Phuket Areas for Families with Kids

Vacationing with kids in Phuket? Excellent choice! The island isn’t just about parties and beaches – it’s also perfect for a comfortable, safe, and activity-filled family holiday. The main thing is to choose the right area: some places are noisy and crowded, while others are quiet and peaceful, yet still close to all the necessary infrastructure.

In our opinion, the best areas for a family vacation in Phuket are Karon, Kata, Nai Harn, and Bang Tao. These spots offer convenient beaches, walking areas, children’s entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere. Now, let’s take a closer look at each location and its pros and cons.

Karon

The main highlight of the area is Karon Beach – a five-kilometer stretch where there’s enough space for everyone, even in high season. That said, at peak times it can still get quite busy – so meditating by the sea might be tricky. But then again, who’s meditating with kids? Karon is always full of families: the beach here has fine, “singing” sand, a gentle slope into the water, sun loungers, showers, and lifeguards on duty. In short, everything is set up for a safe holiday for the youngest travelers.

Another advantage of Karon is its wide sidewalk – perfect for stroller walks. This is a real luxury in Phuket, as Thais aren’t big on walking, so European-style sidewalks are rare here. In addition, Karon has a small park with a lake where you can take a stroll.

All the necessary infrastructure is available in Karon as well: plenty of cafes and restaurants serving food suitable for children. Finding pizza, pasta, or a spice-free soup is no problem. There are also options for adults – for example, Dinner in the Sky. You can book a dinner there with a 10% discount via WhatsApp or Telegram.

Most hotels in the area are family-oriented as well: Emerald Phuket, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort, and Centara Karon Resort are all excellent choices. You can find the full list of family-friendly hotels for vacation with kids on our website.

Cons of the Karon area: strong waves and currents in the low season, and the beach has no natural shade – so there’s a risk of sunburn, making an umbrella a smart choice.

We’ve collected all the best spots in Karon in the dedicated section.

Kata

Kata is one of the most beloved areas for families with children. Located just south of Karon, it’s considered more compact, greener, and “homely.” The atmosphere here is very family-friendly – it’s easy to meet other families and make friends during your vacation.

Kata Beach sits in a cozy bay protected from the wind, which alone makes it a great choice for families with kids. The sand is soft and golden, the entrance to the water is gentle – very convenient for little ones. The northern part of the beach has fewer waves, especially during the dry season. You’ll find sun loungers, showers, toilets, and stalls selling fruit and drinks. In the southern part of the beach are surf schools, some of which accept children as young as five for lessons.

Close to the beach, there’s the spacious Kata Beach Community Park. It features two playgrounds with slides, swings, and merry-go-rounds – perfect if your child gets bored of the beach or tired of the sun.

Kata has many family-oriented hotels, which you can find in the Family Hotels for Vacation with Kids section. You can also rent apartments with a kitchen to cook your own meals. That said, there’s no shortage of dining options in Kata: there are plenty of family-friendly cafes serving both Thai and European cuisine – including numerous pizzerias, pancake houses, and burger joints.

Cons of the Kata area: it gets crowded in high season, there’s a limited selection of nightlife, and most hotels are separated from the beach by a concrete wall – meaning you’ll need to walk around it.

We’ve collected all the best spots in Kata in the dedicated section.

Nai Harn

Nai Harn is one of the calmest and most picturesque areas of Phuket, located in the south of the island. It’s the choice for those who value peace, nature, and privacy, yet still want to stay in a comfortable and safe environment. Nai Harn is not about parties – it’s about a laid-back family holiday with beautiful sunsets, swimming, and leisurely walks.

Although Nai Harn Beach is only about 700 meters long, it stays relatively uncrowded even in high season. The sand is fine, the water is clear, and the entrance to the sea is gentle. On top of that, it’s very clean here, with few boats and almost no “banana boats” or “inflatable donuts.”

As for infrastructure, Nai Harn is more about villas, resorts, and apartments rather than chain hotels. It’s a great fit for families who want more space and a homely feel.

There are also several spots worth visiting with the whole family: the walking area and small island park Ban Nai Han Park, the Windmill Viewpoint, as well as the nearby Black Rock viewpoint, Promthep Cape, and the Samnak Song Nai Han Buddhist temple-monastery.

The area also has plenty of cafes serving European and Russian cuisine, offering food more familiar to children. You can find the list in our Cafes and Restaurants in Nai Harn selection.

We’ve gathered all the best places in Nai Harn in the dedicated section.

Cons of the Nai Harn area: its distance from the island’s center and reliance on transportation. Having your own car solves the issue. You can use the feedback form below to quickly rent a vehicle.

Bang Taо

The most luxurious area of Phuket is also perfect for a family vacation. Located in the northwest of the island, far from noisy party spots, it offers all the infrastructure you need right at your fingertips. There are walking areas, children’s centers and activities, and numerous restaurants serving European cuisine. You can also check out the best restaurants in Bang Tao.

The Porto de Phuket and Boat Avenue shopping centers feature large supermarkets, pharmacies, salons, and cafes where you can easily find all the necessary children’s products.

In addition, Bang Tao Beach is one of the longest on Phuket (8 km!) with beautiful seas and excellent facilities.

When it comes to accommodation, Bang Tao is a true paradise for families who value space and privacy. There are plenty of premium housing options here that will be comfortable for both children and parents. For example, Angsana Laguna Phuket, SAii Laguna Phuket, or Cassia Phuket apartments. To find the perfect place to stay in Bang Tao, use the form below.

Cons of the Bang Tao area: high prices, constant traffic jams, and a lack of authentic Thai atmosphere – it feels more like a European resort.

We’ve gathered all the best places in Bang Tao in the dedicated section.

In summary: if you want to be in super popular spots that are 100% suitable for a family vacation (and won’t break the bank for parents) – choose Kata and Karon. If you want to experience an authentic atmosphere – Nai Harn is for you, and if you’re ready to pay a bit more for maximum family comfort – go for upscale Bang Tao.