Luxury Thailand with Chic Locations

Thailand is the perfect choice for a luxury holiday. And with so many incredible destinations to choose from, visitors are spoilt for choice. To help you plan your luxury break in Thailand, we’ve asked the advice of Thailand travel expert, David Kevan from Chic Locations. Over to you David.

Thailand remains the most popular of all of the countries Chic Locations offer in the South-East Asia region. This popularity is now being shared by many others and the main resorts of Phuket and Samui are noticeably much busier. I have been to Thailand over 150 times; not boasting, just old! 

I was fortunate enough to have seen places in their tourism infancy, very different to the resorts they have now grown into. There are still many places in Thailand where you can still enjoy romantic escapism. They might require slightly longer transfers, but that only adds to the real sense of exclusivity and excitement. Here are just a few ideas:

Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta is Just far enough south of Krabi to deter the day-trippers. With two super hotels in Layana and Pimalai, the island has hardly moved on in terms of international development (other than a bridge) and is all the better for it.

Ko Pha Ngan

Ko Pha Ngan is just 30 minutes by speedboat from Ko Samui, but maybe 30 years behind in terms of appeal. Known for its lively monthly Full Moon Parties and superb beaches, the appeal of Ko Pha Ngan is still wonderfully laid back. Our suggested hotels are the Anantara Rasananda or the neighbouring Buri Rasa. Or look at Ko Tao, a further 45 minutes away but even less developed, with just a handful of international resorts. On Ko Tao, Haad Tien is our preferred partner.

Ko Kood

Ko Kood is located on Thailand’s east coast, not far from Cambodia and is one of the largest but least inhabited Thai islands. Ko Kood is totally tropical with amazing beaches and hamlet size villages. Simply wonderful. Our suggested hotels here are the incredible Soneva Kiri, expensive but in our opinion worth every Baht/Pound. Alternatively,  the thatched roofed delights of the High Season Villa Resort is another great option which is open year-round.

Khanom 

Khanom is located on the mainland in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, just south of the city of Surat Thani. Even the Thai people have to look at the map to find it! Expect to see deserted beaches, authentic markets, dense forests, and clear blue seas where you can generally see pink dolphins. Our suggested hotel is the Aava, a blend of cool Scandinavian minimalism and wide Thai smiles.

North Khao Lak 

Whilst Khao Lak is still much quieter than its gateway resort of Phuket, development is coming with many new hotels opening. But travel a further 25 minutes up the coast from the centre of Khao Lak and you can discover some truly delightful new resorts. We particularly like Le Menara with the majority of the villas on stilts. Le Menara features a huge pool, an expansive beach and great style.

Ko Samet

Situated on Thailand’s east coast and only 3 hours from Bangkok, Ko Samet is reached by road and then speedboat or ferry. This makes the island an easy accessible beach retreat if combined with a trip to Bangkok or Pattaya. We particularly like the Paradee Resort with its quiet location on a beach with powder-soft sand. Ko Samet has its pockets of tourist activity. but 75% of the island is National Park land.

Ko Yao Noi

Ko Yao Noi might only be 45 minutes by boat from Phuket, but it’s miles away in terms of development. This is a delightfully laid-back island with small cove beaches, quiet villages and lush dense forests. On Ko Yao Noi, we would suggest staying at the innovatively designed Treehouse Villas with their duplex suites complete with swing bridge.

All of David’s suggestions can easily be combined with a stay in either Bangkok and/or Chiang Mai where Chic Locations have chosen a number of equally luxurious and unique hotel options to tempt you.

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