Exo Travel Guides

Thailandwww.exotissimo.com

EXOTISSIMOTRAVEL

Experts in Asia - in Asia

Introducing ThailandThe country’s beating heart, Thailand’s capital city is

home to diverse and varied cultures, languages and

people. On the surface Bangkok is now a modern Asian

mega city with towering steel and glass skyscrapers

and a justified reputation for traffic and smog, but

scratch through the veneer and a gentler, peaceful and

very oriental face is revealed.

Bangkok is not just one of Asia’s most exciting cities;

it is a great place to discover a unique culture. Where

else can you take a canal-boat from your ultra-swanky

designer hotel to a floating fruit market around the cor-

ner before arriving at a golden Buddhist temple? Shop,

spa, eat, drink, party: Bangkok has it all.

Many people rush in and out of Bangkok on their way

to beaches or to Chiang Mai or Indochina where they

expect to discover the real Asia. Those in the know will

tell you that the real Asia is right here in Bangkok. We

recommend you to spend at least two and preferably

three nights here to get below the surface of our amaz-

ing capital city.

Where to stay in Bangkok?

There is a wide spectrum of accommodation choices so let us advise you on the best. First decide if you want to stay by the river or in the city. Then whether you want a big smart address or a boutique residence. We have been getting very good feedback from clients who have booked our interesting independent hotels listed below.

In the city center several boutique and modern options

can be found. For a unique and eclectic stay at a rea-

sonable price, we recommend The Heritage Baan Silom.

A more upscale boutique hotel is The Eugenia, a charm-

ing property with loads of character. Families, business

travelers, or those seeking a bit more independence

will enjoy Bandara Suites which come equipped with

kitchenettes and living room areas right in the heart

of Bangkok. For modern options with a touch of style,

we highly rate The Sukhothai and the smart Metropol-

itan, sister hotel of the London style-setter. We also

like Triple Two on Silom Road while further east is the

lesser-known The Davis, which offers excellent rates. If

you want to stay in a brand name five-star then Sofitel

Silom offers everything you could possible need, in-

cluding a fabulous wine bar with great city views.

Near the River City Hotels

If it’s your first visit to Bangkok and you are visit-ing purely for leisure you really should stay on the riverside. There is a wide choice of big name hotels offering various degrees of comfort but for an intimate encounter with Thai hospitality why not try Navalai, a new mid-range property situated close to the Grand Palace and Wat Po. For a step up in luxury, we highly recommend the new Hilton Millennium and the classy The Peninsula. Le Bua, with spacious rooms and super-hip restaurants such as Sirocco and Breeze, is a great place to base yourself while discovering the City of Angels. Also recommended in the old town and not far from the river is the eight-room Old Bangkok Inn. The Marriot Riverside is also a very pleasant low-rise resort on the river offering all the necessary facilities.

What to see in Bangkok?

Around Bangkok

To complement the modern travelers’ love affair with

the unusual and experiential travel, Exotissimo offers

a range of new and interesting tours in Thailand that

take you off the well-worn tourist trails and focus on

the wonders of Thai culture. First time visitors should

undoubtedly see The Grand Palace but you should also

join one of our many day trips, which involve canal-

boats, a walk through the markets or a visit to a little

known museum.

If you have enough time in the capital then take a day

trip by boat through the canals to Koh Kret island where

you can explore the old pottery villages by foot or bike.

Try and join at weekends when the island’s market is

at its liveliest. Otherwise a great day out is a tour up

to Amphawa, visiting the famous floating market area

and beyond to the little known villages, orchards and

temples that surround Bangkok. More glamorous, and

just as rewarding, is a day trip aboard one of the many

luxury cruise boats to Thailand’s ancient capital city of

Ayutthaya. For your first dinner in Bangkok we suggest

joining an evening dinner cruise on the Manohra Boat

in Bangkok.

Looking for nature but don’t have the time to fly to the

north of Thailand? Kanchanaburi (a couple of hours’

drive from Bangkok) offers great jungle accommodation

where you have a real wilderness feeling and can do

long or short treks and even elephant riding or bam-

boo rafts. If you need your comforts then stay at the

charming River Kwai Resotel, or if you are looking for

adventure try the Jungle Rafts or even Hin Tok River

Camp, a small, newly built tented resort on the river

side that offers luxury tents (including air-conditioning,

timber flooring and shower with hot water) and an ex-

cellent choice for nature lovers. For a real adventure try

going as far as Sanghklaburi. The accommodation is a

little basic but the rewards are great scenery, charming

towns and a combination of Thai, Burmese, Mon and

Karen culture. We have a number of package tour ideas

or build a visit to Kanchanaburi into your tailor-made

tour of Thailand.

Khao Yai National Park is another excellent place to ex-

perience Thailand. You can trek through the jungle to

see wild elephants and a wide range of flora and fauna.

Alternatively you can spend the day cycling through

vineyards and sampling award winning wines at the

various different wineries in the area. Our accommo-

dation recommendations include The Village Farm and

Winery or the luxurious and beautifully designed Kiri-

maya Resort, which is complete with an 18-hole golf

course designed by Jack Nicalaus.

For those in search of a truly romantic and luxurious

experience, a three-day, two-night cruise to Ayuthaya

aboard the well appointed Manohra Song teak rice

barge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy exquisite

candlelit dinners, morning temple tours and cruising

along the fascinating River of Kings. Or why not take

the Mekhala Cruise, another rice barge but a more af-

fordable option, to Ayuthaya and then continue touring

through Central Thailand.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, is the gate-

way to the country’s north. Chiang Mai has grown rap-

idly into a large and dynamic city in recent years but

it still retains a great deal of charm within its ancient

walls and has much to offer visitors. Much more com-

pact and easier to navigate than Bangkok, it is here

that visitors come to immerse themselves in some of

Thailand’s extraordinary culture.

Whether chatting with Buddhist monks, observing the

skilled artisans, riding bicycles through the surrounding

villages, flying in hot-air balloons or white water rafting,

there is plenty to do and see in the north of Thailand.

