Koh Samui Activities For Children & Adults

Kids and parents will both have the time of their life in Koh Samui (photo courtesy flickr.com)

Parents are sometimes left with no choice but to leave their kids at home during vacations for numerous reasons, such as a lack of things for the young ones to do upon arrival at the tourist destination.

Luckily, planning a family vacation to this tropical island is no problem, thanks to the numerous Koh Samui activities to do on the island, family resorts, various Samui restaurants and other attractions that the whole family can enjoy.

With that being said, one place a family should take a trip to is the Ang Thong Marine Park. Comprised of beautiful coves and deserted beaches, this attraction grants its visitors an unmatched feeling of complete freedom with incredible “nothingness” around the tourist destination’s exterior. Moreover, since there are a variety of sea creatures near the shoreline, snorkelling is a highly recommended activity for guests to engage in.

Another thing that adults and kids will enjoy is the elephant trek. Under the supervision of a tour guide, trekkers not only get to relish a once-in-a-life-time ride on an actual elephant, but they also get to learn more interesting facts about the mystical island as well.

There are a bundle of other Koh Samui activities specifically designed to cater to children, such as playing mini-golf at Mini Golf International. For a more complete range of undertakings created for young ones, various hotels feature kids’ clubs within their compounds such as the ShaSa resort, which was also voted as one of the best family hotels in Koh Samui on Trip Advisor.

Furthermore, there are some delicious restaurants near these residential areas, which offer menus crafted for children. Everything from western and local kid’s food to non-alcoholic cocktails is available at such establishments.

Moving forward, heading over to Tesco is another place where the entire family can stay busy. Here, kids can find a vast assortment of toys, which include action figures, Barbie dolls, wooden frogs, puzzles, beach buckets, toys and more.

Tesco also offers other activities for the whole gang to partake, such as bowling at Major Bowl Hit – the 8-lane alley offers loads of fun through friendly competition amongst family members, or even with the locals. When hungry, Tesco has a range of Koh Samui restaurants that serve various local and international dishes that are sure to please everyone.

There are of course, plenty of other Samui activities for loved ones to enjoy at this tropical island. When planning a trip, it’d be wise to include plans for what activities to take part in ahead of time to ensure a memorable vacation. 

Renting A Car in Koh Samui

Renting a car will make your stay in Koh Samui a whole lot better (photo courtesy flickr.com)

Renting a car is a great idea if you plan on touring the Koh Samui.  While there may be several tourist spots that are within the vicinity of the beach, there are also several other tourist spots you can visit and other Koh Samui activities you can do if you rent a car.  With a car, you won’t have a hard time enjoying the various things to do in Koh Samui. 

You have two choices if you plan on renting a car.  The first is through the Budget Counter at the Koh Samui Airport.  This is convenient and you can even choose a larger vehicle since large rental agencies offer their customers a wide selection of cars.  The downside however is they can be somewhat expensive than the usual.  Then there are the independent local shops offering rent-a-car services.  They are cheaper and do not require lengthy terms of agreement.  These shops can provide Toyota/Honda automatics or Suzuki 4x4s.  However you have to be careful since a lot of these so-called car rental shops offer bogus services. 

If it’s your first time traveling to Koh Samui then you have to familiarize yourself on the process of renting a car before you start thinking about the other things to do in Koh Samui.  First you choose the type of car you want.  Make sure it has its license number and airbag and seatbelts for safe driving.  Next is to confirm the rent amount and the car’s insurance.  Then you sign an agreement.  As standard procedure you need to leave your passport as collateral.  Do not forget the car shop’s contact details, have them always with you in case you might encounter a problem and need their assistance. 

Before you get too excited on the Koh Samui activities you’ve wanted to do, there are some reminders that you need to consider first when driving in Koh Samui.  Similar to UK, driving in Koh Samui Thailand is on the left side.  Stalls on the roadsides sell gas/petrol in a 1-litre bottle but this is expensive.  For a cheaper price, you can opt for petrol stations along the way.  When it comes to parking your car, it is mostly free to do so.  Fishermen’s Village however is an exception.  A parking fee is charged within the area.  In some instances, you may encounter wild animals such as water buffalos along the road so you have to be careful.  Some roads narrow down to a single lane and some do not have pavements so it is important to pay attention all the time. 

