Phuket with Kids (2025): Family Travel Guide

The best areas to stay in Phuket with kids are Kamala, Kata and Karon. These beaches offer calm water, family-friendly restaurants and child-friendly stays with pools and spacious family rooms. Kamala is the best overall choice, Kata has the most beautiful beach and Karon is ideal if you prefer a livelier vibe.

We stayed in Kamala with our little ones after doing our own research. It turned out to be a perfect match for our family. It has a comfortable touristy feel without being hectic, the beach is very gentle and everything you need with kids is close by. We visited other beaches during our stay, and they were great too, but for a relaxed holiday with small children Kamala still stands out. If you prefer a bit more energy and nightlife, other areas might be a better fit.

Below is an honest breakdown of the best regions for families, including family friendly places to stay that get consistently high ratings from travellers with kids. For a complete guide, check out our complete guide on Where to Stay in Phuket with Kids.

Soft sand, gentle waves and beach cafés right on the sand make Kamala perfect for toddlers and babies. The vibe is relaxed and everything families need is within walking distance.

Family favorites in Kamala

• Kamala Dreams: Beach-studio hotel right on Kamala Beach with an outdoor pool, children’s pool and two restaurants just steps from the sand.
• Amala Grand Bleu Resort Hilltops: Luxurious hillside resort near Kamala offering sea-view pool suites and villas with private terraces overlooking the Andaman Sea.
• The Palms, Kamala Beach: Modern family-friendly resort in Kamala with 2 large swimming pools and spacious 1- to 3-bedroom suites just a few minutes’ walk from the beach

Kata has a lively and social beach vibe with surf schools, markets and great beach cafés. The beach is wide and beautiful, perfect for swimming and sandcastles. Ideal for families who like activities but still want a chilled holiday.

Family favorites in Kata

• Blue Palm Kata Resort: Family-friendly hotel with a kids pool, splash areas and easy access to the beach.
• Sugar Marina Hotel -POP- Kata Beach: Modern rooms, swimming pool, playground and close to cafes and activities suitable for children.
• Katathani Phuket Beach Resort: Direct beachfront, multiple pools, splash zones and plenty of kid-friendly facilities.

Karon offers a good balance between relaxed and lively. The long beach is perfect for running around and playing, and the area has plenty of cafés and shops without feeling hectic.

Family favorites in Karon

• Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa: Family-friendly resort with pool, kids’ facilities and walking distance to Karon Beach.
• Baan Sailom Hotel Phuket: Cozy hotel offering spacious family rooms and easy access to child-friendly cafés and the beach.
• Karon Living Room: Modern apartments with pool, great for families with children and close to shops and beach activities.

A calm and upscale area with beach clubs, the Laguna complex and high-end family resorts. Ideal for parents who want comfort and space while kids have plenty of room to play in pools and on the sand.

Family favorites in Bang Tao

• SAii Laguna Phuket: Family-friendly rooms with pool access, kids’ club and direct beach access.
• Sunwing Bangtao Beach: Spacious family suites, splash pools and a fun environment for children of all ages.

Mai Khao is quiet, uncrowded and nature-focused. There is little around, but the slow rhythm and wide beach make it perfect for young families who want rest and space.

Family favorites in Mai Khao

• Baan Mai Khao: Family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms, pool, and easy access to the quiet Mai Khao beach.
• Splash Beach Resort Phuket: Large resort with giant waterpark, family rooms, and direct beach access perfect for children of all ages.

Patong is lively with nightlife, shops and bars. Some families choose it for a short stay, but most with young kids prefer calmer areas.

💡Crew Tip: Patong can still be worth a short visit for shopping or a family dinner, but we would not recommend it as a primary base for families.

Phuket offers a mix of beaches, nature, and family-friendly attractions, perfect for all ages. From toddlers to teens, there’s something to keep every child entertained while parents relax. Here’s a concise list of the best activities for families visiting Phuket with kids.

Want to dive deeper into activities? We’ve written a full guide with the best things to do in Phuket with kids, including beaches, water parks and family-friendly day trips.