Exotissimo is one of few international standard tour op-

erators that have a fully staffed office in Chiang Mai.

Our team, which includes expatriates as well as local

Lanna and hill tribe people, has developed many new

and interesting sightseeing tours and round trips but

have been working closely with local communities, lec-

turers and museum owners to develop tours where you

learn and experience Chiang Mai rather than just see

Chiang Mai.

A week in the region will give you time to see all the

sights of Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle as well

as to take in a 2 or 3-day trek. Or, if you are feeling

independent, why not take a 5-day self-drive tour from

Chiang Rai and along the mountain roads to Mae Hong

Son, in addition to a few days of enjoying the delights

of Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has plenty of accommodation choices, rang-

ing from small, charming, boutique hotels to super

luxury resorts.

The boutique offerings in Chiang Mai are numerous and

although the designs and styles of these hotels are

charming, great differences are found in the level and

quality of service. For the perfect combination of style

and service, we recommend Rachamanka, Puripunn,

Yaang Come Village, and Tamarind Village. These proper-

ties are outstanding choices for lovers of boutique ac-

commodation blended with a sense of home. They fea-

ture all of the comfort and luxury of a great little hotel.

At the top of the luxe list are the Oriental Dhara Dhevi

and the Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Both are a little out of

town and are high on luxury. The Oriental is top of the

charts when it comes to facilities while the Four Sea-

sons is considered by many a more authentic experi-

ence. If you are staying at these resorts you should bal-

ance your time in Chiang Mai so you can both get out and

see the sites and spend some quality time enjoying the

five-star services and facilities. The Chedi, with its compact

design, is the in-town choice for the style-conscious, while

the riverside Rati Lanna is another good deluxe option.

Chiang Mai & The North

What to see in Chiang Mai?

Trekking and Homestays

If you are only spending a few days in Chiang Mai then

a visit to Doi Suthep is a must. A morning with the

monks is also a great way to discover the culture or

why not take a biking trip, a balloon ride over Chiang

Mai or even learn to become a mahout.

A visit to an elephant camp is an interesting day out,

especially if you have kids with you. Chiang Dao El-

ephant Camp is our favorite as it is set in spectacular

natural countryside and has fewer tourists than those

close to town. There are also some smaller camps with

just a few elephants such as Patara Elephant Farm on

the foothills of Doi Suthep where the concept is really

to act as if you were the tuskers’ owner. The Elephant

Nature Park is a unique project established with the

aim to provide a sanctuary and rescue centre for el-

ephants in Thailand. The park is a project rather than

a camp - the owner has rescued over 30 distressed

elephants throughout the country.

In the evening, you should enjoy dinner by the river

and then take a tuk tuk ride to discover the famous

night bazaar.

Spending a night in a home stay village is one way to

really learn and understand how the people live. Work-

ing with locals on community-based projects, Exotis-

simo has developed relationships with ethnic hill tribes

to develop sustainable tourism projects with Thai and

Shan villages in the mountainous areas of north Thai-

land. The facilities might be basic but the experience

will be unforgettable and for just one night it should

be possible to live without modern hotel facilities. A

Shan Homestay at Tad Lod is one of our favorite places

in Thailand. Spend a few days walking through the hills

and learn how the Shan people live. Closer to Chiang

Mai we highly recommend a night at Mae Kampong,

a beautiful Thai village in the hills where you stay as

guests of a local family in their teak house.

The trekking we are able to offer around Chiang Mai and

across the north has also taken on a new dimension

and is no longer an activity suitable for backpackers

only. A trekking tour of two days/one night organized

by Exotissimo includes a trekking guide, porters, all

meals, and sleeping materials in a local village (basic

but clean accommodation) and guaranteed an unforget-

table experience. The trekking is not very difficult and

can be done by anybody with a normal physical health

and a bit of adventurous spirit. More comfortable but

still rewarding home stay experiences can be found at

Lisu Lodge or Khum Lanna, countryside resorts where

the emphasis is on seeing, learning and experiencing.

Hmong Lodge is also a nice out-of-town experience and

recommended for families. We have a number of pack-

ages including these properties or you can simply ask

us to include them into your tailor made itinerary.

The area earned its name due to the wealth that opium

trading used to bring. Nowadays the opium has gone

but the area still retains an allure. The mountains of

Myanmar and Laos are easily visible and ruined cities

such as Chiang Sean and The Hall of Opium Museum

offer evidence of a long and checkered history. The

area around the museum is a bit touristy but once you

are on a boat trip on the Mekong River you can dream

away while closely passing Burmese and Laos country-

side and even make a stop on the Lao side of the river

and sip Beer Lao or send a postcard from Laos before

heading back to the Thai side.

Chiang Rai &

Golden Triangle

Where to stay in Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle?

Touring Pai and Mae Hong Son

In Chiang Rai we really like the stylish The Legend Re-

sort, which is located on the river but still in the city.

La Lunna is also charming and offers very good value.

The Golden Triangle area at the far north of Thailand is

home to the very top-end Four Seasons Tented Camp,

where guests can enjoy fabulous excursions during the

day and luxurious tents to return to in the evening. The

delightful and also deluxe Anantara Resort and Spa has

a great elephant camp nearby.

Heading west towards Myanmar, the delightful towns

of Pai and Mae Hong Son are picturesque and charm-

ing. Pai is the hot new destination for backpackers and

travelers looking for that essential ‘Thai travel sensa-

tion’. It is a charming town in a scenic valley with lots

to do during the day: biking, rafting, trekking and cafes

and bars to enjoy in the evenings. There are now daily

flights from Chiang Mai if you don’t want to brave the

four-hour drive up winding roads in the mountains.

