A Luxury Escape: 5 reasons to visit Thailand

Travel expert Kelly Landry joins Denis Walter to talk all things Thailand.

The hottest new destination in Thailand is Khao Lak. It’s a lot less crowded with fewer tourists and it’s here where you’ll find pristine waters, clean white beaches and fabulous luxury hotels. If you are eager for a relaxing, luxurious holiday and don’t want to travel too far, or pay through the nose, then this is the place for you.

1. Water, water all around

At Khao Lak there’s every kind of water activity you could imagine. There’s fishing tours, snorkelling at Nanh Thong beach, or you could take up scuba diving and explore the wrecks and reefs around the Similan Islands. Hire a kayak and paddle around Phang Nga Bay, watch the baby turtles at Thai Muang beach, or just sail around on a traditional Thai boat. You are so spoilt for choice!

2. Unforgettable views

Khao Lak is home to some of the most stunning sunsets. Take a picnic down to Bang Niang beach and take in the stunning sunset.

3. Shop til you drop

Spend your days in the sun and your nights at the Ban Niang markets, which are open every night until late.  Here you’ll find local crafts and souvenirs and some local delicacies like edible insects. Don’t forget to barter.

4. Eat, Cook, Eat

Thai cuisine has always been popular in Australia and it’s even more delicious and authentic here. A great way to mingle with locals, take in the culture and learn about different tastes is to take your own cooking class. Most good hotels offer daily cooking classes.

5. Relax!

If all of the beauty, food and ample activities haven’t managed to wind you down into holiday mode, then you absolutely must have a traditional Thai massage. In Thailand, traditional massages are cheap and available everywhere; and most (even the ones on the beach) are really good.

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