It’s been over 10 years since I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Thailand’s shores. So, when the opportunity came along to go on a familiarisation trip with Lusso Travel (one of my preferred partners), I jumped at the chance.
With so much ground to cover in a short space of time, I’ve decided to share my experience over two separate posts. This post covers my time in Phuket & Koh Yao Yai and the following post, Khao Lak & Bangkok.
International Flights
Before I dive in, it’s worth mentioning that my international flights were with Etihad. It was my first experience of the airline and overall, I was impressed. On the outbound flight, I opted for economy which was absolutely fine but on the way home, I upgraded to business class. A much needed treat after a very busy, action packed week! The service, F&B and seat comfort was excellent, especially on the newer aircraft used between Bangkok and Abu Dhabi. If budget allows, it’s worth it.
Right…..onto my adventure through Thailand starting in Phuket…
Phuket
As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is also one of its most visited. Ordinarily, this could be a reason to quietly encourage clients to visit other places. However, having dipped into the island twice during this trip, I feel confident in ensuring you skip the crowds.
Phuket Hotels
SAII Laguna Phuket
For the first night of the trip, Saii Laguna was the perfect place to reset following the long journey. It’s a well-priced, contemporary hotel, located in Phuket Laguna area – approximately a 30 minute drive from Phuket International Airport. The hotel sits on a lovely stretch of beach and has numerous beach bars and restaurants that you can walk out to. It’s a great option for couples, groups of friends and families. Kids will love the multi-level pools and water slide!
Banyan Tree Phuket
Further North on the Laguna, you’ll find Banyan Tree Phuket. This all private pool villa resort sits on a beautiful stretch of beach and perfectly suits both couples and families. With some villas decorated in a traditional Thai style and some (the newly refurbished), in a more contemporary style, you have options to suits most tastes. However, the refurbished villas have such a wow factor, they would be my top pick.
Another resort highlight is the stunning new beach club. Open to residents and non-guests, you’ll enjoy a sharing concept menu, plush beach beds, cabanas, DJs and evening entertainment. It’s worth visiting for their weekend brunches, even if you’re not staying at Banyan Tree.
Anantara Layan
Anantara Layan is a stunning, contemporary resort that sits overlooking the Andaman Sea. Accommodation wise you’ll find a mixture of newly refurbished suites and villas, with the villas being my favourite. Those perched up on the hilltop come with panoramic views, expansive outdoor terraces, private pools and plenty of space for a multi-generational family or group of friends.
Overall, the resort has a real cosmopolitan feel which I love. The beachfront pool is fantastic, as is neighbouring Breeze restaurant with its charismatic Italian Head Chef. ‘Layan Life‘, the new (and huge) state of the art wellness centre, was equally impressive. Treatments and programs include; body scanning, weigh loss plans, anti-wrinkle injections, cryo-therapy and much more.
Anantara Mai Khao
Sister property, Anantara Mai Khao, is much more traditional and authentic in style. The torch-lit, lily pond entrance is gorgeous, and keen eyed TV fans may recognise it from the latest series of hit show, White Lotus.
The grounds are very lush and I loved meandering through the pathways lined with beautiful foliage and trees. Suites are available but it’s the stunning villas that I’ll be recommending to clients. Each unit is built in dark wood and designed to replicate a classic Thai village house. With complete privacy, private pools and dining / snoozing palapa – they’re perfect for couples or honeymooners seeking a romantic retreat.
On an F&B front, there are several bars and restaurants available to guests, including a new cocktail bar and beach club that sit alongside the gorgeous, re-modelled beachfront pool.
Como Point Yamu
Head over to the East side of the island, and you’ll find Como Point Yamu. A gorgeous contemporary hotel that sits up on a bluff. Thus, giving way to the most breathtaking and far-reaching island views. While you won’t find a sandy beach here, the vistas more than make up for it.
