I have just returned from an amazing 6-night trip to Thailand with If Only Holidays.
The group met at Terminal 4 for our check-in with Etihad Airways to Bangkok. The first flight was Heathrow to Abu Dhabi, which was approximately six hours. Once on board, we experienced comfortable seats, great in-flight entertainment and a good standard of food.
On arrival into Abu Dhabi, we had a three-hour connection before our onward flight to Bangkok.
Once there, we were met by our local guide and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to our first hotel, the luxurious 5* Kimpton Maa-Lai. The hotel was very centrally located in Bangkok. My first impressions of the hotel were, wow!
All rooms are beautifully appointed. My room was huge, with a large bathroom, walk-in shower & wonderful views over the city.
Once checked in, we were all treated to a one-hour spa treatment to relax and rejuvenate after our long flight.
We then had a hotel inspection to see all the different room types and what facilities the hotel has to offer.
The hotel had a great selection of bars, coffee shops, restaurants & a beautiful spa. It had an amazing outdoor pool with city views & a 24-hour gym.
The first evening, we dined at the rooftop restaurant, which also had a wonderful cocktail bar on the 40th floor.
Day 2
This morning, we had a wonderful buffet breakfast and then we took a leisurely walk through Lumphini Park to the local shopping mall. The weather in Bangkok at this time of the year is very hot and humid and often lots of short, sharp showers, so it’s always best to have an umbrella and plenty of water.
After a good shop & wander, we headed back to the hotel on Bangkok’s favourite mode of transport, a Tuk Tuk! This is a great fun way to have a quick and inexpensive tour of this vibrant city.
For lunch, we headed to the Siam Hotel, which is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The Siam Hotel is an opulent Art Deco-inspired hotel which captures the elegance and glamour of the Jazz Age. Here, we had a hotel inspection and got to see the lovely rooms and all the beautiful facilities. We dined on their outdoor terrace overlooking the river and were treated to cocktails and canapés.
We ended the day with a fantastic river boat trip back to the centre of Bangkok. We saw some wonderful sights, temples, markets, local fishing boats & skyscrapers along the way.
That evening, we dined back at the Kimpton Hotel in the main library, where we had an incredible Thai fusion meal. This was our last evening in Bangkok.
Day 3
Today, we had an early start. We checked out of our hotel and made our way to Bangkok Airport for our next flight, which was to Phuket Island. This took approximately 1½ hours and, on arrival, we were transported to Manoh Pier, where we boarded a private speedboat to Koh Yao Noi Island, where we stayed at the lovely Cape Kudu Hotel for 1 night.
This hotel is a small luxury boutique hotel tucked away on this tiny island. The hotel is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok & Phuket. It’s a refined boutique hotel blending sophistication, Thai heritage and barefoot wellness.
After a lovely Thai buffet lunch, we hopped on a local bus with a tour guide who showed us around the island, experiencing and seeing real Thai culture. We saw the rice paddy fields, wildlife, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.
Overall, Koh Yao Noi Island is perfect for anybody wanting an away-from-it-all island holiday on a beautiful island.
Day 4
Today, we headed back to Phuket for our next hotel stop at the Sarojin Hotel in the resort of Khao Lak. It is about a two-hour drive from Phuket Airport.
It’s a peaceful coastal region situated along the Andaman Sea on the mainland of Thailand.
On arrival at the Sarojin Hotel, I instantly knew that I was going to love this stunning five-star boutique hotel, which captures the real serene, untouched essence of Khao Lak. It’s nestled in lush tropical gardens which lead straight down to the beautiful white sandy beach. It gives you a real sense of calm & relaxation.
Whilst staying at the Sarojin Hotel, we were lucky enough to experience their wonderful spa. We had a wine-tasting experience followed by a candlelight seafood barbecue on the beach. The hotel also offers cookery classes, boat trips to small islands, intimate dining experiences, bike tours and trips to the local elephant sanctuary.
Khao Lak is also a great place for any shopping lovers, beach lovers. There is a night market where you can barter and haggle for everything from a wide selection of Thai foods to shirts, T-shirts & handbags.
You have beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants & lots of sightseeing. There is a local elephant sanctuary, temples, monasteries, water sports & spa treatments.
Day 5
I was sad to leave the Sarojin Hotel, but our next stop was another lovely five-star hotel, the Devasom in Khao Lak.
This hotel was again located on the beach. One side of the hotel sits on a natural freshwater lagoon & the other side the beautiful beach. The hotel has a range of luxury rooms, suites and villas, some with private pools. The hotel also offers wonderful facilities.
Day 6
During my stay at the Devasom, I was lucky enough to experience some of the wonderful facilities on offer. I experienced a lovely spa treatment, I participated in a yoga class outside in a lovely pavilion, I had a one-hour sound bath experience and, in the afternoon, we went kayaking down the mangrove river, seeing lots of birds, wildlife, plants and flowers. It was a very relaxing & fun experience.
I feel that Khao Lak is a great destination for a 2- or 3-centre holiday with Bangkok.
Day 7
My Thailand trip has come to an end!
We had a very early 5 am start this morning to make our way back to Phuket Airport to start our journey home to Heathrow via Abu Dhabi.
Thailand was amazing. It exceeded all my expectations. I experienced the real culture and vibe of city life in Bangkok, with its beautiful temples & rivers, to the vibrant hustle & bustle of its markets & shopping malls and the mad, chaotic streets.
And then experiencing peace & tranquillity on the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
The hospitality & friendliness of the Thai people are second to none. They are some of the warmest & most welcoming people you will ever meet.
If you would like to learn more about my trip or plan an adventure to Thailand, then please contact me at the Clevedon Miles Morgan office on 01275 778 100.
