Oh Koh Tao you big show off

Koh Tao Thailand with Kids. Is a big fat yes! And a must visit if you're thinking of island hopping on the Koh Samui side. We were charmed by this little island and loved it's laid back feel.

If you're worried about taking your child travelling around Thailand, we hope this post inspires you to just do it. We first took our child age 6 and think this is a perfect age to start thinking about your travelling plans. We'll be going back soon with 2 and writing about our experiences here.

Thailand as a country is fantastic for children culturally and educationally. From the busy bustle of Bangkok to the mainland coasts and islands. Travelling around Thailand is easy with kids. And there are so many options, you don't need to take planes.

Koh Tao lies in The Gulf of Thailand and is easily accessible from anywhere in Thailand. You will always need to get to the island by sea of course. But from where you depart, there are so many options.

We got the ferry across from Koh Samui to Koh Tao as we'd been island hopping, but you can come straight from Bangkok by taking an overnight train to Chumpon (this saves a night's accommodation and becomes a night time adventure). Once in Chumpon you can take a bus to the pier, and then the ferry onto Koh Tao.

From Bangkok we flew to Koh Samui and stayed there. We planned to island hop around the Koh Samui Archipelago of islands. First up Koh Samui, then from Koh Samui via the ferry to Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier. The ferry costs around 600 baht per person (£13) and we were late, so it was full but we managed to get squeezed in with the baggage.

sat with the baggage on the ferry to koh tao

Why travel to Koh Tao with children? Well firstly, would you just look at it! You'll find a relaxed pace of life, and come together as a family, spending your days exploring coves and new beaches. Out of the 3 main islands in this archipelago, Koh Tao is lesser known, therefore not as busy & was hand down the hidden jewel out of them all. Our favourite beauty. It reminds us of the old Thailand travel days.

just look at it!

Koh Tao is part of the Ang Thong Marine National Park, which is a protected area. This means that as a base you're very well positioned to explore other beaches and islands. There are 42 islands spread over the Ang Thong Marine Park altogether. Most are very small and can be visited on a day trip. And there are plenty of boats to ride to visit these islands daily. On a day trip you can snorkel the day away on the shallow reefs and be amazed by the fishes on a brand new island of your choice!

Every beach on Koh Tao offers something uniquely beautiful to explore as a family. Dangling off a tree. Drawing in the sand. Snorkelling, kayaking. Just generally pottering around and being free as a bird.

You’ll have plenty of time exploring over 2 –3 days, although we stayed for one week to fully relax and recharge plus explore many different beaches and find our favourites. The pace is definitely more tranquil compared to party islands of Koh Pha Nang (the island of the famous full moon parties) + Koh Samui (the largest of the 3 islands in this group). And we loved that.

The beaches in Koh Tao are really very naturally beautiful. And the main draw to the island. You'll spend your days exploring the beautiful landscapes and rocky pathways. It's exciting for kids as they feel like little adventurers. It's really nice to see their confidence grow as the days go on. In no time they're free & easy, how they should be.

walking skinny pathways to get to our favourite beach on Koh Tao

Freedom Beach. It was mostly all to ourselves, most days + we love that about a place

we explore like adventurers

Koh Tao is a smaller, lesser developed island than the other islands in it's archipelago, but it's not sleepy by any means. It used to be only popular wth divers and backpackers, but there are more families and holiday makers now too. Since returning with kids it's got more of a reputation as a party island than back then. Although if you've been to Koh Phi Phi it's nothing by comparison.

There are lots of small restaurants to choose from to eat, or grab a fresh coconut and look out to the sea.

A must see on your visit to Koh Tao is the famous Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint on the neighbouring island (Nang Yuan Island). Nang Yuan Island is actually a set of three small islands, with crystal clear waters, separated by a sand bar - can we just appreciate those views for a few seconds.

To get to Nang Yuan Island you can hire a boat on your own or hire an excursion on Koh Tao that can take you. It's so cheap to do.

A Longtail boat will cost around 200-300 baht £5 return per adult (kids are free) from Sairee Beach. Plus 200 baht / £4.50 entry to the island. It's worth it because it's so pretty. And when you're there you can walk up to the famous viewpoint to get breathtaking views like this!

It takes around 15 minutes (20 with kids) to get to the top and we recommend going early to avoid the crowds as it gets v busy + humid up there.

Another must do on Koh Tao is the John Suwan Viewpoint. This is easily accessible from Freedom beach, which became our favourite beach to visit daily. Follow signs for Freedom beach to find the viewpoint. This is a fun adventure for kids because it's not well sign posted, so will add to their sense of discovery. And the walk will take around 20 mins with little legs. The views over the whole island including shark bay are well worth it. It costs 50 baht p person (you'll see someone along the way collecting your money & directing).

During our stay on Koh Tao we stayed at Ko Tao Resort Paradise Zone on Chalok Bay. There are so many small family run hotels to chose from that you can shop around to find what you like, within budget. Stay a couple of nights in one and explore that area, then move on. A mini backpacking trail. We liked Report Paradise because of the views, the infinity pool and we enjoyed the walk. The walk down to the beach daily was through a beautiful butterfly garden with huge exotic butterflies everywhere. As we like to world school with travel, this was just perfect but the hill is steep (I wouldn't like to be pushing a buggy up there). There is a shuttle that you can take up & down, but we found it easier to just walk. From here you can easily walk to the gorgeous bays Freedom Beach & Shark Bay. The next time we go we would like to stay at Koh Tao Cabana on Sairee Beach / Taa Toh Seaview Resort on Shark Bay.

So when's best to travel to Thailand with children?

The recommended time to travel to Thailand is during the dry season - which is from the end of November to the beginning of May (the dry season). Although that is also when it is hottest too. This is high season and things are pricier, which is why we also travel in low season also to keep costs down with children. Low Season (also rainy season / monsoon season) is from the beginning of May to November - and you have to check with the weather and travel on ferry travel etc. Some islands will close for safety reasons in extreme bad weather, so always bear this in mind and be prepared to be flexible when booking your travel.

Dry Season Thailand End of Nov - Early May

Wet Season May - Nov

I hope I have tempted you into dipping your toe into travelling around Thailand with children. You'll make memories that will last forever. Whether it's a vacation or holiday to Thailand or a full on year sabbatical from work to travel the world with your kids. I am here.

Ask me anything and I'll be delighted to help. I can pass on any help / information I have learned that will make your life & journey into taking the leap & following your dreams, that much easier.

Koh Tao - You have this family's hearts forever

Don't forget to Check out our 'Things To Do In Koh Tao With Kids' post