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Scuba Diving in Koh Lanta | Technical & Cave Diving Center
What We Actually Use for Beach Days with Kids in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a tropical paradise and a dream destination for families. Stretching approximately 28 kilometres from north to south, the island is home to many beautiful beaches, soft sand, and plenty of space for little ones to run, play, and explore.
One thing many people don’t realise before arriving is that most of Koh Lanta’s public beaches have very limited facilities. Unlike some European beach destinations, you won’t find rows of sunbeds, umbrellas, or shaded areas available for public use. Some beachfront restaurants offer bamboo huts, umbrellas, or seating for their customers, but it’s always good to purchase a drink, meal, or snack if you’re using their facilities—and some establishments may require it.
When traveling with children, beach days can quickly become surprisingly expensive. Imagine a family of four stopping for smoothies after a swim. Four smoothies can easily cost around 500 THB, which is approximately €13. While that’s not unreasonable for an occasional treat, those costs can add up quickly if you’re spending every day at the beach.
Over the years, we’ve developed our own beach-day routine and found a few essential items that make our days easier, more comfortable, and more budget-friendly. Here’s what we actually pack for beach days with kids in Koh Lanta.
OUR BEACH DAY SET-UP
Before we leave home, we pack everything into one large reusable grocery bag. It may not be the most stylish beach bag, but it's waterproof, easy to clean, lightweight, and large enough to fit everything we need.
Portable beach umbrella
The tropical sun can be intense, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A portable beach umbrella provides instant shade wherever you go and allows you to stay comfortable even on beaches with very little natural shade.
Choose a lightweight model that can be easily carried and securely anchored into the sand.
This is probably our most-used beach item. Can be easily found from Saladan night market, Old Town and the many street stalls around Koh Lanta.
Foldable beach mat
Beach towels
Simple but essential. We always pack lightweight towels that dry quickly and don’t take up too much space in our beach bag.
Instead of using an expensive beach bag, we use large reusable grocery bags. They are honestly one of the most useful things we own for beach days in Koh Lanta.
We love them because they are:
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Waterproof and easy to wipe clean
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Big enough for towels, toys, snacks, and spare clothes
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Lightweight and easy to carry
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Cheap and easy to replace
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Available in supermarkets and shops all over Thailand
We can throw in wet towels, sandy toys, water bottles, fruit, and snorkel gear without worrying about ruining the bag. After a beach day, we simply shake out the sand and rinse the bag if needed. For families with young children, practicality usually wins over style!
Our verdict: Practical beats pretty when you're carrying half the beach for your children.
Beach Bag: Our Most Practical Hack
Long-Sleeved Swimwear
For children, long-sleeved swimwear is one of the best investments you can make.
It provides excellent protection from the sun and significantly reduces the amount of sunscreen needed throughout the day.
Sun Protection Essentials
Swimming Hats
A good swimming hat is essential in Thailand's heat.
Children often spend hours moving between the sea and the sand, and a hat helps protect their face, ears, and neck from direct sunlight.
Beach Shoes
Beach shoes are a must-have for us.
The sand can become extremely hot during the middle of the day, and some beaches have areas with rocks, coral fragments, shells, or occasionally even broken glass.
A comfortable pair of beach shoes helps prevent burns, cuts, and other unpleasant surprises.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
This is an important one.
If you're planning boat trips, snorkelling excursions, or visits to Thailand's national parks, make sure you use reef-safe sunscreen.
Marine ecosystems are extremely sensitive to chemicals found in traditional sunscreens. Thailand has regulations in place to help protect coral reefs, and certain products may not be permitted in marine protected areas.
Using reef-safe sunscreen helps protect both your family and the environment.
Snacks, Fruit & Hydration
Children always seem to get hungry at the beach (and everywhere you go).
Before heading out, we usually stop at one of the many fruit stalls around Koh Lanta and pick up some fresh tropical fruit. Watermelon, pineapple, apples, oranges, mango, grapes, dragon fruit, and papaya are all great options.
We also always bring small snacks with us. Having familiar snacks on hand helps avoid expensive impulse purchases and keeps everyone happy between meals.
Refillable water bottles
Hydration is essential in Thailand's tropical climate.
We bring refillable water bottles for everyone and make sure they are filled before leaving home. Not only does this save money, but it also helps reduce plastic waste on the island.
Beach day Tip: Small electrolyte bags are available in almost every 7-Eleven on Koh Lanta for around 7–10 THB each and are a great way to stay hydrated on hot beach days. Simply mix into a bottle of water for a quick hydration boost
Fun in the Water
One of the best things about Koh Lanta is the opportunity to explore the underwater world.
Snorkel and Mask
Eventhough we recommend to take a snorkeling trip to discover the beautiful coral reefs close to Koh Lanta, on some of the island's beaches, children can still spot small fish, shells, and marine life close to shore.
Having your own snorkel and mask makes you always ready for a spontaneous underwater adventure. Of course, for younger children, it's good to practise in the shallow water first before venturing further out.
Beach Toys
The good news is that beach toys are easy to find almost everywhere on Koh Lanta and usually cost very little.
Our children's current favourites are water toys that squirt water from their mouths. They're simple and provide endless entertainment. A bucket and shovel set is also always a winner.
Safety First
Kids are adventurous, and small accidents happen. When children spend their days running barefoot, climbing rocks, exploring beaches, and playing in the sand, small cuts and scrapes are almost inevitable.
Cleaning wounds properly is especially important in tropical environments like in Thailand, where heat, humidity, sand, and seawater can increase the risk of infection.
That's why we never leave for the beach without these items.
Small First Aid Kit
Our beach first aid kit includes:
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Plasters
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Betadin (helps kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection, easy to apply to small cuts)
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Basic wound cleaning solution
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Baby wipes
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Tweezers
The kit doesn't take up much space and can be incredibly useful when needed.
Instead of buying a dedicated first aid case, we use a reusable food container. It's an eco-friendly option that seals tightly, keeping plasters, wipes, and medicines protected from sand, splashes, and humidity.
Why We Always Bring Vinegar
One item that's good to have with you is vinegar.
Occasionally, jellyfish—or small pieces of jellyfish—can be present in the sea water. Most encounters are minor, but they can cause painful stings.
For many common jellyfish stings, vinegar is recommended as an immediate first-aid treatment. If a sting occurs:
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Rinse the affected area with seawater (never fresh water)
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Apply vinegar directly to the affected area
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Avoid rubbing the skin
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Hot water may help reduce discomfort and pain
If symptoms are severe or you are unsure about the type of sting, it's always good to play it safe and visit one of the many clinics on the island.
Our Complete Beach-Day Packing List
Beach days are one of the best parts of family life in Koh Lanta. With a little preparation, they can also be affordable, comfortable, and more stress-free.
To help make your beach adventures a little bit easier, we've put together a list of our favourite beach-day essentials, including the products we personally use and recommend for families visiting Koh Lanta.
✅ Portable beach umbrella
✅ Foldable beach mat
✅ Long-sleeved swimwear
✅ Swimming hats
✅ Beach shoes
✅ Reef-safe sunscreen
✅ Snorkel & mask
✅ Beach toys
✅ Refillable water bottles
✅ Beach towels
✅ Small first aid kit
✅ Vinegar
✅ Beach bag
Whether you're spending only a few days on the island or enjoying a longer stay, having the right gear can make all the difference—and help you spend less time worrying and more time making amazing memories!
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