We’re a family of four living in Thailand since 2019. Our youngest daughter was born right here in Koh Samui. And after a few years of island-hopping, we’ve made Samui our home base again.
We’ve tried it all. We lived up the hill in Chaweng Noi (peaceful with stunning views), spent six months in Fisherman’s Village (super convenient but way too busy), and took several holiday trips to Chaweng and Lamai.
In this guide, you’ll find out where to stay in Koh Samui and get honest tips from a family who’s living here.
Where Should You Stay in Koh Samui with Kids?
The best areas in Koh Samui for families are Choeng Mon, Bophut (Fisherman’s Village), Maenam, Northern Lamai, and Northern Chaweng Beach. These spots offer calm, safe beaches, kid-friendly hotels, good food, and plenty of things to do nearby.
Some are better for short visits, others are perfect if you’re staying a bit longer. Let’s break them down.
1. Choeng Mon – Calm, Classy, and Made for Families
If I had to pick just one area for families with young kids, Choeng Mon would be it.
The beach here is calm and shallow, so little ones can splash without getting knocked over by waves. There’s soft sand, gentle water, and not a jet ski in sight (most of the time). It’s one of the safest beaches on the island for toddlers.
Choeng Mon is quiet and peaceful, but not isolated. You’re just a 10-minute drive from the airport or the shopping buzz of Chaweng. There’s not a huge restaurant strip, so you’ll likely eat at your resort or need a short drive to dinner.
Most resorts here are on the higher end, but totally worth it if you want a smooth holiday.
Two of my favorites:
Melia Koh Samui
- From $174 (€147) per night (Premium Family Room with Boat Bed)
- Beachfront resort with a lagoon-style pool and a fantastic kids’ club
SALA Samui Choengmon Beach
- From $180 (€165) per night (Deluxe Room)
- Quiet beachfront hideaway with lush gardens and private pool villas
Nearby Attractions: Samui Football Golf, Wat Plai Laem, Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Best for: Toddlers, first-time visitors, calm beach days
What to know: Not walkable
2. Bophut (Fisherman’s Village) – Markets, Ice Cream, and a Bit of Buzz
We lived in Fisherman’s Village for six months. And while it has a lot going for it, I’ll say this upfront: it gets busy. Not crazy-party busy, but definitely buzzing. Especially in the evenings and on market days.
That said, it’s a super fun spot for families with older kids or if you love having everything within walking distance.
The beach is okay, not as soft or shallow as Choeng Mon, but it’s still swimmable and clean.
What really makes Bophut special is the vibe. You’ve got:
- Night markets with music and food stalls
- Great restaurants
- Cute cafés, boutiques, and gelato shops
- Easy access to boat trips and island tours
It’s one of the only places on the island where you don’t need a car. You can walk from your hotel to dinner, or let your kids run around the market. Mine did that regularly.
Our favorite stay here?
Anantara Bophut Resort
- From $250 (€232) per night (Premier Room)
- Lush gardens, calm beach, close to the Fisherman’s Night Market, read my review here!
Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach
- From $136 (€125) per night (Family Room with Bunk Beds)
- Beachfront property with a giant outdoor pool
Nearby Attractions: Samui Karting, The Wharf, Samui Elephant Sanctuary (Bophut branch), Boat trips to Koh Phangan, Ang Thong Marine Park, and Sunset Cruises with the White Lotus Boat
Best for: Families with school-aged kids, short stays, night market lovers
What to know: Can get loud in the evenings, and the beach drops off quickly
3. Maenam – Chill, Budget-Friendly, and Big on Space
If you’re into slow mornings, long beach walks, and coconut shakes under palm trees, Maenam is your spot.
This area is peaceful, a bit more local, and perfect if you’re not looking for big resorts or noisy streets. The beach here is long and quiet, with golden sand and gentle waves. It’s not as shallow as Choeng Mon, but still family-friendly, especially when the sea is calm.
