Koh Phangan met kinderen

The best activities in Koh Phangan with children

Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary

One of the most impressive experiences on Koh Phangan was our visit to the Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary. Elephant tourism in Thailand is – rightly – under increasing scrutiny. Elephants are still often used for rides, shows, bathing sessions, or selfies, practices that are harmful to their welfare.
Before our visit, we thoroughly researched what responsible elephant tourism actually means. Organizations such as World Animal Protection provide clear guidelines: no riding, no bathing, no tricks, no chains, and no force.

The sanctuary we visited is not on the official list of World Animal Protection. At the same time, we saw with our own eyes that this particular place focuses on rescue, peace, space, and education – not entertainment. It is a small-scale sanctuary where rescued elephants live on a large piece of jungle land. The animals are not forced into interaction.
One elderly elephant, for example, has no teeth left and must be fed daily in order to survive. During a guided walk, a small group of visitors prepares special food and walks into the jungle so this elephant gets enough exercise. Another elephant lives mostly freely and only comes for food when she chooses to. A third elephant lives separately due to severe trauma and has no contact with visitors – even though that means she brings in no “value” as an attraction. That alone says a lot about the caretakers’ intentions.

The program is strongly focused on awareness. You learn about the distressing conditions many elephants still endure and why change in tourism is so urgently needed. For us – and especially for our daughter – it made a deep impression. It showed that tourism can also be a way to teach children (and adults) about animal welfare, provided it is done with respect and responsibility.

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 a visit to the Buddhist temple Wat Maduea Wan. At the temple, we were warmly welcomed by a dog who clearly belonged there and was very well cared for. In the heat, we braved the long staircase up, 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 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. 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.