Red Baron Sunset Cruise in Samui: Family Review 2025

Do you remember the opening and closing scenes of the White Lotus Series Season 3? Well, this legendary ship is the Red Baron.

If you’re on Koh Samui and dreaming of a little adventure with a view (and maybe a mojito in hand), the Red Baron Sunset Cruise might be exactly what you need.

We did this cruise in April 2025, with our full little travel squad: me, my husband, my mother-in-law (in her sixties and full of energy), and our two daughters—Lila (7) and Ruby (3.5).

In this post, I’ll tell you exactly what to expect as a family, how kid-friendly the boat really is, what to pack, and other helpful tips.

The Boat – Red Baron Facts

• The Red Baron is the largest traditional sailing yacht in the Gulf of Thailand.
• Built from Takien Tong wood at the famous Pernor shipyard in Surat Thani.
• Measures 30 meters (98 feet) long, 6.5 meters (21 feet) wide, and weighs 54 tons.
• Designed in the style of a restored red-sailed Chinese junk ship.
• Equipped with a 385hp engine, cruising at about 6 knots (7 mph).
• Maximum capacity: 70 guests, but usually limited to around 40 for comfort.
• Includes:
  • Spacious sun deck with chaise lounges and cocktail tables
  • Shaded lounge and dining area
  • Two clean bathrooms with freshwater showers
  • Bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Getting There: Where’s the Red Baron Desk Again?

We arrived at Petcharat Pier at 3:45 PM, like the responsible humans we are. They recommend getting there between 3:30 and 4, and the boat is set to leave at 4.

Now, small tip: we couldn’t find the Red Baron meeting point. At all. So… we just walked straight down the pier because we saw the boat. It’s pretty hard to miss—big, beautiful, and majestic. Like a wooden pirate ship.

The crew welcomed us with big smiles. Super friendly. Super relaxed. We may or may not have boarded a bit too early—but because of that, we snagged the best table. It was at the back of the boat, shady, and a little more private.

Just one heads-up: that’s also where the smoking area is. We only noticed it once or twice, though, and it didn’t bother us.

Mojitos, Orange Juice, and Passport Checks

At 4 PM, our english speaking host Ella came around. She’s a lovely German lady who has been living in Thailand for 18 years now. She is super organised and has this calm nurse energy (which turns out to be real—she was actually a nurse!). Ella collected everyone’s passport details and checked dietary preferences.

We’d already told them in advance that we’re vegetarians—no meat, no fish, and no oyster sauce. They took that seriously (more on that later!).

The other passengers arrived quickly after—28 guests total, including us. A nice mix of families, couples, and a group of older folks celebrating a birthday. But it didn’t feel crowded at all. There was space for everyone to breathe and move.

The cruise started around 4:10 PM, just shortly after the scheduled departure time. We got a welcome drink—orange juice for the girls and a complimentary cocktail (I think mojitos) for the grown-ups. You can always ask for a mocktail if you’re not into alcohol. 

Also, you can always buy extra drinks at the bar—soft drinks, cocktails, alcoholic or not, totally up to you. Next to the bar, there are stairs leading you downwards to the toilets. Surprisingly clean and roomy for a boat!

Sailing Along the Samui Coastline

The Red Baron runs on a motor, not sails. (Although later they put one up). We cruised along the coastline, saw the beaches of Samui, and wow—what a view. I’ve lived in the Gulf of Thailand since 2019, but this never gets old.

Fun fact: There’s a small island with a beautiful beach for sale just in front of Samui. Want it? Only 150 million baht (approx. €3.8 million / $4.1 million).

While we soaked in the views, the staff came around with appetizers—crispy spring rolls, and a variety of fresh fruits, like pineapple and watermelon.

Kids on Deck: Freedom + Safety = Happy Parents

The sea was calm, and the boat barely moved. That meant one thing: we could let the kids roam. The railings are high, and there were no gaps to fall through.

Lila and Ruby were in heaven. They kept going up to the top deck (there’s no shade up there, so bring hats and sunscreen). They climbed the sails like little monkeys and even got to “drive the boat” with the captain. He was adorable.

Swim Stop! (Or Fishing, If That’s Your Thing…)

About one hour in, the boat stopped. One side was for fishing (not our jam), and the other had a staircase to the sea for a swim.

Now, the current was strong, so floating around wasn’t easy. But my husband and our two girls still jumped in—with life jackets and a floaty ring.

There are life vests for adults and kids, by the way. And after your swim, you can rinse off with one of the freshwater showers at the back. Just remember to bring your own towel—they don’t provide any.

Dinner Buffet On-Board and That Magical Sunset

Around 6 PM, dinner was served on the main deck. You walk up and choose what you like. There was fried rice, pad thai, chicken and fish dishes—a nice selection of traditional Thai dishes. And for us veggies, they had a special papaya salad prepared just for our group. How sweet is that?

And this was when the magic started. The boat turned to face the sunset. One of the sails went up, and the sky turned gold.

We spent most of the sunset time on the upper deck, just enjoying the panoramic view. It was peaceful, golden, and… just perfect.

Ice Cream and Heading Home

As the sky turned dark, the crew came around with coconut ice cream. Honestly, it was delicious. The perfect little dessert to end the evening.

