Discover the Hidden Havens in Thailand

Discover the Hidden Havens of Thailand

I always jump at the opportunity to visit this country and Bangkok is one of my favorite cities. I could sit in the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and gaze at the huge bamboo lampshades for hours. I think it’s the most impressive hotel in the orient. Follow me off the beaten track as we explore three regions all too often overlooked by travelers.

Tucked on a 25 square mile land mass bordering Laos and Myanmar is Thailand’s northern most province of Chiang Rai. Its hilly terrain and bucolic backdrops make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from rafting the currents of the Mae Kok River to setting out on a hike to reach the 230 foot Khun Kon waterfall. Pass rice paddy fields and verdant farmland during your pursuits into the mountains of Wawi, home to an estimated seven different ethnic groups comprising the hill tribes of Thailand. Be escorted past the Huay Kee Lek’s spirit gate adorned with narrative carving to personally meet the Akha families living here and admire their handwoven bamboo creations.

A must is the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, 50 miles north of Chiang Rai’s city center. The clusters of 77 rooms and suites create a jungle village setting where the waters of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers converge. Meet more than 25 elephants residing in the camp and take an elephant trek.

On the west coast of southern Thailand lies Krabi, a province distanced about three hours by road from Phuket. The exotic camp at Phulay Bay Reserve hosts 54 freestanding pavilions and villas hidden in the lush landscape of tropical gardens and serves as a base for excursions to Krabi’s renowned rock climbing routes. There are 700 to choose from, and I enjoyed seeing the 3,000 year old paintings by prehistoric seafarers in the Pee Hua Toh cavern.

A diminutive island resting in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is home to a duality that contrasts its festive full moon celebrations at Haad Rin beach with the queter days on Samui Archipelago where Ang Thong Marine Parks 40 most uninhabited islands sprawl across 60 miles of the gulf’s lapis waters.

There are some terrific snorkeling spots in this regions, and it is a diver’s paradise. Lovely beaches, with few people.

I can recommend three packages with accommodation, tours and transfers. You definitely save money by booking a package and with all the VIP extras we can get for you, it is good value. 1. Phulay Bay, 2. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Phangan, and 3. Golden Thailand. Something special in each of them.

Wonderful place for shopping. Even my husband couldn’t resist buying a painting each time we have been to Bangkok, exquisite tablecloths, and unique items I couldn’t live without. We’ve both had a suit made while there, great prices and fast service.

Is Thailand on your bucket list???

Maureen Jones

all Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.AHTinf@Frosch.com

www.froschvacations.com