Thailand for two months: our adventure with two children

8 Budget: how much does it really cost?

Transport: a plane ticket and a scooter, please!

Thailand for two months: our adventure with two children, good or bad idea?

As for the plane, no miracle, Thailand is not next door. We paid 1050 per person with Air France for Paris-Bangkok, then around 140 per person for direct flights Bangkok-Koh Samui .
A little tip: you can take a low-cost flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take a ferry to Koh Samui.

On site, we opted to hire a scooter (because yes, parking your car is another story). I hired a Honda Click 160 for 250 baht per day (approx. €7). My neighbour got a better deal by hiring two scooters for 150 baht per day each for six months. It's all a question of negotiation, size and duration!

For longer journeys or with the family, we also took taxis, grabs (local Uber) and songthaews (local shared taxis). A trip in a songthaew is still a good, economical way to explore the island.

Accommodation: welcome to the tropical version of Melrose Place

We rented a house with residential pool for 3500 for two months. A clean 80m2, with weekly cleaning and impeccable maintenance. Electricity is extra (normal in Thailand), but frankly, having a space all to ourselves was the best.

Do you think it's expensive? Well, Thailand is changing, so hang on tight when you see the prices on Airbnb.

Depending on the season, prices can vary (we were in high season) but there are always better deals and more choice if you book in advance. Personally, I booked in July for January.

Food: from street food to chic restaurants

If you want to be economical, street stands are unbeatable delicious, local and affordable. But with children, you sometimes want to vary the pleasures.

Our average budget per meal is 4 :

• 600 baht at the night market (one dish + drink for everyone)
• 1000-1500 baht in a classic restaurant (28-42€)
• 2900 baht for a more upmarket restaurant like the Malika Beach Club (But then, it was the whole package: aperitifs, shakes, desserts... in short, the party!)

Local supermarkets such as Big C or Tesco Lotus also offer reasonably-priced shopping if you want to cook for yourself. Imported products are often expensive, so it's best to buy local.

Activities: excursions, boxing and private lessons

• Excursion to Ang Thong or Koh Tao 1500 baht/adult, 1200 baht/child, i.e. around €150 for the whole family.The price includes We pick you up at your home (hotel or house), the speed boat, activities (snorkelling, kayaking), water throughout the day (keep well hydrated), lunch and drop-off at your home.
  You leave in the morning at 7.30am and you're back by 5.30pm, so you've got a good day ahead of you.
• Thai boxing Group courses 7000-9000 baht/month https://shivasamuibeachclub.com/(€200-260) or private lessons at 900-1000 baht/hour for Thai boxing but it can go up to 1800 baths at the BXB with an English teacher who is a former pro.
• Private English lessons with an American: 22€/hour. It's great when you speak French at home, with your neighbours and with your MMA teacher 😉 !
• One-hour massage 350 baht (around €10). A must for relaxing after a busy day!
• Organising our daughter's birthday party at SHIVA buffet at 400 baht per childdecoration at 500 baht and you can bring your own cake. A great way to celebrate a special event while travelling!

9 Our advice on travelling with your family with peace of mind

1. Respect children's rhythms (and your own too)

Travelling is great. Travelling with a 3-year-old and a 9-year-old is a challenge! Between naps, friends' birthdays and activities to try out, we've found our balance by getting organised and planning some 'off' time.

The infrastructure in Thailand is family-friendly. You'll find play areas, accessible swimming pools and even restaurants with areas dedicated to children.

2. Travel light (even if it's tempting to take the house with you)

A little detail to know: Bangkok Airways imposes a maximum hold weight of 20 kg on its flights to Koh Samuicompared with 23 kg on Air France. A good argument for not overloading your suitcases!

Tip: pack only the essentials and buy locally. Summer clothes are cheap and easy to find at local markets.

3. Accept the unexpected (and put things into perspective)

The little niggles, the unexpected, the heatstroke... Yes, there will be some. But frankly, at 30°C on an island paradise, it's much easier to cope!

Thai pharmacies are well-stocked and medical care is readily available, so don't panic if something goes wrong.

What's more, from my own experience, there's no headache here: you get an infection, you go to the chemist and he gives you an antibiotic cream straight away without going to a doctor!

Conclusion: an unforgettable experience

Going to Thailand for two months with two children, good or bad idea? Spoiler alert: it's GORGEOUS!

Between the heavenly beaches, the discovery of new cultures and a few logistical problems (otherwise it's not a real adventure), these two months in Thailand with my family were an incredible adventure.

The new flavours, the encounters and the discoveries, we come back enriched and with our heads full of memories.

I hope I've awakened in my children a desire for other places, different cultures, foreign languages and sunny lifestyles - in short, a little more openness!

If you're reluctant to embark on a long-haul trip with your children, my advice is simple: Go for it, just once, and make the most of every moment!

If you'd like to see more articles in this vein, click here. here 😉 !