Thailand is an irresistible option for most travellers around the world and an understandable choice for a holiday; be it a honeymoon, 2-month discovery, a family holiday or a short escape to paradise.

The new scheme for the Thailand visa will enable British citizens to apply for a visa online prior to travelling to Thailand and will not require visiting an embassy or consulate. Applying for a Thailand visa will involve filling out a simple application form online and receiving your visa approval via the email address you provided in the application form.

It is expected that by the end of this year, Brits will be able to apply for a Thailand visa online and avoid queuing for a visa on arrival at the Thai border.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, check out the following travel tips on Thailand and best things to do in the most beautiful places.

Island Paradise

Thailand is a renowned island paradise and boasts copious islets and islands perfect for all types of travellers. Find your party people on Koh Pha Ngan at a full moon party or retreat to a more tranquil island and bathe in crystal clear waters. Island hopping is a popular touristic activity and one of the best ways to explore all the places on your bucket list. Boat trips, snorkelling and diving are easy to organise upon arrival, as is scooter rental—another popular option for seeing all the sights.

Some of Thailand’s most breathtaking islands include: Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.

Bangkok

Bangkok is most traveller’s first location and it is the main point of entry to Thailand. Unless you’re really not the metropolitan type, stick around for a couple of days to check out what all the fuss is about, as Bangkok has a lot to offer.

Thai cuisine can be trialled in Bangkok before moving onto any other destinations. You will not be disappointed by the sensational spices and richness of the food here. Street food and market food is a must-try, but if you really want to test your taste buds, why not try a cooked scorpion in Khaosan Road.

Thailand is characterised by its many temples and spiritual scenes, so visiting a temple or two should be on everyone’s travel checklist. Bangkok’s oldest temple, Wat Pho, is a top choice amongst those who wish to witness the golden Buddha, giving the temple its secondary name as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Arun is a more intriguing temple with a steep climb up to the top. Plan to visit this temple in the evening and watch the sunset over this mutually majestic and metropolitan city.

Experience a serene market environment and take a boat trip to some of Bangkok’s best floating markets. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is particularly famous and worth the hour trip along the river where you can observe the river houses and native Thai lifestyle.

If you’d rather visit a sturdier market, Chatuchak Market has over 15,000 stalls full of goodies in store for you. This market is only open on the weekends and is one of the busiest in Thailand.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a region of Thailand located in the north and boasts plenty of possibilities for eager travellers.

Doi Suthep is the perfect place for a spiritual trek. Not only is the hike sublime for photography fans, but the view from the top is stunning. Doi Suthep mountain has a temple nearby which goes by the same name, so be sure to pay a visit.

If you’re up for a day of mindless wandering and soaking up the ancient atmosphere, take a stroll around Chiang Mai Old City.

This region of Thailand is also known for its animal sanctuaries and wildlife. You can find plenty of animal parks or sanctuaries to visit, such as the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where you can bath a baby elephant!

Slightly further out from Chiang Mai lies Doi Inthanon National Park. Bird watchers should prepare themselves, as there are over 300 species of bird in this park. Make sure you pack your walking boots, as this peak is the highest in the whole of Thailand!

Phuket’s tourism is no longer just about beaches and one of the clearest signs is the arrival of new theme park attractions, shopping malls and hotels in and around Phuket town.

In a tourism update Monday, C9 Hotelworks’ managing director, Bill Barnett, identified two notable attractions that are part of the ongoing Central Festival Phuket expansion. They are an Aquaris marine aquarium and the virtual 3D adventure ‘Tribhum’. But there are others that indicate the island’s tourism is expanding beyond beach holiday options.

“One of Central’s key focus points for the mall is to tailor facilities and services for a growing number of tourists such as promotional activities, transport and lounges,” Barnett explained.

Quoting the Bangkok Post, he said Central Pattana Group is already promoting the new extension in mainland China.  It is under construction on a site directly opposite the original Central Festival with a connecting bridge spanning the highway.

There is considerable speculation that the Emporium Group will enter the Phuket shopping malls space, possibly developing a project on a cleared plot of land near Central Festival.