The delights of Mae Hong Son are a very under-rated

and often missed part of the Thai tourist trail. The town

has interesting Burmese and Shan architecture in many

monasteries as well as wonderful countryside and trek-

The area around Chiang Rai has been cultivated us-

ing organic, sustainable agricultural techniques and

is farmed by the hill tribe people of the area. It is a

great place to explore on an elephant’s back, and is the

picture-postcard vision of verdant Thai rice terraces and

orchid-clad hillsides.

The Mekong River forms the border with Laos for a few

hundred kilometers from the Golden Triangle to the

south offering a scenic route to access the beauty of

northern Laos and the city of Luang Prabang by river.

From the border town Chiang Khong, there are several

boat options to cruise the Mekong River, allowing you

to sit on the deck and enjoy one of the most stunning

views in the world surrounded by blue sky, brown river

water and lush jungle on both sides of the river. Take

a look at one of our tour modules featuring Chiang Rai

and the Golden Triangle or ask your travel consultant to

include a few days in your tailor made tour.

king opportunities. A drive to Nai Soi Village, where you

can meet the Padaung, or long neck people, is a high-

light and an educational experience for many travelers.

The ideal tour is to spend two days driving along one of

the most scenic roads in Asia with an overnight stop in

Pai and then fly back after a night in Mae Hong Son. If

you are traveling between June and December, a rafting

trip on the Pai River is a highly recommended experi-

ence for adventurous travelers.

In Pai stay at Belle Villa Pai or Baan Krating Pai, both a

little out of town with nice rural ambiance or the new

town centre hotel The Quarter. In Mae Hong Son we use

the eco-friendly Fern Resort for almost all our clients.

Adventurous travelers can continue to Mae Sariang,

which is deep in Karen country and close to the Sal-

ween River. The scenery here is rugged and beautiful

and the people are especially welcoming. Then drive

back to Chiang Mai via Doi Inthanon.

If you are feeling independent why not try and drive the

northern loop yourself? We will deliver the car to you,

book your hotels, supply a map, road book and provide

directions for you.

Further afield to the Unseen ThailandFor more intrepid travelers the stunning scenery and

natural charm of Nan and Loei are definitely worth visit-

ing. The mountains of the north-east are home to many

charming towns, each with a laid-back atmosphere and

constitutes a fascinating part in the history and culture

of the region. Phrae and Nan are particularly alluring

and the surrounding mountain scenery around Loei is

simply outstanding, but the real reward for the traveler

in this region is in meeting the smiling, friendly people

who live here.

Accommodation in the more remote destinations is not

as varied or luxurious as it is around Chiang Mai, how-

ever, that does not mean you have to suffer backpacker

standard guest houses either. We always use the best

available hotels and will do our best to reserve the

best rooms in the house. Sometimes even in the most

remote areas we can find a true hidden gem such as

Bo Klua View Resort in Nan province or Phu Phu Nam

Resort in Loei. If you want to see the real Thailand you

really should make the effort to see places like Nan and

Loei where the modern world has not yet arrived and

neither have the tourists. A million miles from Phuket

and Pattaya, it is in places like these where you will

find those special and memorable experiences that live

with you forever.

New resorts opening in Sukhothai are going to help lure

tourists to one of Asia’s most under-rated world heri-

tage sites. Although not as extensive as Angkor Wat,

If you are searching for true Thai hospitality you should

look no further than northeastern provinces of Thai-

land, also collectively known as Isaan. Often overlooked

in favor of the more obvious charms of Chaing Mai and

the north, what Isaan lacks in genuine tourist attrac-

tions it makes up with its old world charm. The people

of Isaan are by far the friendliest in Thailand, which is

quite a claim to fame, and the food is simply outstand-

ing as long as you don’t mind it hot!

The main attractions are the Khmer temples in Phimai,

Phanom Rung, Muang Tam and Khao Phra Viharn to

name a few heritage sites located along the southern

corridor. While in the far east, the Mekong River pro-

vides a continually scenic backdrop for your explora-

Sukhothai

& The Center

Sukhothai really should be compared to its more fa-

mous neighbor in Cambodia as a truly world class heri-

tage site and visitors to Thailand who don’t make the

effort to go are really missing out on something special.

Between Sukhothai and Ayuthaya, the cities of Lopburi,

Kampaeng Phet and Uthai Thani are all historical trea-

sures lying in the Chao Phraya River basin waiting to

be discovered. Lopburi rose to ascendance in the 10th

century when it was under the influence of the Khmer

kingdoms and the ruined sandstone temples are still

very much in evidence and worth visiting. Be warned

that monkeys have taken possession of many of the

ruins so keep an eye on your cameras.

Kamphaeng Phet can be visited on the way to Sukho-

thai or as part of a day trip from Sukhothai and has

an interesting historical park with numerous chedi and

stupas - one of which once contained the famous em-

erald Buddha. Uthai Thani is a beautifully preserved

Thai town located on the Sakae Krang River, a tributary

of the Chao Phraya River with interesting temples and

a vibrant market place. Once a resting place for Rama

IV, Uthai Thani is an ideal stopping point on the way

north from Bangkok and with comfortable accommo-

dation now available as well as interesting river boat

rides - it is the perfect place to immerse yourself into

the real Thailand. Driving at a leisurely pace you can

visit Ayuthaya, Lopburi, Uthai Thani, Kamphaeng Phet

and Sukhothai in about four days from Bangkok. Chiang

Mai is another day or two’s drive after Sukhothai. Look

at some of our Classic Thailand overland tour modules

or ask your travel consultant to build these fascinating

destinations into your tailor-made itinerary.

Isaan

tions. The riverside provincial capitals of Nong Khai,

Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan all exude charm and

relaxed touring. While the city of Ubon Ratchathani not

only provides a gateway into neighboring Laos but also

can act as a base to explore the eastern area of Isaan.

An added incentive is the delightful Tohsang Khongjiam

Resort which is a true gem and you could easily spend

from anywhere between two nights and a week discov-

ering the surrounding area.