• Kamala Beach – Calm waters, soft sand, ideal for toddlers and beginners.
• Kata Beach – Wide, clean, perfect for sandcastles, beginner surfing lessons, and family swims.
• Karon Beach – Long beach, great for running, beach games, and family picnics.
• Waterparks – Blue Tree Waterpark, Andamanda Waterpark, Splash Jungle Waterpark

When planning your beach days, don’t miss our list of the best beaches in Thailand for kids.

💡Crew Tip: If your flight leaves later in the day, Splash Jungle Waterpark is a perfect way to spend your final hours in Phuket. We did this on our last day and it worked great. There is a secure luggage area and the park is only a few minutes from the airport, so you can relax instead of waiting around.

• Phuket Elephant Sanctuary – Ethical elephant experiences suitable for kids.
• Phuket Aquarium & Marine Conservation Centre – Tropical fish and marine life exploration. Book tickets here.
• Dino Park Mini Golf – Dinosaur-themed golf course on Kata Beach.

• Island Hopping Tours – Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay, and smaller islands.
• James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) – Iconic limestone cliffs, ideal for day trips.
• Kayaking & Canoeing – Calm waters in Ao Yon, Phang Nga Bay
• Waterfalls & Jungle Hikes – Bang Pae and Kathu waterfalls for older kids.

• Big Buddha Phuket – Panoramic views, peaceful experience, easy access for families.
• Old Phuket Town – Colorful streets, cafés, and street art. Great for a gentle cultural day.
• Thai Cooking Classes – Some schools offer kid-friendly, hands-on sessions.

What do you need when visiting Phuket with a baby or toddler and which hotels, activities and practical tips make your family holiday smooth and stress-free? Below you’ll find real-life tips from our own experience including sleeping arrangements, baby supplies, activity planning and daily rhythm.

Most family hotels in Phuket provide baby cots, but they are not always placed automatically. Add a baby cot request during booking and send a quick email a few days before arrival.

Where you choose to stay also depends on your own travel style. We’re not really “resort people” ourselves, and with a bit of planning you can stay almost anywhere in Phuket with a baby, from budget hotels to private villas. As long as the sleeping arrangements and essentials are sorted, most places work perfectly fine for families.

• Large resorts are usually very baby-friendly and well prepared with cots, highchairs and kids’ facilities
• Regular hotels can also work well as long as baby essentials are confirmed in advance
• Private pool villas are amazing if the budget allows, giving space, quiet naps and flexible routines

💡Crew Tip: Try to book a room close to the pool area. Once your baby is asleep you can relax outside with a baby monitor.

• Baby cot (crib) available in most family rooms
• Extra bed possible for toddlers, sometimes for a small fee
• We often bring our own travel cot for flexibility

Suggested travel cots:

• Deryan Travel Cot – our personal favorite for how compact and lightweight it is
• BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light – slightly larger but extremely comfortable and high quality

Buying baby essentials in Phuket is generally simple. Diapers, wipes, formula and baby shampoo are widely available in supermarkets, 7-Eleven, Boots and tourist pharmacies.

Some items are harder to find (or more expensive):

• Swimming diapers
• Specific formula brands
• Favorite snacks for picky eaters

Most families, including us, bring formula from home. It avoids last-minute searching and keeps feeding routines easier during the first days of the trip. Packing a few pouches or jars for travel days also helps when schedules get messy.

Most activities mentioned earlier in this guide are perfectly doable with small kids. Popular options for little ones include:

• Beaches and short boat trips
• Waterparks and splash areas
• Viewpoints and gentle walks
• Local markets in the early evening

Full-day boat tours and long excursions can be less comfortable for babies and sometimes toddlers too, but this depends on your child and your own travel style.

Our rhythm that worked really well:
Fun activity in the morning when everyone has lots of energy, then pool or beach time in the afternoon so naps and downtime happen naturally.

• Car seats are not always included. Request one via your hotel or private driver in advance.
• A baby carrier is super useful for temples, stairs and uneven paths. Check out our favorite carrier from Tula.
• A stroller is fine in most tourist areas, but not all beach walkways are smooth. We use this Cybex Libelle, a great small stroller ideal for traveling
• Bring floaties or a swim vest. Hotels don’t always have the right size available.

If you’re wondering how to travel Thailand with a baby or toddler, this overview of getting around Thailand with kids is a great place to start.