Due to open during Q4 of this year, Central Pattana is also building a mega mall in Patong near the popular JungCeylon complex.

More theme park attractions are taking shape on the island with the upcoming Vana Nava Waterpark under development in Kathu district and due to open in 2021 The Blue Tree waterpark is also nearing completion.

Expansion in the hotel sector continues, according to Barnett who cites the Residences at Sheraton Grand Bay in Ao Po, which is under APEX Plc and should be completed by 2019.

Close to Phuket town on a site next to King Power construction of the 257-room Ramada Plaza Chao Fah Hotel is about 70% complete and is now due to open in 2019 according to reliable hotel sources on the island.

But like so many of the new projects it was due to open this year under the management of Kosmopolitan Hospitality, a company used by Wyndham to outsource management deals.

Some hotel owners are pacing construction as the island’s average room occupancy fell dramatically to around 30% following the fatal boating accident in June involving Chinese tourists.  Delays are commonplace with many projects that were slated for a 2018 opening as owning companies reschedule soft openings to early or mid-2019.

Hoteliers fear the high season will kick-in much later this year possibly in December meaning new projects could plan openings for around the New Year or January.

C9 Hotelworks reported this week that the Mandarin Oriental brand will fly its flag over a new hotel project under construction on Laem Singh. Developed by Grand Larn Luang Company it will have 105 rooms including 37 pool villas and should open in 2022.

Park Inn by Radisson will brand a hotel in Phuket Town currently under construction and due to open in the first quarter of 2020.

The three-story Park Inn by Radisson Phuket Town is just one component of a mixed-use development featuring shops and dining outlets.

The complex including the hotel is located on a site adjacent to Highway 402, Phuket’s main north-south highway.

Park Inn by Radisson Phuket Town will feature at least 130 rooms with a restaurant and a fitness centre. Multi Property Development Company, led by managing director, Chairat Mepremwattana, owns the Phuket town property.

Nearby shopping malls include Central Festival Phuket, King Power Duty Free Store and Blu Pearl, the Mall Group’s lifestyle development, which features multiple retail outlets, a waterpark, convention centre and theatre.

Local hotel operator, Kata Group Resorts, started construction on its eighth resort hotel this week at a site on Kata beach on the west coast of Phuket island.

The hotel group’s president, Pramookpisitht Acharayachai, confirmed at the ground breaking ceremony, last week, the group’s latest resort would be branded ‘Pamooka’ and should be fully opened in late 2019.

It will feature a waterpark and 512 rooms and suites, conference and function rooms with a capacity to handle 1,100 guests.

Kata Group Resorts currently owns seven resorts in South Thailand, of which it operates six. There are five Beyond branded properties, at Kata, Karon, Patong, Krabi and Khao Lak. Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa is located at Karon, while the Novotel Samui Resort Chaweng Beach Kandaburi is located at Samui.

According to C9 Hotelworks the following hotels are due to open in the last quarter of this this year or early 2019.

The Nature Kalim Kalim a 300-room resort hotel, due to open Q4 2018.
Twinpalms Residences MontAzure Kamala with 75 rooms, due to open Q4 2018.
Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong with 180 rooms, due to open Q4 2018.
Ramada Plaza Chao Fah with 257 rooms is now looking at an early 2019 opening.
Oceanfront Kalim Kalim with 200 rooms, due to open Q1 2019.
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Chalong Bay, with 277 rooms, due to open Q1 2019.
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Chalong Bay with 189 rooms due to open Q1 2019.
MGallery by Sofitel Patong with 231 rooms, due to open Q1 2019.

Phuket currently has 24,427 rooms with another 1,369 rooms due to open this year and another 8,281 rooms in the development pipeline.

(Source: C9 Hotelworks plus additional reporting)

Thais have been voted the best people in the world in an online survey by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, a leading US source of travel features.

Thailand won in the category of “Best Country for People” in the 2018 annual award.

The award honours “the best that the travel world has to offer”. Other categories include hotels, airlines, ski resorts, islands and architecture.

In addition, Thailand came third in the “Best Country” category after Italy and Greece .

