (sunbeds, DJ and playground)
- Kikekla (you can watch your kids play on the beach)
- Karma Kafe (big Koi carp to watch for the kids)
- Romanzo Tropicale (you can sit directly on the beach in bean bags)
- Phangan Cabana Resort (free pool for restaurant guests)
Sri Thanu, also known as “Hippie Town,” is a wonderful area for families. Here you will find not only beautiful beaches but also the highest density of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. This area is most suitable for families who enjoy a laid-back lifestyle, love spending time barefoot on the beach, and don’t place much value on posh restaurants and hotels. Everything here is very hippie-like and nature-oriented.
The only downside to this area is that it can get very crowded. The area is popular and, therefore, often busy, which can lead to crowded beaches and restaurants, especially during the high season. Also, accommodation prices here are particularly high because everyone wants to live in Sri Thanu.
Nevertheless, we have been living in this area with our two kids for a year and are very happy.
Diane, photographer and mom of two, has been living in Sri Thanu for 6.5 years: “As the island rapidly changes, I’m opting for simpler, nostalgic activities with my family that remind us of pre-COVID days. One of the reasons we moved here was to enjoy a slower, more meaningful life together. Sri Thanu is an amazing place to live as a family because it offers so much for a relatively small village. I appreciate having so many options at my fingertips – yoga centers, gyms, plant-based restaurants, great coffee – there are plenty to choose from.
Some of my favorite activities right now include walking the beach strip with my kids from Happy Beach to Haad Chao Pao during low-tide mornings. We explore the shells, rocks, and sticks left by the tide and stop for coconuts along the way.
We also love going to Art Cafe for a nourishing meal; their lunchtime vegan set plate is humbling, and we love dining in their soulful, treehouse-esque interior. For a change of scenery, Uncle’s Cafe is super sweet, with space for the kids by the lake. For some local charm, we sit roadside at Tee’s Juice, people-watching and almost always running into friends. And, of course, sunsets anywhere along the West Coast are a wonderful way to wind down at the end of the day with the kids.”
Madue Wan
Location: Middle of the Island
Attractions: Zoo Cafe, Phaeng Waterfall, Wat Madue Wan, Khao Raa, Elephant Sanctuary
Kid-friendly Hotels and Accommodation:
Kid-friendly Restaurants:
- Zoo Cafe (the homemade ice cream is quite good)
- Seed to Feed (best french fries on the island and the kids can play safely)
- Bustan (reserve in advance, kids’ menus available)
- Swiss Farmacy (best bread on the island and an impressive bee’s nest the kids can watch)
Madue Wan (which translates to “sweet fig”) is a quiet, still largely local area in the middle of the jungle. No wonder it has become the new hotspot for families. Here, you can relax and enjoy Thai nature while being far enough away from the hustle and bustle. Yet, you have great nature-oriented attractions around you.
It’s also quite affordable to live here, which is a big plus. We lived in this area for a year and loved it. Visitors who prefer beach proximity and more action might not find this area ideal.
Stefania, mom of Aiyana and long-term resident on the island, has lived in Madue Wan for several years: “Some of my favorite activities right now include exploring the beautiful jungle trails with my dog and child. These trails are secluded, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. My absolute favorite spot is the Swiss Farmacy. For me, it feels like a hidden gem. It’s almost like an unofficial petting zoo with so many different animals roaming around – dogs, chickens, and even a parrot named Jackie, who is quite the star. Jackie loves interacting with visitors, especially when treats are involved.
Besides the delightful animals, the Swiss Pharmacy offers delicious German food, which is quite a rarity on the island. The high-quality meats and dishes make it a standout spot. They also sell amazing bread rolls.
Another favorite of mine is The Nest, a sweet little haven for parents with young children under four. It’s a perfect place for babies and toddlers to play together.
Then there’s the Elephant Sanctuary in the heart of Madue Wan. It’s the only true elephant sanctuary on the island, providing a safe haven for elderly elephants, some as old as 60 or 80 years. Visiting with my daughter during feeding times is always a wonderful experience.
While Madue Wan might not have many restaurants and spots, that’s part of its charm. It encourages us to venture out to nearby places for dining, maintaining its unique tranquility. And that’s what makes it so peaceful.”
