Best Beaches in Thailand with Kids (Family-Friendly Guide 2025)

Calm, wide beach with shallow water, plenty of beach umbrellas, and family-friendly amenities. Easy to reach in South Thailand and safe for toddlers.

Kamala Beach is perfect for families with babies and toddlers. The water is calm and shallow near the shore, making it safe for little ones to splash around. There are plenty of beach umbrellas available at a small price, so parents can relax in the shade while keeping an eye on the kids. This family-friendly beach in Phuket also offers a relaxed vibe, making it ideal for a stress-free day with kids. Interested in visiting Phuket with your family? Check out our full Phuket with Kids Travel Guide.

Kamala Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket, about 40 minutes from Phuket Airport. It’s easily accessible by taxi or Grab. The surrounding area has small shops, restaurants, and facilities within walking distance, making it convenient for families traveling with kids. Not sure what the best way is to travel between destinations? We share all our tips on getting around Thailand with kids in this complete guide.

There are many types of accommodations close to Kamala Beach, from resorts with kids’ clubs and boutique hotels to guesthouses and private pool villas. Our favorite hotels include (more options in our Where to Stay in Phuket with Kids guide):

• 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

• 🌅 The beach is usually quieter in the early morning or late afternoon, when you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset.
• 👒 Bring hats, sunscreen, and swim gear for the little ones.
• 🏪 Shops nearby make it easy to pick up snacks or baby supplies.
• 🔎 Looking for more family activities in Phuket? Check out What to Do in Phuket with Kids.

Yes. Kamala Beach is one of the easiest beaches in Phuket (and Thailand) to visit with a baby. The water is calm and shallow, there is plenty of shade, and the beach is accessible without stairs or long walks. A baby carrier is handy for short stretches, but Kamala is stroller friendly compared to many other beaches in Thailand.

Railay West is a beautiful, family-friendly beach with soft sand, calm waters, and no traffic. Perfect for toddlers and young kids to play safely, easily reachable from Ao Nang.

Although most travelers simply call it “Railay Beach,” the main beach they mean is Railay West. This is the wide, soft-sand beach with calm water, sunset views, and the longtail boat drop-off. Railay East and Phra Nang Beach are nearby, but for families with babies and toddlers, Railay West is the most convenient and the best place to stay or spend the day.

Railay beach quickly became a favorite of our kids. The water is calm and shallow, ideal for toddlers and young children to play safely all day. The beach is traffic-free, soft sand underfoot, and the surroundings are stunning: truly one of the most beautiful spots in Krabi. Families staying in Ao Nang will find it easy to reach by a short longtail boat ride, making it a great day trip with little ones.

Railay West is located on the Railay Peninsula, just a short longtail boat ride from Ao Nang (10–15 minutes). The boats run regularly and are easy to catch from Ao Nang Beach. The area is gorgeous, with limestone cliffs surrounding the beach and calm turquoise waters perfect for kids.

Accommodation options directly on Railay are limited, but there are several charming resorts along the beach. We personally recommend staying in Ao Nang, especially if you are traveling with babies or toddlers. Ao Nang offers a wider variety of restaurants, easy access to supermarkets for all your essentials, and more accommodation options in every price range. From Ao Nang, Railay is just a short and easy longtail boat ride away.

Our favorites in Ao Nang:

• Ananta Burin Resort – beautiful pool area with fun slides for kids
• The L Resort, Krabi – modern and central, ideal for families
• Silk Ao Nang Condominium – spacious apartments with kitchen and pool access

Options in Railay:

• Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas Railay – a peaceful resort on the east side of Railay, offering private pool-villas
• Railay Bay Resort & Spa – Beautiful family-friendly resort right on Railay West, with a beachfront pool and spacious rooms.

• 👜 Bring everything your kids need: diapers, snacks, hats, sunscreen, swim gear, etc.
• 🌅 Visit in the early morning for a quieter beach; afternoons can get busy.
• 👒 Bring hats, sunscreen, and swim gear for toddlers and babies.
• 🍴 Small restaurants on the beach serve snacks and drinks, perfect for a relaxed family lunch.
• 🔎 Looking for more family activities in Krabi? Check out our Ao Nang with Kids Travel Guide

Yes, you can visit Railay Beach with a baby. From Ao Nang, you take a 10–15 minute longtail boat to Railay. We actually did it with our one-year-old, and it was totally doable.

