Schools, healthcare, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and everyday life on the island.
Moving to Koh Samui with children can be an exciting new chapter for your family. With beautiful beaches, international schools, outdoor activities, and a more relaxed pace of life, the island has plenty to offer beyond being a holiday destination.
But moving here with children takes a little more planning than booking a holiday. Choosing the right school, finding a convenient neighbourhood, and knowing where to access healthcare can make a big difference to everyday family life.
Here’s what you should consider before making the move.
1. Finding the Right School
One of the first things to consider is where your children will go to school.
Koh Samui has several international and bilingual schools offering different educational programmes.
Some well-known options include:
- International School of Samui (ISS) – Located in Bophut, offering a British-based education through secondary school.
- PBISS International School – In the Chaweng Noi area, following a Cambridge-based curriculum with a strong focus on STEM and extracurricular learning.
- Lamai International School – A smaller school in Lamai for children aged approximately 3–11.
- Windfield International School – Located in Lamai, offering international education with British and French pathways.
Before choosing a school, arrange a campus visit and ask about class sizes, school fees, available places, transport, and after-school activities.
A useful tip: If you already have a preferred school, try choosing your home around it rather than the other way around.
2. Choosing a Family-Friendly Area
Different parts of Koh Samui offer different lifestyles, and the best location often depends on your children’s school and your family’s daily routine.
Bophut & Bangrak
Convenient for families who want access to schools, supermarkets, restaurants, and healthcare. These areas are worth considering if your children attend school around Bophut or Chaweng.
Lamai
A good option for families looking for a more relaxed residential atmosphere, with local shops, restaurants, beaches, and international schooling options nearby.
Maenam
Known for its quieter residential setting, with houses and villas that can offer more garden space and privacy. However, school journeys to other parts of the island may take longer.
Chaweng Noi
Worth considering for families who want to be close to PBISS while still having access to beaches and everyday facilities.
3. Don’t Underestimate the School Run
Koh Samui may look small on a map, but travelling across the island every morning can take longer than expected.
Traffic around main roads, school entrances, and busy intersections can affect journey times, especially during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
Before signing a rental contract or buying a villa, try driving from the property to your chosen school during the actual morning school run.
Also check whether the school offers a bus service and which neighbourhoods its routes cover.
A beautiful villa may be tempting, but a convenient daily routine can be just as important.
4. Healthcare and Medical Services
Access to healthcare is another important consideration when relocating with children.
Koh Samui has both public and private hospitals, including:
- Bangkok Hospital Samui, which offers paediatric consultations, vaccinations, and developmental assessments.
- Wattanapat Hospital Samui, a private hospital with paediatric and other specialist services.
- Koh Samui Hospital, a public hospital offering general and paediatric care.
It’s worth checking which hospitals are covered by your family’s health insurance, whether your preferred paediatric services are available, and how far your home is from emergency care.
5. Activities and Life Outside School
One of the biggest attractions of raising children in Koh Samui is the opportunity to spend more time outdoors.
Families can enjoy beach days, swimming, football, cycling, and exploring the island’s natural surroundings.
Schools such as ISS and PBISS also offer extracurricular activities, giving children opportunities to make friends and develop new interests outside the classroom.
For younger children, consider looking for a neighbourhood with play areas, nearby cafés, family-friendly restaurants, and places to meet other parents.
These small things can make settling into a new country much easier.
6. What to Look for in a Family Home
When choosing a villa or house in Koh Samui, think beyond the number of bedrooms and the size of the swimming pool.
A few practical things are worth checking:
- Pool safety: Is the swimming pool secure and suitable for young children?
- Outdoor space: Is there a safe garden or play area?
- Road access: Is the road easy to use during heavy rain?
- Internet: Is reliable high-speed internet available for working from home?
- Daily convenience: How far are schools, supermarkets, hospitals, and children’s activities?
- Home safety: Are balconies, staircases, and outdoor areas suitable for your children’s ages?
You may also want to check water pressure, air conditioning, drainage, and whether the neighbourhood has nearby construction.
Final Thoughts: Making Koh Samui Feel Like Home
Moving to Koh Samui with children isn’t just about finding a beautiful villa. It’s about creating a comfortable daily routine where your family can enjoy island life without sacrificing access to education, healthcare, or everyday conveniences.
Before committing to a property, explore different neighbourhoods, visit schools, and spend time getting to know the surrounding area.
Looking for a family home in Koh Samui?
At My Thai House, we help families find villas and houses in locations that suit their lifestyle, school preferences, and long-term plans.
Whether you’re relocating for a year or planning to make Koh Samui your permanent home, finding the right location is a great place to start.
