Following the recent political turmoil in Thailand, including the runway protests at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, the chances are that some of your clients will be wary of taking a trip to Thailand this year. Or maybe they are Thailand fans who have been many times before, and simply fancy an alternative destination in the region.
Either way, the fact is that when your clients are looking for a beach holiday in Southeast Asia, there’s a lot more to it than suggesting the well-trodden sandy tracks and thatched bungalows of Thailand. Here are just a few of the many great options on offer in the region.
Bali, Indonesia
Why it’s special: Bali is the only Hindu enclave in a large Muslim archipelago. The volcanic island brims with indigenous charm, from the hill town of Ubud and its stunning temples, to the palm-fringed beaches of Sanur. The destination has a long list of devotees, and it is not difficult to see why.
Thomson Worldwide product manager Andrea Loddo said: “Bali is proving very popular this summer as it is the high season there and offers great value for money. It has shown huge growth in the past two years and is still going strong. Go to Bali this summer, as the resorts are increasing their rates massively next year.”
Who to sell it to: Those willing to travel a long way from Heathrow – after all, it is south of the equator. So it works well for people who are into culture and surf lovers, while honeymooners will like Ubud. It is also excellent value for money.
Where to stay and why: For those who prefer a village atmosphere and a flavour of the ‘old’ Bali, choose Sanur, for more sophistication head for Nusa Dua. Visitors should visit the mountains with a side trip to Ubud and Candi Dasa for a taste of Balinese culture.
Sample package: Premier Holidays head of Faraway product David Carlaw said: “Bearing in mind the credit crunch problems, Premier is recommending the Griya Santrian hotel at Sanur. This friendly, unpretentious hotel is a collection of low-rise, Balinese-style cottages.”
A seven-night, room-only stay here in November costs £799 per person with Malaysia Airlines flights from Heathrow and transfers. (08444 937 444, trade.premierholidays.co.uk)
Langkawi, Malaysia
Why it’s special: This destination – an island in the Andaman Sea – can compete with Thailand’s Koh Samui in terms of exclusivity and sandy beaches. Some of the luxury hotels here are secluded hideaways with beautiful tropical gardens.
Who to sell it to: Sold as an exclusive destination, Langkawi works well with honeymooners and professional couples looking for an island that has a great seascape and top-notch hotels.
Where to stay and why: Many of Langkawi’s properties have great beachfront locations and are close to thick mangrove forests. You can trek into these and see famous brown eagles soaring overhead or explore the vast caves and crashing waterfalls.
Sample package: Thomson Worldwide offers seven nights at the five-star Tanjung Rhu Resort from £1,749 per person. Price includes bed-and-breakfast accommodation, return flights from Heathrow with Malaysian Airlines and transfers. (0871 664 0273, thomsonworldwide.com)
Central Vietnam
Why is it special: An excellent mix of ancient culture in Hoi An and great beaches at Danang, combined with excellent properties offering cutting-edge luxury and spas, not to mention mouth-watering Vietnamese food.
ITC Classics senior sales consultant Vicky Arrowsmith said: “The city of Hoi An has good weather during British summer months so it works well for late departures.”
Who to sell it to: Visitors who love culture and who want to be pampered, as well as spa lovers. The Vietnamese culture is as exotic as Thailand’s.
Where to stay and why: The Nam Hai for its beaches and proximity to Hoi An, or the Six Senses Ana Mandara for its secluded, rustic beauty.
Sample package: Stay at the Nam Hai, Hoi An for a week from £2,348 per person with ITC Classics. The price, based on two adults sharing a one-bedroom villa, includes breakfast, transfers and flights. (01244 355 550, itcclassics.co.uk)
Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Why it’s special: Tropical, abundant rainforest soaring up to the craggy heights of Mount Kinabulu – the scenery here is breathtaking, not to mention the wildlife with orangutan sanctuaries, turtles and tropical fish – the diving off the east coast is some of the best in the world. Borneo offers even more than Thailand in terms of wildlife.
Who to sell it to: Those who love wildlife and scenery but also want a bit of pampering. Western and Oriental group head of product David Kevan said: “A three-hour flight east of Kuala Lumpur, Sabah has superb beaches, a few high-quality resorts and tremendous soft adventure appeal. Weather-wise, it’s a lush mountainous island so rainfall can be short and heavy year round, although the months May to September will usually see mainly bright sunny days.”
Where to stay and why: The Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort or the Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, a spokesperson from Gold Medal said: “As a serene beachside retreat just minutes from busy Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Resort offers a range of engaging activities.”
Sample package: Tropical Locations offers seven nights at the Rasa Ria from £788 per person, on a room-only basis, including flights with Malaysian Airlines, transfers and two nights in Kuala Lumpur. (0845 277 3310, tropical-locations.com)
Alternatively, Gold Medal has a five-night break staying at the Tanjung Aru on a room-only basis for £1069 per person. (0800 923 7777, goldmedal.co.uk)
Cebu, Philippines
Why it’s special: The Philippines and especially Cebu provides a natural treasure chest of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, bustling towns, spectacular scenery and an exotic mix of Eastern, American and European cultures, with some of the friendliest people in the region.
Who to sell it to: The Philippines is great for diving and Manila for shopping. English is one of the official languages so it is easy to be understood wherever you go. In that respect it is suited to older couples who don’t mind travelling the long distance and those with a family.
Where to stay and why: Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort is the country’s premier five-star beach resort set in vast tropical gardens, on its own sandy spot by the Visayan Sea. The entire Ocean Wing has been refurbished; there is also the Signature CHI spa. It is one of the largest appointed spas in Asia – each treatment takes place in a private villa.
Sample package: Sunset Faraway Holidays features a 10-night, twin-centre break including seven nights at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and three nights at the Makati Shangri-La, Manila. The lead in price of £1,595 per person includes breakfast, economy-class flights with KLM and transfers. (020 8774 7100, sunset.co.uk)