I’d personally recommend a shorter stay, a spa break or as somewhere to benefit from a longer wellness programme. It’s also a great jumping off point for anyone continuing their journey to the island of Koh Yao Yai.
Phuket Experiences
The region offers plenty of opportunity to experience everything Thailand has to offer… From cultural offerings in Phuket Old Town, to mornings spent at sea visiting beautiful nearby islands such as the Phi Phi islands.
When clients visit Thailand, I’m often asked about visits to an Elephant Sanctuary. It can be a tricky subject because it goes without saying that I only ever want to offer animal encounters which are ethical. Therefore, I was pleased to see one featured on our itinerary, so I could experience one first-hand…
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
This is a small sanctuary, where elephants rescued from mistreatment and lives spent performing, are allowed to freely roam the grounds. They live alongside their Mahouts with whom, I must say, the bonds were clear to see.
Visitors can view the elephants from expansive sky-bridges and whilst there is the opportunity to feed the elephants, it’s not actively encouraged. Direct contact with elephants used to be the norm across Thailand but this is thankfully changing rapidly. I’m pleased to report that Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is moving towards phasing out all contact by mid 2026. The fact that they are solely reliant on visitor funding means that implementing such policies can take a little time but they’re getting there!
Overall, I was really impressed and would feel very happy about recommending the experience to clients.
Koh Yao Yai
For anyone seeking a Thai island experience reminiscent of days gone by; low-key, quiet, authentic – then Koh Yao Yai could be the place for you.
Koh Yao Yai Hotels
Most of the hotel options on the island are smaller, guest house style hotels with the exception of one great luxury option which is where we headed for a two-night stay…
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
We arrived in the grand, open-air lobby to a lovely warm welcome – complete with traditional ‘gong’ ceremony and stunning views out to the Andaman Sea. Welcome drinks and local snacks were served while checking in – all before being shown to my beautiful contemporary suite with sea views.
With it’s extensive grounds, large kids’ club and well designed waterpark – I would say it’s more geared up for families. However, most of the family accommodation is located close to these areas and there is a separate family bar & pool – leaving plenty of space for adults to enjoy some peace and quiet away from children.
Due to the hotel location, there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity to walk out to so you’re likely to spend a lot of evenings in resort. But, with eight bars & restaurants to choose from, guests have plenty of options. We were lucky to experience an evening at The Beach Restaurant – a fine dining, seafood & grill experience which we enjoyed in the private dining room. Chef came out to introduce each dish – the flavours were to die for and each course just got better! The crispy soft-shell crab with pomelo (watermelon) salad was a highlight for me. In fact, I developed a bit of an obsession with it, ordering it as a side with most meals!
We took breakfast at Pakarang Restaurant to make the most of the extensive buffet with live cooking stations. However, guests also have an a la carte option at The Beach Restaurant.
It’s worth mentioning that you reach the resort by speedboat transfer from/to Phuket. The journey is smooth when the sun is shining. However, it can be a bit wet and wild in less favourable weather.
Koh Yao Yai Experiences
Half day boat trip to Hong Island and Laem Had Beach
This is an absolute must to anyone staying on Kho Yao Yai – sailing past the famous limestone rocks is such a magical experience.
The trip allows for plenty of memorable moments; hopping off for a photo on the famous Laem Had Beach, stopping in Hong Lagoon for a swim in the turquoise waters, climbing up to the viewpoint and snorkelling from the beach. All this can be enjoyed before a delicious lunch onboard one of the hotel’s speedboats or catamarans.
It really was a highlight of the trip. The only caveat is that I highly recommend doing this as an early morning trip because the area gets busy with visitors as the day goes on.
With only two days on the island, we sadly didn’t get chance to experience more that the island has to offer. However, when I do return, exploring the island on a vintage motorcycle and sidecar and kayaking through the mangroves are on the agenda.
I hope this has started to wet your appetite for what’s on offer in these beautiful regions of Thailand but please do carry on to read all about my time in Khao Lak & Bangkok in Part Two…
