We've got a 1 year old, and we spend a lot of time at home, but it would be handy to have a list of child-friendly places on Samui (Phangan/Tao). We eat out quite a bit, but there isn't much in terms of playgrounds etc. and the attractions (aquarium etc.) aren't exactly cheap for weekly visits. Anybody got any child friendly places to share, or any child-unfriendly ones for that matter?
We went to the playground at Koh Samui Hospital and I'm sorry to say that it's in a terrible state. Mainly rusty metal climbing frames, swings and slides which are downright dangerous with large bits of jagged rusted metals exposed. Would be an ideal project for a charitable org to work on.
We tend to let her go on the rides at the children's area if we are in Tesco Lotus, but would prefer her to be outdoors running around. I guess the problem is the heat outside.
Most of the resturants we go to the staff fawn over her and would quite happily hold her for us, but she's getting more independent and is not into being held as much now, unless it's by her Mum or Dad. The only restaurant we've been to that I clearly remember having a child seat was the Italian place in Bophut which does a beautiful white snapper fillet. Anyone remember the name of it?
Good Places To Take Kids
Started by naomisri, 2007-05-28 15:06
#2
naomisri
Senior Member Posted 2007-05-30 15:24:31
So either nobody has kids, or knows anyone with kids, or there's nowhere to go?!
#3
Beachedwhale
Senior Member Posted 2007-05-30 15:42:47
So either nobody has kids, or knows anyone with kids, or there's nowhere to go?! I have kids and have lived on Samui for a while and not found anywhere such as a decent playground. It has been so frustrating that I have actually started the process of looking to build one myself. I have found the perfect location, have started doing the feasibility study, have investors lined up, have specialist (off-shore) playground designers providing input etc ... just stuck in the process at this time. It may happen, it may not, but I will keep looking into it until I strike some barriers too large to continue, or it will actually come to fruition ... in the mean time my kids have to play at home or on the beach or a vacant plot of land nearby... #4
naomisri
Senior Member Posted 2007-05-31 00:05:01
Is this a community kind of project or an "attraction" of some kind? Coming from London, I'm used to tons of free stuff to do from city farms to museums, it's a bit sad not to be able to expose my daughter to any of it. Before anyone starts - I am quite aware of the benefits of being here - otherwise I wouldn't be here, this isn't a moan about Samui
 I know your frustrations though, hope you manage to get there sooner or later (before the kids are grown up!  ). BTW, I wouldn't mind paying the cost of entrance to the attractions here if they offered a bit more, there are only so many times you can walk up and down the butterfly garden before you realise it's pretty much the same as walking out of your front door - at least at my house anyway!
#5
Master of the court
Senior Member Posted 2007-05-31 06:40:56
Is this a community kind of project or an "attraction" of some kind? Coming from London, I'm used to tons of free stuff to do from city farms to museums, it's a bit sad not to be able to expose my daughter to any of it. Before anyone starts - I am quite aware of the benefits of being here - otherwise I wouldn't be here, this isn't a moan about Samui I know your frustrations though, hope you manage to get there sooner or later (before the kids are grown up! ). BTW, I wouldn't mind paying the cost of entrance to the attractions here if they offered a bit more, there are only so many times you can walk up and down the butterfly garden before you realise it's pretty much the same as walking out of your front door - at least at my house anyway!Same problem here......my daughter is 8, ........ I asked this forum, for play mates for her......and not overpriced baby sitters.......but no replies. In June her friends will come from EU......and I was thinking of a birthday party.......but where should I bring them except for the beach........OK the beach is great, but thats where they will be going all the other days....... #6
Rooo
Titanium Member Posted 2007-05-31 06:52:10
Isn't there a new water park opening? One of the things I used to with the kids ( Don't laugh) is camp in the backyard.We used to have some good little adventures & cook all these little funny dishes they invented.
I know this is not suitable for a one year old,sorry memory lane is in full flight. What about a small swing & a sand pit in the backyard ? Edited by Rooo, 2007-05-31 06:56:26. #7
stonybonytony
Senior Member Posted 2007-05-31 09:24:15
On Phangan, there's 2 elephant trecking places, you can go and see the elephants for free, or 20 baht for a bunch of bananas to feed them. 3 year old loved going to see them, though also a little bit terrified. And there's a monitor lizard farm in Chaloklum, turn right just before the 7-11 going towards coral bay/Haad Khom, though it's only good for one visit, once you've seen them they don't really do much else.
#8
naomisri
Senior Member Posted 2007-05-31 10:35:55
Yep, we've fed the elephants at Hin Lad too, 20 baht a basket of bananas there too. When she's a bit older I'll take her on them, but she was a little scared just feeding them for now. Not sure if it's the same deal at Namuang, but I imagine so.
#9
meatgrowler
Senior Member Posted 2007-05-31 16:49:41
Yep, we've fed the elephants at Hin Lad too, 20 baht a basket of bananas there too. When she's a bit older I'll take her on them, but she was a little scared just feeding them for now. Not sure if it's the same deal at Namuang, but I imagine so. Take her to the tiger zoo show and aquarium...great for picnics....and a lush beach too....what about the crocodile farm,monkey theatre and buffalo shows...dont reckon shed like the mummified monk though! #10
The Vulcan
Platinum Member Posted 2007-05-31 20:44:47
Isn't there a new water park opening? #11
Jet Gorgon
Platinum Member Posted 2007-05-31 21:01:35
Crikes, you live in a geriatric farang compound, Naomi? There are swarms of ankle-biters all over Samui. The ones I knew played under the shade of the cashew and mango trees everyday, and then at 5pm, it was beachtime. Lots of kiddies around then. Take your child and sit yourself down on the beach near another family. Instant playmates. I don't think one-yr-olds need razzle dazzle, just something their size to play with.
What happened to that monthly Samui club with the family days? #12
naomisri
Senior Member Posted 2007-05-31 21:13:33
If you mean Network Samui Jet, 'tis no more. She has more than enough babies to play with, but it's great mind expanding stuff actually seeing/touching/hearing the animals that she's learning the words for too for example. If you read my original post you can see that I was asking about child-friendly places to go to (we go to the beach every day), restaurants that have child seats, or helpful staff and don't look disturbed if your kid throws their food on the floor etc. Kids LOVE new experiences which broaden their minds. Limiting it to taking them to the beach every day is a bit like telling someone in the West not to bother with more than a park.
#13
Jet Gorgon
Platinum Member Posted 2007-06-01 00:28:16
OK, OK, Naomi. Happy Elephant in Bophut also has high-chairs. But, hey, everyone improvises for kids in Thailand. Adults throw their food on the floor, too; more acceptable for kids tho -- never seen a Thai get angry for a kid making a mess in their restaurant. Where are you dining out?
What about that playroom in south Chaweng (help Samuites)? Really nice lady. It's a sitter place, but you can take your daughter there and do grown-up stuff at the same time. 1-yr-old, dunno. Thought interaction with other kids is best at that age. They need familiarity to feel safe and grow confidence. That's why she doesn't like to be held by other people, maybe. |
Sponsored By: |
