Thailand Destination Guide

Located some three hours drive to the south west of Bangkok is Thailand’s oldest beach resort - home to the summer palace of the Thai Royal family since the 1920s. Hua Hin has an air of being a rather genteel resort with a quiet ambience. Home to some excellent hotels all located on the beachfront. A small town easy to get around and explore – not as developed commercially as some of the other Thai resorts – you get a real sense here that it is actually a working town as well as a holiday retreat. Although it’s a relatively small town there is enough to keep everyone occupied. There’s a fine stretch of beach, where watersport facilities abound - windsurfing, waterskiing and parasailing.

The nightlife

Hua Hin is somewhat quieter and entertainment centres around the hotels, many of which have weekly theme nights. Out and about in the resort, it’s mainly small family run bars and a choice of casual, or slightly more formal, restaurants.

The shopping

There are great shopping opportunities and if you are streetwise you can get some great deals. Thailand is well known for its genuine brand names and also for its fakes. You can buy just about anything from clothes to souvenirs. In the markets the rule is - barter with patience and a broad smile and you will get a better price. Hua Hin is also known for its tailors.

 

Khao Lak is just one hours drive north of Phuket Airport, but on the mainland. With a stunning white sandy beach which stretches for miles, Khao Lak is the Phuket of 20 years ago and its charm is perfect for a relaxing getaway. It has just a few shops and restaurants on the main road adjacent to the coast and is surrounded by a National Park.
 

The nightlife

Khao Lak, being a newly developed resort has little or no nightlife - just a handful of local bars set along the coastal road so is perfect for those seeking the ultimate in relaxation from their holiday. 

Koh Chang is the perfect holiday hideaway with fine beaches and plentiful marine life. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and is centred around the beach. Be sure to visit one of the many natural waterfalls the island has to offer in idyllic settings. The island is the largest amongst the 52 islands of Trat and is connected by a one hour flight to Trat airport followed by a 30 minute ferry to the island.

Lying some 50 miles off the mainland of Thailand amongst the Angthong group of islands lies the idyllic island of Koh Samui. From the minute you step off your flight this magical island starts to spin its charms around you. Its local population of 35,000 are extremely warm and friendly and always ready with a smile. Enjoy the laid back charm of this heaven. The largest and the most popular beaches are all located in Chaweng and Lamai. There are many choices of excellent hotels here. The majority are low rise and blend in to the scenery, so that the island maintains its charm. Samui boasts palm fringed beaches, which lead into quaint oriental villages. For those seeking quieter places and solitude, why not discover some of the other 23 beaches around the island?

The sights

Located 12 miles northwest is Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park which is comprised of approximately 40 islands covering almost 100 square miles.  The park is full of fascinating beaches, caves and coral formations, while sheer limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons can also be found. At Na Muang, two beautiful waterfalls sit amid dense forest which make an ideal spot for trekking or elephant back riding. Temples to visit include Wat Phra Yai (Temple of the Big Buddha), which houses the spectacular 12-metre high Golden Buddha, while at Wat Samaret a marble Buddha image from Burma can be admired. The Na Thian Butterfly Garden gives an opportunity to observe numerous species of butterflies as well as an insect museum.

The nightlife

Koh Samui wakes up after sunset. From laid back evenings sat in beach bars listening to the sea to clubbing in an open air disco – it’s all here. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs and late night shopping are all available to interfere with your sleep. Away from Chaweng, though, evenings are rather more relaxed.

The shopping

Koh Samui boasts a number of art galleries where you can pick up some great artwork at very reasonable prices and beachwear is extremely good value.

The Land of Smiles was introduced as an advertising slogan, but it so accurately sums up Thailand, that it has become much more than a promotional catchphrase. The people are    charming and the country is a wonderful combination of ornate temples, ancient pagodas, glorious beaches, stunning mountain scenery, colourful tribes, bustling cities and buzzing nightlife.

The culture

For the culture vultures, Thailand has a wealth of sights and sounds just waiting to be explored. Thai culture is visible everywhere and is reflected in its traditions, local lifestyles, superstitions and beliefs which are all passed down from one generation to the next.

The shopping

Thailand has the added “wow factor” of being retail heaven. Regular visitors know that it can beat many of its Asian neighbours when it comes to finding a great selection of quality goods at attractive prices and if you are streetwise, you can get some great deals. Thailand is well known for its genuine brand names and also for its fakes. Many of the world’s most famous brands for clothing have established factories in Thailand as export bases. You will often find that the local markets sell the “off-runs” at prices well below those in the UK. You can buy just about anything from clothes to souvenirs. In the markets, the rule is - barter with patience and a broad smile and you will get a better price. Bangkok is a shopping mecca with shopping malls and markets, but even in some resort towns and in Northern Thailand, there are great shopping opportunities. The North is excellent for local handicrafts. Koh Samui boasts a number of art galleries where you can pick up some great artwork at very reasonable prices and beachwear is extremely good value.