Motorbikes and scooters are common in Koh Samui so using a mirror is a good option.  Some roads are in poor condition and some even have large potholes.  During the rainy season, roads in Koh Samui can be flooded however if you’re willing to try and enjoy the various things to do in Koh Samui then these won’t be a problem; you only need a little creativity in navigating these roads.  Be mindful also of the lorries and big trucks you might come across along the roads. 

Excited to experience some Koh Samui activities and adventures?  Then start planning your trip now.  

Fun Koh Samui Activities

There are so many things you should do during your stay in Koh Samui! (photo courtesy traveldestinationinfo.com)

When visiting Koh Samui, there are many activities that a person should try out before they head back home. What many tourists love is that Koh Samui activities are not only a lot of fun but inexpensive as well. Discover the highly sought after activities in this island right here.

Some people may want to go on a whole day fishing tour in Koh Samui. Various tours are available and during these tours, travellers can catch a snapper, barracuda, or other types of fish. These tours include round-trip transfers from the hotel to the tour site, the tour, and lunch.

Five Islands Tour offered is another activity that tourists may want to consider. This tour involves a visit to small islands off Koh Samui’s coast. Sights consist of caves, secluded beaches, remote dwellings, and other spectacular marvels. Snorkelling, lunch and dinner is also a part of the tour fee.

Inside the forested mountain by Chaweng Beach Road lies the Spa Samui Village. Here visitors can enjoy yoga salsa and herbal steam saunas that are inside caves. Massages are offered and free shuttles are available as well.

A holistic wellness center, is located on Laem Set beach. Koh Samui activities from detox programs to infrared ray saunas to Chi Gong, Pilates, yoga, and even weight loss programs.

There is also a Health Oasis Resort located on the Bang Po ring road. This wellness resort is one of a kind and offers a house herbalist and naturopath. They have other specialized treatments as well like light transformation, polarity zapper, and ozone therapy.

Those looking to relax and unwind should consider taking up yoga classes. Absolute Yoga and Yoga Thailand are offered in Koh Samui. Absolute Yoga is located at the Fisherman’s Village entrance in Bophut and offers Pilates as well as hot yoga. Yoga rates per session and monthly rates are available.

Other Koh Samui activities a person should consider include monkey shows, elephant riding, tiger shows, banana boat riding, jet skiing and Muay Thai training.

Travellers who want to experience healing should check out Dharma Healing International. This facility is on a small beach called Lipa Yai that is located right by Lipa Noi. This healing center is very spiritual and Buddhist, especially amongst all of Koh Samui’s wellness centers. The main focus is fasting, discovering the inner child, and Vipassana meditation. Various courses are available depending on the visitors’ interest.

There are a lot of Koh Samui activities available in this island, which makes it a fun destination for all visitors. Don’t miss out on experiencing enjoyment and relaxation at this breath-taking island. 

Museums in Koh Samui

The private museum of Koh Samui is a great place to go to learn about the history of this island

One of the things to do in Koh Samui is visiting the Private Museum in the island. The name is a very generic one and does not give away anything about what is exhibited in the museum. Visitors, essentially, only get the idea that the museum is private and not publicly owned or state owned. However, labelling the museum a private one is also quite confusing, seeing as this museum is open for public visitors.

The Private Museum is situated by the ring road, which is on the street used to turn to Chaweng. This is located on a side road, its address being 199/11 M.2 T Bophut. The contact numbers are 84320 and 088 249 3901. The museum’s email is privatemuseum@hotmail.com. Those who are considering this museum as part of their itinerary or things to do in Koh Samui should check for directions to the exact location of the museum. This can easily be done searching the address in Google maps.

In the Private Museum’s leaflet, notable claims are made. The museum is home to artefacts from the Iron Age, the Bronze Age, the New Stone Age, and the Middle Stone Age. There is more to it than that – the owner of the museum is a relative of King Rama IV and a past governor of a northern Thai province. The man, who isn’t named in the brochure, studied in Paris and also received a gold medal during the 'Salon des Artistes Francais 1986'. The owner of the museum is M.L. Arachawa Worawan.

The museum is located in a 300 year-old building and is constructed in the island’s traditional wooden style buildings. The exhibits in the museum consist of Ban Chiang Thai pottery and ceramics. The most significant archaeological discovery of Koh Samui, the stone drum discovered by Lamai Beach is sadly not exhibited in the museum. This particular piece is evidence that Koh Samui was occupied ever since Stone Age. Unfortunately, this artefact is not the Private Museum but rather in a different museum located on the mainland of Suratthani.

