PHUKET
“Don’t forget, Phuket is connected to the
mainland by a causeway so it’s easy to access fantastic sightseeing and activities like the Elephant Hills tented camp experience”
DAVID CARLAW, PREMIER HOLIDAYS
to see more operators utilising the fl ight to sell Dubai-Phuket twin-centres. Explains Trade Marketing Manager Chris Lee: “It splits your journey up nicely into six hours and eight hours; so two mid-hauls instead of one long-haul.” Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island, linked
to the mainland by a causeway, with most of its development on the southwest coast facing the warm Andaman Sea. It’s a winter sun winner, seeing as its best weather is from November to March, and a good sell for nervous Asia fi rst- timers with its familiar international hotels and chain restaurants. The northwest and east are less developed, and a good suggestion for a quieter retreat. Phuket’s recent growth in boutique hotels like the romantic all-villa The Shore at Katathani and contemporary The Nap also creates a different ambience. “Clients are now looking for a Thai experience and Phuket can offer a range of off-the-beaten
track resorts and areas,” says Jas Anand, UK representative of secluded villa-style Vijitt Resort. “Guests can visit the seafood restaurants and we
offer free activities like a day trip to Coral Island, marine walk and rubber tapping. They can also get involved in weekly food offerings to the monks.” Families favour Phuket for the plentiful full- facility hotels with kids’ clubs and the local child- friendly attractions. By contrast, party-animals will love the nightlife, particularly around Patong. Active holidaymakers can take day trips to snorkel in beautiful Phang Nga Bay with its multiple limestone karst islands. Larger islands off Phuket, like Phi Phi Don, Ko Lanta, Ko Racha and Ko Yao Noi also have quality resorts perfect for including in a twin-centre. Also note that Phuket is a major dive resort, with access to world-class underwater sites, some best explored from a liveaboard arranged by a specialist operator like Regaldive. “Phuket caters for any age and any budget”,
says Funway Holidays Product Administration Executive Nandita Patel, “whether you want to kick back and relax by a beach, explore the Thai culture, bargain hunt through the market stalls of old town Phuket, enjoy traditional Thai spa treatments, or venture out to the nearby famed Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands for snorkelling and diving.”
What’s new Airlines: The Thomson Airlines direct
Dreamliner fl ights start November 5 from Gatwick and will run seasonally until April 22. Thai Airways’ London-Bangkok route has gained newly retrofi tted B747 aircraft, replacing the A346s on both its daily fl ights. First class now features fl at beds in partitioned ‘suites’, business class has 167º fl at recline shell seats, and economy seats have a 34 inch pitch. Hotels: The fi rst DoubleTree by Hilton in Phuket recently opened with 250-rooms at
www.sellinglonghaul.com
May 2013 49
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