What is the best way to get around Phuket with kids? The easiest and most comfortable way to get around Phuket with children is by using a private driver or taxi apps like Grab. Car rental is a good option for full flexibility. Public transport is slow and scooters are not recommended for families with young kids. Boat trips are ideal for travelling between islands.

For families who want a smooth travel day, a private driver is the most comfortable way to explore Phuket with kids. You can stop whenever you want for breaks, snacks or a swim.

Most hotels can arrange a private driver and child seats are often available if you request them in advance. You can also pre-book trusted drivers online for full convenience.

💡 Planning a day trip north? Check out our Khao Lak with kids Travel Guide for beaches, activities and family-friendly itineraries.

For short distances within Phuket, Grab app taxis are incredibly convenient. No need to negotiate fares or find change, which is especially helpful when travelling with children.

To use Grab you’ll need mobile internet. The easiest solution is buying an e-SIM before arrival, so your phone is already working when you land at Phuket Airport. We’ve tried a few e-SIM providers during our trips, but Airalo has been the most reliable for us.

Families get 15% off at checkout when purchasing an e-SIM via our link.

Renting a car gives families full flexibility, especially if you want to explore multiple areas in your own rhythm.

We didn’t rent a car on our first trip because we weren’t sure what the traffic would be like, but it turned out to be much better than expected. It’s definitely worth considering if you want day trips and freedom to stop anywhere.

On the other hand, Grab and taxis are so easy and affordable that you might not need a rental car unless you plan to travel long distances. It really depends on your travel style.

Always request a child seat in advance, as availability varies by rental company.

We do not recommend scooters for young children due to busy traffic and safety concerns. Families with older kids might consider it for very short rides, but exercise extreme caution and check your insurance.

If you want to visit other islands like Phi Phi or Koh Yao Noi / Koh Yao Yai, boats and ferries are the most convenient way to get there.

We always use 12Go Asia to check routes, departure times and availability. It’s reliable, easy to use and ideal for booking in advance so you don’t arrive at the pier with tired kids and no seats.

💡 Heading to Ao Nang after Phuket? Check our Ao Nang with kids Travel Guide for beaches and activities families love.

The best time to visit Phuket with kids is the dry season from December to April. Sea conditions are calm, beaches are safest for little ones and most island trips run on schedule. Shoulder months (November and May) can be good value, while the rainy season runs from June to October.

We visited Phuket with our kids over Christmas once and had more cloudy days and some rain than we expected. Even so, most days were usable and the kids still had a great time. Still, when you travel with little ones the weather matters more, so picking the right season makes planning much easier.

This is the most reliable period for families. Expect sunny days, calm seas and the best conditions for swimming, island trips and outdoor activities. If you can travel now, this is the safest choice for young children.

These months often bring lower prices and fewer crowds. You can still enjoy many sunny days, but there is a slightly higher chance of showers. Shoulder season is good value for families who are flexible.

Showers are more frequent and the Andaman Sea can be rougher. Beach swimming and some island trips may be limited. This period can still work if you plan pool days, indoor activities and shorter outings.

If your only travel window is July or August, we honestly recommend considering the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui) instead, since those islands usually have much better weather during mid-summer. Phuket and the Andaman side can still be fun, but expect bigger waves and more rainy days during this time.

👉 For a full breakdown of when to go and where to go by month, check our guide Best time to visit Thailand with kids.

Packing for Phuket with kids is simple. You can buy almost everything on the island, so focus on passports, money, comfort items for the kids and the basics for the first days.

We always say “don’t overpack”, yet somehow our own suitcase ends up overweight almost every trip, and honestly we almost always bring too much, so really… don’t overpack 😉.

As long as you have these, you are good:

• 🛂 Passports and travel documents
• 💳 Credit card and some cash
• 🧸 Comfort items for your child (favorite stuffed animal, pacifier, bottle)
• 💊 Any medication your family uses
• 🍼 Formula if needed (brands can vary)

Take enough diapers, wipes and snacks only for the first days. After that you can simply buy everything locally.

