Soak up the colours of Thailand
Whether its elephant trekking through the dense green jungle, discovering earthy mystical temples or zigzagging through bustling city markets, Thailand is a destination that creates lasting memories to share with the whole family over and over again. Amari provides the perfect base from which to explore the local experiences and is now even more accessible with family packages starting at just £2,799 for a family of four.
From the young through to the young at heart, all members of the family will be captivated, educated and enthralled by the distinctive environment of Thailand. From £2,779 for a family of four (from £724.50 per adult and £675 per child) to £3,465 (from £1,239 per adult and £987 per child), the only problem will be trying to fit everything in.
Whichever destination is decided upon, from cityscape Bangkok, action packed Phuket to relaxing Krabi, unwind and let Amari be the key to the discovering those tranquil secret gardens. Amari staff know all the destinations intimately and are always willing to share their local knowledge with guests. So if you are able to drag yourself away from the poolside here are a few suggestions to help make the most of your time spent in paradise…
Amari Watergate Bangkok, located in the centre of Bangkok’s predominant shopping district, is a perfect base for a cosmopolitan city escape. A variety of attractions nearby ensure everyone is kept happy.
No trip to Bangkok would be complete without a visit to some of the city’s remarkable cultural sites including the stunning Grand Palace. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, today it houses Thailand’s most precious image of the Lord Buddha in the Temple of The Emerald Buddha-Wat Pra Keo. An impressive sight, the Emerald Buddha is dressed in robes according to the season. A ten minute walk away is the Reclining Buddha at Wat Po, an enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf with intricate Mother of Pearl designs on the soles of the feet. Go Thailand Tours (gothailandtours.com) offers cultural tours of Bangkok starting from 1,275 Baht (approximately £25) for a family of four.
For animal lovers, take a day trip to Dusit Zoo (zoothailand.org) and see who can spot the tigers, lions and alligators, to name a few. The zoo is over 65 years old and home to over 1600 animals, a unique destination to view wildlife in the middle of the city including an Abino Barking Deer, the only one of its kind in Thailand. Entry costs 100 Baht (approximately £2) for adults and 50 Baht (approximately £1) for children.
Travelbag is offering six nights at Amari Watergate Bangkok (amari.com/watergate) from £724.50 per adult and £675 per child for a family of four in two rooms on a room only basis, including flights with Royal Jordanian. Travel in September 2012. To book, visit travelbag.co.uk.
For a quieter pace, Amari Coral Beach is a postcard perfect island paradise. Known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is an idyllic location for families looking to relax as well as seek adventure. Situated on a secluded beach with panoramic views of the island, families can spend quality time around one of the lagoon pools or take a more active approach with some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the Gulf of Thailand, (scuba diving is available for eight year olds upwards). Local company Sea Bees Diving (sea-bees.com) provides a family snorkelling trip visiting nearby islands with prices starting from 2,400 Baht per person (approximately £48).
If a venture to the local Splash Jungle Water Park (splashjunglewaterpark.com) sounds more thrilling, try out its epic wave pool or the tranquil lazy river. Prices start from 1,295 Baht for an adult (approximately £26) and 650 Baht (approximately £13) for children from five to twelve years old.
Alternatively, keep on dry land and trek the hills of Chalong on the back of an elephant; a once in a lifetime experience. Asia Web Direct Tours (phuket-travel.com) offers elephant treks from 1,250 Baht (approximately £25) per adult and 850 Baht (approximately £17) per child.
Kenwood Travel is offering sixteen-nights on B&B basis at the Amari Coral Beach Phuket from £1,095 per adult and £800 per child, based on three sharing (including stay 16 nights pay 10 deal). Package includes accommodation in a superior room, Thai Airways flights from London via Bangkok and transfers. Travel until September/October 2012. To book, visit kenwoodtravel.com.
Another option is Amari Vogue Krabi, located on the coast of southern Thailand. With children’s pool and babysitting services, the hotel is ideal for families’ with young children wanting to escape the daily routine and experience a tropical retreat.
Krabi is fun-packed with activities aplenty, and many day excursions provide the chance to spot the beautiful animals that inhabit the surrounding areas. Sign up to a kayaking day trip around the local Bor Thor caves and spot birds and monkeys from the water, as well as the occasional giant monitor lizard. The minimum age is 14 and prices start from 1,000 Baht per person including lunch (approximately £20) with Krabi Caveman (krabicaveman.com). Take a speed boat to Phi Phi, the island setting for the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach, or try rock climbing or elephant trekking. Krabi holds endless opportunities for family fun. For more inspiration Krabi Tours have plenty to choose from (krabitours.com).
Kuoni is offering eight nights at Amari Vogue Krabi (amari.com/vogue) from £1,239 per adult and £987 per child staying in a royal deluxe room on a B&B basis based on three sharing, including flights with Thai Airways from London Heathrow and transfers. Travel in September 2012. This includes two bonus nights. To book, visit kuoni.co.uk.
From Bangkok and Phuket to the welcoming waters of Krabi, Thailand is all about discovering a diverse world of culture, excitement and entertainment. It holds a plethora of distinctive qualities wrapped in a shawl of warm hospitality which entices guests to return time and time again.