Two hotels – the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and Six Senses on Kho Yao Noi – came fourth and fifth respectively in the category of “Best Hotel in Asia and the Indian Subcontinent”.

Meanwhile Samui island was awarded the ninth spot in the “Best Islands in the World” category, falling after Greek islands, Maldives, Balearic islands, Hawaii, St Lucia, Bali, Sicily and Mauritius.

Wadia group-owned budget carrier GoAir is all set to fly international from October, with the first flight to operate on the Mumbai-Phuket route, a source privy to development said.

The bookings for the maiden international flight will commence soon and an announcement to this effect is expected to be made by Thursday, the source said.

The city-based airline, which became eligible to fly overseas more than two years ago when it took delivery of its 20th aircraft, which was also the first Airbus A320 Neo for the airline, will be the fifth domestic carrier to have international operations.

“We will be launching our international operations with a flight to Phuket (Thailand) from Mumbai in October. We have all regulatory approvals in place and the flight is expected to go into the system (bookings) in a week’s time,” the source said.

The source said the airline is looking to launch three to four international destinations by March next year, adding the proposed Mumbai-Phuket service will be a daily operations.

GoAir spokesperson was not available for comments.

Thailand ambassador to India Chutintorn Gongsakdi had last week tweeted that, “Go Airlines (India) or GoAir has been approved as designate airline to fly to Thailand since August 10.”

The airline, which launched its domestic operations in November 2005, was in August 2016 granted rights to operate to nine countries, including China, Vietnam, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, among others.

GoAir had planned to launch services on the international routes in October last year but had to defer the plan due to the grounding of some of the Pratt & Whitney engine-powered Airbus A320 Neo planes owing to engine glitches.

“We are mulling to have three to four international destinations in our flight network by this fiscal year and Male (Maldives) could be the the next destination after Phuket,” the source said.

GoAir currently operates over 1,544 weekly flights across 23 destinations with a fleet of 38 Airbus A320 planes, including 19 A320 Neos.
Currently, national carrier Air India, its subsidiary Air India Express, private carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet have international flights. Tata-SIA run Air Vistara also is planning to launch services on overseas routes later this year.

Phuket flight details:

Mumbai Phuket 1:25 7:25 Mon, Wed, Sat 13th Oct’18

Phuket Mumbai 8:30 12:00 Tue, Fri, Sun 12th Oct’18

Delhi Phuket 1:10 7:25 Thu, Sun 11th Oct’18

Phuket Delhi 8:30 11:55 Wed, Sat 13th Oct’18

Are you looking to get up close and personal with nature when you stay with us in Koh Samui? The island features stunning natural surroundings, exceptional beaches, turquoise waters and much to be explored throughout the interior. If getting close to nature is on your holiday agenda, Koh Samui is the perfect spot to get away from it all and immerse yourself in all of the splendid beauty the island has to offer.

Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, and it is well known for its coconut groves, palm-fringed beaches and dense, mountainous rainforest. The island is an exotic paradise for beach bums and luxury travelers alike. Whether you choose to spend your time lolling about on the beach, or adventure off into the island’s jungle-clad interior, Koh Samui really does have something to offer everyone.

CHASING WATERFALLS

There are a number of waterfalls in Samui, however, the two most scenic include Hin Lad Waterfall and Na Muang Waterfall. While these waterfalls may not be the tallest you find in Thailand, they are blessed with a distinctive charm and they are definitely worth a visit during your stay.

Hin Lad Waterfall can be found by walking along a riverside path that twists and turns through lush greenery. The scenic beauty of the hike is captivating and takes approximately two hours and features an easy passage that even inexperienced hikers can enjoy. Upon reaching the waterfall, you will be astounded by the sight of the river water rushing down the orange hued rocks. Don’t forget to take a refreshing dip in the natural pool before making the hike back down again.

Na Muang Waterfall has earned the name the “purple waterfall” due to the striking shades of purple the rocks under the waterfall emit. It is a twin cascade tucked amongst the lush jungle with close proximity to both Nathon and Lamai beaches. There are numerous trekking trails that can be taken to reach the waterfall. The first of the waterfalls is easy to reach, but the second can be a bit more challenging. Best to explore Na Muang Waterfall between September and November, and note that you can spend the entire day swimming and exploring its beautiful surroundings.

