Here are just a few of the fabulous luxury beach resorts that Thailand has to offer.

Phuket Island

Firstly, when most people think of Thailand, the first resort that comes to mind is Phuket. The Amanpuri is one of the well-known Aman group, and the secluded location of this first class resort makes it an excellent choice for a luxury getaway. This resort comprises of 40 stylish pavilions and villas scattered over the hillside, rather than being a large hotel complex. At the base of the slope is the a good sized swimming pool which looks out over the beautiful sheltered cove of Pansea beach and its beautiful white sands.

Yanta Lai Island

If you are looking for a more traditional hotel style of resort, the Pimalai Resort and Spa on Yanta Lai Island is worth a look. Here you will find a mix of 121 rooms, suites and beach villas, all with balconies overlooking out onto the fabulous views of the beach, the bay, and the surrounding rain forest. If water sports are your thing, this resort caters for all the usual activities. There is even an on-site PADI dive centre catering for experienced divers and novices alike.

Krabi National Park

The Rayavadee offers some of the most stunning scenery you are ever likely to find surrounding a luxury resort. Bordering the Krabi Marine National Park, in the heart of the Phranang Peninsular, the Rayavadee offers 98 two-story pavilions and 4 exclusive private villas. This stunning resort is located in 26 acres of beautiful tropical gardens that are a joy to behold, and it is bordered by three delightful white sand beaches. The blend of the traditionally designed buildings and beautiful surroundings, recreate the feel of a luxurious version of a Thai village. A true five star resort in every sense, the Rayavadee has everything you would expect from a luxury beach resort. And it won’t come as a surprise that weddings and honeymoons are a speciality of this, and most other Thai luxury beach resorts.

These are only a tiny example of the large number of luxury beach resorts that you can find throughout Thailand and its islands. The most difficult decision you will face is which one to choose.

To arrange a luxury holiday to one of these stunning beach resorts in Thailand, speak to The Ultimate Travel Company who can plan every detail of your next holiday: http://www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk/tailor-made-bespoke-holidays/the-resort-collection

Banana Disco

Banana Disco is one of Phuket’s oldest dance clubs and after almost a decade, Banana remains a popular Patong hot spot.  After a day on the beach, Banana is a perfect spot to cut loose and start off what is sure to be a memorable night.  From the air-conditioned dance floor to the breezy outdoor patio Banana keeps party goers cool and entertained.  You have to pay a cover (200 Baht which also covers your first drink), but it is a small price to pay for a smoke free indoor area and clean dance floor.

Tiger Entertainment Complex

Actually a collection of beer bars topped with a nightclub Tiger Entertainment’s tiger themed decor and cave like atmosphere creates a vibe that is all Phuket.  With visitors piling in seven nights per week, Tiger is one of Patong’s most successful party experiences. If you tire of the bar scene head up stairs to the Tiger Discotheque.  Though the Tiger Entertainment Complex can be wild and fun, exercise caution – with large tourist crowds come pick-pockets and other people looking to profit.  Keep an eye on your purse and your drinks and you a sure to have a fantastic experience.

Molly Malone’s

When you think of Thailand, Irish pubs and bangers and mash don’t come to mind, but Molly Malone’s should not be missed.  Since 1999 Molly Malone’s has been giving visitors and locals alike a taste of the Emerald Isle.  With a wide selection of imported and local beers and Guinness pints going for less than 350 Baht,  Molly Malone’s features live Irish music every night making this misplaced pub is a hot spot for everyone, Irish or not.
Patong’s nightlife is the hottest on the Island of Phuket.  Bars seem to open and close within a matter of weeks, but these three happening hot-spots have withstood the test of time.  So when you shake that sand out of your hair be sure to get down to Patong Beach and visit the best night clubs in Phuket.

With cheap flights to Phuket available from a number of countries throughout the world, Maurice recommends that you start planning your next holiday to this vibrant, party place! Having travelled there both solo and with friends, he says you will have an enjoyable time no matter the occasion or who you’re with. Cheap prices on everything and an atmosphere like no other, he says you should treat yourself to a Phuket holiday the first chance you get.

