SD › Thailand › Koh Phangan › Best Family Hotels
Updated: October 18, 2020
Koh Phangan is not Koh Samui or Phuket. Everything, including the hotels, is a little more rustic and simple – and less expensive. Don’t come here expecting 5-star luxuries and a well-polished staff. Even the best hotels have a few rough spots.
I think this explains the mixed reviews you’ll read online about different hotels on Koh Phangan. People coming here expecting a simple and relaxing break from the busyness of Thailand (or life back home) are happy. They expect things won’t be perfect and enjoy what is great about the island.
But tourists that arrive expecting top of the line luxury will leave disappointed. If you want the best then stay at the Four Seasons on Koh Samui. If you want to retreat back to what Samui was like 20 years ago then Koh Phangan is your place.
Travel tips for Koh Phangan with Kids
- After you book with your hotel contact them and ask about speed boat connections from Koh Samui. The hotels located along the north and northeast coast take some time to get to. So if you’re taking a boat from Samui to Haad Rin or Thong Sala and then hopping in a truck to get you to your hotel it will be a couple hours of traveling. If you can hop in a speed boat that takes you directly from Samui to your hotel you’ll be saving yourself some time and hassle.
- If you’re looking for cheap accommodations you’re, best to book your first couple of nights in advance and then look for something less expensive once you arrive. The cheapest places generally don’t take reservations and even when they do, if they don’t accept credit cards (which most don’t), you have no way of truly securing it. If someone shows up and is willing to plop down money on your reserved room, they’re unlikely to say no.
- At the more expensive hotels, food costs 3 or 4 times as much as what you’ll pay at a local restaurant a few steps down the road. Save money by not eating at your hotel restaurant. Same goes for laundry and massage.
- If you’re arriving anytime within 3 days before or after the full moon party, be sure to have reservations. Same goes for the mid-December to mid-January period.
The 9 Best Hotels for Families in Koh Phangan
1. Cocohut Beach Resort & Spa
Vast grounds, glorious beach, superb facilities, and ideal for families. Perched up a hill for maximum views (mostly blocked by trees), the circular Cliff Bungalows are remarkably built around immovable granite boulders. Some of the newer rooms facing the beach and second pool have connecting doors, but avoid the old-fashioned wooden bungalows, which are clustered too tightly together and along the noisy road. Best are the villas barely 5 metres from the sand. With two bedrooms and a private plunge pool, they are secluded behind colorful walls that significantly affect the views. However, the modern design is instantly likable and the lounge room is airy. The main pool faces the beach, which is shady and virtually private. Adding to the appeal is the games room and private pier for boat trips. The resort faces Seekantang (Leela) Beach, about 10 minutes’ walk from Haad Rin village, and a little further from the infamous Sunset and Sunrise beaches.
2. Rin Beach Resort
Superbly conveniently, uniquely designed, and good for families. Centrally located in Haad Rin village, and alongside the terminal for ferries to Koh Samui, this resort also faces a scenic cove that is clean, shady, and virtually private. Of the variety of brightly-coloured accommodation, many can squeeze in one extra single bed. Bungalows perched on rocks above the sea, or lining a hillside path, are simply furnished, but the balcony and abundant windows offer priceless views. Worth a splurge are the four extraordinary Boathouse rooms facing the sea. Shaped like gigantic tugboats, and painted pink, purple or mustard, they are on three levels, and feature a huge bedroom, spa bathroom, and massage tables. The dark interior adds to the charm, and there’s room for at least two extra single beds. With spacious grounds, a larger-than-expected lagoon-shaped pool, and a splash area attached, this is one of very few places on the island to cater to families.
3. Anantara Rasananda Villas
Beautiful location on the beach. Large suites and villas. Small village just behind the hotel offers lots of character and many places to eat cheap Thai meals. Most rooms have private pools plus there are 2 large resort pools.
4. Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort And Spa
Great location on a nice stretch of private beach (and an even nicer one a short walk away). Restaurant serves amazing food and a huge breakfast spread. A few great beach restaurants are on the next beach over and are much cheaper. Some rooms have their own infinity pool. A large pool area is also by the beach.
5. Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
Superb setting along a hillside overlooking the beach. The Panviman has the best views of any hotel on the island. A beautiful pool, great food, and a very nice spa. Family rooms with a sea view are perfect for a large family.
6. Cyana Beach Resort
Great mid-range hotel. Beautiful pool and hotel is right on the beach. Large family bungalows and villas sleep family of 4 or 5. Friendly staff and owner. Rooms have safety deposit box (which many mid-range hotels don’t.)
7. Green Papaya Resort
Amazing swimming pool (with a kids pool) and great location right on the beach. Haad Salad beach is shallow, calm, and perfect for kids. Good sized suites and a 2 bedroom villa (sleeps family of 5) are available.
8. Salad Buri Resort
If you need a place to book for your first night or two then Salad Buri will suffice. Nice location near a beautiful beach and nice swimming pools. But it’s hit and miss on the rooms (some large, some located up a steep hill) and the staff can be indifferent. So I wouldn’t commit to an extended stay. If your first nights are good you can always extend.
9. Buri Beach Resort
If you’re going to stay near Haad Rin this is a good choice. Two beautiful pools, friendly staff, free wi-fi, and good sized rooms. One caveat: the beach is not great here, but you stay near Haad Rin more for the shops and restaurants. If you want nice beaches then head north.
About Santorini Dave