THAILAND’S BEST HOTELS &RESORTS GUIDE 2016 Thailand has long held a place at, or near, the top of dream destinations for travellers in the know about its beaches with sand as fine as talcum, turquoise seas, cool mountains, enchanting culture and history, superb food and more. In 2015 the number of international travellers to Thailand increased by 5 million from the previous year to 29.9 million, and in the month of January of this year alone an all-time high of 3 million travellers was hit, validating that 2016 will certainly be a strong year for tourism in Thailand. Although the number of Chinese tourists has lately increased by jumps, European tourists still remain the key market for quality tourism since 65% of them make repeat visits to the country. H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, says: “Thailand’s focus now is on enhancing the image of Thailand to be a ‘Quality Leisure Destination through Thai-ness’. At the same time, we need to ensure a balance between tourism growth and its social and environmental impact.” As for which cities are the hot spots, statistic confirm that Bangkok remains the top destination (in the Asia-Pacific region) for overnight stays and tourist expenditure, while Phuket and Pattaya are also ranked in the top ten on the same index. True to its reputation for the highest standards in luxury and service, Thailand is home to numerous award-wining hotels and resorts. Hence, Lifestyle+Travel in partnership with Citibank is pleased to once again present “Thailand’s Best Hotels & Resorts”, updated for 2016, to assist you with your holiday planning. The icing on the cake is all the special privileges offered exclusively to Citi cardmembers, that will mark the highlights of their stay. So check out our at-a-glance guide on what to do in the different regions of Thailand, where to stay, and allow yourself to be tempted with the exclusive benefits! BEHIND THE SCENE Project Advisor Citibank Text+Graphic Lifestyle+Travel Editorial Team Sales & Advertising Amarin Kocharat Prim Narindrankura Na Ayudhya Piyapan Philasjit Vinda Kallayanamitr Dawood Suaptrakool Accounting Manager Aungkana Treesub Admin & Distribution Supervisor Rachanee Pairoj-euaanan Lifestyle and Travel Media Co., Ltd. 29 Bangkok Business Center Building (BBC) 19th Fl, Room 1901, Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand +66 (0) 2391 2290-3 +66 (0) 2391 4033 [email protected] www.lifestyleandtravelmedia.com CONTENT Introduction 5 Credit 6 Map 10 North & North East 12 East 42 Central & West 74 South 116 Index/Directory 204 THE TRUE MOROCCAN SOPHISTICATION IN PRANBURI Villa Maroc redefines luxury on the Gulf of Thailand. Far enough from the bustling town to make it seem remote yet close enough to all major infrastructure to ensure that getting here is a breeze. For more information and reservations call +66 (0) 32 630 771 E-mail. [email protected] or visit www.villamarocresort.com MAP OF THAILAND Chiang Rai Chiang Mai Sukhothai Nakhon Ratchasima Bangkok Samut Songkhram Hua Hin Pattaya Trat Samui Surat Thani Krabi Phuket NORTH & NORTHEAST | CHIANG RAI | WAT RONG KHUN (WHITE TEMPLE) Very distinct from other Buddhist sanctuaries, this gleaming white temple presents a somewhat bizarre blend of traditional Thai architecture with the surreal. Its creator Chalermchai Kositpipat, a renowned National Artist, completed this eccentric complex with pop-culture wall frescos and intricate fantastical sculptures. His respectful intention towards Buddhism can be seen with his use of bright white colour and pieces of glass, which represent the Buddha’s purity and wisdom. 14 THAILAND’S BEST HOTELS & RESORTS 2016 BAANDAM MUSEUM (BLACK HOUSE) The landmark home, art studio and museum of recently deceased National Artist Tawan Duchanee, these Lanna- style buildings host an ensemble of ghoulish masterpieces crafted by Tawan mainly from animal’s skins, skulls and skeletons. The black wood structures gives off a mysterious, eerie aura and spotlights around the house direct the eyes to his flamboyant, diabolical and provocative artwork. SINGHA PARK (BOON RAWD FARM) Occupying over 3,000 acres of land, this agro-tourist family destination contains abundant tea plantations, flower fields, fruit gardens and even a lively zoo. A wide range of well-organized activities such as farm tours, biking and zip-lining will offer fun for people of all ages for hours. The Bhu Bhirom Restaurant serves tasty organic and traditional dishes. Do not forget to take a selection of teas and freshly-picked seasonal fruits back home. CHIVIT THAMMA DA On a bank along the tranquil Kok River, there sits a cosy English country-style coffee house where you can drop onto a comfy sofa in the glasshouse, or opt for an outdoor seat in the lush garden, to enjoy a refreshing drink and some of their signature dishes cooked from local, seasonal ingredients. The good books scattered around the coffee house, delightful conversation and serene sounds of nature may make you stay longer than originally planned. 