Thai Favourites
Thai Favourites
by Reg Boynton
by Reg Boynton
A beach holiday in Thailand is something special. Within a few weeks, on November 1, the high season officially starts and, for the next five months, holidaymakers from around the globe will descend on Thailand's balmy coastal resorts for relaxation and fun in the sun. For many, it will be only one of many visits. There is a saying: "Once you have tasted Thailand, nothing else will do." This seems to be borne out by the tourism statistics, which show that a high percentage of visitors return time and time again.
What is it that makes a Thai holiday so unique? It is not just the beautiful beaches and lovely weather. Many other destinations can promise the same. It's the heady combination of attractions Thailand has to offer: elephant treks in the jungle, relaxing massages on the beach, magnificent temples to explore, bargain-hunting at street markets, delicious Thai cuisine, island-hopping trips, great snorkelling and diving….the list is endless.
To top it all, there is the endearing friendliness and hospitality of the Thai people. It is almost impossible to choose from the truly amazing resorts in Thailand. Phuket and the islands of the Andaman Sea are world famous, but you can also visit exciting Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and the emerging destinations of Koh Samet and Koh Chang. Here are some favourites to consider for a seaside holiday in the "Land of Smiles".
Sofitel Central, Hua Hin: This grande old dame was built in 1923 and retains the elegance of a bygone era. With Hua Hin becoming increasingly fashionable and a host of stylish new resorts springing up, the Sofitel is still holding its own. Large gardens and its beachfront setting set it a class apart.
Seafan Beach Resort, Koh Samui: Set on relaxed Maenam Beach, this resort offers bungalows in a variety of styles connected by a wooden boardwalk. Without compromising on luxury, the rooms have a “tropical, organic” feel. Natural materials are used throughout, some are set directly on the beach, others under big trees and one or two on stilts. A beautiful open-air restaurant on the beach will have you lingering over meals.
Banana Fan Sea Resort, Koh Samui: Modern well-appointed bungalows in a garden setting next to Chaweng Beach make this one special. On an island where stylish spas and lavish villas come with a hefty price tag, this resort offers good accommodation in a great location. If you want a good old-fashioned beach holiday close to the action, this is a great choice.
Golden Beach Resort, Krabi: Opt for one of the beachfront pavilion suites and you couldn't be closer to Ao Nang Beach. Set in large grounds, this relaxed resort never feels crowded, even in peak season. The nearby village has many restaurants and bars, but don't come here if you want a lively nightlife. What you can have are cheap massages on the beach, boat trips to nearby islands, cliff-climbing and sunset strolls.
Layana Resort, Koh Lanta: This new resort brings a new level of luxury to Lanta island, set in the Andaman Sea. Set on a 3 kilometre-long beach, Layana has two restaurants, a spa, a library and splendid Thai-style rooms, which offer every modern amenity, including DVD players and wireless internet connection.
Holiday Inn Resort, Phuket: A great family favourite. Set on the beachfront of bustling Patong Beach, this well-run hotel has just been renovated. The Busakorn Wing rooms are among the best available in Patong and its many restaurants offer good value cuisine. The Holiday Inn is hard to match if you want to be in the heart of the action.
Twinpalms, Phuket: Located close to Surin beach, one of Phuket's most beautiful and least crowded beaches. This part of the island is often referred to as “millionaires' row” because it is home to two world-class hotels, Amanpuri and the Chedi, as well as several very upmarket villa developments. Twinpalms offers privacy and stylish rooms, some of which lead directly into the vast pool at the heart of the resort.
Leelawadee Boutique Hotel, Phuket: If you want value for money, look no further than this small hotel. A blend of Bali style and Thai elegance, this simple resort is set away from the beachfront and shopping areas of Patong Beach. Both are within walking distance, but you'd be better off renting a motorcycle (around 5 US dollars a day). You can also relax at the hotel's pool or enjoy an in-house massage.
Rabbit Resort, Jomtien Beach: A charming traditional Thai-style beach resort, the resort's villas are full of antiques and decorated with handmade silks and cottons. Outside showers, private tropical gardens and hand-carved wooden balconies give it a unique atmosphere. You can dine under the stars or in an Thai house a few steps away from the beach.
Royal Cliff Grand, Pattaya: The Royal Cliff is everything that Pattaya isn't – elegant, calm and classy. However, part of its charm is that you can enjoy the seclusion of this beautiful resort, knowing that the city's wild nightlife and entertainment is only a few minutes away. Great restaurants, spacious pool areas and a lift to the beach give this resort the edge, but you can also try the new Sheraton nearby.
Ao Phroa Resort, Koh Samet: If you want a quiet retreat or romantic getaway, try this resort on the quiet island of Samet. Comfortable bungalows set in tropical gardens on a little bay give you plenty of space. It has a nice beach, which is great for snorkelling, and some pleasant hiking trails. Set on the west coast of the island, you will also be able to enjoy fabulous sunsets.
Bhumiyama Beach Resort, Koh Chang: The island is the second largest in Thailand, but 80 percent has been designated a protected national park. Bhumiyama Resort makes the most of this, surrounded by tropical forest and the turquoise blue sea. The beach can be rocky at times, but there's a great multi-level pool overlooking the sea. Choose a deluxe room and you'll have a private sun deck and semi-outdoor bath room.
For other resorts, check out these articles:
Island Style – exclusive island retreats
Paradise Found – luxury on a remote island
Fisherman's Village – a great spot on Koh Samui
Cliffs and Caves – holidaying in Krabi
Island Hideaway – Phuket's dream getaway resort
Island Style – exclusive island retreats
Paradise Found – luxury on a remote island
Fisherman's Village – a great spot on Koh Samui
Cliffs and Caves – holidaying in Krabi
Island Hideaway – Phuket's dream getaway resort
You can also read other articles about Thailand in our archive
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Bali, Indonesia
Get a free night at one of Bali's most exclusive holiday resorts, the Novus Bali Villas. Stay four nights and you only pay for three. Room rates start at only US$137 per night - and that includes all taxes and American breakfast. This offer is valid until 15 December, 2005.
Immerse yourself in one of seven secluded villas, each with a private garden or courtyard. Spend long, lazy days at one of the villa pools or take a walk along the island's famed beaches. You can also visit the spa for a relaxing massage or enjoy a traditional dance performance in your own villa.
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