Many clients like to multi-centre in Asia, but as Thailand has its own variety there’s not really a need to add another destination. Bangkok, the mountainous, jungle-clad north around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and a beach option is the classic three-centre combination, with Koh Samui best in summer and the other resorts in the opposite seasons.
When it comes to accommodation, Thailand is particularly known for its chic boutique properties, but the variety is wide and new options open all the time from all-suite skyscrapers to small island hideaways.
David Kevan, Pata spokesperson and product and relationships director for Chic Locations, says: “South-east Asia has some exceptional hotels – luxurious and trendsetting – and Thailand probably has the largest range, with several relatively new names. In Bangkok, the Capella is superb, riverfront with huge rooms and equally spacious balconies. In Krabi, the Banyan Tree has raised the bar in the area offering extensive beach and island views and innovative dining options.”
“Phuket has several well-known luxury hotels like Aman, Banyan Tree and Trisara and now the low-rise all-villa style of Rosewood adds to the choice. Samui has also seen several new introductions and a personal favourite now is Centara Reserve, the first venture into luxury from this well-known resort brand,” he adds.
With so many UK travellers now repeat visitors to Thailand, it pays to make the most of the country’s varied landscapes and its cultural offer when itinerary planning. Kevan advises telling clients the draw beyond the beach embraces “culture, scenic variety, plus eco-adventures”.
For the latter he particularly recommends Elephant Hills’ jungle and floating camps within reach of Phuket and Krabi or their new base near Chiang Mai.
1. Double bubble
Sleeping under the stars in a two-bedroom ‘Jungle Bubble’ suite is a unique back-to-nature experience offered by Anantara Golden Triangle resort. The trio of linked transparent bubbles, which form the accommodation, are located close to the site’s free-roaming elephants, so it is possible for guests to watch the animals from the comfort of their beds, living room, private deck or plunge pool. Meanwhile, the latest Thai Anantara is opening on Koh Yao Yai off Phuket in April. Here ocean-view suites and pool villas are set along a kilometre of white-sand beach. Families are well catered for with suites furnished with bunkbeds and slides. Transfers to the resort will be by speedboat from Phuket or Krabi, anantara.com
2. Family fun
For adventurous families, Carrier has a suggested 16-night Northern Thailand Eat, Play & Explore itinerary with plenty of action to keep all ages happy. It starts with a foodie tour by SkyTrain and tuk-tuk of Bangkok’s restaurants and street vendors and a meeting with Thai expert and best-selling author Philip Cornwel-Smith. Continuing into the Chiang Mai countryside, families have the excitement of elephant meets and river rafting and even helicopter hiking in Doi Mae Salong’s tea plantations. Back at the coast, the itinerary ends with a cooking lesson and a kayak tour of Phuket’s Phang Nga Bay. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Six Senses Yao Noi and Phuket’s Trisara, which has one- and two-bedroom villas, are among suggested hotels, carrier.co.uk
3. Sky high
Rooftop cocktail bars with dramatic views add wow factor to Thai city stays. The newest is Mai The Sky Bar on the 22nd floor of the Melia Chiang Mai (pictured above). From two sections connected by a glass bridge, guests can enjoy views of the River Ping and famous mountaintop Doi Suthep Temple. In Bangkok, hotels with popular rooftop bars include the Millennium Hilton, Lebua at State Tower, Banyan Tree, and Sofitel So Bangkok.