When searching for things to do in Koh Samui, be sure to include the Private Museum in Koh Samui. It is really a great place to visit. By visiting this museum, travellers will be able to learn something regarding the human settlement in the island of Koh Samui. Although the collection is not huge, which is obvious in the minimal images shown on the museum’s promotional leaflet, they have a collection that is still worth visiting. 

Koh Samui Activities: Sailing

Sailing in Koh Samui is a fantastic experience that you'll never forget (photo courtesy of Samuizoom.com)

Some individuals like to relax as much as they can whenever they are on a vacation, while others like to engage in a variety of activities to keep busy. Whether it’s the former or latter, sailing has proven to be one of the most beloved Koh Samui activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Riding a boat into the vast open sea can instantly gives a person a superb feeling of freedom. Being able to choose when and where to travel on the ocean instils a feeling of definite control. And as an added bonus, many sailors feel the tingling sensation people get whenever they are out in the ocean, far away from their troubles back home.

For travelers who left their boats behind (most people do), Koh Samui has various commercial establishments that offer tours to adjacent islands. One in particular, Saard’s Watersports Center, is currently being touted as the best place for vacationists to experience yachting.

With their fabulously designed yachts, the captain of the boat will takes customers on tours going to some of the island’s most popular places, such as Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Angthong Marine Park. Each tour destination has a unique itinerary, wherein each one takes customers to a set of unique places, and even allows them to engage a couple of Koh Samui activities as well.

For example, the Koh Phangan tour takes tourists to Koh Ma, a place where they can try snorkelling. From there, they’re taken to Thong Nai Pan, Than Sadet and lastly, Haad Rin – each of these destinations have something “unique” in store for vacationers to enjoy.

In the event travellers would rather opt to experience a more private tour, such requests can easily be arranged, but it’ll cost a lot more to avail such services. Various types of water vessels may either be rented by the hour or day, depending on the client’s preferences.

The most popular boat for rent is known as the Kindred Spirit, which is basically a Catamaran measuring 13.1 meters long, 9.6 meters wide, and has three double rooms.

The fastest vessel for rent is called the Sting – considering the fact that it has two 300 horse-power engines under its hood, it’s no surprise that it rightfully deserves its given name. In addition to this, this boat has an air-conditioned lounge capable of seating thirteen people.

There are of course, other boats, which can be rented from Saard’s Watersports Center. Each one has unique specifications to cater for the different needs of vacationers. Nevertheless, all can be rented and used to engage a wide range of Koh Samuiactivities for personal entertainment.

Banana Boating in Koh Samui

Going on a banana boat is thrilling experience that is one of the top Koh Samui attractions. (Photo courtesy of  Whatonsanya.com)

One of the main Koh Samui attractions and the reason why a lot of people from all over the globe come to experience this magical Thai island, is its pristine beaches. And tourists could certainly appreciate them in a lot of ways. Of course, one could lounge all day by the shore, sipping a deliciously concocted cocktail, reading their favourite novel or laying down on the white sand to achieve that perfect tan but for the more adventurous, there are various water sports and fun water activities that they could do.

These water sports and activities are the more thrilling attractions in Koh Samui that could be enjoyed by every one of all ages. One of these fun activities that could be enjoyed by a group of friends or the whole family is a banana boat ride. If you are staying at the ShaSa Resort or any other place on the island, make sure to arrange for a day of banana boat riding. Tour guides will also be able to suggest the best deals and best places to experience this exhilarating activity.

The whole island is quite vast and every area of the island has its own array of Koh Samui attractions. Banana Boat rides are offered at Chaweng, Lamai and Bo Phut so these are the ideal places to experience that adrenaline rush via that yellow floating banana. But before one gets to hop on, it is important to be aware of the safety measures. Life jackets must be provided for everyone. The driver of the speed boat that will tug the banana boat along the waters or any other person in charge must be able to properly brief their customers with the safety precautions while enjoying the ride.