Well, for those who take Thailand holidays with their children in tow, at least one of the following five delights are sure to have had some influence on the decision to go again:

#1: Dream World Amusement Park

Pattaya

Image credit: luxury-thailand-travel.com

Dream World is just perfect for keeping the kids entertained whilst vacationing in Thailand. This theme park boasts bumper cars, a swinging boat, a proportion-warping ‘Giant’s House’, two water rides (Rapids and Super Splash), a 4D adventure, monorail and even more besides! Kids will also enjoy Snow Land – a faux wintery wonder world – though an additional fee does apply for entry.

As well as more than 30 amusement rides which cater to the whole family, the park also comprises three rollercoasters (you can check out one; the spiralling Sky Coaster, in the video below) meaning that adults and older children will also enjoy a day out at Dream World.

#2: Samui Monkey Theatre

Koh Samui

Image credit: Badly Drawn Dad, Flickr

Before the growth of Thailand’s tourism, the selling of coconuts was the country’s main industry. Getting said coconuts from out of the treetops is no easy task for a human however and so it is common practise to use the very intelligent Samui monkeys to retrieve them. The open-air Sumui Monkey Theatre not only demonstrates this but also presents a range of primate tricks, including basketball throwing, selling monkey balm and playing a toy guitar (you can see this trick in the video below).

The 40 minute show is sure to delight both adults and children alike! When the show is over, the beautiful, lush environment of the Theatres’ ground can be explored.

#3: Ripley’s Believe it or Not

Pattaya

Image credit: screenrant.com

Ripley’s has attractions based in 11 countries around the Globe and each comprises over 150 strange – yet wonderful – exhibits. Within Thailand’s Ripley’s (designed to look as if a plan has crashed into the side of the venue) one will have their perception on the world challenged.  A string-less harp, genuine shrunken heads, torture devices and a model of the Titanic made from one million matchsticks are just some of the points of interest families will find within.

Thailand’s Ripley’s also comprises a 4D Moving Theatre, a multi-sensory Infinity Maze, haunted house and a huge collection of wax work figures. This is definitely worth a visit should you be taking Thailand Holidays in 2012.

For a quick tour of the attraction, take a look at the following video:

#4: Bangkok Planetarium

Bangkok

Image credit: theqfamilyadventures.com 

Wannabe astronauts will simply love the Bangkok Planetarium’s dome shaped ceiling adorned with a representation of the entire universe, as well as the ‘The life of the stars’, ‘Solar System’ and the ‘Astronomy through the ages’ exhibits. Don’t expect to see everything in a short visit – there is so much to look at so tourists should put plenty of time aside to visit.

An educational – yet exciting – exploration of space is not the only thing that the Bangkok Planetarium offers its visitors; the attraction also features a section exploring the latest technological developments in the world and a first-class aquarium so even those with no interest in the galaxy will be entertained.

#5: Mini Siam

Pattaya

Image credit: atlasobscura.com

As you might guess from the name, Mini Siam is a miniature model exhibit that celebrates the heritage of Thailand. Replicas of the country’s most notorious monuments – including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, River Kwai Bridge and Prasat Hin Phimal – feature, as do famous structures from all across the world (the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, for example), in a separate section entitled Mini World. A number of key historical events are also depicted in model form.

The attraction boasts more than 100 different educational – but often fascinating – models to gander at meaning a good half a day can be spent appreciating the craftsmanship and the setting of the beautiful grounds.

For the best last minute holiday offers, the author of this guest blog – Margret Wind – recommends booking with TropicalSky.co.uk

All tourists are welcome here especially families on vacation. Occasional crimes happen, but the place is safer than most western countries in a general sense. As far as crimes go, most of the problems include scams, petty theft and intentional travel accidents.

What to expect in Thailand

Thailand is considered to be one of the favorite travel destinations of most tourists to Asia. There must be a clear reason for this. Well for one, the sights are absolutely amazing. There are all sorts of wonderful surroundings such as a thick, luscious green jungle and forest as well as clear blue waters that can give you a warm bathing experience. The food excites the taste buds and can stimulate all your senses.  Tea is a favorite drink in Thailand, so no matter what your cup of tea is, you will surely find it in Thailand.

Once you are there for even a day, you will realize it is indeed safe to travel to Thailand. The country is an exotic place, yet it is safe and cheap. Thailand is equipped with all the modern amenities that you can ever need. If you are on a budget, surely there is one that could suit you.