A two or three-day tour of Isaan taking in all the main

temples before spending two nights in Ubon Ratcha-

thani and then flying back to Bangkok is a different way

to visit Thailand before heading to a beach. Or you can

continue your travels through southern Laos and even

Cambodia as these sites are a perfect primer before

a trip to Cambodia to see the crown jewels of Angkor

Wat. Those with more time might want to travel north

through Phanom Rung and up to Nong Khai where you

can cross into Laos or even keep traveling through

Loei and on to the north of Thailand. The choices for

spending quality time in Thailand are almost endless so

please let your travel consultant help plan the perfect

tour for you.

Most tourists heading to the south of Thailand have

only one thing on their mind - the beach. However a

drive down the south coast can be a great way to dis-

cover Thailand. Peninsula Thailand has good, fast roads

and fabulous beaches as well as some great national

parks such as Kraeng Krachan, Thailand’s biggest park,

or Sam Roi Yot, arguably Thailand’s most scenic with

its hundreds of limestone peaks and caves waiting to

be explored.

Another gem waiting to be discovered is Khao Sok Na-

tional Park. Well known to the backpackers, this un-

spoiled rainforest is close to Phuket, Samui and Krabi,

yet is rarely visited by the hoards of tourists that flock

to the beaches. Elephant Hills, an eco-resort on the

The Southedge of Khao Sok, is a fantastic place to spend a few

days. Exotissimo can offer a range of tours that include

Khao Sok.

A really nice touring journey is to drive south to Pran-

buri and visit Sam Roi Yot National Park, continue to

Chumphorn and then onwards to Khao Sok via Wat Suan

Mok temple or Surat Thani monkey training school. Af-

ter a few days exploring khao Sok head to any one of

the beaches of Krabi, Khao Sok, Phuket or Samui. Alter-

natively fly to Phuket and then take a self-drive tour of

the south. We will book your hotels, deliver the car and

provide a map and roadbook. So Easy! So Exotissimo!

Thailand’s Beaches

Thailand’s beaches are the stuff of legend. Whether

you are looking for a classic palm-fringed hideaway, a

friendly family resort or all night partying, Thailand has

it all. And there is quite a wide range of choices too.

Everybody has heard of Phuket and Samui, but the last

decade has seen the growth of many new beach des-

tinations, such as Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh

Yao, Koh Chang and Koh Tao and it is often at these

lesser known beaches where the real paradise feeling

can be found.

One of the neatest things about heading for a Thai

beach is the fact that with two weather systems which

bring the tropical rains at different times of the year, it’s

possible to enjoy Thailand’s beaches year-round. From

January to September you can choose a beach in Koh

Samui or Koh Phangan where you will have the best

chance on sunny and dry weather while from October

to April a beach like Krabi, Khao Lak or Koh Samed and

Koh Chang offer the best chance of getting an even tan.

To try and make your decisions just a little easier here

is a super fast guide to Thai beaches:

Phuket for pure luxury, great facilities, lots for kids to

do, wide choice of restaurants and plenty of nightlife.

Krabi for deluxe resorts, activities, shopping and night-

life if you want it.

Khao Lak for pristine beaches, lazy days and early

nights, wide choice of resorts and some shopping.

Koh Lanta for pristine beaches, lazy days, moderate

nightlife.

Koh Yao for pristine beaches, lazy days, early nights

and luxury resorts.

Phi Phi for diving, quiet resorts (around the edge) or

backpacker mayhem (in the middle).

The beaches in Krabi area were first discovered by the

backpacking crowd and have developed slowly into in-

ternational standard resort destinations while retaining

plenty of charm. Krabi is home to a string of beaches

and islands. The scenery is amazing with limestone

karsts exploding out of the sea and jungle everywhere.

The Phra Nang peninsula is an idyllic retreat, and the

beaches of Railey are among the most beautiful in Thai-

land. The Rayawadee is a magical combination of lux-

ury and nature. Accessible only by boat, giving a true

‘desert island’ ambience you stay in a villa surrounded

by coconut palms and towering limestone cliffs. The

Phuket is Thailand’s number one beach resort and

one of the world’s most famous holiday destinations.

Here you find the best of the best. Super luxury hotels,

yachts, restaurants, fine wine, golf courses, shopping

and miles and miles of great beaches.

Yes Phuket is full of tourists and you will see tour buses

all over the place but this is a big island (the size of

Singapore) and there are plenty of places to hide away

if you want. Phuket is the place to head to if you are

looking for a luxury destination or if you are with your

KrabiPhuket

Trang for remoteness and comfort. Koh Hai for real re-

moteness.

Samui for a hip-beach scene, boutique resorts and lots

of nightlife.

Phangan for pristine beaches and backpackers.

Koh Tao for great diving, good beaches and lots of back-

packers.

Hua Hin for great hotels, restaurants and shopping but

only average beaches.

Koh Samed for pristine beaches, lazy days, moderate

nightlife and only a short drive from Bangkok.

Koh Chang for pristine beaches, lazy days, moderate

nightlife, wide choice of resorts and some shopping.

family and want lots of facilities. It is not the place to

find small charming hotels at reasonable prices.

The best beaches and most of the best hotels are in the

north of the island. The southern beaches of Patong,

Kata or Karon are busy, noisy and not very classy. Ho-

tels we recommend to our luxury clients are Trisara and

Amanpuri, where the elite traveler will be treated to top

service and extraordinary luxury. After that you should

try the Trisara and Sri Panwa both of which are fabulous

options for a stylish stay. Other favorites include Indigo

Pearl, SALA Phuket, Mom Tri’s Villa and Vijitt Resort all

of which offer great value and lots of class. Although

not on the beachfront, we like the beautiful Twin Palms

while those traveling on a budget will enjoy Adamas

Resort and Andaman White Beach for a beach getaway.

