Joanna James
Often regarded as Thailand's beach playground for the masses, Koh Samui offers families a wealth of new experiences and activities. From splashing around water parks and breathtaking beaches to enjoying memorable excursions, here are 5 things to do on a family getaway to Koh Samui.
Although most families head to Koh Samui for its spectacular beaches, that's no reason to miss out on all the cultural highlights located on the island. Offering visitors a look at the rich heritage of Koh Samui some of the must-visit heritage sites in Samui include Wat Phra Yai or the Big Buddha Temple while the Pagoda Khao Hua Jook and Wat Sila Ngu Temple are equally breathtaking historical edifices. Don't forget to pencil in a tour of the Secret Buddha Garden which is arguably one of the best-preserved horticultural spaces in Thailand. Natural wonders on the island apart from its beaches are also worth a visit as the Hin Lad waterfall and the Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks are also popular points of interest.
Ranked among the best beach hubs in Asia, let alone Thailand, Angthong Marine Park is a collection of paradise islands where secluded beaches and pristine surroundings are found all year long. The best way to explore Angthong Marine Park is on a day cruise where families can visit one stunning island after another while also enjoying kayaking activities and other water-bound adventures along the way. There are countless local tour operators organizing day tours of the national park so families can have their pick.
Families based at Santiburi Koh Samui or any one of the other family villas in Koh Samui will find that no trip to this beach hotspot is complete without taking part in water sports. Blessed with captivating underwater landscapes, Koh Samui offers excellent snorkelling and scuba diving spots for families with an interest in deep-sea exploration. Water skiing, banana boating, windsurfing and parasailing are just some of the exciting water-based activities accessible to families who are holidaying in Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is a shopaholic's dream come true and families with a passion for retail therapy will find the towering malls and the bustling marketplaces on the island too enticing to forgo. Lamai Walking Street, Central Festival Samui and Chaweng Beach Road are some of the top local markets for families in search of an authentic Thai shopping encounter while The Wharf Samui and the Lamai Night Plaza are equally fantastic for souvenir and gift shopping.
Coco Splash Adventure & Waterpark and Aquapark Samui are just two of a handful of splash centres on the island. Providing families with a recreational environment complete with wave pools, water slides and lazy river excursions, water parks on the island offer loved ones the chance to spend time together in a truly wet and wild atmosphere.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
