Our Family Tour in Thailand

The best weather is between November and February.

Consult your doctor to check vaccinations (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies and others for high-risk areas).

Take out health insurance covering medical expenses abroad and possible repatriation. If you plan to take part in water sports or forest excursions, find out about insurance cover. In France, be sure to register with Ariane.

To enter Thailand, you will need a passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Check whether you need a tourist visa.

Official website of the National Tourist Office of Thailand.

• Thailand telephone code +66
• Police: 191
• Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 1669
• Fire Brigade: 199
• Tourist Police (English-speaking): 1155
• Embassy or Consulate of your country :
  • In France: Royal Thai Embassy
    8, rue Greuze 75116 Paris
    Tel: 01.56.26.50.50
  • In UK : Royal Thai Embassy,

    29-30 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5JB
     +44 (0) 207 589 2944

     +44 (0) 207 823 7492

     consular.lon@mfa.go.th

The Thai Baht varies from 30 to 40 THB for 1€ (in 2024). It is always useful to have cash on hand, although credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major towns and tourist areas. ATMs are widely available (SuperRich Thailand offers more competitive rates than the rest of the exchange bureaus in general).

For any stay at Soneva Kiri, a private air transfer service is available for THB 30,000 – 40,000 for the family. We recommend this option to start your trip, so you’ll have plenty of adventure to look forward to afterwards.

Soneva Kiri has a number of fine restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of fine cuisine. Outside the resort, you can also discover local restaurants on Ko Kut. Our favourite is Chonthicha Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and authentic Thai dishes.

White sandy beaches such as Klong Chao and Ao Tapao are perfect for relaxing, swimming and playing with the kids.

Water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving are available to explore the crystal clear waters and colourful marine life.

Explore the rainforests and hidden waterfalls (Klong Chao).

• Transport to Ko Chang

Return to Laem Sok pier by boat. Transfer to Laem Ngop pier, 20 km away. Take a ferry from Laem Ngop to Ko Chang for 30 to 45 minutes. Total cost of the trip: THB 630-1,000 per person.

• Activities and places to visit

Mu Ko Chang National Park is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. You can hike through the jungle, see waterfalls such as Klong Plu and Than Mayom, or explore mangroves.

Hiking trails, such as the one leading to the Klong Neung waterfall, offer magnificent views of the island’s jungle and mountains.

Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding are popular around the island, particularly around the coral reefs off Bang Bao.

• On-site restaurants

Saffron on the Sea: This beachfront restaurant offers excellent Thai cuisine with panoramic ocean views.

Kati Culinary: Renowned for its cooking classes and authentic dishes, this restaurant is a must for lovers of Thai cuisine.

Leave the hotel and the island of Ko Kut to return to Leam Sok pier, then transfer by van to Trat (30 min drive).

Trat Museum: Housed in a historic building, this museum offers an insight into the history and culture of the region.

Wat Buppharam: A peaceful and beautifully decorated Buddhist temple, perfect for a quick visit and a quiet moment.

Stroll along the river and enjoy the view of traditional houses on stilts and colourful fishing boats.

You can book a private taxi or chauffeur-driven car through services such as Grab, Taxi2Airport, or local transport agencies. The journey takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Approximately THB 3,000 to 4,500 for a single journey.

Sanctuary of Truth: A magnificent carved wooden structure where children can learn about Thai culture and architecture. Cost: THB 500 per adult and THB 250 per child.

Pattaya Dolphinarium: Watch a dolphin show, where children can even have the chance to swim with these magnificent creatures. Cost: THB 600 per adult and THB 400 per child.

Mini Siam: A miniature park where children can see replicas of famous monuments from around the world. Cost: THB 300 per adult and THB 150 per child.

Bus, minivan or taxi for a 2-hour journey: 120 to 2,000 THB per person. Or train option, more picturesque but less flexible: THB 30 to 300 per person depending on class.

Once in Bangkok, it’s easy to get around on the BTS Skyline or by tuk-tuk.

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: Start your day with a visit to the Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. Don’t miss the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) inside the complex. Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and midday heat. Cost: THB 500 per adult, free for children under 120 cm.

Wat Arun and Wat Pho: Take a water taxi across the river to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), then return to the opposite bank to visit Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). Tip: Enjoy a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho, renowned for its massage school. Cost: Wat Arun – THB 100 per person, Wat Pho – THB 200 per person.

Bangkok National Museum and Temple of the Golden Mount (Wat Saket). Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the ascent to the Golden Mount. Cost: National Museum – THB 200 per adult, Wat Saket – THB 50 per adult.

KidZania Bangkok: An interactive activity centre where children can play at real jobs in a miniature city. Cost: Approximately 800 THB per child, 400 THB per adult.

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World: A spectacular aquarium located in the basement of Siam Paragon, perfect for an underwater adventure. Cost: Approximately THB 990 per adult, THB 790 per child.

Thip Samai Pad Thai: Considered one of the best places to eat Pad Thai in Bangkok. Specialities: Pad Thai with prawns, Pad Thai with crab.

Cabbages & Condoms: A unique restaurant with a social mission, offering delicious Thai food in a fun setting. Specialities: Som Tam, Laab, fresh seafood.

