Paradise Found - Thailand

> > by Natalie Bannister

Thailand is also culturally rich. From the bustling capital of Bangkok with its Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, amongst many other cultural sites, to the hill tribes in the north with villages dotted along well established trekking group trails, you won’t have to venture far for a dose of history or culture and your experience will be made all the more special by the kind hearted and ever-smiling Thai people.

Then there is the cuisine - have you ever met somebody who does not like Thai food? Not only do you get to indulge in delicious dishes you might never have heard of before, but you’ll find there is a dining option to suit every budget, from romantic world-class establishments to street food (make sure you eat it from a stall that is packed with locals!).

Thailand is the kind of destination that you could return to over and over and have a totally different holiday experience every time. It is the perfect romantic getaway where couples can easily land in Bangkok and combine the thriving metropolitan buzz of this busy city, where the shopping is as exciting as the nightlife, before moving onto the rich cultural heart of the mountainous north and vibrant Chiang Mai; or the relaxed, exotic potency of the beaches and islands that hug the coastline of the south-west and southern tip - stretching from the hotspots of Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta on the western coastline, to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan on the South-East gulf, and beyond.

Slipping in to ‘Thai Time’ with each other and enjoying every intoxicating sunset is just so easy. It’s here in Thailand, on the sands of some of the world’s most idyllic beaches and islands, that the true essence of a tropical Asian lifestyle can be found.


Best for party animals

While romantic couples probably won’t want to stay in touristy Patong, if you are staying in Phuket and consider yourself a bit of a party animal you will no doubt visit this beach at least once.

During the day the beach is quite popular and offers a good range of water sports, but come dusk and all the action moves to the streets, literally until dawn!

Bangala Road is probably the most famous street in Patong. Although Patong’s claim to fame is for less salubrious reasons than some of the island’s other well-known beaches, you will find it feels completely safe and unthreatening to walk around, even at night. Head to one of the bars that play live music if the open air lady-boy shows aren’t your idea of entertainment.


Best for Robinson Crusoe

Thong Nai Pan on Koh Phangan, an island in the Gulf of Thailand (and an easy boat hop over from neighbouring Koh Samui) is a place where nature and artistic individuality combine, in a setting that is like something straight off an exotic postcard.

White soft sand, crystal blue ocean gently lapping at the edges, traditional Thai fishing boats bobbing on the horizon, and a mix of shabby beach shacks and peaceful bungalows fringe the peaceful bay and are scattered up beyond into the hills.

The kind of setting that lulls the senses, and where the mind and body can easily relax. There are nice restaurants where you can enjoy seafood freshly caught, sip a cold beer as the sun is setting and kick back with some chilled out tunes. It’s still got that evocative vibe of the Koh Phangan of ten years ago.

A short drive away are the Than Sadet waterfalls, the largest on the island, where the present King of Thailand and his royal ancestors have come to bathe, including some much treasured visits by King Chulalongkorn and his royal entourage in the late 1800s.

All three kings have left large inscriptions on giant stones near the river bed. If you like your holiday dosed with a touch of rustic charm, catch the high speed Lomprayah from Koh Samui to the main port town of Thong Sala on Koh Phangan, and then hitch a ride on one of the local songthaew taxis towards the southern tip of the island, veering off into the jungle roads to reach this hidden gem.


Best for thrill-seekers

Railay Beach in Krabi is not only extraordinarily beautiful, but it is the ideal spot for those needing a daily dose of active pursuits. From seakayaking through the limestone cliffs to diving and even rock climbing, you’ll find Railay Beach is buzzing with activity.

While seasoned climbers go mad for the challenging cliff-side routes, there are also easier options here. You will even find rock-climbing courses for anyone, from absolute beginners to adrenaline-junky advanced.

This unique beach destination - framed by aquamarine waters off land and boasting the quintessential beach lifestyle, including afternoon beach soccer and volleyball, on land - is the perfect destination for those seeking the ultimate mix of beauty and action.


Best for culture vultures

One of the most elegant and well preserved beaches on Samui, Bophut was once the thriving hub of a fishing industry on the island and for much of the surrounding region.

The Fisherman’s Village remains as an interesting contrast to the rest of Samui’s development. In testament to its rich tradition, it has a main street that is lined with old Chinese-style shop houses with their quaint verandahs overlooking the quiet bay, some still the homes of families who have lived here for generations, others that have been tastefully restored and converted into modern restaurants and chic bars.

The village is relatively quiet and subdued by day, but as the evening sets in it comes alive as the shops and market stalls begin trading for clothing, arts and crafts. And, further down to the left of the Fisherman’s Village is the luxurious stretch of Bophut beach, which is lined with beautiful hotels, resorts and villas, and some great restaurants.

This area is one of the most popular spots for sunset cocktails, candlelight dinners and relaxed evening strolls along the sand as the boats bob up and down on the calm sea waters, and the lights of nearby Koh Phangan twinkle in the distance.

You feel as though you are living a touch of the ‘real Thailand’ where traditional pursuits such as fishing still happen as they always did, and as a bonus you’ve got the island’s most significant cultural site - Big Buddha - just minutes away.


Best for secluded romance

Just an easy half hour drive from Phuket’s main airport is the stunning Phang Nga Province, and it’s here, in the waters off the mainland you will find Ao Phang Marine National Park and discover one of the most breathtaking sceneries in all of Thailand.

Towering limestone cliffs jutting out of the emerald ocean reveal hidden caves and secluded lagoons and beaches, making a dramatic backdrop to the many popular day tours for tourists seeking out James Bond Island (the setting of the movie The Man with the Golden Gun).

But back on the mainland, as the sun begins its descent, couples can find a little slice of private romance on the beaches - they say that Phang Na Province has more beaches than anybody can count! Natai Beach is one of the province’s easiest beaches to access and is said to be one of the loveliest and most peaceful with only a handful of five-star resorts. Here, the perfect mix of peace and serenity balance with a few luxury lifestyle options such as the high-end restaurants and spas at the resorts, ensuring that couples can enjoy the beauty and romance of the area without sacrificing any holiday indulgences.

Referred to as the ‘Hamptons’ of the region, the mansions built by millionaires from all over the world will ensure that the area stays exclusive and somewhat secluded for some time yet, and all this privacy and seclusion is just under half an hour from Phuket’s international airport.