Family-Friendly Thailand Travel Guide:
Two Weeks Exploring Southern Thailand’s Islands with Kids
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
It’s time to pack the suitcases—and the kids—and set off on a perfect holiday in paradise. This Thailand Travel Guide invites you to explore dazzling white-sand beaches, refreshing shakes and indulgent cocktails, endless vistas of crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the perfect blend of laid-back relaxation with exciting outings and attractions for children.
The Islands of Thailand – Nice to Meet You!
Before we set off, it’s important to get to know the main destinations in southern Thailand. The country’s islands are divided into two main regions:
Eastern Islands (Gulf of Thailand) – The most popular are Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Western Islands (Andaman Sea) – The most famous are Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.
✨ Travel Tip: The word “Koh” means “island” in Thai. The names actually translate to Samui Island, Phangan Island, Phi Phi Island, and so on.
When is the best time to visit the islands?
The seasons in the western and eastern islands differ slightly. In the Western Isles, the rainy season lasts from May to October, while in the Eastern Isles it runs from October to January.
Keep in mind that although the rainy seasons are less recommended for traveling, during November and December, you can usually visit both regions. Even if it rains, it won’t be frequent or heavy enough to prevent you from enjoying your trip. It’s best to plan your visit accordingly so that you can experience the islands in optimal weather conditions.
How should you plan your island visit?
In this Thailand Travel Guide, we’ve crafted a two-week itinerary that perfectly balances relaxation and exploration, combining the idyllic western and eastern islands while starting and ending in Bangkok. Designed with families in mind, especially those traveling with young children, this guide focuses on comfort, convenience, and unforgettable experiences.
To make the most of your journey, you’ll cover longer distances with short domestic flights and use scenic ferry rides to connect between nearby islands. The result is a seamless and memorable family adventure through Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, islands, and cultural treasures.
Two-Week Trip to the Eastern and Western Islands of Southern Thailand:
Western Islands: Phuket
Begin your journey in Phuket – the largest island in Thailand (5 days).
Take a short 1.5-hour flight from Bangkok to Phuket and immediately slip into the holiday spirit of sea, sand, and islands. Starting your vacation here is highly recommended, as Phuket offers plenty of attractions for the whole family.
Located in the Andaman Sea in southwestern Thailand, Phuket is home to about 400,000 residents and is highly developed. You’ll find modern roads for easy transportation, along with a wide variety of beaches, restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Must-See Attractions in Phuket
Four Islands Tour: A breathtaking boat trip that takes you to four tropical islands, including the one famously known as James Bond Island, where one of the hit movies in the series was filmed.
Big Buddha Temple: An enormous Buddha statue (145 meters high and 25 meters wide) overlooking Chalong Bay. This impressive landmark is the third largest in the country and one of the island’s most iconic sites.
Blue Tree Water Park: A massive, modern complex featuring artificial lagoons, water slides, ziplines, artificial cliffs for jumping, live entertainment, numerous food stalls and restaurants, as well as volleyball and soccer courts.
Recommended Family Hotel in Phuket – Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa
This wonderful resort is located about 3 km from Patong Beach and 16 km from Phuket Town. It offers plenty of family-friendly amenities, including a private beach, three swimming pools, a kids’ club, a luxury spa, a fitness center, a Turkish sauna, and dining options with both Italian and Thai cuisine.
Eastern Islands: Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
Indulging in Koh Samui (5 Days)
Take a one-hour domestic flight from Phuket to Koh Samui and discover this wonderful island, whose name in Malay means “Safe Haven.” Home to about 70,000 residents, Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island (228 sq. km). Getting around is easy, thanks to a ring road that circles the island and connects most major attractions.
In addition to Koh Samui’s stunning beaches—perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun—you and the kids can enjoy incredible marine attractions, such as swimming with sea lions, diving, and even a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with pink dolphins.
Recommended Family Hotel in Koh Samui – Anantara Lawana Koh Samui
This 5-star resort features private villas and Thai-style suites. Located about 10 minutes from the airport and close to Chaweng Beach, it offers infinity pools with panoramic sea views, a luxury spa, and a variety of restaurants for the perfect family stay.
Hopping Over to Koh Phangan (4 Days)
Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport, but is easily reached with the fast and convenient Seatran Discovery High Speed Ferry, which takes about 45 minutes from Koh Samui.
While the island is famous worldwide for its Full Moon Parties, there’s so much more to discover here. In this Thailand Travel Guide, we highlight the hidden gems and family-friendly spots that make Koh Phangan an excellent destination for travelers with kids who want to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a small, tranquil island.
Don’t miss Phaeng Waterfall, the largest and most impressive on Koh Phangan, and dedicate a day to the famous Ang Thong National Marine Park “42 Islands Tour”, which includes snorkeling, kayaking, and spectacular viewpoints over 42 pristine islands.
Recommended Family Hotel in Koh Phangan
Buri Rasa Village, Koh Phangan, is a charming resort located near Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. It offers everything a family could want: an outdoor pool, beach club, and a restaurant serving both European and Thai cuisine. It also features free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a spa, and even a private speedboat transfer service from Koh Samui, which takes about 40 minutes.
Wrapping Up the Trip on a High Note
Take a ferry from Koh Phangan back to Koh Samui, and from there continue with a 1-hour and 15-minute flight to Bangkok.
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