Although I visited Thailand in my back-packing days, spending all day looking at holidays to Thailand, I found it hard to avoid the draw of going back. I wanted the combination of city, beach and wildlife so decided on Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket, with a visit to Elephant Hills.
Kicking Off with A Bang in Bangkok
If you’re in Thailand, you have to experience Bangkok. The city’s that’s a little bit crazy has the kind of energy that’s hard to describe. Basically, it’s infectious chaos. Dazzling temples, futuristic skylines, people everywhere, and the best street food, floating markets, and buzzing nightlife ever.
We flew there from Manchester. The minute we arrived, I remembered why I wanted to return. Wandering the bright lights and tightly-packed alleys had our stomachs rumbling almost immediately. Street vendors selling fresh-fried noodles and papaya salads will make you want to skip that hotel breakfast! Bangkok might top street food cities, but it’s got a lot more to offer. The 18th-century Grand Palace is just stunning. The historic Rattanakosin district also has the sacred Emerald Buddha, and it’s a quick walk to Wat Pho Temple’s Reclining Buddha. This sprawling setup is basically the most ornate, mesmerising thing you’ve ever seen. Glowing golds, giant Buddhas, and enough tradition to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. For Wat Pho, I’d recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The thing about Bangkok is that it’s as historic as it is modern. One minute, you’re at Wat Saket’s Golden Mount. The next, you’re hopping on the Skytrain to 7-floor malls. The one we went to even had a replica Golden Gate Bridge in the middle. It was literally that huge.
We went on our Triple Gems tour, to explore the city’s main highlights, to ensure we didn’t get side-tracked and miss anything. We still had enough time though to enjoy wandering around the city, taking in the smells and sights and losing ourselves in all the craziness.
After a long day out though, I’ll admit a hotel with a rooftop pool and a cocktail bar doesn’t hurt. We stayed at the Icon Bangkok. This one ticks a lot of boxes for being bang in the Sukhumvit area and a 7-minute walk from the Skytrain. The beds are the comfiest I’ve ever stayed in, so no worries on that front. You’re also quite near Chinatown and Terminal 21 mall. An absolute standout was sipping drinks under the rooftop canopy- a pretty fantastic way to watch those thunderstorms.
Krabi: Offshore Islands, Paradise Beaches, And Bobbing Longtail Boats
We flew from Bangkok to Krabi. This south-coastal region is completely different from the capital. The first thing that hits you here is the scenery. If you saw Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach, you’re halfway there. The movie was actually filmed on Maya Beach, although it’s now mega-crowded and under a “no boat” ban. You can still view the green-blue bay, dazzling sands, and craggy limestone rocks from a distance, though. We stayed in the Aonang Beach area.
Personally, I don’t feel that Aonang is Krabi’s most stunning shoreline, but it’s brilliantly placed for getting a longtail boat out to picture-perfect bays. Railay Beach is also accessible from here. This one’s a winner. Rainforest-wrapped with a peninsula setting, Railay is all about turquoise-clear waters, dramatic horizons, and some pretty amazing cave formations. Aonang itself feels small, but the food is fantastic, the nightlife is brilliant, and the waterfront Seafood Street is definitely worth stopping at.
We stayed at the Deevana Plaza Krabi. You’re a 10-minute walk from the main hub here, so it’s brilliant on the location front. It’s also really relaxing. You walk in past the aroma spa, breakfast is outdoors, and the woods and trees feel really tropical. Swim-up rooms are available, but I personally wouldn’t recommend them- unless you want strangers floating past your window!
Elephant Hills: Floating Lake Tents, Wildlife, And A Full Jungle Experience
After a megacity and a beach, I was definitely up for some greenery. We reached Elephant Hills via road transfer. This stretch of rainforest is in Southern Thailand’s Khao Sok. The great thing about Elephant Hills is that you can get picked up from virtually anywhere including Phuket and Koh Samui. We did two nights here- one with a jungle focus and one on the lake.
This place is something else. Lush rainforests and thick greenery mean you feel completely at peace, although prepare to bring some stamina for the jungle treks. Elephant Hills offers guided nature tours with a bit of a safari feel, but the accommodation is pretty luxurious. Think tents, but high-end. They’ve got their own bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and lovely woven terrace chairs under thatched roofs. The only thing that surprised me here was how many people hadn’t realised you can actually stay on the floating lake. Looking at their disappointed faces, I’m glad I knew in advance!
Wildlife-wise, we spotted elephants, monkeys, beautiful birds, and all sorts popping their heads out the water. Elephant Hills also organises self-paddle canoe trips and family activities. They even do traditional Thai cooking demonstrations. From the chicken in coconut milk to the Kaeng Kai Subparod curries, the food was nothing short of amazing.
