Phuket, Koh Samui, Khao Lak, Krabi, Phi Phi, Hua Hin & Chiang Mai

WHEN Temperatures average 32°C all year round with April and May being the hottest months of the year. The rainy season is from June to October with the wettest months being September and October. Weather is most comfortable from November to February.
CONTACT www.amazing-thailand.com

Chiang Mai With an impressive mountain backdrop, lush tropical jungle and impossibly green rice paddies, Chiang Mai offers a back-to-nature experience far removed from Thailand's beaches. Stay: Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi (www.mandarinoriental.com), Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai (www.fourseasons.com), Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa (www.sukantara.com), The Chedi (www.ghmhotels.com), or RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort (www.rarinjinda.com). For a stay with a difference try the charming Kaomai Lanna Resort (www.kaomailanna.com) - constructed from former tobacco curing barns - or a guesthouse/home stay experience at Joy's House (www.joyshouse.de).

Hua Hin For a truly authentic spa getaway, you can't beat the exclusive retreats at this seaside locale - two hour's drive south of Bangkok. Stay: Chiva-Som (www.chivasom.com), Anantara Resort Hua Hin (www.anantara.com) and Hyatt Regency Hua Hin (www.huahin.regency.hyatt.com).

Khao Lak North of Phuket, this quiet enclave is just one hour's boat ride from the Similan Islands - a haven for turtles and scuba divers alike. Stay: The Sarojin (www.sarojin.com) or Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort, nestled within 50 acres of manicured grounds and fringed by a mile-long stretch of pristine beach. The Resort overlooks Phang Nga's national parks, the Andaman Sea and the Similan Islands - one of the world's top 10 diving destinations. Experience authentic Thai culture and hospitality and wake up every day to the sounds and sights of the lush, natural surrounds.

Koh Samui With Bangkok Airways monopolising the air route direct from Singapore, Koh Samui isn't the cheapest of Thai destinations. But it does have a more intimate feel than Phuket and one heck of a full moon party - making it popular with singles and couples. Stay: Six Senses Hideaway (www.sixsenses.com), Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa (www.anantara.com), Amari Palm Reef Resort (www.amari.com), Banyan Tree Samui (www.banyantree.com) and the newly minted Conrad Koh Samui (www.conradkohsamui.com) and InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort (www.intercontinental.com/samui).

Krabi The majestic limestone formations rising from Krabi's jade green waters ensure this province's status as Thailand's most visually-stunning locale. Stay: Pimalai Resort & Spa (www.pimalai.com) or Rayavadee (www.rayavadee.com). Or, escape to The Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve (http://reserve.ritzcarlton.com) Phulay Bay - where glistening sands and blue skies converge with the Andaman Sea and the serene charm and natural beauty of Krabi. Expect unparalleled amenities and facilities, including luxurious villas with garden or ocean views, rainforest showers, an infinity pool, verandas with lounge beds, destination spa and gourmet Thai cuisine.

Phi Phi The two picturesque islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lei are situated away from the main island of Phuket and are accessible by boat. Stay: Zeavola Resort Thailand (www.zeavola.com), Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort & Spa (www.ppisland.com) or Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island (www.phiphi.holidayinn.com).

Phuket Long stretches of beach, a lively night scene and day trips to surrounding islands make Phuket a great choice for a weekend getaway. Stay: Families - JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (www.marriott.com), Club Med (www.clubmed.com), Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (www.katathani.com) or Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach (www.movenpick-hotels.com). Couples - Mom Tri's Villa Royale (www.villaroyalephuket.com), Boathouse (www.boathousephuket.com), The Surin Phuket (www.thesurinphuket.com), Amanpuri (www.amanresorts.com), TwinPalms Phuket (www.twinpalms-phuket.com), Phuket Pavilions (www.pavilions-resorts.com) and Anantara Phuket (www.anantara.com).
For a self-catered stay, try Lakeshore Villas #8 (www.lakeshore8.com), a stylish yet affordable three-bedroom sanctuary set amidst a tranquil garden within a gated community in a prime location close to Bang Tao beach. Managed and fully furnished, with WiFi access throughout and shared pool facilities, this self-catered accommodation has a well-equipped modern western kitchen and is also close to golf courses, beaches, shops and restaurants. Ideal for a family or two couples. Also suitable for families or a double-date holiday is KataForYou, a luxury two-bedroom apartment on Kata Beach with a stunning sea view. www.kataforyou.com (username: guest, password: paradise).

Posted May 2012