The beach is calm and traffic-free, making it perfect for little ones to splash in the water.

Locals and staff are very helpful with families traveling with young kids, which makes it easier to relax and enjoy the day.

❗️Note: there are no life jackets provided, so always keep a close eye on your child. There is some natural shade at the sides of the beach, but no beach umbrellas, so watch out for the heat. Strollers aren’t practical here, so a baby carrier or sling works best.

Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most famous beach, with soft sand and calm, shallow waters near the shore. The southern part is quieter and more family-friendly than the central area, making it ideal for toddlers and young children. It’s a wide stretch of sand with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and amenities along the beachfront.

The beach is wide with calm, shallow water near the shore, making it ideal for toddlers and young children. There is some natural shade along the sand, but beach umbrellas are mostly found in the busier central section. Everything you need for little ones (snacks, diapers, sun protection, and toys) is easily available nearby at shops and beachfront cafes.

Chaweng is located on the east coast of Koh Samui, facing the Gulf of Thailand. From Samui Airport, it’s about a 15-minute drive. You can also reach Koh Samui by ferry from Surat Thani, then continue by taxi or shuttle. Once on the island, taxis or rental cars are the easiest ways to reach Chaweng.

Chaweng offers a variety of accommodations. For families, consider staying in the southern part as this is best for a quieter experience and easy access to amenities. Our favorites:

• The Briza Beach Resort, Samui – Modern beachfront resort with a calm atmosphere, swimming pool, and spacious rooms, perfect for families.
• Amari Koh Samui – Luxury resort right on the beach, two pools, family-friendly rooms, and welcoming for kids.
• Chaweng Regent Beach Resort – Centrally located on Chaweng Beach, modern rooms, pool, and easy access to restaurants and cafes.

• 👜 Bring hats, sunscreen, swim gear, and snacks for little ones.
• 🌅 Visit in the morning for a calmer beach; midday can get busy.
• 🍴 Plenty of beachfront restaurants make it easy for family lunches.
• 🕒 Visit between March–September, perfect for a summer holiday in July–August. For more details on weather and timing, see When to Visit Thailand with Kids.

Yes, the southern part of Chaweng is manageable with a baby. The water is shallow near the shore, and there is some natural shade, though no umbrellas on the sand, so watch the heat.

While Chaweng itself is stroller-friendly for walking along the main roads and promenade, if you want to stroll on the sand, a baby carrier is much more practical. Locals and staff are very helpful with families traveling with young children, making it easy to enjoy the beach stress-free.

Check out our favorite travel stroller and favorite baby carrier from Tula for your trip.

Khao Lak Beach is a long, wide stretch of sand with calm to slightly wavy water, making it suitable for families with toddlers and young children. The beach is less crowded than Phuket or Koh Samui, offering plenty of space for kids to run and play. There are restaurants, cafes, and small shops nearby, making it convenient for families.

Khao Lak Beach is perfect for families looking for space and a more relaxed atmosphere. The sand is soft and wide, and the water is generally shallow near the shore, making it ideal for toddlers. While the waves can get slightly stronger than at Kamala or Chaweng, there are large stretches of calm water perfect for little ones to splash safely.

Everything you need for kids, snacks, sunscreen, toys, and baby supplies, is easily found in the nearby area.

Khao Lak is located in Phang Nga, about 1–1.5 hours north of Phuket Airport. It’s easily accessible by taxi or private shuttle. The area is peaceful, less touristy, and surrounded by palm trees and small local villages.

Khao Lak has a variety of accommodations for families, from resorts and boutique hotels to vacation rentals and private pool villas. Our favorites:

• The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani – Family-friendly resort with a kids’ pool, water slides, and a separate quiet wing for relaxing.
• The Briza Beach Resort – Beachfront resort with family rooms, a kids’ pool, and easy access to the calm beach.
• X10 Khaolak Resort – Spacious resort near Bang Niang with multiple pools, a kids’ club, and rooms suitable for families.

