Feature: Sun kissed holiday ideas in Thailand’s southern provinces
The Land of Smiles. Only those who have visited this magical little country understand why its captivating allure has seen tourists flocking back for decades. Abundant sunshine and ever-helpful locals, this jungle clad country blessed with azure waters offers something for everyone – from families to party-hard independent travellers, wildlife lovers, spiritual adventurers, or simply those wanting to soak up some sun!
The achingly beautiful beaches, ever-green countryside, quaint villages and looming jungle-clad mountain tops, are in stark contrast to the concrete and ever-exciting bustling mega-city of Bangkok, home to 11 million people.
Being a dedicated bunch, we have compiled a guide of top sun-worshipping destinations in the southern reaches to help you plan your perfect Thailand getaway.
Kanchanburi
There is no beach in sight but do not fret! The temperatures regularly soar above 30 degree Celsius and most hotels and guesthouses have pristine swimming pools for lounging.
Two miles drive from Bangkok, the scenery changes from noisy high-rise streets to lime-stone peaks standing tall in the distance. On arrival take a three-wheeled tuk-tuk to Pong Phen guesthouse sat on the banks of the River Kwai. Yes that’s right, the infamous bridge built by Japanese POWs is nearby, and you can walk over it and stare into the murky depths 50ft below!
Then take a tour to see Hellfire Pass, Erawan Waterfalls, and have the ride of your life as you sit on an elephants back and plod through jungle before riding bamboo rafts down trickling rivers. Just try not to fall off!
And if you really want to get away from it all, book a night on the Jungle Rafts, a series of upmarket floating rooms set deep in the river valley. At night listen to crickets and frogs sing to each other as you navigate to the restaurant with an oil lamp to enjoy a Pad Thai.
Ko Samui
This resort laden-place surrounded by the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Thailand has moved away from its backpacker roots and now abounds in five-star resorts and strips boasting fast food joints and Starbucks coffee shops!
It is the sun which attracts visitors, and as Bangkok Airways fly directly to the island from Heathrow it is easier than ever to get there. Creature comforts abound, with jet skis, cable TV in hotels, and western and eastern restaurants popping up everywhere, so it is now a great family destination.
Rocky’s Boutique Resort is a child friendly hotel with three secluded beaches. May and June are excellent times to visit when rain is a distant memory and you won’t have to worry about sudden tropical downpours!
For exquisite luxury head to Banyan Tree Samui and relax in one of their stunning 87 villas boasting private pools perched high on rocky cliffs overlooking Lamia Beach. Wake up to coconut trees gently swaying as the sun rises over the endless calm water and take
a stroll through fruit plantations.
Phuket
The largest island of Thailand is now a province and so offers the diversity of rainforest trekking, mega-resort towns, and the old-world charm of Phuket Town.
The Andaman Sea is the jewel here, with picture-perfect idyllic waters where fish swim in the clear and calm silent waves. The Woraburi Resort and Spa along the west coast sits on a secluded and delightfully untouched beach while the gorgeous Kata Beach is nearby and boasts white sand beaches and vendors selling coconut drinks.
For chic jazz bars, trendy boutiques, and western shopping malls like Robinson Department Store, head to Phuket Town and marvel at its 100-year-old Sino-Portuguese architecture. Have a Singha at the Delta Blues Bar where local Thai musicians imitate the USA’s Deep South masters in authentic voices. It is almost like being back in the rural 20s!
For a raucous night of revelry head to Patong with its heady mix of neon and loud music and curvaceous beach of sun loungers and umbrellas. For sumptuous Italian fare head to nearby Kalim Beach and dine at the Acqua, which offers great sea views in five-star surroundings.
Ko Lanta
The sleepy nature of this magnificent west coast island is a nostalgic return to the hey-day of Thai island roots, with stilted bamboo huts, isolated beaches, and local fare.
Due to the relatively unspoilt feel of this western island, Ko Lanta makes a great family destination, where you can either kick back and enjoy the easy-going atmosphere or take on an adventure kayaking trip through the east coast’s mangrove forests and river inlets.
Cheap bamboo shacks abound starting from prices of £6, allowing you to find your own roadside eateries by bicycle. (Meals can be as cheap as 50p!) But for pure luxury the resort of Layana Spa offers gym, spa, croquet, and scuba diving trips in the large garden pavilion over-looking the sea.
Although a long-haul destination, the advent of cheap luxurious air routes to this renowned country means you can watch movies and play games before touching down into paradise. There are plenty of getaway resorts in the peninsular and even more unexplored islands, so there is something for everyone!
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- kanchanaburi ,
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- koh samui ,
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- phuket ,
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