Phuket remains the most popular beach destination for UK tourists but a variety of alternatives are available, ranging from peaceful islands such as Phi Phi to vibrant, commercial resorts such as Pattaya.
Destination Krabi
Key attractions Classic get-away-from-it-all destination. Dramatic limestone cliffs with steep paths and hidden caves. Coral reefs are great for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Who flies there Thai Airways, Qantas, British Airways to Bangkok.
Who operates there British Airways Holidays, First Choice, Premier Holidays, Kuoni, The Destination Group, Oriental Magic and Travel 2.
Sample packages Five nights in the five-star Dusit Rayavadee, plus one night in Bangkok, £1,099 in May/June.
Operator view “I can see Krabi developing in five years, but at the moment the province is fairly unspoilt. It’s attracting people who have been to Phuket and are looking for somewhere quieter.” – Mandy Miller, product manager, British Airways Holidays.
Target market Couples in the 40 years plus age range. Perfect for honeymooners.
Additional information Connecting flight from Phuket with Thai Airways, boat transfer to Krabi taking about 2hrs 30mins.
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Destination Pattaya
Key attractions Just a 2hr 30mins drive from Bangkok, Pattaya is well known for its sandy beaches and brash, vibrant nightlife.
Who flies there British Airways, Qantas, Thai Airways to Bangkok.
Who operates there Oriental Magic, Premier Holidays, Somak, Goldenjoy Holidays, Kuoni, The Destination Group and Travel 2.
Sample packages Four nights in Bangkok at the Bel-Aire Princess, seven nights at Mercure Pattaya Resort from £537.
Operator view “Pattaya had a bad image in the 1980s, but the Tourism Authority of Thailand has worked hard with it. Hotels are now catering for families. The word is speading on its improvement.” -Alastair Scott, product manager Far East, Travel 2.
Target market Suited to young singles and up-and-coming for families.
Additional information On-going clean-up campaign is helping to restore the resort’s tarnished reputation.
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Destination Phi Phi
Key attractions Simple island life, ideal for divers and snorkellers.
Who flies there British Airways, Qantas, Thai Airways to Bangkok.
Who operates there Silk Cut Travel, Premier Holidays, The Destination Group, Kuoni, Oriental Magic and Travel 2.
Sample packages Five nights at the Pee Pee Island Village on a half-board basis from £725 per person.
Operator view “The great thing about this island is the lack of development. It’s a great place to crash out and ideal for water sports. Price is probably the main reason why people choose Phi Phi, along with its remoteness.” – Debbie Hickman, brand manager, Silk Cut Travel.
Target market Middle-income honeymooners and couples.
Additional information Connecting flight to Phuket, then land and boat transfer which can take between 1-2hrs.
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Destination Phuket
Key attractions Around 30 miles long by 13 miles wide, Phuket has paddy fields, rainforests and plantations. Best beaches are on the west of the island, and there is a wide range of water sports and golf courses.
Who flies there Thai Airways (via Bangkok) as well as charters operated byAirtours and Thomson.
Who operates there Goldenjoy Holidays, Somak, First Choice, Kuoni, Premier Holidays, Jetabout, The Destination Group, Oriental Magic, Travel 2, plus others.
Sample packages 10-night stay at the Bay Inn on a room-only basis from ú499, with Thai Airways from Heathrow.
Operator view “Phuket is the number one resort in south Asia and offers something for everyone. It has fabulous beaches, great seafood and outstanding diving. It’s amazing value for money at the moment.” – Matthew Shaw, product manager, Goldenjoy Holidays.
Target market Young to middle-aged singles and couples.
Additional information Flights from Bangkok are frequent and take 1hr 20 mins.
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Destination Koh Samui
Key attractions An upmarket destination, and not as commercialised as other Thai resorts. Good, uncrowded beaches with plenty of privacy.
Who flies there British Airways, Qantas, Thai Airways to Bangkok. Bangkok Airways to the island.
Who operates there Somak, Premier Holidays, Jetabout, Goldenjoy Holidays, Kuoni, The Destination Group, Oriental Magic and Travel 2.
Sample package Five nights at the Samui Euphoria from ú732 until the end of June, including bed and breakfast.
Operator view “We are increasing our programme to Koh Samui this year. There is fierce competition in Thailand, with Koh Samui, Phuket and Hua Hin all vying for business, so prices will drop, attracting a younger market.” -ÊShafique Cockar, product manager, Somak.
Target market Middle-income couples in their 30s, without children.
Additional information Frequent connecting flights from Bangkok taking around 1hr.