Thailand is the Far East’s premier beach destination for UK holidaymakers, with resorts ranging from the brash and breezy to romantic hideaways. Howard Carr outlines the resorts’ attractions and suggests which would suit what type of customer
Phuket
A one-hour flight from Bangkok, Phuket is a large island rather than just one resort. Its mixture of busy beaches and secluded bays makes it one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, with something for most types of holidaymaker.
The main holiday playground is lively Patong, with plenty of shops, night markets, bars and clubs.
There are lots of more relaxed options along the sandy bays of Phuket’s west coast, with accommodation ranging from budget to upmarket brands such as Banyan Tree.
Elephant treks, canoeing in spectacular Phang Nga Bay and boat trips to tiny islands are among a wide variety of sightseeing excursions.
Phuket Town is also worth visiting for its temples and Chinese heritage.
“Phuket attracts all types of clients from backpackers to millionaires,” says Travel 2 Far East product manager Kerry Towers.
“It can be great value for money, especially between May and October when many hotels have special offers.”
Ko Samui
Thailand’s third-largest island is about two-thirds the size of the Isle of Wight.
Its position on southern Thailand’s east coast means its climate differs to west coast resorts such as Phuket.
The rainy season is from October to January, as opposed to May to November on the other coast.
Hotel development on Ko Samui has been heavy over the past few years, particularly since the 2004 tsunami when many holidaymakers switched to the east coast from resorts damaged in the disaster.
The main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are within easy reach of the island’s airport. Lined by luxury hotels, they can get quite crowded in the peak season.
Beaches on the south and west coasts are more remote and therefore quieter.
Away from the beaches, Ko Samui’s beautiful scenery is one of its great attractions. Highlights include lush mountain jungle, waterfalls, coconut plantations and traditional villages.
“Ko Samui is for those who prefer to stay in a smaller hotel on an island which still has a paradise feel,” says David Carlaw, Premier Holidays’ head of Faraway product.
Flight time to Ko Samui from Bangkok is one hour 20 minutes.
Hua Hin/Cha-Am
About a three-hour drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin is the oldest beach resort in Thailand. It is home to the Thai royal family’s summer palace.
Hua Hin has a good range of beachfront hotels, shops and restaurants but its royal connections help to give it a more relaxed and genteel atmosphere than other resorts such as Phuket.
Neighbouring Cha-Am is even quieter, with a more restricted range of shopping and nightlife.
Facilities in the Hua Hin area include golf and watersports, while popular excursions take in ancient palaces and temples, hill tribes, the River Kwai and Thailand’s biggest national park, Kaeng Krachan.
“Hua Hin appeals to those who are more price-driven and looking for an easy beach extension from Bangkok without extra air travel,” says David Kevan, Western & Oriental group head of product.
Krabi
The southern Thai province of Krabi is about a one-hour flight from Bangkok and a 2.5-hour drive from Phuket.
It is renowned for its beautiful beaches backed by dramatic limestone cliffs and caves, and for scores of tiny islands including Phi Phi, a location for films including The Beach and The Man with the Golden Gun.
Krabi’s main tourist centre is Ao Nang, which offers a wide selection of hotels, restaurants and shops but retains much of the atmosphere of a secluded hideaway.
Clients wanting a choice of nightlife on their doorstep should opt for hotels in Ao Nang itself, while those seeking greater tranquillity should consider the many options nearby on Phang Nga Bay.
Boat trips offer the chance to explore Krabi’s secluded coves and islands. Other popular activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, rock-climbing and jungle treks.
Jetset product manager Jonathan Ditte recommends Krabi for couples and honeymooners. “It offers an authentic taste of Thailand. It’s the place to relax and do very little,” he says.
Khao Lak
Fifty miles north of Phuket airport, Khao Lak (right) is one of Thailand’s “hideaway” resorts.
It attracts a cross-section of visitors, from backpackers to well-heeled tourists, looking for somewhere away from the bright lights.
Before the 2004 tsunami, it was one of the fastest-growing destinations in Thailand. Most of the damage has been repaired but the setback to hotel development means Khao Lak still resembles the uncommercial Phuket of decades ago.
The coastline features beautiful white-sand beaches among cliffs and lush hillsides covered with palm and rubber plantations.
“Khao Lak is a fantastic destination if you want to get away from everything,” says Jetset’s Jonathan Ditte. “It is more suited to the adventurous client as it is off the beaten track to a certain extent.”
For up-to-date travel information and advice on Thailand, visit the FCO’s Know Before you Go campaign.
Source:http//www.ttglive.com
By Howard Carr
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