Thailand has long been one of those destinations that clients ask about constantly – and having now been, I completely understand why. I was lucky enough to visit as part of a travel industry trip, spending time across three very different areas – the islands of Koh Yao Noi, the beach resort of Khao Lak and the rainforest of Khao Sok National Park. Each one was completely different; all of them were brilliant.
We flew Emirates via Dubai which I’d thoroughly recommend – great inflight entertainment, comfortable and straightforward. If you have any dietary requirements, pre-order your meals as hot meal choices on board are limited.
Koh Yao Noi
Our first stop was Koh Yao Noi, a small island sitting between Phuket and Krabi in Phang Nga Bay. A short transfer from Phuket airport to the marina and then a forty-five minute boat transfer brings you to a place that feels genuinely removed from the bustle of the bigger resorts.
Paradise Koh Yao
We stayed at Paradise Koh Yao – a four-star property set within a national park, with spacious rooms, good food and a really relaxed atmosphere. It’s remote by design – getting anywhere means a speedboat or long-tail boat, so go ready to properly switch off. I’d suggest at least five nights here to do it justice. Romantic and very quiet – perfect.
Tree House Villas
Under the same ownership and sharing the same grounds is Tree House Villas, which I absolutely loved. Adult only, beautiful rooms with stunning views and private pools, and a complimentary minibar replenished daily with soft drinks and beers. Really unique and very special.
Cape Kudu
We also visited Cape Kudu, a lovely four-star-plus property just five minutes by boat from Paradise. It has more of a buzz about it than the other island properties – restaurants within walking distance, free bike hire, a spa with six treatment rooms and a bit more going on around it. The Robinson Crusoe room is the one to go for if budget allows.
Six Senses Koh Yao Noi
From there we headed to Six Senses Koh Yao Noi, which does what Six Senses always does – rustic luxury with sustainability woven through everything. Their own garden grows organic vegetables and herbs, there’s a home-made ice cream parlour where ice cream is complimentary, a moonlight cinema several times a week and 250 eggs a day produced by their own farm. Everything is very spread out with buggy stations throughout – perfect for the pace of the place. A lovely beach setting too. There’s plenty to keep you busy – candle making, cooking classes and free bike hire among other things. But equally it’s the kind of place where doing nothing at all feels completely justified.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is quieter and more authentic than the larger Thai resorts – it’s just a small town with shops, restaurants and night markets, and a beautiful stretch of coastline. It’s also a place with a significant history – it was the area worst affected by the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 and there is a memorial worth visiting.
Devasom Khao Lak
A standout property here was Devasom Khao Lak. Only 69 rooms in grounds large enough for three times that number, so it never once felt busy. The decor is extraordinary – much of the wood and ornate doors reclaimed from India, giving it an intentional lost world feel. Family owned, truly five star, and the beach and lagoon setting is beautiful. I loved it.
The Sands
For families, The Sands at Khao Lak is an excellent four-star option with its own mini water park, great family rooms and plenty to keep children entertained.
The Sarojin
And then there’s The Sarojin – my favourite hotel of the entire trip. It’s true five-star understated luxury, set on a long golden sand beach with a beautiful pool and a spa that really delivers. The staff are so warm and genuinely seem to love what they do. The Sarojin has an interesting history too – built from scratch by a British couple, it was finished and due to open when the tsunami hit and destroyed it. They started again. You can book a romantic dinner at a waterfall ten minutes away or a sunset cruise followed by dinner on a sandbar. I can completely see why it has so many repeat guests.
Khao Sok National Park
Elephant Hills
Elephant Hills was the highlight of the entire trip – and if I’m honest, you could build a whole holiday around it and feel completely satisfied. About an hour from Khao Lak, Elephant Hills sits in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, named after the surrounding mountains and shaped like an elephant’s head. It’s a three-day, two-night experience and it was unlike anything I’ve done before.
You arrive for a buffet lunch – all meals are buffet style – and the food was genuinely good with something for everyone. You then settle into your tent before heading out on a guided canoe trip along the Sok River. Drifting past limestone mountains and lush tropical vegetation with the chance to spot hornbills and all sorts of wildlife, it sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come.
Then comes the elephant experience itself. Elephant Hills is home to 12 elephants, all rescued from the logging industry when logging was made illegal in Thailand. The oldest elephant is 76. The approach here is built entirely on respect for these extraordinary animals – you help prepare their daily meals and then watch them eat at designated feeding stations in their natural habitat. Hands-off, ethical and all the more powerful for it. It’s one of the most special things I’ve ever done – and the way Elephant Hills cares for these elephants, focused entirely on their wellbeing and conservation, makes it feel completely right.
The tents are far more comfortable than you might expect – proper bathroom, hot water, kettle, Wi-Fi. And dinner that evening beside the rainforest, with the sounds of the jungle all around you, is something you simply won’t forget. Drinks, by the way, were surprisingly reasonable – and there’s a small gift shop for souvenirs. Cash only on site, so bring Thai Baht.
The following morning, everything moves to the floating rainforest camp on Cheow Larn Lake – a stunning 50-kilometre lake surrounded by towering limestone mountains. Solar powered, no Wi-Fi, and honestly no need for it. You can swim, kayak, trek through the jungle with a guide, or simply sit and take in views that genuinely take your breath away. Children under seven aren’t accepted at the lake camp, which means it’s a quieter and gives it a wonderfully peaceful feel. We spotted monkeys on the guided kayak tour the next morning. I’ll leave that moment with you.
Phuket
The Katathani
Our final night was in Phuket – a long transfer but worth knowing about for clients who want to explore this part of Thailand. The Katathani sits in a quieter stretch of Phuket beach, easy to get into town but away from the busier areas. If you stay, ask for a refurbished room – they’re much lighter and brighter.
The Shore at Katathani
And just a few minutes away by buggy is The Shore at Katathani, which is a different proposition entirely – 98 pool villas, each with a private infinity pool, some with 360 degree sea views, beautifully decorated and wonderfully private. A brilliant choice for a honeymoon or a special occasion. Guests at The Shore can also use all the facilities at the main Katathani hotel.
Thailand never disappoints. But this trip reminded me just how many different experiences are packed into one destination – islands, jungle, wildlife, incredible food and some of the kindest people I’ve encountered anywhere. If you’d like to talk through what a Thailand trip could look like for you or someone you know, please get in touch.
Tina Shillito
Luxury Travel Consultant