Thongsala
Location: South of the Island
Attractions: Saturday Night Market, Thongsala Stadium (Muay Thai Boxing), Royal Navy Ship, Minigolf, Phantip Market
Kid-friendly Hotels and Accommodation:
Kid-friendly Restaurants:
- Thongsala Food Court (huge roofed food court with a sitting area)
- Indigo (it’s safe for kids to sit inside or upstairs)
- Bubba’s (free fruits and coloring tools for kids)
- Baan Manali (nice outside play area directly on the beach)
- Catch (huge kids club with nannies)
Thongsala (or Thong Sala) is the main town of Koh Phangan and describes an entire area in the south of the island. According to Wikipedia, a large part of the Thai population lives here. This is the hub of the island: the main pier, the largest Muay Thai boxing stadiums, the biggest supermarkets, many massage shops, bars, and plenty of restaurants.
I wouldn’t recommend staying directly in Thongsala near the pier, as the city isn’t the most beautiful and can get quite busy. However, there are many lovely spots further inland where you can live affordably and comfortably. If you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches, this isn’t the right place. But if you want to live cheaply and centrally, Thongsala is worth considering.
Achara is a single mom of two girls who have lived in Thongsala for almost a decade: “Living in Thongsala with my girls has been so convenient for us. The town offers the perfect mix of good infrastructure and island charm.
One of our favorite spots is Phantip Market. It’s bustling with life, and the food options are endless. My girls love the waffles, the fresh fruit shakes for only 50 THB, and the delicious banana pancakes. The market is a great place to experience local culture and flavors.
When we’re in the mood for a special treat, we go to Indigo. They have the best pastries and the most amazing coffee. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a favorite hangout spot for us. My girls adore their chocolate croissants, and I’m a big fan of their vegan date pralines.
We also love visiting the Phangan Animal Care for Strays (PACS). It’s a wonderful place where we can spend time with the animals and even help out a bit. It’s a great way to teach my girls about compassion and responsibility. It’s a non-profit organization, so they are always happy to receive a donation.”
Haad Yao and Haad Salad
Location: North-West Coast
Attractions: Bizarre Bazaar, Koh Raham, Haad Yao Beach and Haad Salad Beach, close to Mae Haad and Koh Ma
Kid-friendly Hotels and Accommodation:
Kid-friendly Restaurants:
- Coco Locco (Pool, Billard, Table Soccer and beach)
- Pura Vida (closed indoor play area with AC)
- Bubbas Haad Yao (free fruits and coloring tools for kids)
- Salad Hut (very kids-friendly staff, directly on the beach)
- Vagga Bar (directly on the beach, has a nice swing and climbing rope for kids)
Haad Yao and Haad Salad are both the names of the beaches and the hilly land behind them. I would describe this area as the most chic and posh on the island. Here you will find some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches, the coolest restaurants, and many luxury villas in the hills with stunning sea views.
My highlight is that everything here is so compact. The distances are short, and I often see (sporty) families walking around, which is a rarity in Koh Phangan.
The downside is that Haad Yao and Haad Salad are quite far from the action. It takes about 20 minutes by scooter to get to Thongsala, and even longer by car. Also, restaurant prices here are slightly higher than elsewhere on the island.
Chaloklum
Location: North Coast
Attractions: Chaloklum Beach, Chaloklum Night Market (every Sunday from 5pm), Malibu Beach, Bottle Beach Hike
Kid-friendly Hotels and Accommodation:
Kid-friendly Restaurants:
- Foods and Roots (directly on the beach, bucket full of toys)
- Kaif (kids can enter the beach through stairs, amazing pastries)
- Beach Garden (kids can climb rocks on the beach)
- Cafe Della Moca (cute and kids-friendly Pizza place with Italian owner)
Chaloklum is a sleepy fishing village in the north of the island. No matter how busy the island gets, it’s always quieter here. For us, it is often the last refuge in the high season.
Chaloklum Beach and especially Malibu Beach are beautiful and clean. You will find kid-friendly, affordable (and some more expensive) restaurants all along the beach. And the accommodations are also affordable. In the hills of Chaloklum, more and more villas are being built, so families who prefer a bit of luxury will also feel comfortable here.
Nikolai, the father of one boy, has been living in Chaloklum with his family for six months: “Living in Chaloklum has been a dream come true for our little family. This quiet village on Koh Phangan is perfect for the slower, more connected lifestyle we were searching for. One of the best things about Chaloklum is its natural beauty and the sense of community that makes it feel like home.
