If you’re looking to discover the lesser-known spots of Hua Hin, Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui, stay tuned. From visiting a Thai vineyard to kayaking through crystal blue waters and appreciating the works of Thai artists, there are still unexplored gems to discover in these accessible holiday destinations.
Be a wine connoisseur in Hua Hin
A visit to a vineyard in Thailand may be exactly what you need to make your trip to Hua Hin complete. Located less than an hour’s drive from the classic beach town is Monsoon Valley Vineyard, which was founded in 2001 by wine-lover and Thai entrepreneur Chalerm Yoovidhya. With his vision to create a Thai wine culture, the vineyard has grown to produce award-winning wines that pair perfectly with Asian dishes. Take a day trip to experience the uniqueness of Thai terroir with its sandy and loamy soil enriched with shells and fossils, providing added minerals and freshness to the wines.
Tour the grounds, try wine label painting, as well as a plethora of other activities such as a ‘wine safari’ that explores the nearby Kuiburi National Park. For those seeking a more relaxed visit, simply kick back and imbibe the local wine, paired with Thai food overlooking picturesque countryside views.
Stay at Amari Hua Hin and enjoy the Great Escape Package at 165 SGD ++ per night for a two-night stay in the Deluxe Room from now till January 2019. The package includes an upgrade to the next Deluxe room category, afternoon tea at Coral Lounge, a 60-minute muscle tension relief massage, free late checkout until 15:00 on weekdays and a candlelit set menu dinner at the seaside Shoreline Beach Club. Learn more about this package and others available at Amari Hua Hin at, https://www.amari.com/huahin/hotelpackage/.
Explore the Insta-perfect neighbouring islands of Koh Samui
Hop on a speedboat to the nearby Angthong Marine Park for an action-packed day kayaking under huge limestone cliffs and through clear blue waters along the coastline. Head to the breathtaking Mae Koh Island by kayak if you are feeling energetic or long tail to climb the summit and snap shots of the views over the Emerald Lagoon, also known as ‘Talay Nai’. Continue island hopping over to Wua Talap Island, where there is another 500-metre high natural trail to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Angthong Marine Park for your perfect selfie moment. Reward yourself with a relaxing swim, snorkel or snooze on the beautiful beaches under the sun.
If you visit Koh Samui with your family, stay at Amari Koh Samui and enjoy the perks of the All Together Family Package. Starting from 170 SGD ++ per night, the package includes a three-night stay in a Superior Garden Wing King room with breakfast, complimentary round-trip airport transfers, 20% discount at the hotel’s Breeze Spa and on food and beverage across the resort’s restaurants and bars. A complimentary beach play set for the little ones is also included in this package. Learn more about this package and others available at Amari Koh Samui at, https://www.amari.com/koh-samui/hotelpackage/.
Get in touch with the arts in Phuket
Tucked away in a small lane just two kilometres from the Nai Harn beach in the Southern end of Phuket city is the Phuket Art Village. Made up of a community of creative minds, the village is home to a diverse and growing collection of home studios and galleries. Artists who have made the village their homes regularly hold painting classes, sculpture workshops and jam sessions as well as shadow puppet shows for children. Most of the studios and galleries in the village are open daily for you to explore. The Niran Art Gallery, inspired by the elements of the sea, and Love Art Studio which showcases modern art inspired by nature, are some of the galleries you might like to visit. Take a peek at this alternative way of life and experience how creativity is given the space to flourish in Thailand.
Stay at Amari Phuket and enjoy the Super Saver Package which starts from 203 SGD ++ per night and offers you three-night stay in the Superior Ocean Facing room. Available from now till May 2019, the package includes a round-trip airport transfer, Thai set dinner at Rim Talay Restaurant, 10% off food and beverages, 20% off on a treatment at the Breeze Spa and guaranteed late check-out of 16:00 hours. Learn more about this package and others available at Amari Phuket at, https://www.amari.com/phuket/hotelpackage/.
Attend workshops with the family in Pattaya
If you’re looking for an interactive, relaxing excursion for the whole family in Pattaya, check out A’ La Campagne Pattaya, located a 20-minute drive from Pattaya city. Inspired by a traditional Sri Lankan tea factory, Tea Factory & More at A’ La Campagne serves up a wide selection of teas imported from eight different countries. You can attend a tea workshop there which includes creating your own signature tea blend or even learn how to brew Kombucha.
Families can participate in the Veggie Farm Workshop, where children can learn about farming and planting seeds, feed the farm’s resident horses Gypsy and Gypso, and even collect free range eggs from the hens. While you are there, shop for handicrafts, homewares and accessories by emerging local designers at Petit Mache, their boutique.
From now till December 2018, Amari Residences Pattaya is offering the Hot Deal Package from 108 SGD ++ a night for a minimum two-night stay in the Superior room. The package includes daily buffet breakfast at Brasserie Restaurant, a guaranteed free room upgrade to the next category, a one-time Thai set dinner for two and late check-out until 16:00 hours. Find out more about the package at, https://www.amari.com/residences-pattaya/hotelpackage/.