• 👜 Bring all essentials for kids: diapers, snacks, sunscreen, swim gear, etc.
• 🌅 Visit in the early morning for a quieter beach; afternoons can get busier.
• 👒 Hats and sun protection are a must; some natural shade is available but umbrellas are limited.
• 🍴 Beachfront restaurants and nearby cafes make family lunches convenient.
• 🔎 Looking for more family activities in Khao Lak? Check out our Khao Lak with Kids Travel Guide.

Yes! Khao Lak Beach is suitable for babies and toddlers. The wide sand and shallow water make it easy for little ones to play safely. Strollers work well along the promenade and nearby paths, but for walking directly on the sand, a baby carrier is more practical. Locals and staff are very friendly and helpful with families traveling with young children.

Most essentials, like diapers and wipes, are generally available nearby, but formula and baby food can be limited, so it’s best to bring what you need.

Sairee Beach is Koh Tao’s longest and most popular beach, with soft sand, calm shallow water near the shore, and a relaxed vibe. It’s ideal for toddlers and young children, with plenty of amenities, restaurants, and shops along the beachfront. The gentle waters make it great for little ones to splash and play safely.

Sairee Beach is wide and calm, perfect for toddlers and young children to play safely. The beach has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and the shallow water near the shore is ideal for little ones to splash around. Essentials for kids like snacks, sun protection, and small toys are available nearby.

❗️ Note: Watch out for arriving and departing boats on the beach, and during low tide there may be some coral further out in the water.

Sairee Beach is located on the west coast of Koh Tao, one of the most family-friendly islands in the Gulf of Thailand. There is no airport on Koh Tao, so all visitors arrive by ferry.

The easiest way to reach Koh Tao is to fly directly to Koh Samui and continue by high-speed ferry (approx. 1.5–2 hours). This is the smoothest and most convenient route when traveling with babies or toddlers.
You can also fly to Surat Thani or Chumphon and take a ferry from the mainland, though travel times are longer and may involve bus or van transfers.

Once you arrive on Koh Tao, it’s a short ride to Sairee Beach. Taxis and songthaews are available at the pier, and the island is small enough that transfers are quick and easy for families.

Accommodations along Sairee Beach range from budget-friendly guesthouses to family-friendly resorts. Our favorites include:

• KohTao Heritage Hideaway – Quiet boutique-style bungalows surrounded by greenery, just a short walk from Sairee Beach.
• Wind Beach Resort – Beachfront resort with spacious rooms, a relaxed pool area, and direct access to Sairee’s main stretch of sand.
• Palm Leaf Resort Koh Tao – Laid-back bungalows at the peaceful end of Sairee Beach, perfect for families who want calm water and a relaxed atmosphere.

• 👜 You don’t need to pack everything yourself. There are plenty of small shops along the beach road.
• 👶🏻 A stroller works well along the small walkway behind the beach, making it easy to explore Sairee with young kids.
• ⛵ Keep an eye on arriving and departing boats along the shoreline.
• 🍴 Plenty of beachfront restaurants and cafés make family meals simple and relaxed.
• 🤿 Sairee is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular diving spots and a great place to learn. Fun for older kids or for parents who want to try a beginner course. There’s even a small chance of spotting a whale shark.

Yes! The calm, shallow water and nearby amenities make it easy with a baby. Essentials like snacks and diapers are mostly available, but baby formula may be limited, so plan ahead. Strollers work well on paths, but for sand walks, a baby carrier is much more practical. Locals and staff are very helpful, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed day at the beach.

These world-famous beaches and islands are stunning and worth visiting with kids, but each comes with practical considerations. Here is what families need to know.

These are some of the most photographed beaches and islands in Thailand. They are breathtaking, but not all are ideal for babies or toddlers. With the right expectations and preparation, they can still be great family experiences.

Sunrise Beach is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches in all of Thailand. With calm turquoise water, soft white sand, and a relaxed atmosphere, it is perfect for slow mornings and easy beach days with little ones. It was our absolute favorite beach on Koh Lipe, which ended up being our favorite island in the whole country.

❤️⛈️ Crew Moment: Koh Lipe became our absolute favourite island in Thailand and we honestly didn’t want to leave. And apparently the island agreed, because a big storm hit and all boats were cancelled for three days. The result: we missed our domestic flight and even our flight home. Not ideal, but… at least we got three extra days on our favourite island.