There is practically something for all price brackets. A beachfront bungalow is perfect for the backpacker in you. On the other hand, there are also some of the chic, sophisticated and luxurious hotels this side of the world.

In spite of the heavy wave of tourists, Thailand is able to retain their ethnic Thai culture. They have a colorful history and the people are known for their charming smiles and their fun-seeking lifestyle. When you come to visit, you may end up feeling like you should extend your stay. You can always find a reason to visit for a longer time.

Safety tips:

So far we have covered the good parts but Thailand has its downside too. One is the traffic jams. Thailand is an economy that is still progressing and one of the growing pains is the big contrast between the poor and the rich. Unfortunately, some of the criminals in sketchy areas prey on vulnerable tourists. Having a bit of common sense goes a long way so definitely do not loiter around areas that are notorious for heavy crime. It is also a good idea to have a “dummy wallet” just in case a pick-pocket tries to steal your money. By the time, they realize it’s a dummy wallet, they will be far from you.

Should you prefer to go bar hopping, you can just drink and be merry. Be careful though, you never want to get drunk enough to end up in a fight with the staff or locals. Remember, even though Thai people are welcoming, they definitely will take offense to an obnoxious, drunk tourist.

Thais have a happy go lucky lifestyle and they celebrate a lot of holidays. Thai New Year is celebrated officially around April 13 to 15. You can join in the fun. Wear something dark as light colored and white clothes are transparent when wet. This celebration has turned into a water fight so if you don’t like to get wet, stay out of the roads. Everybody gets wet there. Riding bikes and motorcycles is also very common in Thailand.  If you are planning to do so, wear the proper gear and helmet. So now when somebody asks you if it’s safe to travel to Thailand, you already know the answer is absolutely.

This guest post was written by an avid world traveler, Nicholas Martin who writes for Passport Visa Travelers Guide. Visit to find out how to obtain a passport before traveling to Thailand as well as comparing expediting passport services.

Here are a few ideas of what to do when you arrive in the vibrant “Rose of the North”:

Visit an Ancient Temple

Chiang Mai is overflowing with beautiful historically significant temples, over 300 of them to be exact. These beautiful Buddhist religious buildings showcase a fascinating mix of Burmese, Sri Lankan, Lanna Thai, and Mon architectural influences, reflecting the diverse heritage of the Northern region of Thailand. The larger and better known temples will be busy with tourists, but there are many more obscure temples which are just as beautiful and much more tranquil. All temples within Chiang Mai are free to visit.

Remember that the temples of Thailand are sacred places of worship, so show your respect by wearing the appropriate clothing and covering your legs and shoulders. Don’t forget to take off your shoes when entering, and don’t take pictures of monks without asking.
One of the most beautiful temples to visit is Wat Phra Singh, which was built in 1385 and features walls covered in murals depicting traditional Lanna clothing, customs, and scenes. Another remarkable temple worth visiting is the Wat Chedi Luang, a magnificent example of Northern Lanna Thai art and architecture.

Meet an Elephant

Elephants are beautiful and intelligent creatures, and you can learn more about these gentle beasts at the Elephant Nature Park. Located only 60km north of Chiang Mai, this park is a nature sanctuary designed to protect rescued elephants and help people understand these remarkable creatures. Visitors can come on a day trip to the park and experience feeding and bathing the elephants. You can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and watch the wild creatures wander through their 150 acre natural protected environment. Another great place near Chiang Mai to see elephants is at Baanchang Elephant Park, there the animals are also treated very well and the hosts hold a campfire night with fire lanterns for their guests.

Relax with a Thai Massage

After a long day of walking around the city visiting temples you might want to relax your muscles with a soothing traditional Thai massage. There are many excellent places in Chiang Mai to get a massage, such as Let’s Relax on Chang Khlan Road which offers a 45-minute foot reflexology session. Nantana Massage Shop has oil, foot, neck and shoulder options available. Another great place is Viang Ping Massage and Spa, where the techniques are based on the traditional Lanna Thai style using energy lines and pressure points.
Have a fantastic time exploring Chiang Mai, Thailand!

This article was written by Elena Price on behalf of Etihad Airways. For more details on flights to Thailand, city & route guides see the Etihad site for more information.