Thailand Adventure 2026 · The Gang of 14

Journey Overview

Flights & Travel

Dubai to paradise and back — four flights, three islands, one unforgettable journey for 14 travellers.

✈ Flight 1 · Outbound · Saturday 23 May 2026

✈ Emirates Online Check-In → Check-in opens 48 hrs before departure

✈ Flight 2 · Island Hop · Wednesday 27 May 2026

Options — Per Person · HKT → USM

AIRLINE

STOPS

PRICE/PAX

14 PAX

CHECK-IN

✈ Bangkok Airways (PG)

Direct

~AED 590

~AED 8,260

Check-In →

💡 Bangkok Airways is the only airline flying direct HKT–USM (56 flights/week). A meal is served onboard even on this 55-min hop! Book at bangkokair.com.

✈ Flight 3 · Samui → Phuket · Friday 29 May 2026

Options — Per Person · USM → HKT

AIRLINE

STOPS

PRICE/PAX

14 PAX

CHECK-IN

✈ Bangkok Airways (PG)

Direct

~AED 590

~AED 8,260

Check-In →

⚠️ Aim for a flight arriving Phuket by 3:00 PM to allow 4+ hrs buffer before your 7:55 PM Emirates departure to Dubai.

✈ Flight 4 · Return Home · Friday 29 May 2026

✈ Emirates Online Check-In → Check-in opens 48 hrs before departure · Be at HKT by 5:30 PM latest

💰 Estimated Total Flight Costs · 14 Passengers · All 4 Flights

Emirates (Flights 1 & 4) × 14

~AED 91,840

~AED 3,280/person each way

Bangkok Airways (Flights 2 & 3) × 14

~AED 16,520

~AED 590/person each way

Grand Total (Est.)

~AED 108,360

~AED 7,740 per person · all flights

Prices are indicative estimates based on current market data. Kids under 2 fly free on lap; ages 2–11 typically 75% of adult fare. Book Bangkok Airways legs early at bangkokair.com.

🛂 Thailand Entry

UAE passport holders enter visa-free for 30 days — no visa required!

However, you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 3 days before arrival. If other nationalities are travelling, apply via the official e-Visa portal.

🛂 Thailand Arrival Card (TDAC) → 🌐 Official Thailand e-Visa Portal →

Phuket · 23–26 May (+ transit 29 May)

Where to Stay

Phuket's finest resorts perfectly suited for families with pools, beaches and world-class service.

🌴

Layan Beach · North Phuket

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 (928 reviews)

Nestled between the lush forested hills and the soft white sands of secluded Layan Beach. Private pool villas, stunning beach access and an extraordinary breakfast buffet that guests rave about. Perfect for families who want total privacy.

⭐ Top Pick 🏊 Private Pool Villas 🏖 Beachfront

📞 +66 76 317 200

🏨

Patong · West Phuket

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 (5,149 reviews)

A family paradise with multiple pools, a private powder-sand beach, ping pong, pool tables, floor chess, daycare, ice cream bar and a dedicated kids' playground. Exceptionally reviewed for families — coral reef snorkeling right off the beach!

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Favourite 🪸 Coral Reef Beach 🎮 Kids Activities

📞 +66 76 335 300

🌅

Cape Panwa · South Phuket

Sri Panwa Luxury Pool Villa Hotel

★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 (814 reviews)

Perched atop a verdant promontory with 360° views of the Andaman Sea. Each villa has its own private pool and the sunsets are legendary — guests describe them as "the best sunset I've ever seen." World-class spa and intimate atmosphere.

🌊 Panoramic Views 🛁 Luxury Spa 🌇 Best Sunsets

📞 +66 76 371 000

💡 Recommendation: With 4 families including 6 kids, the Phuket Marriott Merlin Beach is the top pick for its unbeatable family amenities and private beach. Consider booking adjacent villas or a dedicated family wing. The Anantara Layan is a premium alternative for more secluded luxury.

Day by Day

The Full Itinerary

Every day planned with time slots, activities, and options for both adults and kids.

Day

Saturday, 23 May

Arrival Day · Phuket

🌴 Phuket

10:25 AM

✈️Depart Dubai (DXB)

Board your flight from Dubai International. Settle in for ~6.5 hour journey. Time to get excited!

8:00 PM

🛬Arrive Phuket International Airport

Clear immigration, collect luggage. Pre-arrange private minivans (14 pax) for resort transfer — 30–45 min to most resorts.

9:00 PM

🏨Check-in & Settle In

Check into your resort. Freshen up after the long flight. Kids can hit the pools if energy permits!

10:00 PM

🍽️Welcome Dinner at Resort

Dine at the resort restaurant for convenience on arrival night. Most top resorts serve exceptional Thai and international cuisine.

