If you’re considering making your first trip to the Land of Smiles, you probably have a few questions. We asked the team at Expedia.com.au to provide practical advice, plus some of the best things to do and the best places to visit in Thailand. Continue reading “First Timer’s Guide to Thailand”
Not far from Phuket, Elephant Hills provides families with a truly immersive Thai experience. An ethical elephant encounter and a rainforest glamping experience. The Elephant Hills adventure – or safari – starts with an early pickup from your Phuket hotel and a 2.5-hour journey to your first camp, an elephant sanctuary in the Khao Sok National Park.
Surrounded by tall limestone karst mountains, the view from the restaurant across dense rainforest to the Sok River is pretty spectacular. The Sok River provides the first adventure as you head downriver to the elephant sanctuary in canoes.
After a peaceful hour rafting downstream you get to meet the elephants. Elephant Hills’ 14 resident elephants previously had a hard life working in the logging industry or giving tourists rides. Each has a mahout (male carer) and friends among the group, and tourist visits help pay for their retirement.
Upon meeting the elephants you’ll be given a comprehensive lesson on everything from their behaviour in the wild, their use in the now defunct logging industry and what has eventually brought these beasts here, to a sanctuary in the far south of Thailand, a long way from home.
Quite simply, there is little natural environment left for Asian elephants to survive in, the logging industry has left disconnected pockets of rainforest throughout Thailand. So, it’s hard for elephants to survive as they normally would, but also, some of these beasts have been domesticated for so long they’ve forgotten how.
There are now many national parks in Thailand, the result of a grass roots-led environmental movement that started back in the 1980s. Thais visit their own national parks more than any other nationality – the parks are not there purely for the benefit of international tourists. Looking after the natural Environment is a value that fits well with Buddhist philosophy, so after success of the grass roots environmental movement back in the 80s, it became something taught to the younger generation of Thais in schools by Buddhist monks.
Most elephants in southern Thailand have travelled from North and Central Thailand, bringing with them their Karen Mahouts who, dressed in colourful traditional garb, click, cluck and slap their cheeky charges into line as the visitors learn how to give them a scrub, before preparing a lunch of pineapple, bananas, sugarcane and elephant grass.
Having exhausted elephant food supplies, a safari bus takes you back to camp to watch a documentary about elephants, followed by cooking demonstration and a dance recital by local school kids that the resort supports financially.
The next day your adventure continues at a second camp – a floating camp on Cheaw Lan Lake. The lake was created by the construction of Ratchaprapa dam, which provides hydroelectric power to the surrounding regions and has opened up this seemingly impenetrable mountainous jungle to visitors.
A long tail boat takes you across the lake to your floating tent, taking a few spins around the steep limestone pinnacles that dot the lake, former mountain tops that are now islands. This part of the adventure is more of a true jungle experience, starting with a 3-hour trek to a large cave, on the lookout for gibbons, dusky langurs, and if you’re really lucky, a sun bear.
You’ll fall asleep to the sound of noisy monkeys, cicadas and bird song and the next morning, go for a paddle around the islands in search of them before returning to busy Phuket. Click here for more information.
All photos by Pete McGee.
Looking for a dreamy Thailand holiday? The experts at Expedia have compiled a list of five hotels in Thailand that will have you day-dreaming of your next getaway.
If your checklist includes incredible views, extravagant suites and Michelin-starred restaurants, look no further than lebua at State Tower. Hit the open-air pool on M Floor and when it’s time for dinner, make your way to the 51st floor to dine at Breeze, one of the finest restaurants in the city. Indulge in gourmet delights while taking in the best views imaginable, and cap your night off with a cocktail at Sky Bar.
Located on Patong, one of the most popular beaches in Thailand, the Amari Phuket is the perfect choice for a romantic getaway. Just imagine waking up in your one-bedroom suite and eating breakfast on your private balcony while the ocean sparkles just a short walk away. But the luxury doesn’t end with your room—wait until you experience the full-service spa and the fine wine pairings at the on-site Italian restaurant.
High above the city is a rooftop pool that has a lounge chair with your name on it, at the Millennium Hilton. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the view from your roof top lounge chair will be spectacular. When you feel like treating yourself, reserve a few hours with the experts at the spa and you’ll emerge feeling refreshed and relaxed.
The second you arrive at Centara Villas Samui, you’ll realise this place redefines the definition of luxury. The villas have ocean views that are accompanied by private balconies —some even come with your very own hot tub and swimming pool. You never have to leave, but if you want to dig your feet into the sand, the resort’s secluded beach is just off the pool deck.
At the Bhu Nga Thani Resort and Spa you can start your day in your private pool villa and go for an early morning swim before breakfast is served. (That breakfast will consist of one of the most extravagant buffets you’ve ever seen.) After you’ve filled up for the day, catch a ride in a long-tail boat and cruise the pristine waters of Railay Bay.
Take your Thailand holiday to the next level with a stay at one of these beautiful hotels. Private villas, oceanfront suites and Michelin-starred restaurants are all just waiting you you to complete the picture.