SECRET BUDDHA GARDEN

Known by a variety of names including Magic Garden, Heaven’s Garden and Tarnim Magic Garden, the Secret Buddha Garden is a private sculpture park located atop Pom Mountain which is one of the highest peaks on all of Koh Samui. Set amidst lush jungle surroundings and commanding incredible views, the Secret Buddha Garden is home to an unusual collection of statues. This garden of statues and temples is the creation of an old Samui fruit farmer who began erecting the various statues and temples around his family’s land in 1976.

The statues depict a variety of deities, animals and humans in various poses. Due to the fact that they are surrounded by dense, lush jungle, the Secret Buddha Garden really has an ancient feel. There is a water stream that flows through the gardens which gives it a very serene and peaceful atmosphere. The view here at both sunrise and sunset is amazing. If you do intend to hike to the Secret Buddha Garden, understand that the trail can be a bit challenging so best to come prepared with the right shoes, water, a hat and sunscreen.

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

Samui is home to sweeping landscapes and stunning views, but two of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island are certainly Mae Nam Viewpoint and Emerald Lake Viewpoint.

Mae Nam Viewpoint is a popular spot for adventure lovers and photographers. It is an easy trek that rewards with an outstanding view of the island. The path shadows the mountain rim and cuts through diverse vegetation which leads to a stunning view of Nathon and the Samui mountains. The viewpoint is famous for its panoramic view of the gorgeous turquoise waters. While the hiking trail is rather easy and short, it can get slippery so do ensure you wear a decent pair of shoes.

Emerald Lake Viewpoint is one of Thailand’s must-do hikes and is actually a day trip from Samui. The lake is in the middle of Ang Thong National Marine Park. The climb to the viewpoint is a series of stairs, and once you reach the top, this view of a turquoise lake and azure waters against the backdrop of limestone cliffs will leave you breathless.

Tour operators across the island arrange daily trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park, so do not miss the chance to catch all of the beauty that Emerald Lake Viewpoint offers.

HIKING NATHON MOUNTAIN RIDGE TRAIL

It is best to start this hike early as the Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail is a 13-kilometre loop around the entire Nathon Valley. There are loads of photo opportunities along the way as you will pass through coconut plantions, jungle vegetation and thick canopy of evergreen forests. It truly is an amazing trail and one of the most sought after hikes in Samui. Closer to the top, the trail narrows so for those of you who are true adventurers, you will really get the true jungle experience.

Before heading off to hike and explore Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail, do ensure you’ve packed a few munchies, plenty of water, sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Make sure that your telephone battery and camera batter are both full, as after three to four hours, you will be rewarded with some outstanding views upon completion of the hike.

Do try and get out and explore all that Koh Samui has to offer, no matter how tempting it is to stay on the beach planted in the sand. A day exploring the uniqueness of the island will make your appreciation for nature as well as your love for Samui that much brighter!

The Phuket Yacht Show, a luxury yachting and lifestyle event that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world at the Royal Phuket Marina will be held from 4 – 7 January, 2019. Lead by show director Andy Dowden and financially backed by operators from Turkey, Phuket Yacht Show organisers are promising to deliver the best yacht show ever seen in Phuket.

The Phuket Yacht Show aims to enable nautical lifestyle seekers with a unique opportunity to view some of the world’s most iconic yachts, superyachts and marine related toys and services, including high-end properties, fashion and accessories, supercars, fine dining and luxury products, at Thailand’s waterfront.

Up to 120 exhibitors will be resident in the 2,500 sqm marina-side exhibition hall while in the water there is space for more than 50 yachts of up to 35 metres in length. Accommodating the growing interest in superyacht sales and charter, a unique private island superyacht display will be located just five minutes from Royal Phuket Marina and accessed by private shuttle for qualified guests.

