Phuket · With kids

A short, sheltered bay with gentle shelving sand and a lifeguard flag system, quieter than Kata proper. Calmest from November to April. Any age.

Small marine centre at Cape Panwa run by the marine biological centre, with reef tanks and a touch pool. An hour or two. Ages 2+.

A saltwater lagoon with inflatable obstacle courses and slides near Cherng Talay, plus a shaded toddler area. Ages 4+ for the lagoon.

Twenty minutes by speedboat from Chalong to shallow snorkelling water — shorter and calmer than the Phi Phi run. Ages 6+.

Red flags on the west coast from May to October mean genuine rip currents. Swim early, retreat indoors from noon, and eat by six.