Decisions, decisions! It’s difficult not to be seduced by the siren call of Thailand’s gorgeous coasts and islands – the good news is, South Africans can give in and go without breaking the bank. Now all that’s left to decide is the destination: Phuket, Krabi or Phi Phi?
When it comes to the sheer variety of activities, Phuket is a clear winner among Thailand’s islands. This popular destination is a favourite with honeymooners, group travellers and families because there are fun and romantic things to do at every price range. Take a Thai cooking class or a diving course (the marine life and crystal clear visibility means dives here are some of the best in the world). Or go for spa treatments, helicopter flights, zip lines and treetop tours, the options are plentiful!
Phuket also makes an ideal base from which to hop to other top beach destinations like Khao Lak, while Phuket's West Andaman coast is a gateway to more secluded destinations such as the Similan, Koh Tachai and Surin National Park.
Phuket owes its status as a travel darling to its beaches. While some might find them somewhat overcrowded, others enjoy the party atmosphere. If you’re craving a little quiet, head straight past the popular sands of Patong to the more southern resort beaches at Kata and Karon. There are even a few semi-secret beaches off the beaten tourist track – look for Siam Beach in the south or Banana Beach in the north.
Last but not least, there are always good deals to be had for Phuket holiday packages. Like Thompsons Holidays 7-night package for the four-star OZO Phuket from just R17, 429 pps, including return flights from Johannesburg, accommodation in a deluxe room and breakfast daily.
Or bump up a star rating and stay at the five-star The Village Coconut Island from just R19,451 pps, including return flights from Johannesburg, accommodation in a deluxe room, breakfast daily, airport-hotel transfers, 24-hour water taxi service and non-motor sport activities.
Are you a wildlife lover rather than a party animal? Venture into the jungles of Krabi, Phuket’s tamer sister island. She’s into long walks on the beach and adventure sports. At night, you’ll find her ‘round the bonfire at Railay Beach, swaying to the beats of Bob Marley.
This is also a prime destination for island hopping and activities. Krabi is within reach of 83 islands and excellent dive spots, as well as kayaking in the caves and twilight snorkelling. There’s also rock climbing on the beach, quad-biking excursions, off-road dirt biking, white water rafting and zip lines.
While you won’t find as many gourmet restaurants on this island, consider yourself blessed – it is home to some of the best local eats you’ll find in Thailand.
Recently reopened after a four-year closure by the Thai government, Phi Phi Islands (where the blockbuster The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed) are so beautiful they’ll remove the word “stress” from your vocabulary. Phi Phi Leh has no human inhabitants (day visits only), while Phi Phi Don, where you can stay overnight, has little to no roads – so there's nothing but miles of sparkling beaches, lush green jungles and sheer limestone cliffs.
This is the place to go for diving , with fringing reefs, tunnels, caverns and pinnacles providing plenty of hide-outs for sea turtles, rays, moray eels, leopard sharks, soft corals and giant clams.
It's not all R&R, though. Phi Phi Don is also a great destination for a night out, with a good mix of pubs and bars open late, as well as opportunities for a romantic candle-lit dinner for two on the sand.
Bangkok can be a destination all by itself, or you can get the best of Thailand's buzzing metropolis and the tranquility of the islands by choosing for a combo package that inlcudes a stop in bustling Bangkok. With its deep pool of culture, history, religion and artistry amidst nightlife and shopping galore, Bangkok is always well worth a visit.
Visit the heart of Bangkok – The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. It’s one of the most revered and iconic sites in Thailand. South of the palace is the Temple of Wat Pho, the birthplace of Thai massage and home to a massive reclining Buddha, plated with gold.
Bangkok hasn’t been nicknamed “The Big Mango” for nothing. Thai food is some of the best cuisine on earth. From steamy red, green and yellow curries, to cashews and coconut-flavoured treats, you’ll want to sample your fill in Bangkok. A good place to do this is at one of the cities many markets.
Wang Lang Market is a good bet for street eats, like deep fried pork pieces that melt in your mouth. Chatuchak Weekend Market, meanwhile, is Thailand’s largest market where you can find anything and everything from its close to 15,000 formal and informal vendors. Or step aboard one of the city’s iconic floating markets.
No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a stroll along Khao San Road. This is a hub for nightlife and backpackers from around the world. It’s full of cheap bars, street cafés, music shops, guesthouses and interesting characters. And if you’re inclind to check out Thailand’s unofficial red light district, head to Patpong. Just watch your pockets.
If it's only the buzz of Bangkok is all you're after, we recommend Thompsons Holidays' 5-night package for the four-star Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit. Priced from R14,824 pps, the package includes return flights from Johannesburg, airport-hotel transfers, accommodation in a deluxe room and breakfast daily.
For a combo city-island holiday, you can't go wrong with Thompsons Holidays' 10-night Bangkok, Khao Lak and Phuket package. Priced at an incredibly affordable R23, 332 pps, the package includes return flights from Johannesburg to Bangkok and Phuket, return airport-hotel transfers, three nights at the four-star Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 in a Deluxe room, three nights at the five-star Mai Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa in a Deluxe Suite and four nights at the four-star Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa in a Deluxe room, with breakfast daily for each hotel/resort.
Ready to make your Thai holiday dream a reality? Contact your nearest Sure Travel agency to get details of all Thompsons Holidays Thai packages for the season, or call 0861 47 48 49.