“Royal Phuket Marina is the ideal host venue”

“I’ve owned and operated boat shows in Phuket for 16 years and in my experience, combined with feedback from key stakeholders in Thailand’s marine industry, Royal Phuket Marina is the ideal host venue due to its central strategic location and boardwalk facilities. And early January is the ideal time as that is when the highest number of globe-trotting millionaires and billionaires are on the island,” said Dowden.

The Prime Minister of Thailand in 2003 removed import and excise taxes on boats and Gulu Lalvani’s efforts to build the multi award-winning Royal Phuket Marina made Phuket the yachting playground of Asia.

“The best show Phuket has ever seen”

Gulu Lalvani, chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, commented: “We have a proven track record hosting boat shows for 11 years and are very proud to sign a five-year hosting deal with the show’s Turkish investors. We also have a long and successful relationship with Andy Dowden and are confident the Phuket Yacht Show team will deliver the best show Phuket has ever seen and a show that the marine industry deserves.

“There are some rumours that Royal Phuket Marina will be the venue for two boat shows, I would like to clarify that this is not true. The Phuket Yacht Show will be the only yacht show in Phuket and the only yacht show at Royal Phuket Marina.”

In addition to the largest and most diverse display of yachts and marine products ever, the emphasis on the lifestyle element this year will be bigger, said Lalvani. “Our aim is to make Phuket Yacht Show the ultimate four day celebration of luxury and lifestyle on Phuket,” added Dowden.

Thailand’s tourist arrivals reached 19.481 million during the first six months of 2018, recording an increase of 12.46%.

The top three supply markets were China, Malaysia and South Korea, but official warned that the Chinese tour boat accident in July that claimed 48 lives could result in a loss of 619,000 trips by the close of the year.

For the first six months, China supplied 5,931,000 tourist visits to Thailand up 25.88%.

The ministry is now forecasting that China will supply 5.15 million visitors during the second half of the year, off the pace by 619,000 visits.

Last year, Chinese arrivals fell just short of 10 million and even with the downward revision this year’s total could still surpass 10 million, possibly just within reach of the 11 million mark.

However, the Association of Thai Travel Agents said its data indicated agents could lose 20 to 30% of their Chinese tour bookings, while suggesting recovery could set in by October. If there is strong recovery in the China market in the last quarter Thailand could still close the year ahead of its overall target and reach more than 38 million visits from all markets.

Estimates by the Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports suggested July closed with a growth rate of just 4% well below the average growth during the first six months of the year.

It blamed the lower growth rate on a contraction in bookings from China and Europe, although officials expressed confidence that by October advance bookings for the peak season would probably indicate moderate recovery in the two markets.

Bookings from Europe are usually down in July and August as they are peak holiday months. There were other factors this year such as Russia hosting the World Cup, extremely hot weather across Europe even as far north as Norway and Finland as well as a slowdown in economic growth and spending power.

Overall, Thailand earned THB1,015,893 million in revenue, an increase of 15.88% January to June, when compared with the same period last year.

Officials projected that tourist revenue for 2018, would close at around THB 2 trillion from foreign travellers and THB 1 trillion from domestic travellers.

Phuket is celebrating its most recent award after being named the ‘Second Best Beach in the World’ by business publication US News & World Report.

It continues to win accolades from major international media for its white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs that attract millions of travellers every year. This island was hailed as “a little piece of paradise” according to the magazine.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said everyone in Phuket, both public and private stakeholders should take pride in this achievement as it demonstrates the island’s appeal as one of the world’s most desirable beach destinations.

“Obviously we are delighted to win this important award. The fact the honour comes from the US News & World Report is even more gratifying given its target audience and readership.

“In the past, Phuket has won several other prestigious awards for its beaches as well, so we are very grateful for the continued recognition.” Mr. Yuthasak added.

Phuket continues to expand its appeal as it tries to shift upmarket. It is also quickly established itself as one of the super-yacht hubs of Southeast Asia, a tropical playground for various groups of tourists who enjoy the island’s charms.

Along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons travellers wanting to experience its world-famous cuisine. Phuket was listed by UNESCO as a Gastronomic City in 2015 and will be included in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga 2019