The islands of Phi Phi have been immortalized by many

Hollywood movies, most recently the Beach starring

Leonardo Di Caprio. Badly damaged by the tsunami in

December 2005, Phi Phi is now almost recovered and is

back in business and welcoming tourists. The beaches

are cleaner than ever and the small town in the centre

has reestablished itself - although it must be said it is

something of a scruffy backpacker’s ghetto. On a se-

cluded beach the Zeavola has established itself as the

best on the island and offers a nature-chic alternative

to the more established choices such as Phi Phi Island

Village Beach Resort. Avoid the backpacker throng in

the centre of the island, unless of course you are a

backpacker.

In the south of Krabi and not far from the airport, Koh

Lanta, is gaining a reputation as the Thai island of

choice for those looking for a balance between island

charm and sophisticated accommodation. ‘Laid back’,

‘Thai style’ and ‘chilled’ are words that are often used

to describe the atmosphere on Lanta Island and it is

hard to disagree. This is where the swaying palms and

wide sandy beaches are found without the traffic or

nightlife of Samui or Phuket. World class hotels such

as Pimalai and Layana combine stunning locations

with five-star services, while the diving here is also

outstanding with the pinnacles of Hin Daeng and Hin

Muang within easy daytrip range from Lanta (but too

Phi PhiKoh Lanta

rest of Railey beach is lined by family run resorts the

best of which is Railey Bay Resort with Sea Sand com-

ing next. Rock climbing has become a hugely popular

activity in this area and Phra Nang is now recognized

as one of the hottest climbing spots in the world and

the islands and mangroves make for superb sea kayak-

ing opportunities. The new international airport at Krabi

has seven flights a day to Bangkok, making the entire

area easily accessible.

Ao Nang is still the vibrant tourist centre of Krabi but the

beach can be disappointing and the village is crowded.

The best option here is Krabi Resort as it has its own

beach. Further north Khlong Muang has become the

choice for those seeking an up-market resort. One of

our favorites in the area is the Tubkaak Resort, a hip

luxury resort, providing a touch of class and style that

make Khlong Muang an exciting new beach destination.

Just south of Krabi on an island of its own is the charm-

ing Koh Jum Resort. Managed by a French couple this

is one of those great little secrets you hope stays just

the way it is. Backpacker Deluxe is a good way of ex-

plaining the style and comforts. If you don’t need an

Aman but want to get away from the crowds this could

be for you.

far for Phuket day-trippers); it is an attraction for feed-

ing whale sharks and mantas as well as divers. The

islands still retain a rustic charm - Koh Lanta had no

telephones before 2001 and electricity only arrived on

the island a short time before that!

Luxury lovers should check in to the exclusive Pimalai,

especially the new pool villas. Lanaya Resort is also a

good choice as is the more relaxed Sri Lanta. For those

with a tighter budget, we like Royal Lanta and Lanta

Casaurina Resort.

Even further south, Trang province has even more at-

tractions and even less tourists. With clear waters and

limestone islands dotting the horizon, it is easy to see

why travelers are beginning to discover Trang. The An-

antara Resort is a fabulous luxury accommodation - the

best in the area. There are also some charming resorts

on the island of Koh Ngai (pronounced and sometimes

spelt Koh Hai). This is where you really get the desert

island treatment. Stay at Thapwarin Resort or Koh Hai

Fantasy.

Also devastated by the tsunami but now very much

back on the scene is Khao Lak. The clean-up of the

beaches of Khao Lak has been incredible and apart

from a few monuments of the wave, such as the Thai

navy boat that was washed a kilometre on-shore and

is still lying on its side close to the main road through

Khao Lak, there is little evidence of the tsunami.

By far, our favorite is Sarojin Resort. Best suited for

honeymooners, the secluded Sarojin doesn’t allow

kids.

Koh Yao, which means ‘long island’, is the two islands

(one long and one not so long) in between Phuket and

Krabi in the heart of Phang Nga Bay. Just a few minutes

by boat or seaplane from Phuket, Koh Yao is and hardly

noticed until recently. Koh Yao has had none of the

development of its larger neighbour and is still a real

tropical hideaway. We still love Koh Yao Island Resort,

which was the original Robinson Crusoe resort on the

island but with lots of style and more than adequate

comfort. Smaller, but also highly recommended is Koh

Yao Paradise Resort, with different room categories lo-

cated in a beautiful bay with a stunning cliff at the

Trang and

the Far South

Khao Lak

Koh Yao

edge of the beach. Offering substantially more comfort

is Six Senses Evason Hideaway which was built with

environmentally-friendly materials and occupies an

idyllic stretch of property on the waterfront.

Koh Tao, which means Turtle Island, is one of Thailand’s

premier diving locations and those willing to make the

journey by boat from Samui or Chumporn on the main-

land are rewarded with gorgeous beaches, great view-

points and hospitable locals. If you are a diver, Koh Tao

is the perfect destination as it really does have the best

diving in the Gulf of Thailand. If you are not a diver then

be warned there are lots of divers here and the island

can feel a little crowded as there are a lot of small back-

packer resorts selling cheap dive packages. The main

beaches, Saree and Mae Had are noisy at night and dive

boats chug noisily around the island all day. Koh Tao is

not for everyone and best suits divers or those looking

to revisit their backpacker experiences. The best places

to stay is Charm Churee Resort, while serious divers

should consider Koh Tao Coral Grand Resort.

Just a short boat ride away is Koh Phangan. Although

best known for its full moon parties, which attract

thousands of travelers from all over the globe, there

is a lot more to stunning Koh Phangan than partying

all-night on the powder-soft white sand. The island has

swathes of beautiful beaches, great walks, adventur-

ous boat and fishing trips, fabulous diving and even

kite-boarding. Some new and interesting resorts have

recently opened on the quiet but beautiful beaches lin-

ing the north of the island bringing Phangan onto the

radar for more than just backpackers. Avoid Haad Rin

Beach as it is little more than a party venue and the

only place to stay is Santhiya Resort in Thong Nai Pan

Noi on the north of the island. It is quite an adventure

to get to and it will not get on the Conde Naste list but

Santhiya, is another great little Thai beach secret. On the mainland, Hua Hin and neighboring Cha Am

have great family appeal, with a bucket-and-spade at-

mosphere and plenty to entertain every member of the

family. Located just a couple of hours’ drive from Bang-

If the Andaman Islands are paradise for just flopping on

a tropical beach, Samui is heaven for the active traveler

(although of course there are plenty of beaches to flop

on too). There are literally hundreds of activities and

attractions on Koh Samui, from diving in the pristine

waters of the marine park to learning how to be a sea-

lion trainer!

