Island Hideaways
Enchanting laid-back vibes and movie-star allure
Whisper it very quietly but it is still possible to find authentic Thai islands where tourists are few and far between. Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, which sit in Phang Nga Bay, may be just a short boat ride from Phuket’ s bright lights but these off-the-beaten-track gems couldn’ t differ more. Farming and fishing take centre stage and while hotels do dot the landscape, development has been sensitively managed. Hire a bike and pedal the tranquil lanes to glimpse village life, hop in a kayak to explore mangrove forests, snorkel in translucent waters or simply laze on a secluded beach. Following starring roles in blockbuster movies, the Phi Phi islands may well be on your travel radar. Comprised of six islands, including the largest Phi Phi Don( the archipelago’ s only inhabited island) and Phi Phi Ley, home to thousands of swallows, the idyllic surroundings make Phi Phi a magnet for daytrippers – it is beautiful, but busy! Seek out a patch of bleached-blonde sands or grab a snorkel for a view of the colourful coral gardens and exotic marine life, including docile leopard sharks. After dark, you’ ll find stalls to browse, dining options at vibrant restaurants and fun beach bars where you can dance the night away. Chilled-out Koh Lanta is the largest of 52 islands in an archipelago protected by the flawless Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park. The main island of Koh Lanta Yai shines brightly, not with neon lights, instead with the natural colours of jungle-shrouded mountains, mangroves, waterfalls, vast sandy fringes and the undersea kingdoms of coral and aquatic life. Dive sites and snorkelling reefs abound, while the maze of tranquil streams, rivers and inlets of Thung Yea Pheng Mangrove Forest can easily be explored by kayak. Whilst not a party island, there is some nightlife although you may prefer to sip a cocktail or two at a rustic bar whilst drinking in world-class sunset views.
• Yacht Haven Marina
PHUKET
Royal Phuket • Marina
Rasada Pier •
• Ao Po Grand Marina
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3
KOH YAO NOI
1
KOH YAO YAI
KOH PHI PHI
KRABI
5
KOH LANTA
• Thung Yea Pheng Mangrove Forest
1 Koh Yao Yai Village & 6 Anantara Koh Yao Yai
2 Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort 3 Paradise Resort & TreeHouse Villas
4 Holiday Inn Resort & SAii Phi Phi Island Village
5 Layana Resort 6 Pimalai
Getting there: Flights from Bangkok to Phuket take 1 hour 20 minutes. For Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi transfer by road to Phuket pier and continue by speedboat. For Phi Phi travel by road to Phuket pier and onwards by sea. For Koh Lanta the flight from Bangkok to Krabi takes 1 hour 20 minutes, followed by a road transfer to the pier for your sea journey.
Best time to go: These islands usually enjoy their best weather between November-April. Expect short, heavy downpours as well as sunshine outside these months.
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Thailand- Island Hideaways
7nt with flights from £ 1129pp
Extra night from £ 39pp
Koh Yao Yai Village
4H Koh Yao Yai
Residing beside the Andaman Sea in scenic Phang Nga Bay, the Koh Yao Yai Village provides a peaceful haven on the west coast of this stunning island. The pace of life is delightfully slow, so ideal if you simply want to rest, relax and recharge your batteries. Surrounded by shimmering sands and tropical rainforest, the resort’ s villas offer stylish island living with generous spaces inside and out along with all the comforts of home. The feast of culinary choices include succulent seafood by the beach, casual bites by the pool or authentic Thai cuisine in an art filled restaurant full of atmosphere.
Features: 70 villas • 2 restaurants • 2 bars • 2 swimming pools( one for sea view villa guests)• jacuzzi • spa • activities • free WiFi
Accommodation: In deluxe villas, which are set amidst the rainforest, with king bed, outdoor rain shower, fridge, safe and large terrace.
Room upgrades: One bedroom garden villas from £ 9 • one bedroom sea view villas which perch at the fringe of the forest from £ 40, with a separate living room, indoor and outdoor showers • two bedroom family villas from nil( based on 4 sharing), offering one king bedroom, one twin bedded room and separate living area.
Meals: Breakfast. Half board from £ 16, full board from £ 32 and all inclusive from £ 60.
Transfers: 30 minutes from Phuket airport to Ao Po Grand Marina, then a 30 minute scenic speedboat crossing and a 15 minute transfer to the hotel.
One bedroom deluxe villa
Premier Plus
Early booking villa discount up to 15 %: On selected dates Sep 25-Mar 27. May not apply to all villa categories. 10 % villa discount: Aug-Oct 25 & May-Oct 26 if you stay at least 4 nights.
visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www. premierholidays. co. uk Thailand 45