What I love about Maenam:
- It doesn’t feel touristy (yet still has what you need)
- There are loads of budget guesthouses and small hotels
- You’ll find beachfront bungalows, yoga cafés, and even private villas with pools
It’s a great area if you’re staying longer or traveling on a budget. There are fewer “entertainment” options for kids, but sometimes that’s ok, right? You’ll want a rental car or scooter here. Things are more spread out.
Some good places to stay for families:
Samui Buri Beach Resort
- From $110 (€101) per night (Private Pool Villa)
- Traditional Thai-style resort right on the beach in Maenam
Miskawaan Villas
- From $650 (€595) per night (Private 4-Bedroom Beachfront Villa)
- Ultra-luxury villas with private pools, personal chef, and direct beach access
Nearby Attractions: Chinese Temple at Maenam, Samui Disc Golf, Lomprayah Pier (easy boat trips to nearby islands, like Koh Tao or Koh Phangan)
Best for: Longer stays, chill vibes, local feel
What to know: Not walkable, fewer indoor activities for rainy days
4. Northern Lamai – A Fun Balance Without the Party Scene
Lamai has a bit of a reputation, and honestly, the southern part deserves it. It’s noisy, a bit wild, and not great for small kids.
But northern Lamai? Totally different vibe.
This part of the beach is quieter, cleaner, and still has soft sand and great swimming. It’s a solid choice if you’ve got energetic kids or a mix of ages and want more than just sandcastles.
You’ll find smoothie bars, local cafés (check out Sol!), and family-friendly restaurants nearby. Plus, it’s a short drive to some of the island’s best viewpoints and some great indoor play spots.
Our family’s favorite in Lamai (only downside is that you have to cross the road to go to the beach):
Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort
- From $140 (€128) per night (Family Suite with Bunk Bed)
- Beachfront resort with kids’ pool and family activities
Nearby Attractions: Lamai Viewpoint (with cable car and funny statues), Le Blocks, Overlap Stone, Lamai Night Market (Sundays)
Best for: Active families, school-aged kids, mix of chill and fun
What to know: Pick the north side, and avoid the sexy bars and nightlife in the south
5. Northern Chaweng Beach – Lively, Central, and Still Kid-Friendly
Now let’s talk about Chaweng, but not the crazy part.
Northern Chaweng Beach is totally different from central Chaweng, which is loud, busy, and packed with nightlife. The northern end is calmer, more relaxed, and much better for families. You still get the long stretch of white sand and turquoise water, but without the booming clubs and party crowds.
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and convenience stores without giving up your sanity. The beach is wide, great for sandcastle-building, and fun for older kids who love to swim or paddleboard. It can get a little rough during stormy months, but most of the year it’s fine.
There are plenty of family-friendly hotels with beachfront pools and space to play, along with cafés, restaurants, and small shops within walking distance.
Our favorite place to stay:
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
- From $230 (€212) per night (Family Room)
- Read my honest review here!
Nearby Attractions: Central Festival Mall, Chaweng Night Market, beachside fire shows (some evenings)
Best for: Families who want beach, convenience, and proximity to the airport
What to know: Can get busy in high season, pick a hotel at the quieter end away from bars
💡 Pro tip: Check out my article on the best things to do in Samui with kids!
Areas to Avoid with Small Kids
Not every part of Koh Samui is great for families, especially if you’ve got toddlers or just want a relaxed vibe. Here are the spots I don’t recommend staying with small kids:
Central Chaweng
This is where the party’s at: loud music, traffic, bars, and a beach full of sunbeds, jet skis, and beach vendors. It’s popular with younger travelers and backpackers, but not exactly stroller-friendly. Even crossing the road here feels like a game of Frogger.
Southern Lamai
It can feel a bit rundown in places, and while there are some nice beaches, the nightlife creeps in fast. After dark, it’s not the kind of place I’d want to wander with my girls. There’s also more traffic and fewer sidewalks.
Nathon
Nathon is the island’s main port town. It’s far from most beaches and kid-friendly spots, so not ideal for a family stay. But it’s on the sunset side, so still nice for an evening visit and a walk along the pier.
Key Takeaways
- Choeng Mon is best for toddlers and calm beach days.