• 🌊 The water is usually calm and shallow, making it ideal for safe paddling and beginner swimming.
• ☀️ Shade can be limited in some areas, so consider bringing a small pop-up beach tent or choosing a spot near beachfront restaurants.
• 🧺 Plenty of space for toddlers to play. Beach toys are allowed here, and the sand is perfect for digging and building.
• 🩴 No rocks or sharp coral along the main stretch, so kids can walk and play barefoot.
• 🐠 Older kids can enjoy gentle snorkeling right off the beach, especially near the northern end.

Sunrise Beach is easily reached by walking from anywhere on Koh Lipe. Most beachfront resorts sit right on the sand, which is ideal for families who prefer simple logistics and no transport hassle on the island itself.

Getting to Koh Lipe:

Reaching Koh Lipe does take some travel time, which is something to keep in mind when visiting with babies or toddlers. The island has no airport, so you must arrive by boat:

• From Krabi or Phuket: only available in high season and involves multiple boat changes, which can be long for young kids.
• From Langkawi (Malaysia): usually the easiest connection during high season, around 90 minutes by speedboat.
• From Pak Bara (Satun): the most reliable year-round route in Thailand, about 1.5–2 hours.

It’s absolutely worth the journey, but families should be prepared for a longer travel day and possibly unpredictable weather, especially outside peak season.

Maya Bay is one of Thailand’s most iconic beaches, known for its towering limestone cliffs and bright turquoise water. Note that swimming is not allowed to protect the ecosystem, so your visit will mainly be spent walking, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery.

We personally skipped Maya Bay because it felt too long for our one-year-old and we were not staying on Phi Phi at the time. It’s on our list for next time!

• 🕣 Maya Bay is best for a short visit (one to two hours) because there isn’t much for kids to do and they may get bored quickly.
• ☀️ It gets very hot during the day, so bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• ❗️ The beach can become crowded, so keep a close eye on little ones at all times.

• You can book day tours from Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Phi Phi. These tours usually include additional stops (such as Monkey Beach), which can make the day quite long and less suitable for very young children.
• A much better option for families is to stay on Koh Phi Phi and hire a private longtail boat. This allows you to plan your own timing, go very early before the crowds, and leave whenever your children have had enough.

Recommended Tours:

Koh Nang Yuan is a tiny postcard-perfect island near Koh Tao, famous for its sandbar, clear water, and beautiful viewpoint. The island is privately owned, so there are a few rules to keep in mind, but it is absolutely stunning for a half-day visit with kids.

• 🕣 Best visited for a short half-day trip. There is not much shade and the heat can be intense for young children.
• ☀️ Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Reusable water bottles are allowed, but plastic bottles are banned on the island.
• ❗️ The sandbar can get crowded, so keep toddlers close and avoid midday if possible.
• ⛰️ The viewpoint requires a short but steep walk with many steps. It is doable with toddlers if you take it slowly, but not suitable for babies unless you use a carrier. Go early to avoid the heat at the top.

You can visit Koh Nang Yuan by longtail boat from Koh Tao (Mae Haad or Sairee Beach). It is a very short ride, which makes it easier for families than full-day tours.

Most longtail boats will drop you at the main pier, from where you can walk straight onto the sandbar and explore at your own pace. Try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak crowds and strongest sun.

Recommended Tours:

The Similan Islands are famous for crystal-clear water, bright white sand, and incredible snorkeling. They are stunning, but also remote and require a long and sometimes bumpy boat ride, which can be challenging for young children.

❤️🌊 Crew Moment: We actually traveled to Khao Lak specifically to visit the Similan Islands, but the sea was very rough during our stay. Several operators advised against going with small children, so we decided to skip it. Hopefully next time.

• 🕣 It’s a full-day trip with a long speedboat ride (often 1.5 to 2 hours). Not ideal for babies or toddlers who struggle with long travel times.
• 🌊 The sea can be rough depending on the season, so check conditions and ask your tour operator for honest advice before booking.
• ☀️ There is limited shade on the beaches, so bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• 🐠 Snorkeling is the main activity. This is great for older kids, but younger ones may not get much out of the trip.
• ❗️ The islands can become crowded during peak hours. Early departures help avoid the biggest crowds.
• 🩴 The sand is soft, but some snorkeling entry points have rocks. Water shoes can help.

