January 8, 2009 | Bangkok
Issue #269: Why I Exercise

Splashing Thailand

Splashing Thailand

March 12th, 2008

It’s that time of year again. Here comes the scorching Thai summer and the very wet Songkran celebrations. You’re probably guessing that everything is fully booked, that you’ll be stuck in Bangkok (again) and wondering if you can survive one more Songkran in Khao San. It doesn’t have to be that way! Some hotels do bump up their rates for the April holiday, but there are rooms left and some even offer deals starting at a mere B2,879 a night. Here are several (along with a few B140,000++ villas, of course), so that you can celebrate pee mai in the hills of Chiang Mai or on the beaches of Phuket.

HUA HIN

Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

In addition to top-notch service, its location near the nightlife party scene and the beach puts you right where you need to be. Bonus: the hotel’s bar is one of the best in town.
Deals: Throughout the month of April, room rates start at B5,000 and come with a free room upgrade, a 20 percent discount on spa treatments and one Hilton umbrella. Fantastic for those of us who like sit pretty in the shade. If wet isn’t your look, during the Songkran period, April 11-16, guests staying a minimum of two nights are also provided with a Songkran Survival Kit (water pistols and plastic ponchos).
Address: 33 Naresdamri Rd., Hua Hin, 032-538-999, www.hilton.com.

Let’s Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort

For a holiday in a cozy, quiet atmosphere with that special someone, this boutique hotel will make for a very romantic getaway thanks to its lovely restaurant.
Deals: The Lazy Luxury Package for two includes three nights at a studio pier room, roundtrip transportation from Bangkok in a BMW, a bottle of Moet & Chandon, breakfast in bed, one-hour spa treatment and 15 percent off food and beverages at the hotel’s restaurant. This indulgent splurge normally costs B22,222. For Songkran, the price will be an extra B3,333.
Address: 83/188 Soi Talay 12, Khao Takieb, Hua Hin Rd., Hua Hin, 032-536-888, www.letussea.com.

AKA Resort Guti Hua Hin

Trade sand in your toes and partying until sunrise for tranquility and elegance. With décor inspired by a Thai monastery and excellent customer service, AKA offers villas amid the green backcountry of Hua Hin.
Deals: The Songkran promotion is B14,800 net. Guests are treated to two nights in a Guti One Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa, daily breakfast, a four-course dinner with cocktails for two and a 10 percent discount on food.
Address: 152 Moo 7, Baan Nhong Hiang, Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin, 032-618-900, 02-712-6581, www.akaresorts.com.

X2 Kui Buri

Another option removed from the action, this concept hotel combines a minimalist design and a secluded location in Kui Buri. It’s a short drive from Hua Hin, so you can join the festivities when you are ready to mix things up a bit.
Deals: The Weekend Package for two is B8,500 and valid during Songkran. Included is a night at a pool villa, breakfast, dinner, a 30-minute Thai massage, 2-hour kayak rental, mountain bike rental and free wifi. Making the most of your last day, before heading back the capital, is not a problem as late check out is available.
Address: 52 Moo 13, Ao Noi, Muang, Prachuab Kiri Khan, 02-696-8239, www.x2resorts.com.

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

A luxurious and comfortable beachside resort in a breathtaking locale. Picky guests will dig the five-star service while adventurers who get bored easily can enjoy a great variety of recreational activities.
Deals: An Explorer Package goes for B8,450 per room and allows you a night in a Hyatt Guestroom with breakfast, greens fee for one person at your choice of golf courses, roundtrip hotel-golf course transportation, welcome drinks and complimentary activities like water tai chi and basic Thai boxing. This package lasts through April 30 and is valid during Songkran.
Address: 91 Hua Hin-Khao Takiep Rd., Hua Hin, 032-521-234, http://huahin.regency.hyatt.com.

PHUKET

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa

While this plush hotel sits on the white sands of Karon Beach, it still offers three swimming pools—you never know. Whether you test out all three or simply challenge your friends to a water pistol fight, you are guaranteed to get soaked.
Deals: Starting prices are around B5,000 a night. Through April 30, guests receive a free room upgrade, an umbrella and a discount on spa treatments. Book two nights between April 11-16, and you are entitled to a water fight kit..
Address: 333 Patak Rd., Karon Beach, Muang, Phuket, 076-396-433, www.hilton.com.

