We are planning a dream vacation to Thailand. These Gap Year Parents, whose kids have flown the coop are finalising details of a luxury island hopping adventure to Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi.
Planning a Trip to Thailand with Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique and Luxury Hotel Specialists
Our son says, "Why all the fuss and preparation? Just book a flight, find a hotel, pack some shorts and get on the beach.You lose spontaneity if you plan everything."
Though there is wisdom in his words, for those travellers who seek peace of mind and who don't want to waste time trolling the net for random 5 star hotels in Thailand, enlisting the help of the ubiquitous online travel agency, Mr & Mrs Smith is an excellent way of planning a dream vacation. The niche award-winning travel company is renowned for its beautiful website, witty and informative travel guides and unique collection of top boutique and luxury hotels all over the world. The best room rates are guaranteed and there is no booking fee.
Luxury Thailand Island Hop to the Best Beach Hotels in Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi
Calling Mr & Mrs Smith's expert girl guide, she enthusiastically responds to the brief, which she describes as:
"Get up and go parents, who have been through the nappy changing, suffered adolescence and sponsored post-graduate job safaris, who are now good and ready for some big time, me time Thailand island-hopping to delightful luxury boutique hotels, occasionally splashing out on an uber-luxurious resort."
"We like to do things in style, and at the same time balance the budget." I say.
The Smith travel expert is on the ball. "You sound like Flashpackers!" she replies confidently.
"Flashpackers!" I am so excited – I've have just docked a decade.
"When do you want to go and for how long?" she asks.
"The beginning of February for around three weeks."
"Leave it to me. I know exactly the sort of holiday you want. Lucky you are planning well in advance as February is not only the high season but it's the beginning of the Chinese New Year. I will get back to you in a few days," she adds assuringly.
"Go for it!" I say.
Best Luxury Boutique and Hotel Beach Resorts on the Thailand Island Trip List
And Mr & Mrs Smith certainly does, pinging emails from their London office to their Melbourne office with accommodation requests to some of the best beach resorts in Thailand. A few days later the Melbourne team start ponging back with confirmations.
On the Mr & Mrs Smith menu is the deluxe Rayavadee hotel in Krabi, the 5 star Sarojin in Phuket and the niche boutique hotel, Anantara Bophut in Koh Samui. We have also incorporated into the itinerary two other hotels, recommended to us by friends, Phulay Bay, Ritz Carlton Reserve also in Krabi, and the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui.
Getting to Thailand
Of course Thai Airlines and Bangkok Airways fly to Thailand. However, after travelling Business Class with multi-award winner Malaysia Airlines last year to Kuala Lumpur and finding the experience so pleasurable, we book flights with them again, from London Heathrow to KL; making a further booking with their funky domestic airline Firefly to our first island, Koh Samui. (Flights are from Subang Airport, roughly 30 minutes taxi transfer from KL International Airport). Occasionally there are special deals with MAS so it's worth checking the Malaysia Airlines website for offers.
Travelling High Season to Thailand? Book Internal Flights to Popular Islands Early
Purchase domestic flights well in advance if you're going to popular island resorts like Phuket in peak season (November to April) and Koh Samui (December to February). If you don't, you could be stranded due to lack of seat availability, apart from which tickets get more expensive the later you book.
Don't Forget Your Travel Vaccinations and Travel Insurance to Thailand
Visit your GP or a travel clinic four to six weeks before travelling to Thailand for immunisation advice. For our trip we are recommended a Hepatatis A vaccine and a combined Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio shot. However other vaccinations, medications and immunizations may be advised depending on the regions you are visiting in Thailand. It is recommended to bring a mosquito repellent. Don't forget to purchase travel insurance for Thailand, or if you have a yearly cover plan make sure that Thailand is included.
Thailand Passport and Visa Requirements
You don't need a visa to visit Thailand if you are on vacation or staying for less than 30 days but it is best to check out the Passport and Visa Requirements for entry to Thailand before you go.
Pack Light and Keep Books and Gadgets Sandproof and Watertight
Best not to trail around large heavy suitcases, especially if you're island hopping. Pack light clothing and beach gear, sandals and light shoes. Bring a sweater for cool season nights. For men, top hotel restaurants might require a tie and sometimes a jacket.
A nifty floating bag will certainly come in handy if you want to keep your gadgets dry and sandproof.The OverBoard range have a good high-quality selection. Last but not least, don't forget the sunblock and flight socks which are very important for avoiding the possibility of getting DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
Further installments of the trip will be published on our return.
For bookings and more information about the Smith Hotels go to the Mr & Mrs Smith website or call their expert travel team on 0845 034 0700 – from the UK or +44 20 8987 4312 – from outside the UK.
For the other hotels in Krabi and Koh Samui check the Phulay Bay and Four Seasons websites.
Nina Saville - Nina Saville is a freelance lifestyle journalist, covering theatre reviews, restaurants, luxury hotels, spas and fragrances.
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