Most tours depart from Khao Lak, with some options available from Phuket. Almost all tours include multiple snorkeling stops and a beach visit. Because the trip is long and active, choose a reputable operator that offers family-friendly guidance and flexible timing.

Recommended Tours:

Packing for beach days in Thailand is easier than many parents think. Most essentials are widely available, but having the right gear from home can make your days more comfortable, especially with babies or toddlers. Below is a short, practical list of items that genuinely help on Thai beaches.

• 🏊‍♀️ Swim aids – Floaties, swim rings, or a puddle jumper for safe water play
• 👶🏻 Inflatable baby pool – Perfect for villas or beaches without toddler-friendly shallow water 👉 Check out this one
• 🪣 Foldable sand toys – Compact, lightweight sets that pack easily 👉 kids beach set
• 💦 Quick-dry towels – Lightweight towels that dry fast and take little space 👉 quick-dry towels
• 🎒 Dry bag – Keeps phones, money, and cameras safe on boat trips and island-hopping days 👉 our pick
• 🩰 Soft water shoes – Ideal for hot sand and pool edges; We’re big fans of 👉 Slipstop water shoes, but an alternative is 👉 Bigib
• 👟 Sturdy water shoes – Best for coral beaches, rocky entries, and waterfall walks 👉 Check out 👉 these options
• 🎪 Pop-up UV tent (optional) – Provides instant shade and a safe nap spot for babies

Before you finalize your packing list, it’s worth checking our overview of the best family travel gear for Asia, based on real experience.

Choosing the right beach in Thailand with kids depends on your family’s travel style, the age of your children, and how much adventure you want. Some beaches are perfect for slow, easy days with babies, while others are better if you have active toddlers or older kids who love exploring, snorkeling, or island hopping. Below you’ll find a quick recap of our top picks to help you choose the best fit for your trip.

If you have time, try combining two or three beaches in one trip. Thailand’s islands and coastal areas are well-connected, and mixing calm family beaches with one or two “wow-factor” spots creates the perfect balance for a memorable holiday with kids.

Want to learn more about family travel in Southeast Asia? Check out:

Indonesia:

• Bali with Kids
• Where to Stay in Bali with Kids
• Family-friendly beaches in Bali
• Lombok with Kids

Malaysia:

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

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

Check our socials for more family travel inspiration:

Enjoy your beach adventure with your family! 🌦️
The Little Passport Crew

FAQ: Bali with Kids

What are the most family-friendly beaches in Thailand?

Some of the best family-friendly beaches in Thailand are Kata Beach (Phuket), Khao Lak Beach, Sairee Beach (Koh Tao), Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe), and Railay Beach (Krabi). These beaches offer calm water, soft sand, easy access, and plenty of facilities for parents with young children.

Is Thailand safe for babies and toddlers at the beach?

Yes, Thailand is generally safe for babies and toddlers as long as you choose beaches with calm, shallow water, avoid midday heat, and bring essentials like hats, sunscreen, and water shoes. Beaches such as Kamala and Khao Lak Beach are especially suitable thanks to their gentle sea conditions.

Which Thai beaches have calm water for young kids?

The beaches with the calmest water for little ones are Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe), Bang Niang Beach (Khao Lak), Kamala Beach (Phuket), and Sairee Beach (Koh Tao). These locations are sheltered and usually have gentle waves, making them ideal for safe play.

What beaches in Thailand are less ideal for young children?

Some stunning beaches are not ideal for babies and toddlers because of strong waves, long travel times, or limited shade. These include Maya Ba, and the Similan Islands. They remain worth visiting, but parents should plan shorter visits and avoid midday heat.

How do I choose the best beach in Thailand for my family?

Babies: pick calm beaches with shade and easy access, such as Khao Lak or Kamala.
Toddlers: look for shallow water and room to play, like Kata Beach or Railay Beach.
Older kids: island-hopping spots such as Koh Tao or Krabi offer snorkeling and light adventure.
Your travel base also matters: Phuket and Krabi offer the easiest logistics for families.