Dive in: Dewa
As the setting for seminal
backpacker movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Phi Phi Leh is particularly famous. The film depicts an unspoilt island paradise, but the reality is that today Phi Phi Leh is a busy hotspot with hundreds of day- trippers from the mainland. To escape the tourist hustle and bustle, we chose to stay at Amari Vogue, which sits on the mainland on Tub Kaek Beach, 18 miles north of Krabi town. Seven swimming pools terrace
down to the beach, flanked by the hotel’s accommodation, two restaurants and spa. It’s unmistakably Thai, with gabled roofs, ornate carving and decorative elephants spouting water into the main pool. However, the star feature is the view, over the bluest of blue seas to a collection of limestone islands
EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF
Amari offers exclusive travel industry rates through its ‘Bonanza’ offer, giving agents a 50% discount on the best available rates, valid for stays until December 20. Use promo code BONANZA268.
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– natural, serene, jaw-droppingly beautiful – and unmistakably Krabi. The shallow, golden beach is quiet, giving guests a taste of what it felt like for those pre-mass market backpackers, but with the distinct advantage of five-star luxury. Amari Vogue isn’t necessarily
your obvious choice for a family holiday – you’re likely to be outnumbered by couples and there aren’t the kids’ facilities you find at some family resorts – but for kids who are never happier than living in their swimming gear, it’s the perfect haven. For our children, the undoubted highlight was a trip to the islands just off the coast in Phang Nga Bay. Booked on the spot with the local boatmen who wait in the shade of a coconut tree in their traditional longtail boats, our trip, for a group of nine, cost £73. After sailing into a hidden lagoon through a tiny gap in the sheer cliff we stopped for a short paddle in the clear green water, before heading to a pristine beach for a spot of snorkelling. This is a great spot to encounter marine wildlife, including a family
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of clown fish in their anemone home. We did, indeed, find Nemo! A downside to the isolation is the £18 taxi ride to the nearest big town – Ao Nang is 10 miles
away. There is a complimentary shuttle bus, but this gets booked
out well in advance so advise clients to reserve their spots early.
l PHUKET: WATER BABES Soon it was time to leave laid-back Krabi for Phuket, making the two- and-a-half hour journey to Naiyang Beach by road in a hire car. This was booked through the Amari Vogue concierge, was more convenient than taking a bus and, at £50 for the day, very cost effective. Although slightly nervous about driving on Thai roads, I found it very easy, and a good way to see some more of the countryside. At Dewa, a contemporary hotel built with families in mind, we stayed in a larger unit in the multi- storey Residences complex, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and large dining and lounge area. This was ideal for a family
group because it meant we could
self-cater when the mood took us, although in Thailand you’re never far away from a good quality and fantastic value restaurant. The Dewa has its own restaurant next to the second pool and bar that overlook the beach road. This area is separated from the Residences by a series of individual villa units marketed to couples. There’s also a kids’ club and play area, and a games room with table tennis, pool, and air hockey. Although nothing like as
isolated as Tub Kaek in Krabi, Naiyang has managed to retain an authentic Thai feel and has not been overdeveloped like some Phuket resorts, partly because it is located just outside the Sirinat National Park. Again, the pools and the beach
were the main attractions for the kids, and our week in Naiyang began with a warm if somewhat soggy welcome when we found ourselves in the middle of the Thai new year or Songkran celebrations – the world’s biggest annual water fight! Having children has changed
the way we holiday, but our trip to Thailand proved we don’t have to lower our horizons. Maybe parents who have lost their nerve when it comes to more exotic destinations just need the advice of a good travel agent to rekindle their spirit of adventure. TW
Songkran: the world’s biggest water fight
FAST FACT
Thai Airways flies to Bangkok from
Heathrow twice a day. Return flights
start from £644 thaiairways.
co.uk
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