15 PHU CHI DAO Recently declared a new attraction in Chiang Rai, the peak of Phu Chi Dao (mountain) reveals jaw-dropping panoramic views of natural beauty. Explorers can reach the peak only by off-road vehicle followed by a brief trek. As you pass through the untouched overgrown path, you’ll find yourself embraced with a sea of mist and a bounty of nature. DOI TUNG DEVELOPMENT PROJECT This integrated agricultural project, which aims to improve the livelihood of indigenous people in a sustainable manner, is located in the northern highlands. The property comprises of the Royal Villa once resided in by the late Princess Mother, temperate flower gardens and the ethnic communities. Visit the modest DOWNTOWN Royal Villa and learn about the Despite its small size, downtown Princess Mother’s lifelong dedication Chiang Rai is full of attractions to reforestation and helping the to hop around. Start with revered locals, and enjoy all the colours and Lanna-style temples like Wat Phra shapes of flowers and plants in the Kaew and Wat Phra Sing, followed and sculptures are displayed in flourishing gardens. At the end of by the Flag and Lamp Park where the small but welcoming building each year a festival takes place which a flower festival is held all-year- located just a few minutes from the celebrates the ethnic culture. round. There is a line-up of local airport. Art supplies and handiwork, eateries worth trying, namely Nam which would make one-of-a-kind GOLDEN TRIANGLE Ngiao Pa Suk for Northern-style gifts, are sold in the souvenir shop. Stand close to the meeting point of spicy rice vermicelli or Khao Soy three countries - Thailand, Laos and Por Jai for Northern-style curry NIGHT MARKETS Myanmar - on the Mekong River. noodles. In the evening, look The evenings in Chiang Rai are Apart from the scenic shoreline, forward to the light-and-sound never boring. The Night Bazaar, you’ll be able to visit appealing show at The Clock Tower. located near the bus terminal, is Chiang Saen with its nostalgic feel open every evening. Weekends are and local sights Wat Phra That Chedi KHUA SILAPA (ART BRIDGE lively with the Saturday Walking Luang, Wat Phra That Pha Ngao and GALLERY) Street down Thanalai Road and Chiang Saen Lake. Head for one of Meaning “bridge of art” in the Sunday’s Sankhong Happy Street the riverside local eateries in late local dialect, this gallery aims to down Sankhong Noi Road. You can afternoon, order the local signature connect with the local community expect to discover a lot of local bamboo chicken, and you’ll also get by gathering the works of local foods, handmade products and to feast on a magnificent sunset. artists for exhibition. Paintings unique folk performances. 16 THAILAND’S BEST HOTELS & RESORTS 2016 | CHIANG MAI | QUEEN SIRIKIT BOTANICAL GARDEN Initially serving as a centre of botanical studies, the garden has recently reopened its doors to the public and is attracting a large number of visitors who come to enjoy the wonderful canopy walkway through lush forest, the educational glasshouse complex and the entertaining natural science museum. A highlight is the waterfall trail which lets you discover the Thai wild orchid nursery and some of nature’s wonders indigenous to Thailand. LHONG-PA COFFEE BAR AND HOME COOKING SEPSILP GLIN KAFE BANNOK Sitting a little way off the beaten This café will give you a crazy coffee path in Mae Rim, this outdoor café experience, with seats perched is an ideal hideaway (its name above water into which you can dip literally means ‘getting lost in the your toes while sipping on a great wild’). Nestled among old, serene cup of coffee made by the owner. It trees, only the sounds of nature, also serves as an art gallery with the espresso machine and soft Thai decorative paintings, vintage cars instrumental music can be heard. and stacks of old televisions. Order a pot of drip coffee and just let the time flow by. WAT UMONG (TUNNEL TEMPLE) DOI MON JAM Set on forest grounds, this temple is remarkable for its number of Doi Mon Jam is a mountaintop tunnels dug out of a manmade viewpoint located in the Royal mound - said to be constructed in Project development of Mong Nong the 14th century for monks seeking Hoi village. Visitors can walk around tranquil places to meditate. Inside the development project and the the serene tunnels are shrines strawberry fields, try tasty organic of revered Buddha images, and dishes at the open-air kitchen, and there is an outdoor exhibition of camp overnight amongst the cool old Buddhist statues and oddities mists. collected over the years.