The Beaches

Thailand has it all when it comes to beaches whether you want big and boisterous or quiet and intimate. A dazzling choice of beach resorts offering the best of everything from hidden coves, sweeping bays, quiet islands, pulsing nightlife to luxury accommodation.  Premier Holidays offers a wide choice of hotels, resorts and spas in the larger resorts of Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Cha Am and Pattaya but also in the smaller resorts of Khao Lak, Phi Phi, Trang, Krabi, Rayong and Koh Chang.

In a nutshell...

“Thailand is justifiably one of South East Asia’s top destinations and the reason is clear - it has something for everyone. The value for money is second to none and when you take into account the high standards of the hotels and the genuine welcome from the Thai people, you have a mix which is hard to beat. It’s also a great place for kids of all ages. Thais love children and are very protective of them no matter what their nationality.”

 

The facts:

Geography: Thailand has a population of over 62 million and covers an area twice the size of England. It divides into four main areas – the Central Plains including Bangkok; the North, which encompasses the jungles of the hill country; the North East; and the South with its stunning beaches.

Language: the official language is Thai and the alphabet is very different to ours. Some English is spoken, particularly in tourist destinations.

Passports: you will need a full British passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of return.

Visas: a visa is only required if you stay in Thailand for more than 30 days. Non-British passport holders should check with the relevant embassy for documentation requirements.

Vaccinations: Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.

Travelling time: Bangkok is approximately 12 hours by non-stop flight from the UK.

Local time: GMT + 7 hours.

Currency: Thai Baht.

Departure taxes: 700 Baht for international flights and 30 Baht for domestic flights except Koh Samui which is 400 Baht. Taxes must be paid locally in Thai Baht only.

 

 

In recent years Krabi has become one of the newest and hottest destinations in Thailand with one of Asia’s most stunning coastlines. A get-away-from-it-all kind of place, far from the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts, Krabi seems to have an age-old tranquil air about it which is reflected in the happy smiling faces of its people. Even so, it’s only an hour from Bangkok by air or two hours drive from Phuket. One of Krabi’s main attractions is the 75 million year old Susan Hoi shell graveyard, one of only three in the world or you could take one of the daily boat trips to the outlying islands of Koh Poda or Koh Khai.

Northern Thailand is a diverse region with crisp mountain scenery, exotic hill tribes, forests which are still worked by elephants and friendly people who contribute to the North’s hospitality and enduring charm.
 

The culture

The culture of northern Thailand is rich in history, flavoured by contact with the Burmese and the people of Laos. Lana Thai culture is unique to the north and its people are proud of their unique heritage.

The sights

Chiang Mai - the "Rose of the North" and Thailand’s second city, is famous for its beautiful women, historic temples, distinctive festivals and handicrafts from the Bo Sang-San Kampaeng area which is rich with cottage industries. It’s also a great location for visiting the elephants.

Mae Hong Son - the lands below the wind, nestles in a valley surrounded by lush green, forested mountains. A short flight from Chiang Mai it is the most isolated northern provincial town in Thailand. Home to the refugees of the Padong (long-neck) Tribe which originate from Burma.

Chiang Rai - lies in the very heart of the fabled "Golden Triangle" - the mystical meeting point of three national borders (Thailand, Laos and Myanmar). Majestic mountain scenery abounds. The area has more than its share of natural attractions and antiquities. It is also home to many high altitude hill villages where the tribes follow a way of life from a time past.

The shopping

Even in some resort towns and in Northern Thailand, there are great shopping opportunities. The North is excellent for local handicrafts.

The nightlife

Chiang Mai has a bustling Night Bazaar, which takes place in the main street and also has a great choice of bars and restaurants - something to suit everyone’s taste. One of the best evening entertainment choices in the North is to experience an authentic northern Thai Khantoke dinner.

In a nutshell...

“Chiang Mai is a bustling city – but just a short drive out of the city you’ll experience a different world. From Chiang Mai, it’s a short flight into the lush jungle and areas such as Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Sorn – the best way to get a true picture of northern Thailand. Mist can disrupt flights to and from Mae Hong Son in the winter months, but then, the mists also add to the mystery and magic as they cling to temples and hills.”

Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most internationally renowned resorts – big and sometimes brash but definitely never boring. Known as Thailand’s "Riviera", this is a big resort city with some top class hotels located in the heart of Pattaya, but for those looking for a less hectic time without being too far away from it all, head for the resort outskirts. In spite of its size, you will still see signs of the daily Thai traditions.

The sights

Underwater World Pattaya is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia which houses more than 4,000 marine animals. Other sights include The Pattaya Park which features a large water park, The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm, Sireporn Orchid Farm and not forgetting a boat trip to one of the nearby smaller islands.

The nightlife

Pattaya by night, boasts an amazing range of entertainment possibilities to suit all tastes. At sun down you will see the resort take on a different face. A little known secret about Pattaya, it has some of the very best seafood restaurants in the whole of Thailand

The shopping

There are great shopping opportunities and if you are streetwise you can get some great deals. You can buy just about anything from clothes to souvenirs. In the markets, the rule is - barter with patience and a broad smile and you will get a better price. Pattaya also has many well known branded UK shops to make you feel at home.

Phi Phi made more famous by being featured in the movie, “The Beach” and is certainly an island paradise. The two main tree covered islets are Phi Phi Don, which   boasts several white beaches ideal for soaking up the sun and swimming and Phi Phi Ley, which is home to thousands of swallows which nest in the Viking cave. Swim and snorkel the crystal clear waters to see the colourful coral reefs. Like any idyllic setting, it is a magnet for day-trippers, who spend their time around Tong Sai, so don’t expect a secluded, tranquil location. It is beautiful, but busy!

Phuket is Thailand’s best known island aptly named the Jewel in the Andaman Sea. On the western coast of Thailand, it is home to mountains, rainforests and some pristine beaches. For those looking for peace with a touch of class, head for the Laguna area home to some of the best hotels the island has to offer and the beach at Bang Tao. Low season for Phuket is our summer and the seas on this coastline can be rough. On the other hand, places like Cape Panwa offer complete escapism. Secluded and peaceful, it’s a great place just to chill out! Its east coast location also protects it from the worst of the weather in low season. Phuket Town, some 20 minutes away, also has an abundance of activities to keep everyone occupied.

The sights

Phuket offers sights to see, things to do, and places to go no matter what your age. Take an elephant trek through the jungle, soothe your body with a Thai massage, ride a horse along the beach, watch the sunset from Prom Thep cape, learn to cook Thai style in one of the many cooking classes, explore the caves of Phang Nga Bay in a sea canoe, rent a longtail boat and take a trip to Koh Racha or any of the other smaller Islands or enjoy a round of golf on one of Phuket’s fine golf courses. Attractions include the Thai Village and Orchid Farm, Phuket Aquarium, Phuket Butterfly Farm and Phuket Cultural Center.

The nightlife

If you crave the highlife, then head for Patong with its lively night markets and oriental mayhem or just sit at one of the many street cafés. Entertainment often spills out on to the street and can sometimes border on the wild side. Bars and restaurants across the island come in all styles from bare-foot casual dining under the stars to dress-up-smartly with air conditioning where a truly international cuisine menu is served.

Rayong is an old market town, which still retains much of the character of days gone by. The main industry is fishing and just a stone’s throw from the centre of town, you will find the busy fishing village. At the little village of Ban Phe, you can watch the locals, dressed in straw hats and sarongs, laying out shrimp to dry on the beach.

The shopping

The shopping is basic although you will find a few local handicraft shops to purchase gifts to bring home with you.

Trang is one of Thailand’s best kept secrets located some 500 miles south of Bangkok and connected by a one hour flight. Trang town is charming with friendly locals who are very welcoming and keen to ensure that you enjoy this delightful town with its bustling local markets. This part of Thailand is new to tourism and it still has the air of being untouched and waiting to be discovered. Trang is also blessed with beautiful beaches and stunning views of the 47 outlying islands. Trang has immense appeal for those looking for a “Robinson Crusoe” get away with peace, quiet and total relaxation. 

Koh Yao Noi is the largest of two sister islands Koh Ya Noi and Koh Yao Yai which are part of an archipelago of 44 islands in Phang Nga Bay. The Phang Nga Bay area has become famous since it was featured in the James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun" and attracts both day trippers on excursions from Phuket and those looking for somewhere a bit different to stay.
 

The sights

Koh Yao Noi is largely undeveloped so the main things to see are its glorious beaches. Hat Pa Sai is one of the most popular beaches boasting white sandy shores shaded by swaying palm trees. Hat Tha Kao, another of the islands beaches features boulders, rocks, and pebbles of various shapes, size, and coloration and during low tide you can walk to another small island nearby.