Day

Sunday, 24 May

Island Explorer · Phuket

🌴 Phuket

8:00 AM

🍳Buffet Breakfast at Resort

Start with the legendary resort breakfast — fresh tropical fruits, pastries, eggs, and Thai delights. The kids will love the spread!

9:30 AM

🛥️Full-Day Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay Boat Trip

Private speedboat for the group to Phi Phi Islands. Snorkel the crystal-clear waters, explore Maya Bay (The Beach filming location), stop at Monkey Beach. Lunch on board. One of the most iconic experiences in SE Asia — breathtaking for adults and kids alike.

5:30 PM

🌅Return & Sunset at Phromthep Cape

After the boat tour, head to Phuket's most famous sunset viewpoint. Arrive by 6:15 PM for the golden hour. Iconic photo opportunity for the whole gang.

8:00 PM

🍜Dinner: Three Monkeys Restaurant

Magical tree-top dining in the jungle canopy. Live music, stunning ambiance, excellent food at very reasonable prices. Kids absolutely love the atmosphere. Rated 4.5/5 with 14,000+ reviews.

Day

Monday, 25 May

Culture & Adventure · Phuket

🌴 Phuket

8:30 AM

🍳Breakfast at Resort

Relaxed morning breakfast by the pool before a cultural day ahead.

10:00 AM

🕌Big Buddha & Wat Chalong Temple

Visit the iconic 45-metre white marble Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill — visible from across Phuket. Then explore Wat Chalong, Phuket's most revered Buddhist temple. A wonderful cultural experience for the children. Bring scarves to cover shoulders.

12:30 PM

🍛Lunch: Phaka Krong Authentic Southern Thai

A perfect 5.0-rated local gem beloved by both locals and visitors. Authentic Southern Thai crab curry, crispy pork, crab fried rice. No tourists — pure flavour. Complimentary desserts. Excellent for the whole group.

2:30 PM

🏄Kata Beach & Water Activities

Head to stunning Kata Beach. Kids can try beginner surfing (instructors available), while adults enjoy snorkelling, paddleboarding or simply relaxing on the white sand. One of Phuket's most beautiful family beaches.

6:00 PM

🛍️Phuket Old Town & Boat Quay Market

Stroll the colourful Sino-Portuguese streets of Phuket Old Town. Browse local shops, snap photos of the pastel shophouses. Grab Thai street food and fresh coconuts.

8:30 PM

🌙Dinner: Day & Night of Phuket

Michelin-listed restaurant known for creative cocktails, crispy pork dishes, and a vibrant atmosphere. Modern Thai fusion in a stylish setting. Perfect for a large group evening out.

Day

Tuesday, 26 May

James Bond & Kayaking · Phuket

🌴 Phuket

7:30 AM

🍳Early Breakfast

Early start for today's full-day excursion. Pack sunscreen, hats and swimwear!

9:00 AM

🏝️James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Tour

Full-day private boat tour to the jaw-dropping limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay. Visit the iconic Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island from "The Man with the Golden Gun"). Sea kayak through hidden caves and mangrove lagoons. Absolutely spectacular for kids and adults alike — a top 10 Thailand experience.

1:00 PM

🍱Floating Seafood Lunch on the Bay

Fresh seafood lunch at one of the floating restaurants in the bay. Grilled fish, prawns, and rice with stunning views of the karst islands all around you.

4:30 PM

🏊Resort Pool & Spa Afternoon

Return to resort for a relaxed pool afternoon. Adults can indulge in the resort spa — Thai massages and treatments. Kids enjoy the pool with childcare if available.

8:00 PM

🥩Farewell Phuket Dinner: The Garden Phuket

Beautifully atmospheric garden restaurant with electric atmosphere. Known for Australian premium beef, mini burgers, and incredible French toast. A favourite among expats and visitors alike. Perfect final Phuket dinner for the group.

10:00 PM

🧳Pack for Koh Samui

Prepare bags for tomorrow's early morning flight to Koh Samui. Early rise required!

Day

Wednesday, 27 May

Island Hop to Koh Samui

✈️ Travel 🏝 Koh Samui

6:00 AM

⏰Early Rise & Check-Out

Check out of Phuket resort. Transfer to Phuket Airport for morning flight to Koh Samui. Book private minivans.

Morning

✈️Flight: Phuket → Koh Samui (~55 mins)

Bangkok Airways operates this scenic route. Koh Samui Airport is one of the world's most beautiful — open-air with tropical gardens. Short and exciting for kids.