We spend a lot of our mornings at Chaloklum Bay. The beach is calm and safe for our son to play. We build sandcastles and sometimes take a dip in the gentle waves. There’s something magical about starting the day with your feet in the sand and the sound of the ocean in your ears.
Sometimes we head to Bottle Beach. It’s a bit of a trek to get there and only suitable for older children, but the stunning views and the hidden beach are totally worth it. We often spend the whole day exploring and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Then we take the boat back to Haad Khom for only 150 THB per person (small kids travel for free).
One of our favorite family-friendly spots is Kaif, just a short walk from the Chaloklum pier. It’s a great place to grab a delicious carrot cake and coffee. The Russian owners are super friendly and always make us feel welcome.”
Areas in Koh Phangan I Don’t Recommend for Families
Ban Tai
The Ban Tai (or Baan Tai) area technically includes the entire east side of Koh Phangan. However, since you can’t live in most of the Than Sadet National Park, I’m only talking about the area between Thongsala and Haad Rin.
We lived in Ban Tai for two months and did not find it particularly family-friendly. First, Ban Tai Road, the main road of the area, is quite dangerous. And since we travel by scooter, it never felt particularly safe.
Moreover, Ban Tai is entirely geared towards the Full Moon Party crowd. Here you will mostly find hostels and bars. The beaches are somewhat nice, but nothing compared to beaches in other parts of the island.
Those on a low budget, who like water sports and are looking to be near Than Sadet National Park might be happy in Ban Tai.
Haad Rin
Haad Rin is the infamous location of the Full Moon Party. This event takes place every month at Haad Rin Beach and attracts tens of thousands of visitors. Therefore, I believe Haad Rin is unvisitable on the days before and after the party. It’s simply too crowded with young, party-hungry people. Loud bars on the beach and narrow, dangerous alleys filled with drunk people are not very family-friendly.
Additionally, the drive to Thongsala takes a good 25 minutes, and it takes even longer to reach the northern parts of the island (since there is, fortunately, no direct road through the national park).
However, Haad Rin is beautiful and has a unique charm outside of Full Moon Party times (besides, I like the partyscene in the neighboring bays much more). And believe it or not, I consider Haad Rin Beach to be one of the most beautiful on the island (it even has a safety swim net in the water during jellyfish season). Plus, you can take a boat from here to the beautiful, paradisiacal bays of Why Nam, Haad Yuan, and Haad Tien (just a 5-15 minute boat ride).
We regularly take trips to Haad Rin. But I wouldn’t recommend living there as a family.
Thong Nai Pan
The residents of Thong Nai Pan will hate me for saying this, but I stand by it: If you’re planning a family vacation and want to stay in one place, Thong Nai Pan is the right place for you. If you want to explore more of the island, then definitely not.
Why? Thong Nai Pan is the most remote place on the entire island and has its own microcosm. From Thongsala, it takes a full 35 minutes, and the road is so hilly that it should only be tackled by experienced scooter riders or, preferably, by car.
Since it’s such a remote place and transporting food is more complicated, everything is a bit more expensive there.
But that’s all the negative aspects. Thong Nai Pan is actually a truly paradisiacal quiet place. It consists of Thong Nai Pan Yai beach and Thong Nai Pan Noi beach and a cute little village. The Thais there are incredibly sweet, and life is slow. Also you’ll find high-end luxury with the Anantara Resort and beautiful beach restaurants like Sand in my Shoes.
It’s also nice that you can quickly reach wonderful places like the Than Sadet Waterfall or Than Sadet Beach. From here, you can also reach the impressive Bottle Beach Viewpoint (not to be confused with the classic hike to Bottle Beach).
Final Thoughts on the Best Areas in Koh Phangan for Families
I hope this overview helps you find the perfect area in Koh Phangan for your next family vacation on our beautiful island.
To be honest, you can’t go too far wrong, as almost every place has something great to offer. One tip is to avoid the peak season (late December to mid-January) when prices skyrocket and the island is crowded. Also, try to find accommodation away from the main roads and event venues to avoid noise (I can’t count how many times I’ve been woken up by a loud motorcycle at night).
The island is generally safe for riding scooters, even with children, but if you’re not an experienced scooter driver, I’d recommend renting a car instead.
Please note that these recommendations are based on my own experiences and the insights from the families I interviewed. They may not suit everyone’s taste.
Which area appeals to you the most? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you so much for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
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