Faraway 2024 | Page 43

ISLAND HIDEAWAYS

ISLAND HIDEAWAYS

Yacht Haven Marina
PHUKET
Royal Phuket Marina
Rasada Pier
Ao Po Grand Marina
1 Koh Yao Yai Village & Anantara Koh Yao Yai
2 Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort
3 Paradise Resort & TreeHouse Villas
1 2
3
KOH YAO NOI
KOH YAO YAI
KOH PHI PHI
4
4 Holiday Inn Resort 5 Zeavola Resort 6 Layana Resort 7 Pimalai
5
KRABI
KOH LANTA
6
Thung Yea Pheng Mangrove Forest
7
Phi Phi
Enchanting islands with a laid-back vibe and movie-star allure
Koh Yao Yai is one of a small cluster of islands within Phang Nga Bay . With a slow pace of change it ’ s ideal for those seeking off-the-beatentrack relaxation . A great way to sightsee is to hire a bike and pedal along the scenic main road that winds around the island to catch a glimpse of villages with their stilted wooden homes and vivid paddy fields . This long , narrow island is more than twice the size of neighbouring Koh Yao Noi , which boasts a varied landscape of mangrove forests , lush interior and sandy beaches with views of towering karsts . The Phi Phi islands had a starring role in the film “ The Beach ” and comprise of Phi Phi Don with stunning beaches ideal for swimming , and Phi Phi Ley , home to thousands of swallows . As an alternative to lounging , grab your snorkel and mask and dive into the surrounding waters for a view of the colourful coral gardens and exotic marine life , which includes docile leopard sharks . Like any idyllic setting , Phi Phi is a magnet for daytrippers - it is beautiful , but busy ! 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 , just the natural colours of jungle-shrouded mountains , mangroves , waterfalls , vast sandy fringes and undersea kingdoms of coral and aquatic life . Numerous dive sites and snorkelling reefs are close by or you may prefer to hire a kayak and paddle your way through the maze of tranquil streams , rivers and inlets of Thung Yea Pheng Mangrove Forest .
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 .
7 nts with flights from £ 1299pp extra night from £ 35pp
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 £ 8 • one bedroom sea view villas which perch at the fringe of the forest from £ 29 , 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 £ 17 , full board from £ 33 and all inclusive from £ 62 .
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 .
PREMIER PLUS
Early booking villa discount up to 15 %: On selected dates Sep 23- Oct 24 . May not apply to all villa categories .
Extra 10 % villa discount : Aug-Oct 23 & May-Oct 24 if you stay at least 7 nights .
One bedroom deluxe villa
One bedroom garden villa visit your travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www . premierholidays . co . uk
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