Thailand for two months: our adventure with two children
7 Activities and sports
This article, "Thailand for two months: our adventure with two children (part 3)", was intended to bring the series to a close, but as you can see, there's a lot to do.
And if I want to give you some little tips that will save you time upstream or on the spot without you taking ten years to read the article, I'll limit it to this one chapter. Happy reading!
Organising daily life with the children
The activities obviously depend on the age of the children and their individual pace.
For 3-year-olds
Our son attends the crèche 4 days a week, three hours in the morning. This gives him the opportunity to meet other children, get used to a new environment and have more toys (the suitcases limit the amount of toys he can take).
One special feature: the crèche is in English. Difficult at first, but he soon got used to it.
Here are a few points that blow us away:
- One teacher for four children (nothing to do with France!)
- A small group of around 15 children
- An outdoor garden where they can play freely
- Access to a photo site to follow their day
- However, no comforter is allowed... So we cut out a small piece and hide it in his pocket!
At midday, we meet up again: Lunch, siesta, pool, games and dinner together.
For the big
In addition to the schoolShe has several school-related activities after school:
- Tuesday: Mindful colouring
- Wednesday: board games
- Thursday: inline skating (only paying activity, outside the school with shuttle bus)
Weekends are reserved for family activities and birthdays 😉
And what about the parents?
While the children are busy, we work in the mornings and enjoy the afternoons and weekends as a family (which was the aim).
Pool temperature test (for science, of course), massages for the lady and sport for me.
For my part :
- One-to-one English lessons with an American teacher (1 hour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Well yes, in our family we speak French, my MMA teacher is French, our neighbours are French so we have to work on our English all the same 😉 . - Combat sports, with a preference for Thai boxing and MMA.
A lot of people come here to train and there's no shortage of clubs, but it's hard to find anything other than (normal) Thai boxing.
I started with private Thai boxing lessons as I couldn't attend the normal classes (because of the times when I take the children to school) at the Jun Muay Thai Camp Lamai.
Then I joined Elite Fight CenterIt's a brand new 800 m² gym in Chaweng, with a ring, tatami mats, cage, new equipment and a French MMA instructor. I go there 4 times a week.
Le Punch It Gym also looks very good in Thai Boxing but the timetable didn't match and the BXB Fight lab will also help you improve your English
Family activities
Visit to Ang Thong National Marine Park
An incredible experience!
Ang Thong Marine National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, west of Koh Samui.
Established in 1980, the park is renowned for its spectacular rock formations, sheer limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, hidden lagoons and pristine beaches.
You embark at 7.30 am (hotel) then speed boat (be careful, it's a bumpy ride back!) and the day is well spent:
- A bit of snorkelling to observe the underwater life
- Kayaking (quick, but fun)
- A long hike, well worth it for the panoramic views
With a 15-kilo baby on my back, I had a hell of a time, but it was magical when I got to the top!
Excursion to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
These paradise islands are famous for their sublime beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Koh Taonicknamed 'Turtle Island', is renowned for its exceptional dive sites and relaxed atmosphere.
Koh Nang Yuan is a small island about 15 minutes by boat from Koh Tao. It is famous for its three islets linked by white sandbanks, creating an incredibly picturesque scene.
On the programme:
- Snorkelling in one of Thailand's most beautiful spots
- Relaxing on white sandy beaches
- Climb to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint (a breathtaking view, but be sure to bring good shoes)
A real moment of disconnection!
Samui Elephant Spa
You're spending a memorable day at the Samui Elephant SpaA unique opportunity to prepare food for the elephants, walk with them through the jungle and take part in a mud bath alongside them. This immersive experience allows young and old alike to get up close and personal with these majestic animals in an ethical and respectful environment.
Samui Grand Safari Tour
To explore the island in depth, you can opt for the Samui Grand Safari Tour. Although we've already covered part of the island by scooter and via Grab, this 'all-inclusive' tour offers you a rewarding experience, even if some of the visits are repeats for us. The tour includes :
- Wat Plai Laem temple, already visited but as magnificent as ever
- The Big Buddha
- A 4×4 excursion into the mountains to admire the best viewpoints on the island
- The temple of Teepangkorn perched in the heights
- The magic garden
- A delicious meal
- Discovering a coconut plantation
- Namuang Falls
- The mummified monk at the Kuranam temple
- The rock formations of Grandma and Grandpa
This jam-packed day is a great way to discover Koh Samui's must-sees with the whole family.
Other must-sees
- Beaches and restaurants : We tried out a number of spots where we could spend some time with the family.
I give you the best for us with the children...-Fisherman village : Coco Tam's (in the evening, if you can, an excellent fire juggling show).Still in Bophut : Malika Beach Club (very nice with children, nursery, swimming pool, you can eat in the trees...not cheap but great).In Lamai :
–Nana Tam restaurant A classic (go early in the evening or make a reservation).–Punch it café The Thai boxing gym of the same name ... the breakfasts are woaouhh
–Coffee Corner It's not complicated, they've seen me almost every day for the cappuccino and you can eat there at lunchtime too (very good).
–Lamai night market : Well, it used to be only on Sunday evenings but now you can go every day... it's very busy but there's a great choice of food with a wide variety of stalls and a great atmosphere.
– Salathai The restaurant looks classy from the outside but the prices are very reasonable, so don't hesitate to go (the sole is a real treat).
The list is not exhaustive, of course, but on the whole, we ate well everywhere!–Le Baobab Run by a Frenchman, it's very good, square service ...to do
Scooter tour of the island The ideal place to stop where you like the view. Special mention should be made of the magnificent and peaceful Maenam beach.
- Fisherman Village A place not to be missed, with its small markets, restaurants and summer atmosphere.
- Sports halls : For fitness enthusiasts, there are a variety of options available just about everywhere.
In Chaweng you have a 1,000 m2 hall next to the Fight Elite Center.
But you'll also find lots of yoga, retreats, fitness programmes etc., but on this point I can't help you because we haven't tested it.
Birthdays: a special experience
If your child attends a local school, you should know that birthdays are a serious matter here!
My daughter was a little sad not to be celebrating in France, but she soon changed her mind. On her first weekend, she was invited to a party.
What you need to know :
- In class, you have to bring a cake, plates and cutlery for everyone, because yes, this is a 'class in its own right' (pardon the pun).
- For the party, we've chosen Shiva Beach Club Swimming pool, trampoline, slides and buffet organised by the club. The kids love it!
And you don't have to worry too much, because they can also do the decorating for you if you don't want to worry too much.
On LamaiIn theory, birthdays are celebrated there, so I'll save you some time with my information 😉 .Conclusion
In "Thailand for two months: our adventure with two children (part 3)There are so many activities on the island and I'd like to thank all the people I've met who live there or visit regularly for their opinions and advice.
In fact, I'm tempted to tell you to do the same...despite this article, ask, listen and test...
The last article will therefore deal with the budget (aie) and advice on how to travel with peace of mind as a family.If you want to read other articles in the style click here 😉
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