- Bophut is walkable and fun for families with older kids.
- Maenam is quiet, local, and great for longer stays.
- Northern Lamai is family-friendly—avoid the south.
- Northern Chaweng offers beach access near shops and restaurants.
- Skip Central Chaweng, Southern Lamai, and Nathon for family stays.
- Most areas are 10–30 minutes from Samui Airport.
👉 You might also like my other Koh Samui articles:
– Best Family Resorts in Koh Samui
– How to Celebrate Songkran with Kids
– Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui
– Red Baron Sunset Cruise in Samui – Family Review
– Is Samui Elephant Sanctuary Ethical?
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Koh Samui
If you want peace, go north. If you want action, choose wisely. But no matter where you stay, Samui is a great place to be with kids. And so incredibly convenient! Just skip the loud bits, rent a car, and enjoy island life.
What’s your favorite part of Samui? Or do you have any questions left? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQs for Families Visiting Koh Samui
What is the best area to stay in Koh Samui with kids?
Choeng Mon Beach is one of the best areas for families with young children. It’s quiet, has a shallow beach, and most hotels come with outdoor pools and space to play. For older kids, Bophut or Northern Lamai are great too. Lots to do, walkable, and fun markets nearby.
Is Lamai Beach good for families?
Yes, northern Lamai can be a great spot for families. Just avoid the southern end, which has more nightlife. Northern Lamai is calm, still lively enough, and close to beach restaurants, and family resorts like the Outrigger.
Which part of Koh Samui has the nicest beach?
That depends on what you’re after! For a pristine beach with soft sand and calm water, Choeng Mon is our top pick. Maenam Beach is quieter and more local, while Bophut Beach is fun if you like night markets and boat trips. Chaweng Beach is the most popular (and the busiest), but the northern end is better for families.
What are the best family hotels in Koh Samui?
Some of our favorites include:
- Samui Buri (Maenam) – Great value and beachfront pool
- Hyatt Regency Koh Samui – Sea views, pools, and peaceful vibes
- Melia Koh Samui – Lazy river pool, kids club, great food
- Anantara Bophut – Right in Fisherman’s Village with a brand new kids’ club
- SALA Samui (Choeng Mon & Chaweng) – Stylish and calm with beach access
What area in Koh Samui is best without renting a car?
Fisherman’s Village (Bophut) is your best bet. It’s one of the only places on the island where you can walk everywhere, cafés, shops, the beach, and even a night market. But it does get busy! Northern Chaweng is another option if you want things close by without the wild party scene.
Is Maenam Beach worth staying at?
Totally! Especially if you want peace, space, and a more local feel. Maenam has long, quiet stretches of beach, beachfront bungalows, and even private residences and villas. Great for longer stays and families who don’t need a ton of action. Just note: you’ll need transport.
What’s the best area for luxury beachfront resorts in Samui?
For luxury resorts, head to:
- Northern Chaweng – Hyatt Regency, SALA Chaweng
- Choeng Mon – SALA Samui, Melia
- Chaweng Noi – Vana Belle, Sheraton, The Ritz-Carlton nearby
Is Nathon a good place to stay in Koh Samui?
Not really for families. Nathon is the island’s main port and more of a transport hub. It’s far from the best beaches, has limited dining options, and lacks kid-friendly activities. Still, it’s a great place to stop by for a sunset walk or a quick meal on your way to/from the ferry.
What are some fun nearby islands to visit with kids?
Koh Phangan (yes, it’s not just for parties) has peaceful beaches and family-friendly resorts. Koh Tao is great for snorkeling and boat trips. And don’t miss Ang Thong National Marine Park, it’s perfect for a family day trip with snorkeling, kayaking, and stunning views.
How far is Koh Samui International Airport from the main areas?
Super close! From the airport:
- Maenam: 20–30 minutes
- Choeng Mon: 10 minutes
- Chaweng: 10–15 minutes
- Bophut: 15 minutes
- Lamai: 20–25 minutes
Just a heads up: some links in “Where to Stay in Koh Samui” are affiliate links. If you click and buy, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
