Koh Samui FAQ: Family

Is Koh Samui good for families with children?

Yes. Several beaches suit children well: Choeng Mon is a sheltered bay with calm shallow water near the airport; Lipa Noi has shallow, calm, coral-free water on the west coast; Maenam has calm, shallow water and low prices and is popular with families and long-stayers. Children enjoy the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem (fish feeding at the lake), the Na Muang 1 waterfall pool, and the short boat trip to Pig Island. A rental car makes family logistics easiest. Watch red flags on the east coast in November-January.

What is Pig Island and how do I get there?

Pig Island is Koh Mudsum, a small island just south of Koh Samui next to Koh Tan, famous for the pigs that live on its beach and sometimes walk into the shallow sea. The pigs were brought by people - they are not native island wildlife. Longtail boats leave from Thong Krut Pier on Samui's south coast (15-20 minutes); hire one at the pier or join a half-day tour, usually combined with snorkeling at Koh Tan. A small landing fee of about 50 THB per island is charged in cash. Small boats can be cancelled in rough seas, mainly October-December.