The Sarojin

You crave privacy? You’re loaded? The very posh Sarojin Khao Lak is your kind of place. Located in Phang Nga, you’ll need to get there from Phuket.
Deals: Through April 30, any six-night stay comes with a free one-day tour to the Similan islands, a roundtrip airport transfer in a private car, daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine and a 60-minute spa massage for one. The island tour is not available for peasants staying in the garden residences. The suites are B139,500 net per night/room, pool residences are B120,000 and garden residences are B75,000.
Address: 60 Moo 2, Kukkak, Takuapa, Phang Nga, 076-427-900, www.sarojin.com.

Indigo Pearl

An industrial look and unmatched comfort are blended into this high-end boutique hotel. There’s an array of activities for travelers wishing to stay physically fit while vacationing.
Deals: From April 1 to October 31, Indigo is offering a four-day/three-night Explorer Package. It includes daily breakfast, roundtrip airport transfer, your choice of two land activities (a 60-minute massage, Thai boxing or yoga class), a choice of one sea activity (fishing, canoeing, or a trip to Phi Phi or Kai islands), a 20 percent discount on food and beverage and late check out (4pm). Prices start from B18,787 net.
Address: Nai Yang Beach and National Park, Phuket, 076-327-006, www.indigo-pearl.com.

KOH CHANG

Amari Emerald Cove Resort & Spa

Overall: Located on the soft sands of Kong Prao Beach, this hotel mixes Thai charm with modern décor. Some rooms offer a view of the mountain, if you’d like the best of both worlds.
Deals: Through April 30, rooms start from B3,500 a night.
Address: 88/8 Moo 4, Koh Chang, Trat, 039-552-000, www.amari.com/emeraldcove.

Aana Resort & Spa

If you find yourself at Klong Praow Beach, check out this contemporary hotel. Amid a lush tropical garden, this resort is a relaxing hideaway for those who want to switch off their mobile and laptop.
Deals: During April 12-16, their B17,600 net package offers three nights in a deluxe room, breakfast, one Thai set lunch, one dinner, a Songkran gala dinner on April 13 and one Thai massage treatment. If the weather permits, you can join the firefly trip for free.
Address: 19/2 Moo 4, Klong Praow Beach, Koh Chang, 039-551-539,         www.aanaresort.com.

PATTAYA

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya

Enshrined in a flamboyant building, rock star memorabilia clutters every corner, in typical Hard Rock fashion. With its theme rooms, the Hard Rock is one rocking place to stay. Note: their foam party is a must-do in Pattaya.
Deals: On April 12-16, for B9,900 net, you receive two nights in a superior room, breakfast for two, a dinner, Hard Rock pool floats, water rifles and access to the Saturday foam party. Guests can also join their Songkran Rocktivities.
Address: 429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Rd., 038-428-755/-9, www.hardrockhotels.com. 

Sheraton Pattaya Resort

Located on the beachfront of South Pattaya, the Sheraton Resort offers three restaurants, three swimming pools and a lounge.
Deals: Their Songkran special rates start at B6,600 for a garden room and include breakfast for two, shuttle service to downtown Pattaya and free use of high speed internet at the business center. For this rate, you have to book at least three nights, from April 10-21.
Address: 473 Phra Tamnak Rd., Pattaya, 038-259-888, www.sheraton.com/pattaya.

CHIANG MAI

Proud Phu Fah

After you catch your breath and adjust to the altitude, enjoy a lovely stay at the Proud Phu Fah. It is tucked away at 1,150 meters above sea level. Though the villas are quite polished and styled, you can still become one with the natural surroundings.
Deals: Villas start at B4,000 net, a private villa at B4,800 net and a honeymoon villa at B6,500 net, April 13-15. If visiting outside of these dates, inquire about the Buy Two Nights, Get One Night Free promotion. It is valid for all villas and comes with breakfast, welcome drinks and fruits and free use of wifi in your room, through October 31.
Address: 97/5 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Rd., Pongyand, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, 053-879-389, 053-879-268, 08-1882-1319, www.proudphufah.com. 

Amari Rincome Hotel

A Lanna-influenced interior and a location in the heart of Chiang Mai city make this a good option to enjoy the capital of Songkran.
Deals: Stay three consecutive nights during April 10-16 and get one free lunch buffet at La Gritta Restaurant. Through Apr 15, a standard room starts at B2,879.
Address: 1 Nimmanhemin Rd., Chiang Mai, 053-221-130, www.amari.com/rincome.

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