Koh Samui is one of many popular destinations in Thailand for holidaymakers. It is an ideal family destination, with loads of things to entertain kids of all ages. And Thai people love kids and will make you and your family feel welcome.
Suppose you are planning to live on Koh Samui. In that case, you may be happy to learn it has all your needs. We're talking international schools, a high standard of healthcare facilities, recreation and sporting facilities and good shopping. Add to that a range of family-friendly homes to rent or buy and plenty of activities to amuse adults and kids.
Many Thais and expats living in Thailand choose Samui as a weekend (and more extended) getaway. It makes an easy escape with just an hour's flight from Bangkok.
Things To Do
Beaches and water sports are top attractions for all the family, whether building sandcastles, kayaking, beach football, jet skiing, or frolicking in clear tropical waters. The more popular beaches for families are Chaweng, Choeng Mon and Bophut.
With more than 60 outlying islands, day trips are aplenty. Ang Thong Marine Park is one of the most popular for snorkelling, hiking to Emerald Lake, and kayaking. Dive enthusiasts may head to Khao Tao. You can take the car to Koh Phangan and explore or take short day trips to closer islands like Koh Mut Sum and Koh Taen.
Adventure activities include ziplining, quad biking, Samui Football Golf, go-karting, a round at football golf, and sliding through the water park. Some enjoy cycling, hiking, learning Muay Thai, playing football, swimming, tennis and other various sports.
Central Festival Samui, the largest shopping centre on the island, has shops for all ages, an excellent food court, a cinema, a kid's playground, and an entertainment arcade.
Living on Samui
Are you dreaming of island life? Foreigners living in Thailand require an appropriate visa. Usually, these are acquired for work/business, retirement, education, volunteering, or through marriage to a Thai national.
The population of Samui is approximately 50,000, and an estimated 5,000 expats. Add to this around 2.5 million visitors annually. Subsequently, much of the infrastructure, facilities and services people require are on Samui.
Five international schools offer a British curriculum, and two cater to 18-year-olds. Many healthcare facilities are available, including four hospitals, medical and dental clinics, and other specialist services.
When it comes to shopping, fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, meats, and grocery lines are easily accessible. Many foreign foods and beverages are available, albeit the import tax makes them more expensive. Compared to many western countries, eating out is inexpensive, especially when dining on delicious fresh Thai cuisine.
Most expats live in the northeastern regions of Samui from Maenam, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Chaweng and Lamai. This region is also where most of the shopping and amenities are found.
Some expats find Samui a little more expensive than the mainland, as much of the produce is transported by water or air. Still, the cost of living is much less than in many foreign countries.
Getting Around
Koh Samui is about 80 kilometres from the east coast of southern Thailand and part of Surat Thani Province. The good news is you can get on and off the island by vehicular and passenger ferry, with the car ferry taking less than two hours.
Samui Airport, owned by Bangkok Airways, is beautifully designed in an open-air style Thai-style sala and has a relaxed vibe. In under an hour, you can be touching down in Bangkok.
A car is the easiest and safest when it comes to getting around Samui for a family, whether holidaying or living there. The 'ring road' Route 4169, roughly circling the island, is about 50 kilometres. However, driving it would likely take about 1.5 hours. Local buses travel between main towns, with limited access off the main road. Travel is an important factor when choosing where to stay in Samui.
In Summary
Samui is fabulous for families, offering an active outdoor lifestyle with good educational, medical and recreational facilities and relaxed island living. For expats, making friends is easy through various sporting, social and school activities, helping them to settle in quickly.
