The Elephant Camp Luxury Tent Inside Elephant Hills Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

With Ben Burgess from Travel Counsellors
[email protected]

If there is one destination where you can’t fault the mix of vibrant culture, stunning beaches and a unique nightlife, look no further than Thailand!

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a city where every turn contrasts the one before. Spend time wandering the grand Royal Palaces, ancient ruins and temples and if shopping is on your agenda you can brave the bustling streets in a tuk-tuk, wander the markets or pick up those all-important luxury brands in air-conditioned malls, the opportunities are endless. This is one city you can spend days exploring and still only scratch the surface.

This city thrives day and night all thanks to the lifeline provided by The Chao Phraya River.

When the time comes to break away from Bangkok itself no visit would be complete without taking the journey to The Bridge over the River Kwai or not far from Bangkok is the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets.

Leaving Bangkok head north to explore the mountainous region of Chiang Mai where you can absorb the natural beauty offered along the banks of the Ping River while dining on authentic Thai cuisine.

Or perhaps it’s a romantic island escape you dream of: Koh Samui offers you an escape to soak under the sun on a palm fringed beach in one of many luxury resorts and spas.

Santa, street food and animals at brewery’s big day out

Yes, you can take your dog to see Santa

If it’s an upbeat scene you’re thinking of look no further than Phuket where you could find yourself in Patong, a lively resort town offering nightclubs, discos and bars for all tastes.

My personal favourite, a place of tranquillity, sincerity and a true ecological retreat, is a safari stay at Elephant Hills in Khai Sok, Southern Thailand. You can choose between two luxury camping sites, their Jungle Camp or Floating Tented Camp (pictured above).

During your safari experience, which range from two to four days, you can explore remote jungle lakes, cruise through mangrove swamps, float in self-paddle canoes and meet their beautiful herd of elephants.

What makes this sanctuary so unique is Elephant Hills respect and value their elephants meaning you will not find any chained animals nor be allowed to ride them. Interaction with these truly amazing animals is kept in a manner that embraces their natural way of life and surrounding environment.

A remarkable experience not to be missed!

Thailand is a favourite destination of mine, please get in touch if you’d like to discuss it more.

I’m always available and on hand to answer any questions you may have or to put together your perfect once-in-a-lifetime experience in Thailand.

Ask Ben

I want to take the kids to Lapland. When is the best time to book? – Annette J, Barkham

As soon as possible. As Lapland is so seasonal, the flights, hotels and Santa packages all sell out very fast for weekends and trips during school holidays.

There are still some decent packages to be had, but I would definitely be booking this as soon as you
possibly can.

I am thinking of going to the Maldives. Have you seen any good deals lately? – Graham P, Wokingham

Actually yes, a deal came up just the other day which is hard to overlook. A stunning property, The Residence, is offering a deal with 35% off, complimentary half-board, room upgrades and seaplane transfers! This deal I have never seen before and is great value.

Have you got any questions for us? The team is here to help! We will even publish a couple of answers here each fortnight. Email any questions to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.