Thailand is a truly wonderful country for any type of holiday as their culture is all about being welcoming, smiling and making you feel special. The hotels are amazing many of which resemble temples and their culinary expertise makes the food one of the best in Asia. The beaches are some of the best in the world and there is a vast choice of islands to suit all types of travelers, from the beach full moon party in Koh Phangan, to the secluded huts of Koh Tao and the ultra luxury resort of Koh Yao Noi (Koh means island in Thai). It is a great destination for affordable villas with private pools. Massages are embedded in the culture and very cheap, street markets and incredible temples are scattered around the towns, fun bars are mixed in with high end resorts, all at incredible value, makes Thailand one of our favourite destination.
Bangkok is the capital and where we recommend our clients to spend a few nights and indulge in the Thai culture. Stay in one of our handpicked hotels, visit the different temples and Buddhas scattered around town such as Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is also where one of the main Thai Massage School is so why not take a course or be treated by trained experts. A few day trips are available such as the Damnoen Saduak floating market in Ratchaburi with Sampran riverside, visit the ancient city of Ayutthaya, ride along the Thonburi canal by long-tail boat or have your dinner on a rice barge river cruise. Maybe finish the day by getting a Tuk Tuk to take you to a Thai Boxing match where the locals come and bet on the winner, or even take a class during the day.
Chiang Mai is an old city in mountainous northern Thailand and only a short flight away. They are very proud of their culinary skills and organic farming which is why you can find many cooking schools to take part in. There are many Centuries old chedis and temples to visit such as the famous Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep built in 1383. There are many elephants in Chang Mai and tours include the Mae Taman Elephant Safari, Ox Cart Riding and Bamboo Rafting. Stay in one of our handpicked hotels, whether in the midst of the jungle or in a converted temple.
Hua Hin is the oldest beach town resort and close to Bangkok, about 2h30 drive, a favourite among Royals and where their biggest summer palace is. We can arrange a pick up in a bus converted in a spa to arrive completely rejuvenated or a Harley Davidson to ride through the traffic. The Damnoen Saduak floating market is mid way and can be visited on your way or diretly from Hua Hin.
Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island and the most visited hence the busiest. Although good for travelers looking to have fun it is less recommended for people looking for seclusion unless you stay at a very high end resort. As a day trip you can visit local islands in the Phang Nga Bay such as James Bond island where the “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. Some of the islands have luxury secluded hotels.
Koh Phi Phi is divided in Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley, this is where the film “The Beach” was set at Maya Bay. It has a very laid back atmosphere, pristine waters and white sands with the iconic limestone cliffs in the background. It can be accessed in 45 min by boat from Phuket either as a day trip or to stay in one of the resorts.
Krabi is on the main land, East of Phuket. It is recognised for its long stretch of beaches and the remarkable limestone formations in the Andaman sea. The most famous is Railay beach which has been voted many times among the most beautiful beach in the world. Day tours include visiting local islands for snorkeling, jungle tour with hot springs, elephant trek and Tiger Cave temple.
This island is between Phuket and Krabi, it has one of the most beautiful and scenic hotel in Thailand, contact us for more details.
These 3 islands are on the East side of the main land. Koh Samui is the biggest and busiest, the center is very busy with many bars but it is also home to some splendid luxury hotels. Next the middle island is Koh Phangan, home of the famous Full Moon party where about 20,000 travelers gather for a few days of festival type partying on the beach in the South. The North of the island remains quiet and some beautiful luxury resorts have started to appear. Koh Tao is the smallest of the islands and is quiet and very charming. It famous for scuba diving as the sea is beautiful and there are many friendly sharks you can swim with. The island is home to few beautiful Boutique hotels.
This island is all the way East of the Gulf of Thailand, close to Cambodia. It is one of the least populated islands and ideal for seclusion, also home to one of the most exclusive luxury hotel in the world with an environmentally friendly design.
Global Travel Agent
& Tour Operator
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London SW6 1RP, UK
+44 (0) 330 04 321 04
kensingtonandpearl.com
contact@kensingtonandpearl.com