Late AM

🏨Check-In: Koh Samui Resort

Check into your luxury resort. Freshen up and explore the property. Most Koh Samui luxury resorts offer welcome drinks and room tours.

1:00 PM

🍹Pool Lunch & Relaxation

Chill afternoon by the resort pool. Today is a transition day — let the kids splash around while adults enjoy a cold Chang beer or tropical cocktail.

4:00 PM

🌊Chaweng Beach Exploration

Head to Chaweng — Koh Samui's most famous beach. Clear turquoise water, golden sand, water sports including jet skis, banana boats and parasailing for the adventurous ones.

7:30 PM

🦞Dinner: Beachfront Seafood

Feast on fresh Samui seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants at Fisherman's Village, Bang Rak. Grilled whole fish, tiger prawns, and Thai curries with feet in the sand.

Day

Thursday, 28 May

Nature & Adventure · Koh Samui

🏝 Koh Samui

8:00 AM

🌺Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy the resort's morning spread. Many Samui resorts have outdoor breakfasts with stunning sea views.

9:30 AM

🐘Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Visit a responsible elephant sanctuary in the Koh Samui highlands. Walk with elephants, feed them, learn about conservation. Children absolutely adore this experience — truly memorable and educational. Choose sanctuaries that don't offer rides (more ethical).

12:00 PM

💦Na Muang Waterfalls

Hike to Koh Samui's stunning Na Muang waterfalls — a purple-hued cascade surrounded by jungle. Both Na Muang 1 (easy walk) and Na Muang 2 (moderate hike with rope section) are accessible. Kids love the natural swimming pools at the base.

2:00 PM

🍜Lunch: Local Thai Restaurant

Find a genuine local Thai restaurant near the waterfall area. Green papaya salad, massaman curry, and fresh seafood som tam.

3:30 PM

🛥️Snorkelling at Ang Thong Marine Park

Optional afternoon boat trip to the legendary Ang Thong Marine National Park archipelago — 42 islands of emerald lagoons and coral gardens. Snorkel with tropical fish in pristine waters. Absolutely world-class. Book via resort.

8:00 PM

🎪Fisherman's Village Night Market

Stroll the famous Fisherman's Village Night Market at Bang Rak. Local artisan crafts, street food stalls, live performances and a lively atmosphere kids and adults love. Try pad thai, mango sticky rice and fresh coconut ice cream.

Day

Friday, 29 May

Homeward Bound

✈️ Departure

7:00 AM

🌄Final Samui Sunrise Breakfast

One last glorious breakfast at the resort. Savour the views — collect those final mango sticky rice memories.

9:00 AM

🧳Check-Out & Transfer to Samui Airport

Check out of Koh Samui resort. Transfer to USM Airport for the early afternoon Bangkok Airways flight back to Phuket.

12:00–1:00 PM

✈️Flight: Koh Samui → Phuket (~55 mins)

Bangkok Airways direct flight. Arrive Phuket by 2:00–3:00 PM — giving you a comfortable buffer before the evening Emirates flight.

3:00 PM

🛍️Phuket Airport — Last Treats & Duty Free

Relax at Phuket Airport. Grab last-minute Thai snacks, coconut candies, dried mango and duty-free. Kids can stretch their legs in the terminal.

5:30 PM

🔑Emirates Check-In & Security

Check in for Emirates flight EK to Dubai. Allow extra time for 14 passengers at the desk. Online check-in opens 48 hrs before — do it in advance!

7:55 PM

✈️Depart Phuket → Dubai on Emirates

Board your Emirates flight home. Loaded with memories, golden tans, and probably too much luggage. Until the next adventure, gang! 🎉 Arrives Dubai ~11:30 PM.

Koh Samui · 27–29 May

Island Paradise

Koh Samui's most extraordinary resorts — where infinity pools meet the Gulf of Thailand.

🌊

Angthong · Northeast Samui

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 (992 reviews)

The pinnacle of Koh Samui luxury. Private pool villas on a hillside with sweeping Gulf views. Exceptional children's activities including art classes, cooking classes, and sound baths. Legendary Fisherman's Night beach market and paddling/kayaking right on site.

⭐ #1 Samui 🏊 Infinity Pools 🧒 Kids Activities

📞 +66 77 243 000

🌺

Noi Beach · South Samui

Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort

★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 (905 reviews)

One of Samui's most gorgeous private beaches. Every villa has its own infinity pool. The breakfast buffet is extraordinary, the dedicated butlers are outstanding, and dune buggies whisk guests around the immaculate grounds.

🏖 Private Beach 🛁 Butler Service 🏊 Villa Pools

📞 +66 77 915 555

🏰

Bo Phut · North Samui

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui

★★★★½ 4.4 / 5 (1,102 reviews)

The Ritz-Carlton brand experience on a tropical island. Spacious ocean-view suites, exceptional staff, and the seamless service standard the brand is famous for. Great choice if your group has Marriott/Bonvoy status for upgrades.

