Islands off the beaten track in Thailand

BASINGSTOKE, U.K. - Sept. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Thailand has gained something of a reputation in recent years for being ‘over developed’ for tourism and has been accused of losing something of its soul.

However Asia specialist Bamboo Travel knows the country better than most and can recommend a number of options for those who wish to really get off the beaten track and to enjoy a genuine Thai experience, without compromising on accommodation.

Koh Kood is Thailand’s fourth largest island but the least developed of them all, with some of the best snorkelling in the country; it is relatively difficult to get to which has preserved its charm.

The best hotel on the island by far is the super luxury Soneva Kiri,who provide private plane transfers from Bangkok for all guests. This achingly beautiful resort is comprised of 27 vast villas nestle among palm fringed hills around a secluded bay.  King size daybeds swing above golden sand and diners can enjoy homemade Thai cuisine as fireflies flicker past or rise to gourmet heights in a treetop Dining Pod.

A 14-night holiday including international flights and transfers costs from £6496 pp (two sharing a room) on a fully-inclusive basis including flights and transfers.

Koh Lanta is adeveloping island but due to local laws, and location, is not suffering the same over-development as Phuket and Koh Samui.  Bamboo recommends the Pimalai hotel which is built within the rainforest as it meets the silver ocean strand.  The boutique beach resort occupies 100 acres of tropical vegetation with direct access to a 900 metre stretch of pristine, sandy beach.

From Krabi mainland, it takes about one hour by boat to reach the resort and a 14- night stay through Bamboo Travel costs from £2495 pp (two sharing) on a B&B basis including flights and transfers.

Koh Samet is just 3 hours’ drive and a speedboat ride away from Bangkok and, whilst part of the island is developed, there is a luxurious hideaway called the Paradee. This resort has a secluded location the south which is pretty much on its own, with direct access to two of the island’s best beaches..

Paradee has 40 luxurious appointed villas, all with magnificent view of either lush tropical Gardens, or white sandy beaches washed by the Gulf of Thailand.

Most of the villas are over 100sq metres in size with a private pool and a two week stay costs from £2995 pp (two sharing) on a B&B basis and including flights and transfers.

Call 020 7720 9285 (www.bambootravel.co.uk).