There’s far more to Thailand than packed out beaches and neon-drenched nightlife. You could escape to secluded islands where traditional life still goes on. Or look beyond world-famous views to uncover fresh wonders. From tips on destinations to recommendations for luxury hotels, Thailand is yours to discover on our SLH itinerary.
Bangkok is an energetic city and rewards those who stay to explore rather than dart off to the coast straight away. And for an introduction to Thai culture past and present, there’s nowhere quite like it.
Spend a day exploring the Old City (Rattanakosin), visiting the magnificent Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew temple, with its gleaming gold stupas. And of course, enjoy your first taste of Thai food cooked on its home turf. Whether you stick to Pad Thai or try everything from lemongrass and seafood soup to grilled insects, the flavours are guaranteed to be fresher, brighter (and spicier) than anything you’ve tried elsewhere.
Stay at 137 Pillars Suites Bangkok for a chic welcome to Bangkok – you can even take in skyline views from the city’s highest infinity pool. Or take a look at our three other hotels, all centrally located to allow for optimum exploring – Akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok and Akyra Thonglor Bangkok. Suggested stay 2-3 nights.
A short internal flight takes you from Bangkok to Phuket. Thailand’s largest island and home to six stunning SLH hotels, its tropical rainforests and golden shores are a taste of things to come.
Wrap yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest at Keemala. This boutique hotel close to Phuket’s western shore is focused on finding harmony – with nature, and within yourself. You could even stay in a luxury treehouse with a private plunge pool, and welcome each sunrise with a yoga class.
There are four other boutique SLH hotels to choose from on Phuket – Aleenta Resort and Spa Phuket, The Racha, and Twinpalms Phuket and Twinpalms MontAzure. Suggested stay 3 nights.
Thailand’s Andaman Sea is dotted with almost impossibly scenic islands, with sheer limestone hills cloaked in emerald forest. Not surprisingly, they attract lots of visitors on tours of famous landmarks such as ‘James Bond island’. But you don’t have to go far to find an altogether more laid-back pace of life. On Koh Yao Noi, you get the benefit of cruising between the otherworldly rock formations of Phang Nga Bay – without the crowds.
Stay awhile with coastal chic resort, Cape Kudu Hotel as your base and you’ll discover an island where local life is largely unchanged. Visit fishing communities for dinner inspiration – and even learn to bring in a catch yourself, with a fishing lesson at the hotel.
Another peaceful option is nearby Koh Lanta. On its edges are long, quiet beaches with plenty of snorkelling spots and sea caves to nose into in a kayak. If you’re a diver, luxury hotel Pimalai Resort & Spa leads daily trips to the best sites – you might even find yourself swimming alongside majestic manta rays. Suggested stay 3-4 nights.
The island of Koh Samui offers heart-snaring scenery at every turn. By day, go snorkelling amongst shoals of multi-coloured fish in the turquoise waters off the island’s northern shore. Or simply bask on the fine sands, fringed by leaning palms. For true tranquillity, head to the bay at Lipa Noi beach, fringed by coconut plantations. At night, enjoy a moonlit stroll past the colourful fishing boats of Bo Phut.
There are three boutique SLH hotels on this tropical island to discover – take your pick from Bo Phut Resort & Spa, Tongsai Pool Villas, and Cape Fahn which lies on a private island just off the northern tip of Koh Samui. Suggested stay 2-3 nights.
Bangkok is the main international gateway to Thailand. It’s also where you can pick up internal flights down to Phuket. Ferries to Koh Lanta or Koh Yao Noi depart from Phuket’s eastern shore. While there are no direct transfers, you can travel from either island to Koh Samui by speedboat or ferry, followed by an over-island drive. Ask our Voice Reservation Team for details about private transport provided by individual hotels.
To book the hotels on this independent itinerary, get in touch with our Voice Reservation Team on 0800 0482 314 (UK) & 1-877-234-7033 (US). You can find a full list of our dedicated toll-free numbers here. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch.