Avoid crowded Chaweng and Lamai beaches, unless

you don’t mind the occasional sleepless night listen-

ing to techno music, and head for Cheonmong, Bophut

or Mae Nam Beaches on the north of the island. New

world-class five star resorts such as Napasai, Four

Season, and Zazen are all top choices and definitely

top-end. Karma Resort is also highly recommended and

they have a great choice of villas for families or larger

groups. New Star Resort also a great choice. One resort

on Chaweng that does stand out from the crowd is the

Library which features a sleek modern design.

The luxury market is quite new for Samui but the island

is quickly adapting itself to cater for the tastes of a

more discerning crowd. Santiburi golf course is one of

the best and one of the most difficult in Asia and there

are a preponderance of new up-market restaurants and

night clubs, including the trendy Q-Bar.

Koh Tao

Hua Hin, Cha Am

and Pranburi

Koh Phangan

Samui Samui has established itself as one of South-East Asia’s

leading destinations for wellness and therapeutic re-

treats, and its hotels, day-spas, yoga and meditation

centers have become a Mecca for stressed out visitors

from around the globe. Our pick of the wellness resorts

is Kamalaya.

kok and a long-time favorite with the Thai royal family,

Hua Hin is easily accessible, even to those with limited

time in the kingdom. A wide choice of hotels, including

no less than six five-star hotels, and small independent

resorts makes it an attractive destination for a wide

range of tourists. Recently Hua Hin has shaken off the

sedate seaside town image and taken a cool contem-

porary feel. Trendy restaurants and cool resorts have

sprung up all over the town and the annual Jazz festival

has added certain vibrancy.

In Hua Hin there are five or six big five-star hotels, of

which our favorites are the Anantara Resort and Aleenta

Resort. For those on more of a budget we recommend

Baan Talay Dao. In neighboring Cha Am, we like Ve-

randa as it has a great beachfront with a lot of style,

and the sophisticated Alila Cha Am.

There are many ways to see Thailand. Take a look

through our offerings on the website; let us know what

you think and then one of our knowledgeable travel

consultants will be pleased to work through you tailor-

made touring itinerary.

Combination tours with other exotic destinations in

Southeast Asia

Further east close to the Cambodian border is Koh

Chang, Thailand’s third largest island. Although there

are no serious luxury resorts here, the Amari Emerald

Cove will not disappoint. Koh Chang Paradise Resort is

also nice and Aana Resort is one of our favorites even

if it is not right on the beach.

Also easily accessible from Bangkok is the local’s favor-

ite is the island of Koh Samed. Although just a couple

of hours from the capital, Samed has some of the best

beaches in Thailand and all the atmosphere of a tropi-

cal island escape - it is not too touristy. Hotel choice

is not too bad either with the new Paradee Resort at

the top of the list and offering real barefoot luxury with

its own private paradise beach. We also like Sai Keaw

Resort which has great charm although it is fairly basic.

Otherwise Ao Prao Resort and neighboring Le Vimarn

are good options.

A Few SuggestionsKoh Chang

Koh Samed

Thailand is an ideal destination to combine with other

exotic destinations in the region and Bangkok is a major

hub to start your trip to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and

Vietnam. Do you want to combine Thailand with one

of these destinations? Exotissimo Travel has offices in

all above mentioned countries and your travel consul-

tant can help you making all arrangements in all these

destinations. If you decide to travel to only one of the

Exotissimo destinations the travel consultant of that

country will be in direct correspondence with you. If

you want to combine destinations the travel consultant

of the destination you will arrive first will coordinate

all arrangements in all destinations and send just one

itinerary and one invoice - it is easy for you to combine!

Please don’t hesitate to ask us for any other combina-

tions within different countries- our travel consultant

will be happy to assist.

We hope that this latest information has given your

some better thoughts about what to do and where to

visit and where to stay in Thailand. Thailand is a big

country and has plenty of cultural, natural, adventurous

and relaxing experiences to offer but new as traditional

ones.

AIRLINES

ATMs

International: Major airlines flying to Thailand include

Thai Airways, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific,

Luftansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and many more.

Domestic: Six domestic airlines are currently operating

in Thailand: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Air-

ways, Nok Air, One-Two-Go, Orient Thai, PB Air, Phuket

Air and Thai Airways.

AIRPORT TAX

Airport taxes are included in all international and do-

mestic flight tickets. Any additional airport fees are

also included so there is no additional payment needed

at the airport.

ARRIVAL IN THAILAND

BY AIR: Bangkok is one of Asia’s largest air hubs, so

it is very well-connected to the rest of the world. Be-

sides Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, the airports in

Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Koh Samui, Phuket and Pattaya

Thailand - FAQsare served by international flights directly. Consult your

local travel agent for routings, fares and availability on

flights to Thailand. Discount websites and flight search

engines may offer some good deals.

BY LAND: Thailand shares borders with Myanmar to the

north-west, Laos in the north-east, Cambodia to the

east and Malaysia to the south.

From Laos:

The Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River between

Vientiane and Nong Khai is the busiest crossing. The

Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge now links Savan-

nakhet with Mukdahan. It is also possible to cross

the borders at Houey Xai / Chiang Khong, Nakaxeng /

Kaenthao, Pakxan / Bungkan, Thakhaek / Nakorn Pha-

nom.

From Myanmar:

Visitors can cross into Thailand from Tachileik to Mae

Sai (Chiangrai) and from Kawthoung into Ranong. For

the border checkpoints at Mae Sot / Myawaddy and

Three Pagoda Pass at Sangkhlaburi / Payathonzu, for-

eigners can only access them from the Thai side, so it

will be impossible to cross into Thailand from Myanmar

at these points.