We got back to the pier at around 7:20 PM. Ella gave a sweet little thank-you speech, and everyone clapped for the crew. We said our goodbyes, a little salty, a little tired, and very happy.

Family Feedback

This cruise? Amazing for families. Our 7-year-old had the time of her life—pirate role play, steering the ship, swimming, and making friends.

Our 3.5-year-old… not so much. She was fine until after dinner, then got tired fast. That sea breeze and sun can really knock them out. We were smart enough to bring a sticker book, but still—just be aware that little ones might crash hard at some point.

The crew was wonderful with kids. Every time Ruby disappeared, we found her being carried or entertained by one of the staff. The captain was unbelievably sweet, and Ella? She’s a gem. At one point, she even handed us cotton for Ruby’s ear when she complained about pain. I also saw her help a woman who had a leg wound and bandaged it up like a pro.

What Could Be Better?

No review is honest without mentioning a few downsides, right? Although we had a great time overall, there was one aspect that could be improved.

The Music

There are speakers all over the boat playing mainstream music. In our seating area, there were two speakers pointing straight at our table—and they were a bit too loud.

Ella, our guide, actually came to check in and kindly turned the volume down when we mentioned it. Still, throughout the cruise, the volume kept going up and down. It wasn’t terrible, but I found it distracting.

Maybe I’m just sensitive to this, but I would’ve really appreciated a more relaxing sound setup. Either more chill background music or at least lower volume and better speaker placement.

What to Bring on the Red Baron Sunset Cruise

You don’t need to pack a whole beach bag, but here are a few essentials I really recommend bringing:

• Towel – They don’t provide any, and trust me, you’ll want one after the swim.
• Sunscreen – Put it on before you arrive at the pier. The sun is already strong when boarding.
• Swimsuit – Best to wear it under your clothes so you don’t have to wiggle into it in a tiny boat toilet.
• Hat – Especially for the kids. The upper deck has zero shade, and the sun is no joke.
• Camera – Or phone with space for lots of photos.
  

💡 Bonus tip: a little sticker book, colouring pad, or quiet toy for tired toddlers can be a lifesaver after dinner.

Logistics: What You Need to Know

Here’s the practical stuff—because let’s be honest, showing up at the wrong pier in 35°C heat with two tired kids is not the kind of adventure you want.

Start Time:

The cruise officially starts at 4 PM. Try to get there between 3:30 and 3:45. We arrived at 3:45 and that was perfect.

Location:

The boat leaves from Petcherat Marina Pier near Bangrak. You’ll spot the Red Baron—it’s big, wooden, and beautiful. But finding the front desk may be a bit confusing.

Transfer Option:

If you book the transfer, it’s super easy. They’ll pick you up from your hotel and drop you right at the pier. From there, it’s just a 2-minute walk down to the boat.

Coming by Car?

We drove ourselves—and here’s the thing: the whole area is full of commercial piers, and during rush hour, it’s packed with taxis waiting for ferry passengers. We had to park quite far away and walk all the way to the pier. Not a big deal, but definitely something to keep in mind if you’ve got small kids or tired grandparents in tow.

Price:

Prices vary depending on where you book. On Viator, it’s currently $107.87 per adult. Children aged 2 to 7 usually pay half price, and kids under 2 go free. Some sites include hotel transfers in the tour price—double-check when booking!

Where to Stay in Koh Samui – 5 Relaxing Spots After Your Sunset Cruise

1. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

This one’s our favorite – peaceful, stylish, and right on the beach. The rooms are spacious (great for families), the pools are stunning, and the breakfast is next level. We stay here often. Here’s my full review.

2. Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Trendy and laid-back, with an unbeatable location in Choeng Mon. Right by the beach, super kid-friendly, and it has that boutique hotel charm.

3. Baan Sukreep Resort

A quiet little retreat in Chaweng Noi. Cozy bungalows set in a green garden. It’s small, personal, and ideal if you want to escape the crowds.

4. Banyan Tree Samui

If you’re going all out, this place is pure indulgence. Private villas with infinity pools, incredible views, and one of the best spas on the island. Set in a secluded bay near Lamai.

5. Casa De Mar

Great value near Chaweng Beach. It’s relaxed, close to restaurants and shops, and perfect if you’re looking for something comfortable without the splurge.

👉 You might also like:
– The 20 Best Koh Samui Luxury Hotels
– Thailand’s Koh Madsum: Visiting Pig Island
– Hyatt Regency Samui with Kids – My Honest Review
– What to Wear in Thailand? 20 Do’s and Don’ts

Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely. This isn’t just a romantic cruise. It’s also a kid-friendly, relaxed experience that families (with grandparents) can totally enjoy.

I also really appreciated the vibe on board. The other guests were respectful and polite—which, let’s be honest, is not always a given in popular tourist destinations like the Thai islands in the Gulf (especially in Koh Phangan). That made a big difference. We’ll definitely come back again when our little one is a bit older.

Are you planning to have your White Lotus moment on the Red Baron too? Got any questions? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu

Just a heads up: some links in the article “Red Baron Sunset Cruise” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.