Once properly secured, the boat will be edged forward into the deeper and farther part of the sea. The speed will increase and soon, it will feel as if you are being pulled into space. The banana boat tips sideways from time to time and your body has to lean the other way to make sure you do not fall off although the purpose of the ride is to really throw each and every one into the water. Hence, it is advisable to make sure your life jacket is in place. Banana boat rides are fantastic KohSamui attractions that could definitely create a funny memory ideally shared with family and friends. 

Cleanse the Spirit with Yoga

Relax. Clear Your Mind. Try some Yoga while in Koh Samui.
(Photo Courtesy of organiclifestylemagazine.com)

There are so many exciting Koh Samui activities that visitors can take part while here at the island. Samui is an island far from boring. Regardless of the temperament and preferences of its visitors, Samui has something for everyone. Aside from soaking up the sun at the many beaches all around the island, there are plenty of other Koh Samui activities to choose from. Those who want more than fishing and have visited the island’s famous sites should try doing some yoga on the island.

People often visit Samui to relax. Yoga is such a relaxing and a spiritually purifying meditation practice, making it one of the newest and popular Koh Samui activities.Yoga is a holistic approach to well being, integrating the wonders of meditation to achieve a higher state of mind and a more tranquil feeling. There are plenty of places in Samui that offer yoga classes. One of the best is Samahita Retreat. Created by a yoga expert, Samahita is visited by locals and tourists who appreciate yoga and want to relax while improving their health.

Samahita provides a very serene and tranquil place for a more a deeper meditation. In this place, the stress of everyday life seems to melt away and visitors experience the many benefits of the ancient art of yoga. Yoga understands how important it is to have a balance of body and mine and bring back the body’s equilibrium. It is no surprise that yoga is one of the most important Koh Samui activities every tourist should try at least once. Only meditation can offer true release from stress and allow the body to renew itself. The place is a quiet haven for those who want to take a break from the beach and monkey zoos. A serene place where good and quality food is served, Samahita provides an ideal place to retreat and look inward.

For those who want to be able to experience the many benefits of yoga, they can also try the wellness centre at the ShaSa Resort. This popular resort in Samui also offers yoga classes to its visitors, taking wellness to a higher level. There is also a relaxing spa for those who need some pampering. This 5 star hotel offers numerous Koh Samui activities to choose from, a stay at the ShaSa Resort will surely be an event to remember.

Paintball Shootout Fun in Koh Samui

Paintballing is an exhilarating experience that kids and adults can enjoy (Photo Courtesy bathspasu.co.uk)

Whoever invented paintball certainly is a genius and fortunately, this exhilarating activity is one of the coolest things to do in Koh Samui. The great thing about playing paintball at Koh Samui is the fact that it is set in a real jungle, in the greener portions of the island. Thus, it is definitely more thrilling than a paintball site that is indoors somewhere. The players get a feel of an actual war game while they are outside in the jungle and running for their lives. It would most certainly bring out the adventurous side of everybody.

The game of paintball is an exciting and interesting concept that requires a lot of tactics, aim, physical endurance and of course a great sense of fun. It is one of the most exciting things to do in Koh Samui that can be enjoyed with your family and friends. It’s a game of outwitting and outlasting your opponents with all the elements of fun written all over it. Staying at ShaSa Resort certainly has luxurious benefits and one of them is not having to worry about a pre-arranged paintball session with pick-ups and drop offs to your hotel and a prepared agenda.

Before getting into action, it is essential to be properly prepared. The right gear will include masks, gloves and all the necessary protection for the game that awaits, this gear can be rented but it will save you money to bring your gear. You would not want to get dehydrated in the middle of an on-going fight so never forget to bring water. Your gun and bullets will be provided for you along with instructions on how to use it.

There are so many things to do in Koh Samui but paintballing is definitely worth a half-day trip. The game is between two teams with an equal number of players and the main aim is to capture the opponent team’s flag. A player who is hit in any part of his body by a paintball is automatically disqualified and is out of the game. The firing range is sent to be more than 5 metres away. If you are less than 5 metres away, shout “You’re dead!” instead of shooting, because getting hit at this distance will truly leave a mark and cause immense pain. Each game lasts for 10 minutes with 3-minute intervals. If no player is able to capture the flag, then the game is declared a draw.

If you find yourself booking that trip to Thailand, don’t forget to include paintball as one of the things to do in Koh Samui aside from getting that bronze tan and experiencing that lovely authentic Thai massage.