Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful coastline in Southeast Asia and thankfully for parents, plenty of it is well suited to travelling with children. From calm, shallow bays perfect for little swimmers to resort towns kitted out with kids' clubs and family pools, there's no shortage of choice when it comes to finding the best beaches in Thailand for families. Whether you're after a lively resort base or a quieter stretch of sand, here are ten of the best spots to consider for your next family holiday.
1. Kata Beach, Phuket
Kata Beach is one of Phuket's most family-friendly stretches of sand with gentle shelving waters that are ideal for young swimmers, particularly outside of monsoon season. It's backed by a good choice of family resorts, restaurants and shops, all within easy walking distance. For families weighing up Phuket beach holidays, Kata is consistently one of the top picks.
2. Karon Beach, Phuket
Just along the coast from Kata, Karon Beach offers a longer, wider stretch of sand with plenty of space to spread out. It's slightly quieter than some of Phuket's busier beaches, while still being close to restaurants, water sports and family-friendly resorts, many of which count among the best Thailand beach resorts for families.
3. Railay Beach, Krabi
Accessible only by boat, Railay Beach feels like a world away from the mainland with dramatic limestone cliffs framing clear waters. The car-free setting makes it especially appealing for families, as there's no traffic to worry about and the shallow lagoon areas are great for paddling. It's a standout choice for a beach holiday in Krabi.
4. Ao Nang, Krabi
Ao Nang is one of Krabi's most popular family bases, thanks to its long promenade, wide choice of restaurants and easy access to boat trips around the surrounding islands. The beach itself has calm waters for much of the year and it's a convenient launchpad for day trips to nearby islands like Koh Hong.
5. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Chaweng is Koh Samui's liveliest beach but its northern end offers waters that are better suited to families with younger children. The wide beach gives plenty of room for building sandcastles, and there's a good mix of family resorts and restaurants nearby. It's one of the top spots to base yourself on a trip to Koh Samui.
6. Bophut Beach, Koh Samui
For a quieter alternative on the same island, Bophut Beach is a great choice. Its shallow waters are ideal for paddling and Fisherman's Village nearby offers a relaxed evening market atmosphere that's easy to enjoy with children in tow. It's a good option for families wanting a slower pace than Chaweng.
7. Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui
Mae Nam Beach is one of the quietest and most laid-back beaches on Koh Samui, with soft sand that’s particularly good for toddlers and younger children. It's less developed than Chaweng or Bophut, making it a peaceful base for families who'd rather avoid crowds.
8. Hat Sai Kaew, Koh Samet
Also known as Diamond Beach, Hat Sai Kaew is one of the most popular beaches on Koh Samet, a quieter island that's easily reached from Bangkok. Its powdery white sand and gentle swimming conditions make it a great family option and its proximity to the capital means it's ideal for families short on time who still want a proper beach escape.
9. Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta
Klong Dao Beach on Koh Lanta is known for its shallow waters and beautiful sunsets, making it a great choice for families looking to relax rather than chase nightlife. The island as a whole has a slower, more low-key feel than Phuket or Samui, which many parents find easier to navigate with children.
10. Kamala Beach, Phuket
Rounding off the list is Kamala Beach, a quieter alternative to Phuket's busier resorts. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it popular with families, while still being close enough to Patong and Kata for day trips when you fancy a change of scenery.
Ready to book your family beach holiday?
With family-friendly resorts and easy access to some of the country's best islands, it's easy to see why Thailand remains such a popular choice for families. If you'd like to explore further afield, take a look at our full round-up of the best beaches in Thailand, or if snorkelling and diving are on the agenda, check out the top diving spot in Thailand for your trip.
At Away Holidays, our travel experts can help you find the best resorts in Thailand for families, tailored to your children's ages and what you're hoping to get out of your trip. Get in touch with the Away Holidays team today and start planning your family holiday to Thailand.
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