Koh Phangan with kids

The best activities in Koh Phangan with children

Living at island pace

What makes Koh Phangan so pleasant with a baby is that the island naturally slows you down. There is no pressure to see or do everything. The days almost fill themselves with the beach, food, a short drive, and simply being on the go. With an 8-month-old baby, we noticed that we didn’t have to plan anything tightly. Our daughter slept wherever it worked, in the stroller or carrier, which made us feel free to go whenever it felt right. No schedules, no rush.

Beach days without hurry

The beaches on Koh Phangan are calm and easygoing. No rows of sunbeds or loud music, but sand, sea, and plenty of shade. Secret Beach quickly became our favorite: a small, sheltered beach with soft sand and calm water. Definitely suitable for babies and young children. The last stretch toward the beach is less suitable for a stroller; a baby carrier is really more practical here.

Lunch as an experience at Koh Raham

If there is one place that truly represents Koh Phangan, it’s Koh Raham. This is not just a restaurant, but an experience in itself. It is built from wood and natural materials, with platforms, little bridges, and seating areas spread across a jungle-like setting by the sea. While we were having lunch, Livia was completely fascinated. There was something happening everywhere: sounds, movement, people. That’s exactly what made it so enjoyable for her (and for us). Koh Raham is relaxed, there’s no rush, and it combines perfectly with a visit to Secret Beach. A baby carrier works best here; a stroller is less practical.

Thong Sala and the evening markets

Thong Sala is the beating heart of the island. You’ll find shops, eateries, and markets here. It’s lively, but not chaotic. With a baby, we actually found this ideal: short distances, plenty to see, and always somewhere to grab food. On weekday evenings, we visited Pantip Market, a small-scale night market with food stalls and seating areas. Easy to navigate, relaxed, and perfect when you’re out with a baby and don’t want to eat too late.

On Saturday evening, there is also the Saturday Night Market. This one is much larger and busier, but still very manageable with children. The atmosphere is cozy and local, with street food, music, and stalls. You can easily walk through it with a stroller.

Activities for adults (also perfectly doable with a baby)

What makes Koh Phangan extra special is that the island isn’t just great for children, but also leaves room for yourself. Doing things that give you energy, without it feeling like you’re leaving your family behind. I took a yoga class at Orion Healing Centre, a well-known spot on the island where yoga, meditation, and conscious living come together. The class was calm and grounding, exactly what I needed.

Later, we visited Shivari, right in the middle of the jungle. There, we first took part in a cacao ceremony, followed by ecstatic dance. During the opening circle, there was singing and—believe it or not—our daughter started softly humming along. Such a small moment, but so special. After the ceremony came the ecstatic dance: moving freely, no set steps, no alcohol, just doing what feels right. I found it exciting and sometimes even uncomfortable, but precisely because of that, also very valuable. I never would have thought I’d find myself in a place like that, in the jungle, with my baby by my side.

Later that week, I took a bachata class at Love Space (Sushi Love), which is held every Monday evening. For a moment, there were no worries, no plans, no schedules—just dancing and letting everything out. Even without any experience, it’s very accessible and incredibly fun. These moments showed me that traveling with a baby doesn’t mean putting yourself on pause.