Phuket: City-Come-Beach, Colonial Gems, And A Buzzing Night Scene
Phuket is the only destination I hadn’t been to before. We stayed for 7 nights and I absolutely loved it. It’s a tropical island with quiet beach resorts, but also has some lively places too, with plenty in-between. Phang Nga Bay has dazzling cliffs, there’s glowing temples everywhere, and you won’t be short of everything from street eats to amazing restaurants.
We chose to stay in Karon. The beach here has warm golden sands, clear waters, and a chilled bar and restaurant scene that’s quite family-friendly. Then again, you’re not a million miles off party central (a.k.a. Patong Beach). Karon itself had us well-placed for trips to Ko Phi Phi, James Bond Island, and being either way for Patong’s nightlife or calmer Kata. For me, Phuket was a mishmash of cultural Buddhas, brilliant markets, street food galore, and always being 5 minutes from the beach. There’s also Old Phuket if you’re interested in Thailand’s Portuguese colonial heritage.
We stayed at the Centara Karon which is a reasonable 4-star, and is quite a large resort. The rooms overlook a really peaceful lagoon, and it’s got both adult-only and kid’s pools. I’d also recommend the upgraded rooms.
Thailand is such an amazing country, so much buzz, culture, unbelievable food and stunning beaches… what more could you want from a holiday. If you are considering Thailand, it’s worth looking at our Thai Multi Centre Page as it features our most popular itineraries.. some great ideas on there. Otherwise give me a call, as I’ll be happy to provide any advice you need.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
-
TeresaFrancina
Eshore’s are an excellent company I can’t praise them enough, especially Adam who has been amazing. He was really patient as I’m indecisive and changed my mind several times. He persevered and found us a dream holiday and put together great itinerary covering every aspect of our journey . Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we had to cancel the trip and Adam went above and beyond to recoup as much as possible for us. It was a huge help & felt very personal as if he were a friend. We have rescheduled the holiday & will use Eshores for all future trips’
Posted 4 hours ago -
DebbieAnn
Nick was helpful from start to finish, helped us with any concerns, would recommend( not been on the holiday yet but sure we won’t be disappointed)
Posted 1 day ago -
KarenBryant
Lynette has been very accommodating it meeting all of our requests and changes and also with her suggestions. Price was good too.
Posted 1 day ago -
Chuk
I had never heard of eshores till I decided to plan a multi-stop holiday in Turkey some weeks ago. The decision to use eshores was based on a quick internet search for any help I could get with this. So, i wasnt really expecting much. As the planning was at relatively short notice...and we had never travelled to Turkey, I was pleasantly surprised at the support I had from Rachel at eshores who listened to what I wanted and was patient to go back and forth with me till I had the exact holiday I wanted (Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya). I always had a response with every query(and I had quite a few!!). The travel itself worked like a dream...both international and domestic flights were straightforward, but even more surprising was how reliable the multiple taxis to and fro airports were, even when picking up at 0330!! Overall, the experience has been very positive and I would be very happy to use the service again
Posted 3 days ago -
carol
We have just booked a two centre holiday in the Caribbean through eshores. This was the first time we've used this company them and found them to be GREAT. Lynette helped us find the perfect holiday, she was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you.
Posted 5 days ago -
Stephen
To be honest, I had not used eShores before, however, after arranging our holiday plans with Michelle, I will certainly be back. Very helpful and knowledgeable and we are delighted with the advice received and all the travel arrangements, choice of hotels and flight times. Thank you so much.
Posted 5 days ago -
Michaela
Booking was great and easy with Rachael. She was polite and listened to our requirements. I am positive the experience will be a fantastic holiday in October !
Posted 6 days ago -
Carole
Just booked a two centre Caribbean holiday through eShores and Rachel was extremely helpful. She listened to our needs and nothing was too much trouble for her. Her pleasant and friendly manner made it easy to discuss our requirements and made the whole process so easy.
Posted 6 days ago -
John
I found eShores efficient and helpful. Dave Felton found me good times, prices and hotels for a twin trip to Krakow & Warsaw and dealt effectively with any concerns I had. Definitely recommended.
Posted 1 week ago -
Debbie& Mick
Nick arranged a 2 week trip to Argentina & Brazil for us in March. We were happy with the itinerary he put together and his choice of hotels. We had a good level of contact from taxi companies for collections at airports & hotels. On our return he checked everything had gone smoothly which was a nice touch. I mentioned that I was looking for a beach holiday in a couple of months and he put together some hotels at a good price so I’ve booked again with him. I would definitely use Nick, EShores, again and recommend them to friends.
Posted 1 week ago