DESTINATIONS THAIND | ASIA


Scented with ginger, turmeric, tamarind and mangosteen, their stock is snapped up by our group


ABOVE: Soap-making in Ban Tale Nok PICTURE: Peregrine Adventures


families afloat financially. Scented with local ginger, turmeric, tamarind and mangosteen, most of their stock is snapped up by our group, as gifts for friends back home. Our last port of call is Khao Lak which, despite being far from Thailand’s busiest resort, feels somewhat hectic


in comparison with our previous deserted shores. We visit the wave-shaped Ban Nam Khem tsunami memorial, made all the more poignant by our experience in Ban Tale Nok, and there’s also free time to get a cheap-as- chips Thai massage, shop for souvenirs or head to a bar. With its relaxed pace, off-the-beaten-track itinerary and small-ship accommodation, this trip bridges the gap between an adventure tour and a mainstream cruise. More laid-back and featuring higher-end accommodation than most Intrepid itineraries, it would be a great introduction for first-time adventure travellers. But with a small group, a boutique ship and a relatively immersive excursion programme, it might well tempt adamant non-cruisers to take their maiden voyage. And for those who prefer not to share their stretch of sand, it’s by far the best way to discover those Thai beaches that are still secluded enough to look like the brochure in real life.


TW


BOOK IT


Intrepid Travel’s nine-day Cruising the Thai Islands


from Phuket trip visits Khao Lak, Mu Koh Kam, Koh Phayam and Koh Surin Tai on Panorama II. Prices start at £1,649 including most meals, guided sightseeing and a hotel night in Phuket before embarkation, but not flights.


intrepidtravel.com/uk


travelweekly.co.uk


19 SEPTEMBER 2019


75


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96