Koh Phangan met kinderen

The best activities in Koh Phangan with children

Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary

The most special excursion was visiting the Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary. We deliberately chose an ethically responsible center that takes in elephants who can no longer live in the wild. Unfortunately, elephants in Thailand are still often used for tourism: being ridden, washed, or made to perform tricks. Fortunately, awareness of these animals’ welfare is growing, but it’s a process that takes time.

The sanctuary we visited is not completely hands-off. The elephants living there cannot return to the wild. One older elephant has no teeth left and needs to be fed. Twice a day, a trainer guides a small group of visitors who prepare special food and walk into the jungle with an elephant. This is important for her movement; otherwise she would remain standing still. Another elephant roams freely through the jungle and comes to get food whenever she wants. The third elephant is kept separate due to trauma and cannot tolerate unfamiliar people. Still, the care is loving, and you can clearly see the bond between the elephants and their caretakers.

The visit is also an educational experience: you learn about the distressing situations many elephants are still in. For us, and especially for our daughter, this made a deep impression. It shows that tourism can also be educational and that it’s important to raise children’s awareness of animal welfare. We recommend this experience to everyone, but do your research carefully when choosing a sanctuary: bathing with elephants, riding them, or seeing an elephant chained are clear red flags.

Practical information

The cost for us was approximately €70 per adult and €35 per child. This directly supports the initiative. The activity lasts about two hours and is suitable for children from the age of four. You walk through the jungle with the elephant, which is not possible with a stroller. It’s most enjoyable when children are old enough to prepare the food themselves and walk along.

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.

Thong Nai Pan Yai

In the north lies the bay of Thong Nai Pan Yai. During the day, the sea retreats here, making it perfect for searching for beautiful shells or going crab hunting. At high tide, you can enjoy swimming in the warm sea, which stays shallow for a long distance. The sand is powder-fine and soft under your feet, ideal for building the most beautiful sandcastles—or simply sinking your bare feet into it while enjoying an ice-cold Chang as your child plays happily.

From the harbor where we arrived, it was about an hour’s drive. This turns out to be far enough to feel completely removed from the partying tourist crowds, giving the sense of being on a paradisiacal little island with just a handful of people. Exactly the feeling we were looking for. In our view, this location is perfect for families seeking sun, sea, sand, and tranquility.

Thong Nai Pan Noi

The neighboring bay, Thong Nai Pan Noi, has a charming shopping street, and we ate the best coconut ice cream here at Coco Loco. You can shop, have your hair braided like our daughter did, and enjoy delicious ice cream!

Buddhist temple Wat Maduea Wan and lunch at Koh Raham

One of the outings we did was visiting the Buddhist temple Wat Maduea Wan. At the temple, we were warmly welcomed by a dog that was clearly well cared for and belonged there. In the heat, we climbed the long staircase, after which we enjoyed lunch at Koh Raham: a hugely Instagram-worthy beach club, built on a rock with stunning views.

If there is one place that typifies Koh Phangan, it is Koh Raham. This is not just a restaurant, but an experience in itself. It is built from wood and natural materials, with platforms, small bridges, and seating areas spread across a jungle-like setting by the sea. While we were having lunch, Livia couldn’t believe her eyes. There was something happening everywhere: sounds, movement, people. That is exactly what made it so much fun for her (and for us). You can also snorkel here, and among the rocks we already spotted parrotfish swimming. It’s an ideal place to stop for lunch and relax. Right next to Koh Raham is Secret Beach, which is no longer quite so “secret,” but still a lovely spot for swimming and searching for shells. 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 softly started humming along. Such a small moment, but so incredibly special. After the ceremony came the ecstatic dance: moving freely, no fixed steps, no alcohol, just doing what feels right. I found it exciting and sometimes even uncomfortable, but precisely because of that, it was also very valuable. I never would have thought I’d be standing in a place like that, in the jungle, with my baby there.

Later that week, I took a bachata class at Love Space (Sushi Love), which is held every Monday evening. No worries, no plans, no schedules—just dancing and letting everything out. Even without any experience, this is accessible and incredibly fun.


These moments showed me that traveling with a baby doesn’t mean putting yourself on pause.