Child Safety in Koh Samui

A child safety in Koh Samui guide for when you’re vacationing with children on the island. Travelling with children is not a daunting experience if you plan ahead. Children by their nature are unpredictable and at times accidents are unpreventable. The tropical island of Samui offers the visiting families activities and adventures to explore on their vacation. The Thai culture revolves around family and when the children visit the island they are welcomed as family. In Thailand, the child safety is not the same as western standards. The number of families visiting the island is on the increase and the number of expats settling with young children is on the rise. Koh Samui is a safe island for families to enjoy a memorable vacation and experience the Thai hospitality.

Child Safety in Koh Samui Beaches

Koh Samui is the perfect haven located in the Gulf of Thailand. There are palm-fringed tropical beaches safe for children to play and explore. The beaches have warning flags when it is not safe to swim. It is important to obey the flags and make the children aware of the risks and never leave children alone by the water. There have been reports of jellyfish in Koh Samui.  Follow the warnings given by the authorities and especially the locals. The jellyfish stings are rare and the beach hotels, resorts and watersports staff store white vinegar and will alert medical assistance immediately.

Waterfalls

The waterfalls are amazing to visit and for swimming and exploring the jungle and forests. It is important to ensure the children have the abilities to climb some of the waterfalls. To research, Samui’s waterfalls use our comprehensive guide. Take water and use sunscreen and mosquito repellent when hiking or walking in the forest or jungles. At the waterfalls wear appropriate shoes, not flip-flops. The natural pools at the base of the waterfalls are great for swimming and cooling off.  Check the depths of the water before jumping or diving into the pools.

Vehicles and Roads

Samui’s public buses are called Songthaews and they are burgundy in colour. The buses are two bench seats either side with an open back. There are no seatbelts and it is advisable to seat the children at the rear of the benches. The buses operate on the 4169 roads circling the island. The red and yellow taxis are an alternative to the Songthaews but they are more expensive. The standard of driving is poor in Thailand and Koh Samui does not have a good reputation. The roads are not a great standard and traffic jams are quite a common occurrence and busy between 4 pm and 6 pm. The police do regular road checks on the island, it is always advisable to carry a copy of your passport to save any confusion.

Hiring Transport

Hiring vehicles in Koh Samui is a great way to explore the island. Hire a car, jeep or scooters from your hotel reception and check the insurance status. The reputable hire companies such as the Yellow Rental in Bang Rak will source a car seat or a booster chair for the child safety in Koh Samui whilst travelling around. It is not advisable for children to stand at the front of the scooters. It is compulsory to wear helmets on the scooters and to use seat belts in the front of the car. Inform your hire company immediately if you have an accident.

Medical Care and Insurance

For your vacation check, the family has adequate travel insurance. Read the small print in the insurance policy about extreme sports and other high-risk activities. The Thai medical care system is expensive without adequate insurance cover. The island of Samui has excellent hospitals, dental and medical care facilities. On the main roads of Samui, there is an abundance of pharmacies for the minor ailments that children suffer. The pharmacists in Koh Samui speak excellent English. If you are unwell on vacation in Koh Samui medical help is nearby.

Child Care Koh Samui

There are reputable nanny services available on the island of Koh Samui. To use a nanny or babysitting service for some parents on vacation is unthinkable. For the parents who want or need quality time together, it is a great service. The islands nanny and babysitting services are vetted. Check out the nanny reviews online or on the social media platforms.

Have you travelled to Koh Samui with children? What are your family vacation experiences in Samui? Share your stories and thoughts with our readers about child safety in Koh Samui. Leave your comments below. Thank you to our model Phu Phu for the photographs.