Land of smiles: Why island-hopping in Thailand is perfect for families seeking adventure
Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket. Here, guests are encouraged to hire bikes and explore the tiny isle, including the opportunity to visit a school. Kids’ club activities focus on learning about the region’s culture and heritage, and staff throughout the resort proudly share Thai customs.
Whether you’re staying on the mainland or on a neighbouring island, the day-trip options are endless. Longtail boats whisk visitors to the famous Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay (home to James Bond Island), Racha Islands and the Thai diving hub of the Similan Islands. Our favourite was Hong Island, an unspoiled spot closer to Krabi and the perfect alternative to the aforementioned islets, which can become overrun with tourists.
Multi-centre
Krabi is a three-hour drive from Phuket or a two-hour speedboat ride, and it’s the perfect combination for families such as mine that struggle to stay in one place.
The third hotel of our trip is the incredibly romantic Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on Tubkaek Beach (45 minutes from Krabi International Airport).
The arrival feels ceremonial, as visitors emerge through a narrow passage to a large reflection pool encircling an ornate welcome pavilion, where guests sound a gong and are given a floral hand garland. Manicured gardens surround a large central pool at the heart of the property, with pathways leading to 54 villas and pavilions – ours is a Reserve Pool Villa.
“Welcome home,” says our lovely butler as she opens the door and unveils the biggest bed I’ve ever seen. At four metres long, it’s the perfect resting place for our final night in Thailand. After a day in the pool, a hearty dinner and a walk along the beach for our nightly ‘crab watch’, we all clamber into the huge bed together.
One by one we fall asleep: first Eva, then Theo, swiftly followed by my husband. As I drift off, I can’t help but smile widely, feeling like the luckiest person alive.
The Land of Smiles delivered the biggest grins for us all, every day of our Thai adventure.
Book it
If Only offers four nights at Banyan Tree Phuket, four nights at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas and four nights at Rayavadee from £15,419 for a family of four. The price is based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing, flying with Qatar Airways from Gatwick on November 10. Breakfasts, private car transfers and shared boat transfers are included.
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Island adventures
As our longtail boat pulls into the makeshift jetty on Hong Island (Koh Hong), we’re surprised at how quiet it is. Arriving just after 6.30am, we’re among a dozen tourists to have ventured to this scenic spot within Than Bok Khorani National Park so early in the day. The team at Phulay Bay advised us to set off promptly to avoid crowds and, in doing so, we are rewarded with a blissful morning.
With a picnic breakfast in tow – the hotel staff did us proud – we enjoy a couple of hours frolicking on the peaceful beach before boats filled with hordes of other tourists arrive. My husband climbs to the island’s highest point, which affords him a great view of the endless limestone isles that surround us.
It’s a prime snorkelling spot, with the clear water home to plenty of colourful fish – though we did experience better visibility elsewhere in Thailand during our trip. After a joyful time on the beach, we sail into the island’s small lagoon for another swim and snorkelling session. Heavenly!
Guests at Phulay Bay can enjoy a complimentary trip to Hong Island, with a longtail boat making the 20-minute journey daily at 9am, returning at noon.
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