We asked three operators – Kuoni, Silk Cut Travel and Goldenjoy Holidays – to come up with a recommendation and sample price for three clients who have special requests for a holiday in Thailand.
Request 1: The first clients are honeymooners in their early 30s who would like a romantic, relaxing hideaway. Money is no object
Kuoni
Area: Krabi.
Product: five nights at the Dusit Rayavadee which offers honeymooners a range of special offers, including a free sunset cruise, bottle of wine, free use of health club and sports facilities, 20% discount on massage and flowers. Long-tail boats can be hired for exploring nearby islands. Accommodation is in pavilions equipped with television, video player, CD player, telephone and minibar.
Cost: £869 per person bed and breakfast.
Silk Cut Travel
Area: Koh Samui.
Product: 14 nights at the Tongsai Bay in the northeast of the island. While Koh Samui is an up-and-coming destination, it hasn’t been over-developed. The hotel is in tropical gardens overlooking the only private beach on the island. The couple can dine on their terrace, where there is also an open-air bath tub.
Cost: £1,153 per person in May or June, including bed and breakfast. The couple can also upgrade to a villa for an additional £640 per person.
Goldenjoy Holidays
Area: Koh Samui and Bangkok.
Product: 11 nights at Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam Hotel on Koh Samui and three nights at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok. Le Royal Meridien is a fairly small hotel, located on a cliff top on the western side of the island. Privacy is guaranteed, with rooms in self-contained units boasting amazing views over the sea.
Cost:£1,535 per person, room only.
Request 2: Two outgoing girls in their early 20s. Both are adventurous and sporty and they don’t want to lie on a beach or visit mass tourist destinations, but they are travelling on a budget.
Kuoni
Area: Chiang Mai.
Product: five nights at the Empress Hotel in Thailand’s second largest city. The gateway to the north is the perfect place to get off the beaten track and experience an elephant safari, bamboo river rafting or jungle trail. The city is renowned for its many temples and, for the less culturally inclined, offers some of the best shopping in Thailand.
Cost: from £469 per person, bed and breakfast.
Silk Cut Travel
Area: Bangkok and Phuket.
Product: three nights at the Dusit Thani in Bangkok and 11 nights at the Chedi on Phuket. The Dusit Thani is very central and close to night spots, shopping and restaurants. The Chedi is a relaxing property, but also has lots of activities on its doorstep, including rock climbing, elephant trekking and abseiling, as well as great watersports.
Cost: £904 per person, including bed and breakfast, throughout May and June.
Goldenjoy Holidays
Area: Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Product: five nights at the Bay Inn on Phuket, five nights at the Royal Princess in Chiang Mai and two nights at the Century Park in Bangkok. The Bay Inn is in the south east of Phuket, so while it is quiet, it’s still within 30mins of restaurants and nightlife. Chiang Mai is ideal for adventure seekers who want to try elephant trekking and jungle safaris. The Century Park in Bangkok is located in one of the main shopping areas, for some last-minute bargains.
Cost: £628 per person for 12 nights including accommodation and flights.
Request 3: Family C are 40-year old parents with children aged eight and 11. The adults are interested in experiencing the culture of Thailand as well as getting away from it all.
Kuoni
Area: Phuket and Bangkok.
Product: four nights in Bangkok at the Amari Atrium Hotel and four nights at the Royal Park Beach Resort on Phuket. While Bangkok will satisfy the parents’ yearning for culture, Phuket is the perfect get-away-from-it-all island. The resort features a swimming pool with Jacuzzi, beach restaurant, putting green and a host of water sports.
Cost: from £565 per person, room only. If one child shares a room with two adults they receive a 50% discount and subsequent children receive a 10% discount. Alternatively, two children in a room of their own will each receive 10% discount.
Silk Cut Travel
Area: Phuket and Bangkok.
Product: two nights at the Rose Garden in Bangkok and 12 nights at the Chedi on Phuket. The Rose Garden is 1hr from the city centre and houses Bangkok’s Cultural Centre in 70-acregardens.
Visitors can take a rice barge trip to palaces and temples, rise early and meet the monks from the local temple, or learn how to make Thai food.
The Chedi is particularly good for families, with a protected beach shelving into the sea at a shallow gradient.
The parents can enjoy the secluded location, while youngsters can use their own swimming pool.
Cost: £1,147 per adult and £937 per child, bed and breakfast, in July.
Goldenjoy Holidays
Area: Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Product: five nights at the Royal Garden Resort in Hua Hin, five nights at the Royal Princess Hotel in Chiang Mai and two nights at the Century Park in Bangkok. The Thai royal family holiday at the Royal Garden Resort, and there are many cultural activities within easy reach. Chiang Mai offers opportunities for jungle safaris, while the five-star Century Park represents good value for money.
Cost: £666 per adult and £444 per child bed and breakfast.