From Cambodia:

There are six border crossings linking Thailand and

Cambodia. The highway linking Siem Reap and the Ang-

kor temples leads to Aranyaprathet via Poipet and it is

a popular crossing.

From Malaysia:

There are four crossings linking Thailand with Malaysia,

namely Padang Besar and Sadao in Songkhla province,

Betong in Yala province and Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat

province.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

Upon arrival in Thailand, all visitors must complete an

entry/exit form including a customs declaration. It is

important that your copy of this form is kept safe with

your passport while in Thailand and is presented to

the customs and immigration officials on departure. In

case you are obtaining your pre-arranged visa on arrival

please proceed to the Visa counter and read the visa

section below. (Note: overland entry procedures change

from time to time according to the immigration office)

If you have booked a transfer from Exotissimo we will

provide you with information on where to meet your

guide/driver as well as a 24-hour phone number to be

used in case of difficulties.

ARRIVAL TRANSFERS FROM EXOTISSIMO

Clients that have booked a transfer will be met by an

Exotissimo representative holding an EXOTISSIMO or

YOUR COMPANY signboard with the client’s group or

BUSINESS HOURS

CLOTHING

ELECTRICITY

ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD

CREDIT CARDS

ATMs for withdrawing Thai Baht are widely available in

major airports, shopping malls, hotels and almost all

provincial banks in Thailand. For most banks there is

a maximum withdrawal of 20,000 THB per transaction;

however several withdrawals may be made in a single

day. Ask your tour guide for help when you need to

locate an ATM.

Most businesses are open from Monday to Friday. Gov-

ernment offices are open from 08:30 to 16:30 with some

closing for lunch from noon to 13:00. Many retailers and

travel agencies are also open on Saturday and most

shops are open on Sundays.

Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such

as cotton is most suitable for traveling in Thailand. The

dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the trop-

ics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the

evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat

is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter

months from November to February, warm clothing is

needed for visiting northern Thailand. Visitors should

not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing

when visiting religious buildings and shoes should be

removed before entering a private home.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs

are not standardized. It is recommended to bring a uni-

versal plug adaptor.

There are plenty of entertainment options in Thailand

and restaurants/bars and nightclubs open until late at

night/early in the morning. A wide variety of restau-

rants are on offer with everything from Thai, Chinese,

Italian, French cuisine, etc. to fast food.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed al-

though it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or

sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accom-

panying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables,

meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thais gen-

erally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so in-

tense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can

be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the

VISA and MASTERCARD are the most widely accepted,

but most other major credit cards are also accepted

in Thailand. Not all shops and restaurants will accept

credit cards, so do check with the cashier before mak-

ing any purchases. Bear in mind that some places may

name clearly displayed.

Please note that Suvarnabhumi is a single terminal air-

port with THREE entrances from the secure area into the

public arrivals hall. Domestic arrivals will enter through

Gate A. International arrivals will enter through Gate

B or C.

After clearing immigration, retrieving baggage and

passing through Customs, please continue to the ar-

rivals hall where your guide will be waiting with a sign

with your name. Please take the exit which is nearest

your luggage belt and turn left. If you do not see your

guide in the arrivals hall, please proceed to either ATTA

Exit 6 (Association of Thai Travel Agents) or ATTA Exit 10,

depending on which is closest. You may ask an ATTA

officer to call your guide at their mobile number.

pass onto you the fee imposed on them by the credit

card company (approximately 2.25% to 3.5%, depending

on card type), so you may want to pay by cash instead

of credit card in some instances.

HEALTH

MONEY

LANGUAGE

MONEY

INTERNET

Internet cafes are widely available everywhere and

are easily found in major towns and cities. Prices are

reasonable but may vary from 10 - 60 baht an hour.

In many Internet cafés, you can buy pre-paid interna-

tional phone cards to dial from a computer to a landline

or mobile phone worldwide. Most Internet cafés are

equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones.

Wi-Fi hotspots are becoming increasingly available in

hotels and public spaces in Bangkok. Many hotels also

have Business Centers with PCs connected to the In-

ternet or in-room broadband access- please note that

this service is not always free and the rates are usually

cheaper at internet cafes.

No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever

if you are coming from an area where the disease is

present. However visitors should be inoculated against

typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio.

Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advis-

able to take precautions especially if traveling off the

beaten track. The standard of medical facilities is gen-

erally good and Thailand has a growing medical tour-

ism industry. It is advisable to take out a good medical

insurance policy before traveling in case evacuation is

needed.

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

US Dollars and Euros are accepted in many hotels, res-

taurants and shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday

from 08:00 to 05:00 and some on Saturday morning.

In the major cities, some exchange offices open long

The most widely spoken language in Thailand is Thai, a

complicated language with a unique alphabet. Beside

the numerous hill tribe dialects, other languages spo-

ken include Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people,

especially in the major cities, speak English and tour-

ists should have no troubles with communication in

these areas.

The currency in Thailand is the Baht. Banks, which are

open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30, give the best

exchange rates. (Some banks in the central business

areas or in department store extend business hours

until 18:00) You will receive a better exchange rate in

country than overseas so it is advisable to wait un-

til reaching Thailand to exchange your money. At the

Bangkok airport arrival area there are banks offering

the same rate as you will find in the city center.

In tourist areas, there are also currency exchange out-

lets that stay open later, usually until around 20:00.

ATM machines are found throughout the country and

most will accept foreign ATM cards. Credit cards are

widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and other busi-

nesses.

PHOTOGRAPHY

POSTAL MAIL

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2011

RELIGION

SAFETY

SHOPPING

Photo developing labs are common in Bangkok and the

rest of Thailand, providing normal print films as well

as professional quality films (like slide films). Digital

photos can easily be downloaded and loaded onto a

CD-Rom in case you run out of memory.