🎖 Marriott Bonvoy 🌊 Ocean Views 👑 Ritz Service

📞 +66 77 915 777

💡 Recommendation: For 4 families with kids, the Four Seasons Koh Samui edges it out — the Fisherman's Night beach market, cooking classes for kids, and kayaking/paddleboarding make it an experience in itself. The Vana Belle is equally magical with its private pool villas and stunning private beach.

Where to Eat

Best Dining

Family-friendly restaurants that will delight both adults and kids — from Michelin spots to hidden local gems.

🌴 Phuket

🌳

Three Monkeys

Thai · Tree-Top Jungle Dining

Magical tree-house restaurant in the jungle canopy with live music. An absolute must-do — the atmosphere alone is worth it. Kids are mesmerised.

★ 4.5 Wichit, Phuket · 14,000+ reviews

🌟

Day & Night of Phuket

Thai Fusion · Michelin Listed

Michelin Guide-listed modern Thai in a stylish setting. Known for creative cocktails, crispy pork, and an electric ambiance. Great for a group evening.

★ 4.7 Old Town, Phuket · 4,181 reviews

🦀

Phaka Krong

Authentic Southern Thai

Perfect 5.0-rated local restaurant. Crab curry, crispy pork, crab fried rice. Where locals eat. Complimentary desserts and exceptional hospitality.

★ 5.0 Talat Yai, Phuket · 426 reviews

🌿

The Garden Phuket

International · Garden Bistro

Beautiful garden atmosphere, electric energy. Australian premium beef, incredible chicken schnitzel and the best French toast in SE Asia. Great for families.

★ 4.8 Chalong, Phuket · 396 reviews

🏝 Koh Samui

🎣

Fisherman's Village

Fresh Seafood · Beachfront

A collection of stunning beachside seafood restaurants in Bang Rak. Grilled whole fish, tiger prawns, and seafood BBQ with your feet in the sand.

★ 4.6 Bang Rak Beach, Samui

🥥

Nathon Market

Street Food · Local Market

Authentic local morning market with the best pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and fresh coconut ice cream on the island. A true local experience at bargain prices.

★ 4.5 Nathon Town, Samui

🏖️

Choeng Mon Beach Clubs

Beach Club · Casual Dining

Relaxed beach club dining on Koh Samui's quietest bay. Ideal for families — calm waters, sunbeds, cocktails for adults and mocktails for kids.

★ 4.4 Choeng Mon Beach, Samui

Practical Advice

Travel Tips

Essential guidance for 14 travellers to make this trip seamless and unforgettable.

🛂

UAE Passport Holders

UAE passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for 30 days — no visa needed. However, all travellers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 3 days before arrival. Other nationalities should check the official e-Visa portal.

🛂 Complete TDAC → 🌐 Thailand e-Visa Portal →

💰

Money & Currency

Thai Baht (THB). 1 AED ≈ 9.5 THB. Get local currency at airport or use ATMs — avoid hotel exchange desks. Most top restaurants accept cards but carry cash for markets.

🚐

Group Transport

Pre-book private minivans for all airport transfers for 14 people. For day trips, charter private boats rather than joining group tours — more flexible with kids and much more enjoyable.

🌡️

May Weather

May is early monsoon season — expect some afternoon rain showers, but mornings are typically sunny. Pack light rain jackets. Phuket west coast can have choppy seas; check boat tour weather daily.

🧴

Sun & Mosquitoes

High SPF sunscreen for everyone (especially kids). Thai sun is intense. Reef-safe sunscreen required for marine park snorkelling. Bring quality DEET mosquito repellent — especially for jungle and waterfall activities.

📱

Connectivity

Pick up a Thai SIM at the airport (AIS or DTAC) — 15 days unlimited data for ~THB 300. WhatsApp group for all 14 travellers is essential. Many beach clubs have great WiFi too.

🍼

Travelling with Kids

Thai people absolutely adore children — expect wonderful service at restaurants and hotels. Bring child-safe sunscreen, familiar snacks for fussy eaters, and floating arm bands for pool safety. Kids menus are widely available.

🕌

Halal Food

Phuket has a significant Muslim community and many halal restaurants, especially in Patong and Phuket Old Town. Look for green halal signs. Seafood and vegetarian dishes are safe options everywhere. Both islands have good halal options.

⚠️

Important Reminders

Book boat tours and restaurants well in advance for 14 people. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all. Keep a group emergency contact list. Thailand's emergency number is 1669.