From up high, birds see the world in a way that people can only dream of – beneath their wings lies a breathtaking landscape, a perspective that brings out beauty from above. Now, imagine having that same experience but sitting comfortably, enjoying a meal with an incredible view. Welcome to Thailand’s “Bird’s Nest” restaurant, where dining takes on a whole new level. Here, guests are invited to try “treepod dining” – an elevated experience where stunning panoramic views and exquisite cuisine come together for an unforgettable moment.
Launched in 2010, treepod dining at Soneva Kiri resort on Thailand’s fourth-largest (and least populated) island, Koh Kood, offers one of the most unique dining experiences in the world.
To reach their “nest,” diners take a short walk through the tropical forest by the island’s beach. The dining structure is crafted from bamboo and rattan, resembling an oversized bird’s nest that comfortably seats up to four people. Once seated, the “nest” is lifted via electrical cables up to 7 meters (23feet), where visitors can enjoy views of the Thai Gulf and forest canopy. The food is served by staff who zipline to your table, and for those wanting photos of this extraordinary experience, drone photography is also available.
Menu and Prices
The Treepod Dining menu offers a variety of dishes, mainly sourced from the resort’s organic gardens and local markets. Guests can choose from two main packages:
- Gourmet Picnic: A one-hour experience featuring a selection of tasting delights. This package is priced at 11,000 baht (around $325) for two.
- Luxury Picnic: A two-hour experience with premium dishes and champagne tasting. This package starts at 19,000 baht ($562) for two.
How to Get to the Bird’s Nest Restaurant
The Bird’s Nest restaurant is located at the world-renowned Soneva Kiri resort on Koh Kood, Thailand’s least populated island, offering serenity and luxury. Each of the 36 resort villas has a private pool, set on idyllic beaches or sunlit forest slopes.
For Soneva Kiri guests, getting here is seamless. The resort provides private flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to its private airstrip on Koh Mai Si. Upon arrival, guests take a luxury speedboat to the resort’s private dock on Koh Kood island. The flight is about an hour, with a quick five-minute boat ride.
Can Non-Guests Visit the Bird’s Nest Restaurant?
Yes, non-resort guests can also visit the Bird’s Nest restaurant. Reservations can be made by messaging the resort on WhatsApp at +66 88-227-0312. It’s best to book well in advance, as there is only one nest in the entire resort, and it fills up quickly.
For independent travelers, the most convenient way to Koh Kood is by bus from Bangkok, followed by a ferry to the island. This journey takes around 8.5 hours, much longer than the private flight. You can book transportation online, and the cost is approximately $40-50.