Koh Chang with Kids
Calm shallow beaches, an easy waterfall & an east-coast sea kids can play in

White Sand Beach is Koh Chang's main, busiest beach — a convenient base for first-time families because you can walk to restaurants, convenience stores and shops for the basics. It's a long stretch of white sand, and the water at the northern end is fairly shallow with gentle waves, so kids can dig and paddle. There are plenty of beachfront resorts and restaurants to choose from, and the sunset stroll along the sand is lovely in the evening. It suits families who want both the beach and the convenience of finding food and supplies. One thing to know: parts of the beach have rocks exposed at low tide, so pack water shoes for the kids.

If you have little kids, Klong Prao is the answer — a long beach that's quieter than White Sand Beach, with soft sand, shallow water and gentle waves. At low tide you can walk out for ages without having to swim. Kids build sandcastles, collect shells and paddle in the shallows, and there's a row of family resorts with swimming pools to alternate with. Kids swim in the sea in the morning, then cool off in a resort pool — the most relaxed beach day on Koh Chang, and it never feels crowded. The Klong Prao estuary at one end is good for a kayak among the mangroves with older kids.

For a day that swaps the sea for a waterfall — Klong Plu is the biggest waterfall on Koh Chang, and it's good for kids because it's only a ~15-minute walk from the car park to the falls along a shaded, not-too-steep path. At the base there's a pool kids can swim in, with cool, clear fresh water and small fish to spot — kids love alternating fresh water with the sea. It works as a half-day of nature plus a swim. It's inside the Mu Ko Chang National Park, with rangers on hand and a clear, marked trail.

Kai Bae sits just south of Klong Prao, a quiet beach with little islands sitting just offshore that make a pretty backdrop for photos. At low tide some families can walk out to the nearest islet (check the tide and safety first). The water is clear and the mood relaxed, and nearby is the Kai Bae Viewpoint, where you look out over a string of islands at a beautiful sunset. It's a lovely place to bring kids in the early evening when the sun softens — for a family photo and a walk, then dinner by the beach. An easy evening for kids and adults alike.

On Koh Chang, the resort itself is a family activity — many beachfront resorts on Klong Prao and White Sand Beach have a swimming pool with a shallow children's section where kids can play all day without going anywhere. The bonus: on a rainy day, when the sea is choppy or the kids are tired, the resort pool is the hero, and it's safer than the open sea. Some resorts run kids' activities, kayaking in the estuary, and lend out rubber rings. Pick a resort with a kids' pool separate from the adult one, right by a calm shallow beach, and parents get to rest too while the kids stay happy.

For families with older kids, or anyone who wants the kids to see the underwater world — boat trips out to Koh Rang (inside the national park) and Koh Wai have clear water and shallow coral for good snorkelling. Many tours include a glass-bottom boat, so even little ones can watch fish and coral through the floor without getting in. Older kids who can swim snorkel alongside parents in a life jacket. Tours usually stop at several spots with lunch on board — for kids, choose a family tour that doesn't pack in too many stops.

Koh Chang takes its name from its elephant-shaped silhouette, and the island has elephant centres that have shifted to no-riding visits, which is better for the animals and a good lesson for kids. The focus is on feeding, bathing and learning about elephant behaviour rather than sitting on their backs — much better for an elephant's spine. Kids get close to the elephants safely under staff supervision and learn why we don't ride them. It's a memorable visit that quietly teaches children about caring for animals the right way. Choose a centre that clearly states no riding, where the elephants have room to walk and shade, and that doesn't use hooks.

Bang Bao Pier is at the southern end of the island, an old fishing village whose houses and shops are built along a wooden jetty out over the sea — a fun stroll with kids. Along both sides are souvenir shops, cafes and fresh seafood restaurants where you pick your fish or prawns. Kids get to see the fishing boats and tour boats lined up, and there's a little lighthouse at the end of the jetty for a photo. It's also the departure point for snorkelling tours and island-hopping boats, so if you're heading out the next day it's worth a scout. An easy half-day of a walk plus a seafood meal.

Not every day has to be an outing — on a rainy day (Koh Chang gets heavy rain in the wet season) or when the kids are worn out from travelling, the resort downtime day is the hero. Many family resorts have a covered pool or sala so kids can swim even in light rain. Kids swim in the children's pool, play with rubber rings, colour, read the books you packed or watch cartoons, while parents get a poolside break. Some resorts have table tennis, a playground or a games corner. A day like this keeps the trip from wearing everyone out and lets kids recharge for the next day. Pack books, small toys and crayons — they help a lot when it rains all day.

Good news for families — almost every restaurant on Koh Chang will make a dish mild or non-spicy, and there's always something kids eat easily, like fried rice, pad thai, rice with an omelette and stir-fried vegetables. The beachside star is mild grilled and steamed seafood — grilled prawns, steamed fish with lime (ask for little chilli), shellfish and squid — plus fresh coconut water and tropical fruit kids love. Western places around White Sand Beach do pizza, pasta and Western food if your kids want a change. Convenience stores carry milk, snacks and yogurt. Stick to bottled water.