The Riverfront: A riverside night market with restaurants, shops and entertainment. Specialities: Grilled seafood, Satay, Thai desserts.

Domestic flights via Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia or Thai VietJet Air. Flights last 1? hours and there are several timetables available each day. Fares range from THB 1,500 to THB 4,000 per person.

Nature: Sirinat National Park, Monkey Hill hike, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park…

Boat trips: Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, Ko Racha Yai…

Unusual activities: Thai cooking classes, Flying Hanuman (zip-line through the jungle), Elephant sanctuary.

Mor Mu Dong: Hidden in a mangrove, this restaurant is popular with locals for its authentic dishes. Specialities: Grilled fish dishes, nam prik (chilli paste), and other traditional southern Thai dishes. Relaxed atmosphere, non-spicy dishes available.

Two Chefs Kata Beach: Known for its family atmosphere and international dishes. Specialities: Pasta, steaks, mild Thai dishes. Children’s menu, pencils and paper for drawing.

Blue Elephant Governor’s Mansion: Located in a historic colonial house, this restaurant offers a refined Thai dining experience. Specialities: Traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist. Tasting menu, non-spicy dishes available.

Option 1: Ferry from Rassada Pier (Phuket) to Tonsai Pier (Phi Phi Islands). 2-hour crossing for THB 350 to 600 per person, depending on class and company: Phi Phi Cruiser, Andaman Wave Master, Sea Angel Cruise. Ferries generally depart in the morning and early afternoon.

Option 2: Speedboat from Phuket (several departure points) to the Phi Phi Islands, 1-hour crossing for THB 1,200 to 1,800 per person, depending on the company: Phuket Private Boat Charter, Simba Sea Trips, or Island Hopper Phuket. Regular departures throughout the day.

Visit the island, bring good shoes that fit your feet well for walking. Go as far as Pileh Lagoon, a magnificent lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. The calm turquoise water is perfect for a leisurely swim and for exploring the coral reefs by snorkelling. The perfect spot for great photos!

Lunch at Phi Phi Don, Local café offering Thai dishes and international options. Child-friendly: Varied menu with options for younger children. Recommended dishes: Pad Thai, grilled seafood, fresh pastries.

To get to the hotel, private boat transfer from Tonsai Pier to Railey Beach, less than 2 hours crossing. Price: From THB 8,000 to THB 12,000 for a private boat, depending on the size and type of boat.

It’s a 5-10 minute walk from Railey Beach to the hotel.

Option 1: private car or taxi:

• Route: Rayavadee to Phuket via Than Bok Khorani National Park.
• Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours’ drive.
• Cost: THB 3,000 to 5,000 for a private car service.
• Than Bok Khorani National Park:
  • Admission: THB 300 per adult, THB 150 per child.
  • Activities: Hiking, exploring caves, swimming in waterfalls and natural pools, wildlife watching.

Option 2: Minivan or Bus :

• Journey: Rayavadee to Krabi by boat, then bus/minivan from Krabi to Phuket via the park.
• Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours.
• Cost: THB 1,000 to 1,500 per person.

On arrival in Phuket, you will go directly to the airport where a plane is waiting to take you to the island of Ko Samui.

Direct flight with Bangkok Airways: 1-hour journey, THB 3,000 to 5,000 per person.

Once you arrive at the island’s airport, you can take a pre-booked taxi to your hotel (THB 900 on average).

Visit the Na Muang Waterfalls: easy hike to picturesque waterfalls, ideal for a swim.

Beaches: Lamai Beach, less popular than Chaweng, the island’s main beach, but just as beautiful. Snorkelling, swimming, games on the beach. Suitable for children: Safe swimming areas, quieter atmosphere. Silver Beach (Haad Thong Ta-khian): A small hidden beach with clear water and fine sand. Snorkelling, beach games, rock exploration. Suitable for children: Calm and shallow water, perfect for young children.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo: An aquarium combined with a tiger zoo. Tropical fish viewing, animal shows, interaction with tigers. Suitable for children: Play areas and interactive activities.

Option 1: direct flight with Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways, 1h15 journey time for THB 2,500 to 5,000 per person, with regular departures throughout the day.

Option 2: Ferry from Ko Samui to Surat Thani, then fly from Surat Thani to Bangkok. Ferry companies: Seatran, Lomprayah. Airlines: Thai Lion Air, AirAsia. Duration: 3 to 4 hours (1? hours ferry + 1 hour flight + transfer time). Cost: THB 2,000 to 3,500 per person.

Explore Thailand’s most famous floating market, Damnoen Saduak, ideal for experiencing local culture and shopping. Cost: Organized tour from THB 1,200 per person.

Discover the fascinating story of Jim Thompson and admire his collection of Asian art on a tour of his home. Cost: THB 200 per adult, THB 100 per child.

Bangkok Science Museum and Planetarium: A fun and educational place for children with interactive exhibits. Cost: THB 50 per adult, THB 30 per child.

The Deck by the River: Restaurant with a breathtaking view of Wat Arun. Specialities: Thai and international cuisine.

Chocolate Ville: Restaurant and theme park offering a unique outdoor dining experience. Asian and European fusion cuisine.

Vertigo and Moon Bar: Restaurant on the roof of the Banyan Tree Hotel, offering a panoramic view of Bangkok. International cuisine and seafood.