Far from being confined to the stereotypical notion of a “fly and flop” destination, Thailand is a sensational choice for luxury holidays. Diversity exemplified, it encapsulates excitement and relaxation unlike anywhere else. You could be hiking to the country’s highest temples or slurping down a bowlful of steaming noodles one day, to find yourself navigating the city’s waterways in a long-tail boat or dozing off under the shade of swaying palms the next.
The team at Oroko Travel have journeyed extensively through Thailand, revelling in its diversity and unique charm. While it’s easy to find yourself drawn to the well-trodden tourist hotspots, Oroko takes pride in uncovering the hidden gems that lie off the beaten path. To showcase their wealth of knowledge and for you to gain a deeper understanding of Thailand’s offerings, Oroko travel specialist, Delwyn Hughes shares his expert insights on tailoring Thailand holidays.
Winter on Thailand’s west coast
From elephant encounters to unwinding on picturesque beaches framed by towering limestone cliffs, Thailand promises an unforgettable escape from the cold winter blues back home. During this time of year, Hughes recommends experiencing Khao Sok National Park; “My best memory of Thailand would probably be in Khao Sok National Park when I visited Elephant Hills, a beautiful luxury tented camp in the middle of the rainforest.” It offers the extraordinary opportunity to forge connections with majestic elephants in their natural habitat, engaging with these gentle giants under the guidance of their devoted mahouts, who share a lifelong bond with their elephant companions. Having won awards for their efforts in sustainability and animal welfare, Elephant Hills is an ideal choice when looking for ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.
Hughes recommends pairing your jungle experience with the beaches of the West Coast. Unwind on the pristine sands of Krabi, a region renowned for its dramatic landscapes and picture-perfect beaches. Here, limestone outcrops rise from the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop synonymous with Krabi’s coastal beauty. Hughes says, “If you ever see postcards of Thailand, you usually see the iconic limestone outcrops that sit in the ocean. That’s the sensational view you can expect on the beaches of Krabi.”
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Great value summer luxury
Thailand is also a sensational option for holidaying during the summer months. While the crowds may rule the usual hotspots, you can find luxury accommodation in lesser-explored regions for a fraction of the price you’d pay in Europe. Oroko suggest pairing a holiday to Bangkok with seaside bliss in Koh Samui or Koh Samet. During the summer, these areas experience only sporadic showers, avoiding the heavy monsoon rains that hit popular destinations like Phuket.
Both modern and ancient, Thailand’s capital is a city of contrasts. Hughes highlights the sheer diversity of activities available in Bangkok: “You can see the local way of life by going to the outskirts of the city and taking a long-tail boat up the canals to visit some of the floating markets or the famous railway market where they move all of their stalls to let the train pass.” The city is peppered with markets of all types but the most famous is probably Bangkok’s Flower Market. Hughes recalls: “If you go there at nighttime, there are amazing tropical flowers set out along by the Koh San Road area, and teamed with the street food nearby, the smell is just incredible.”
To perfectly follow an exciting stay in Bangkok, pair your trip with the soft white sands, sparkling turquoise waters and towering coconut palms of Koh Samui and Koh Samet. These islands offer endless activities for all party types.
Off-the-radar island bliss
For those who want to experience something off the beaten track, Hughes suggests exploring the lesser-visited areas and islands of the country. Step away from the bustling crowds to hidden gems like Koh Lipe, a tranquil island in the Andaman Sea. Zip across the shimmering waters on a speedboat where Koh Lipe welcomes you with kaleidoscopic coral reefs and vibrant sunsets. Spend your days snorkelling amid rainbow coral gardens, diving with exotic sea creatures or simply lounging on the beach, soaking up the tropical sunshine.
After Koh Lipe, delve deeper into the wonders of Southeast Asia by venturing to Malaysia’s Langkawi, a neighbouring archipelago. Here, amidst the verdant rainforest canopy, you’ll find a sanctuary teeming with wildlife – from flying lemurs and dusky leaf monkeys to a dazzling display of butterflies. Langkawi also offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from zip-lining through the treetops to kayaking along mangrove-lined rivers.
Wherever you choose to go Hughes’ advice remains the same; trust the experts and don’t limit your experience to a beach resort. “For families, I would always recommend adding in tailored experiences. There are natural landmarks, experiences and amazing temples that the kids will be in awe of, something that they’ve never seen before—local life and floating markets, for instance. Seeing how children and families live in Thailand is a different experience for kids.”
With Oroko, you can trust that your journey to Thailand will be meticulously planned, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this incredible country.
Plan your dream holiday today by calling Oroko Travel on 01 2600 240 or by emailing info@orokotravel.ie. For more inspiration, visit orokotravel.ie.