Koh Samui With Autistic Children

Koh Samui, a beautiful island in Thailand, is an excellent destination for families, including those with autistic children. The island is a slice of paradise, with something for everyone – including families!

Getting to Koh Samui

The island is accessible via several transport options. The most convenient way to reach Koh Samui is by flying into Samui International Airport (USM), which has direct flights from major cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong. This can be pricey. You can then get a taxi or a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat on the mainland and then transfer to a ferry to Koh Samui. The ferry ride offers scenic views and can be an exciting start to your island adventure. There are also bus and train combinations from bigger cities that you can consider.

Personally, we have taken a night bus to Koh Samui from Bangkok, but usually fly to Surat Thani, take a bus to the pier and then take a ferry over to the island. At the pier there are taxis everywhere waiting to find passengers to take to their hotels.

Where to Stay

When choosing accommodation in Koh Samui, it’s essential to consider your family’s specific needs. Many resorts and hotels on the island cater to families and offer amenities that can help create a comfortable and enjoyable stay for autistic children.

• Chaweng Beach is one of the most popular areas, offering a variety of accommodations from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. The area has numerous restaurants, shops, and activities within walking distance, which can be convenient for families. We usually stay on Chaweng, or very close to it and always to the south. This area has easy access to beaches, scuba diving, restaurants, markets and shops. You can walk most places but might want to take transport further into Chaweng for nightlife. We have stayed at many hotels down here, in time I will go through my hotel bookings and try to add information about them to this article.
• Bophut is another excellent choice, known for its quieter atmosphere and family-friendly resorts. This area has a charming Fisherman’s Village, where you can enjoy a stroll along the beach and explore local shops and eateries.
• Lamai Beach provides a balance between the bustling Chaweng and the tranquil Bophut, offering a range of accommodations and family-friendly activities.
• Bang Po Beach is a lovely quiet area on the North of the island. We stayed here on one of our first trips to Koh Samui and it was absolute bliss. We stayed in little huts on the beach, at the time the hotel was called King Busch Reggae Reggae Beach, but is now called Coco Sunset Beach.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Koh Samui

Ang Thong National Marine Park

This beautiful archipelago consists of 42 islands featuring limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. A boat tour of the marine park can be a visually stimulating and exciting experience for children. You can book a boat tour out into the marine park online here.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

Located in the southeast of the island, this attraction allows children to see a variety of marine life and exotic animals. The aquarium offers a sensory-rich environment with colourful fish and interactive exhibits.

Paradise Park Farm

Situated on Khao Pom, the highest mountain on Koh Samui, this park is a haven for children. It features a variety of animals, a petting zoo, and breathtaking views. The farm offers a calm and nature-filled environment, perfect for children to explore and interact with animals.

Secret Buddha Garden

Nestled in the hills of Samui, this garden is filled with unique statues and lush greenery. It offers a peaceful and sensory-friendly environment for a leisurely walk and exploration.

Pig Island Trip

Take a day to go over to Pig Island and share your day with these gorgeous, but smelly, piggies. This tour via GetYourGuide includes kayaking and meals! Is this Thailand or the Bahamas!!?

Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary

Enjoy spending time with these giant animals! You will spend time feeding the elephants, helping to bathe them and watching them live and be in their natural environment. You can book this tour with GetYourGuide here.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Activity in Koh Samui

Beaches

Koh Samui is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Chaweng, Bophut, and Lamai beaches provide safe and clean environments where children can play in the sand and paddle in the shallow waters. We really enjoyed Chaweng beach, but near the south where it was much less busy than the central part of Chaweng.

Getting Around Koh Samui with Autistic Children

Navigating Koh Samui is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to plan to ensure a smooth experience, especially when traveling with autistic children. Here are some transport options:

• Taxis and Private Transfers: Taxis and private transfer services are widely available and can be a convenient option for families. Booking a private transfer in advance can provide a stress-free and comfortable journey from the airport to your accommodation.
• Songthaews: These are shared taxis or mini-buses that follow set routes around the island. They are an affordable option but can be crowded and less predictable, which might not be suitable for all families.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Many car rental agencies offer child seats and GPS navigation, making it easier to travel with children. We did this on neighbouring island Koh Phangan and it was such a good idea and helped us see so much more of the island.
• Motorbike Rentals: While motorbikes are popular for getting around Koh Samui, they are not recommended for families with young children due to safety concerns. We did this on a trip without our kids, and I was knocked off my bike on a quiet road near my hotel. The cars are ruthless on the roads here.

TIP: It might be helpful to know that Koh Samui has a ring-road right around the island. This makes it fairly easy to explore, but it does mean there is a bit of a one-way system in Chaweng and the first time a driver started to take us the opposite way from our hotel we really freaked out – but it was because of the ring road system.

Is Koh Samui Autism-Friendly?

Koh Samui offers a beautiful and relaxed environment that can be enjoyable for individuals with autism, particularly those who appreciate nature and less crowded settings. However, the island is not yet fully equipped with specialized autism-friendly services or widespread public awareness. For families and individuals with autism, careful planning, selecting appropriate accommodations, and choosing the right time of year to visit are crucial to ensure a positive experience.

Things That Make Koh Samui Stand Out

• Public transportation on Koh Samui is limited to taxis, songthaews (shared trucks), and scooters, with no major public transport system in place. This lack of infrastructure might make it easier to avoid crowded situations, but it also requires more careful planning for those who need to move around the island.
• Many resorts and hotels on Koh Samui cater to international visitors and may be more equipped to offer autism-friendly services. Some upscale resorts might offer quieter rooms, private pools, or villas that provide a more controlled environment. However, specialized services like sensory-friendly activities or staff trained in autism awareness are not yet common, so it’s important to contact accommodations directly to discuss any specific needs.
• Some areas of Koh Samui, especially the popular beaches like Chaweng and Lamai, can become crowded and noisy, particularly during peak tourist seasons. For a more relaxed experience, it’s advisable to visit less crowded areas or plan activities during off-peak times.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
2. Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
3. Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Thailand PECS and Koh Samui PECS.
4. Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

Koh Samui is a fantastic destination for families with autistic children, offering a range of activities and accommodations to suit your needs. With some preparation and planning, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday for everyone.

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