• Sunscreen
• Floaties or a swim vest in the right size
• Rash guard for the kids
• A few small toys for the beach and pool
• A light mosquito net for kids

• Deryan Travel Cot or BabyBjörn Travel Crib
• Tula Baby Carrier (great for stairs and viewpoints)
• Cybex travel stroller (ideal for airports and fits in overhead compartments)

Every destination is different, but the right gear makes a big difference. This guide covers the travel gear that works best for Asia with kids.

Packing for Thailand with kids can feel overwhelming, so we put everything into one clear packing list for families. It comes with a free printable checklist and helps you focus on the essentials, knowing that most other things are easy to find locally.
Prefer something you can print and tick off? Click below to download our free PDF packing checklist.

Yes, Phuket is safe for kids. It’s a very family-friendly destination, and most risks relate to sun exposure, water safety and traffic awareness.

Phuket is generally very safe for families, and many resorts, restaurants and beach areas are set up specifically for children. Still, like any tropical destination, a few things are worth keeping in mind so your trip stays fun and stress-free:

• Sun & heat – kids burn and dehydrate fast, especially during peak UV hours
• Ocean currents – always follow the red/yellow flag system and swim where lifeguards are present
• Traffic – road crossings and scooter rides require extra awareness
• Animals – avoid contact with stray dogs and monkeys
• Tours – pick licensed, reputable operators that supply life jackets for children

From our own trips, we’ve never felt unsafe in Phuket, our biggest challenge has always been keeping the kids shaded, hydrated and sunscreened. If you choose family-friendly areas like Karon, Kata, Kamala or Bang Tao, and follow beach flags during rough sea days, Phuket is one of the easiest places in Southeast Asia to travel with kids.

💡Crew Tip: For peace of mind, get a kids safety wristband with name and phone number (also called a child ID bracelet). Great for busy beaches, airports and day trips.

Phuket is such a fantastic family destination. It’s easy to reach thanks to the international airport, and once you’re there everything is simple: beaches, day trips, and family-friendly restaurants all close together. We really enjoyed Kamala Beach: relaxed, great for small kids, and plenty of cafés where you can sit with your feet in the sand while the little ones play.

Day trips from Phuket are also super doable with kids. Visiting nearby islands like Koh Yao Noi is easy and doesn’t require long travel days, which makes exploring feel fun instead of exhausting. Whether you want beach time, pool days, or little adventures in between, Phuket has a really nice balance for families.

If you want to combine Phuket with other great family destinations in Thailand, check out our guides:

Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur with Kids
• Sepilok with Kids
• Semporna with Kids
• Kinabatangan River with Kids

Indonesia:

• Lombok with Kids
• Bali with Kids

📥 Want more tips? Visit our Family Travel Shop for printables, travel journals, and guides to make your trip smoother.

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Enjoy your Phuket adventure with your family! 🏖️
The Little Passport Crew

FAQ: Phuket with Kids

Is Phuket safe for kids?

Yes, Phuket is very family-friendly. Shallow beaches, child-friendly resorts, and reliable taxis make it easy for families. Always supervise kids near traffic and follow beach safety flags for safe swimming.

What are the best areas to stay in Phuket with kids?

Kamala is perfect for toddlers with calm beaches and nearby restaurants. Kata and Karon suit families who want more activity. Bang Tao offers quiet luxury, and Mai Khao is ideal for babies and toddlers.

What are the top things to do in Phuket with kids?

Enjoy calm beaches, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, explore waterparks, take island trips to Phi Phi or Koh Yao Noi, see Big Buddha, and try kid-friendly Thai cooking classes. Most activities are suitable for toddlers and older children.

When is the best time to visit Phuket with kids?

December to April is the dry season with calm seas and sunny days. November and May are shoulder months with lower prices and fewer crowds. June to October is rainy season, with occasional heavy showers and rough seas.

What should I pack for a family trip to Phuket?

Focus on passports, money, comfort items for kids, diapers and snacks for the first days, sunscreen, floaties, rash guards, small toys, and optional travel gear like a portable cot, baby carrier, or compact travel stroller.

Can I travel to Phuket with a baby?

Absolutely. Phuket is baby-friendly with many family resorts offering cots, highchairs, and pools. Bring essential items for the first days like formula, diapers, and a favorite comfort item. Beaches are gentle, and short day trips are perfect for families with babies.