Postcards are sold at all main tourist sites and stamps

are available from post offices and some hotel recep-

tion desks. A postcard to Europe costs 15 baht to send

and can take up to two weeks to reach the country of

destination.

January 1

New Year’s Day

January 3

Substitution New Year’s Day (Saturday 1 January)

February 18

Makha Bucha Day

April 6

Chakri Day

Theravada Buddhism is practiced by about 95% of Thais.

Every Thai male is expected to become a monk for a

short period in his life. There is also a large Muslim

minority in Thailand’s four southernmost provinces of

Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Satun.

Thailand is a safe country to visit. As a global rule,

never leave your belongings unattended and always

maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and

shoulder bags. Do beware of scams and touts that re-

main fairly common in popular tourist destinations. As

in any country, demonstrations do occasionally take

place however they are usually in isolated areas away

from the major tourist sites and has little, if any, affect

on travelers.

Textiles are possibly the best buy in Thailand and Thai

silk, considered the best in the world, is very inex-

pensive. The Thai shoulder bags known as yâam are

generally well made and come in many varieties, some

perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such

as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen,

jack fruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the

fruit of the gods’ for its very special smell and taste.

We have a ‘Restaurant & Shopping Guide’ which show-

cases our preferred restaurants and bars in Bangkok,

Chiang Mai and Phuket. Feel free to request a copy!

hours near places frequented by tourists and most ho-

tels will change US Dollars and Euros at very reasonable

rates.

For everyday expenses, we recommend carrying a mix

of US Dollars and VND in cash. For larger items or when

the exchange rate works in your favor, use US Dollars.

For cyclos, local food stalls and small purchases, it’s

best to use VND. In either case, make sure you always

have a stock of small notes so that you don’t have to

worry about change.

April 13-15

Songkran Festival, Thai New Year

May 2

Substitution for National Labor Day (Sunday 1 May)

May 5

Coronation Day

May 17

Visaka Bucha Day

July 15

Asaraha Bucha Day

August 12

H.M. Queen’s Birthday

October 24

Substitution for Chulalongkorn Day (Sunday 23 October)

December 5

King’s Birthday

December 12

Substitution for Constitution Day (Saturday 10 Decem-

ber)

December 31

New Year’s Eve

Most hotels have offer international dialing and fax

facilities although be warned that these services are

expensive in Thailand. The best way to stay in touch

is to buy a local SIM Card for your mobile phone at a

convenience store. They cost approximately 150 THB

and offer international dialing rates as low as 5 THB per

minute and free incoming international calls. Internet

cafes usually offer cheap web-phone call systems as

well, however the quality is often poor.

Thailand is GMT + 7 and does not operate on a daylight-

savings system.

Tipping for good service is not expected but is always

appreciated in Thailand. It is customary, though not

compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of

a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped

a small amount for their troubles.

TRANSPORTATION

TELEPHONE

TIME

TIPPING

Those possessing a valid International Driving License

will be able to rent and drive a car. Road signs and

maps are commonly displayed in the English language

and international car hire companies such as Avis and

Hertz also operate in major tourist destinations such as

Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui Island. It is also

easy to rent a car with a driver.

Getting around town there are several options. The

ubiquitious three-wheeled Tuk Tuks are fun for short

transfers while metered taxis offer a nice (and cheap)

air-conditioned ride. In Bangkok, the public transporta-

tion includes River Boat, a Skytrain and Underground

Metro which are easy to use, reasonably priced and

link most major tourist areas! A great way to avoid the

city’s infamous traffic jams.

VISAS

WEATHER

Citizens of 56 different countries can enter Thailand

without a visa and be granted a free visa at the air-

port for a 30-day stay. (NOTE: Most overland arrivals

only receive a 15-day visa) Next in length of validity

is the tourist visa which is good for 60 days and costs

approximately 25 USD, depending on the country of ap-

plication. Three passport photos must accompany all

applications. Please check the Thai Ministry of Foreign

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to

February when the weather is dry and the tempera-

tures are not too hot. During these winter months,

the temperatures in the far north can drop down to

freezing during the evenings, so trekking and camping

trips in these areas are not recommended. From March

to June, the heat returns with temperatures soaring to

over 40 degrees Celsius during the day time. However

there is rarely any rain during this time and the humid-

ity is low. Thailand’s rainy season begins toward the

end of June and continues until October. During this

time the humidity can be stifling as it rains on a daily

basis, usually in the afternoon, but it is also the quiet-

est time for travelers meaning hotel prices drop and

popular tourist spots are blissfully uncrowded.

The Southern Thai beaches are faced with two weather

systems which bring the tropical rains at different times

of the year, so it’s possible to enjoy Thailand’s beaches

year-round. From January to September you can choose

a beach on the east coast such as Koh Samui or Koh

Phangan where you will have the best chance on sunny

and dry weather while from October to April the west

woven by hill tribes. Other items to look out for include

gems and jewellery, silverware, bronze ware, wood-

carvings, lacquerware, celadon pottery, leather goods

and tailoring.

Affairs website for the latest information and full de-

tails of your country’s visa agreement: http://www.mfa.

go.th/web/2637.php

coast, including Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, , Koh Phi Phi

and Koh Lanta offers the best chance of getting an all

over tan. Some beaches can be visited all year round

such as Hua Hin, Koh Samed, and Koh Chang

www.exotissimo.com

EXOTISSIMO TRAVEL THAILAND

Bangkok - Head Office22nd Floor, Smooth Life Tower44 North Sathorn Road, SilomBangrak, Bangkok 10500 THAILANDTel: +66 (0) 2 633 9060Fax: +66 (0) 2 633 9070Email: go [dot] thailand [at] exotissimo [dot] com

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Phuket - Branch Office100/19 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Rd, T. Rasada, A. MuangPhuket 83000 THAILANDTel: +66 (0) 7 661 0181Fax: +66 (0) 7 661 0182 Email: go [dot] thailand [at] exotissimo [dot] com