Thailand Luxury Media Trip 2025

Starting a story with sadness might not make a lot of sense and may not encourage you to read further; however, when it’s tinged with a horror that eventually engendered courage, resilience and optimism, I think it’s worth it. The Tsunami of 2004 (26^th December to be exact) horrified the world and brought deep destruction, death and unimaginable sadness to communities and families in the affected areas.

Khao Lak in Thailand was one. I visited recently and Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park and wall of photographs was intensely moving. Our guide witnessed the experience first-hand and managed to save not only himself but two Austrian tourists. He was very modest. He was a hero but simply said: “I did not know what else to do”….  Despite the tragedy that struck that fateful day (Koh Phi Phi was also affected), Thailand rose up together, rallied with their neighbours and, 21 years on, live to fight another day.

Thailand is a Land of Smiles. A Land of Luxury. A Land of Spiritual Harmony. A Land of exquisite cuisine. A Land of polite good manners and superb service. I simply love Thailand.

After the business section at Thai Travel Market (TTM Plus 2025) in lovely Chiang Mai, the Tourist Authority of Thailand (affectionately known as TAT) hosted an incredible Luxury Media Trip and I was fortunate to be included. Michelin Key properties were on the itinerary. It could hardly be any better. Our wonderful Group Leader and TAT PR, Joanna Cooke, executed the itinerary, accompanied us along the way and ensured we all had a fabulous time. I know a lot of her personal experiences were brought to bear and this knowledge of Thailand and its customs made all the difference.

From Chiang Mai we hightailed it to Bangkok to linger in the lovely suites (24^th floor) at 137 Pillars Suites & Residence. Centrally located just off Sukhumvit Road, The thotel is a high rise oasis in the city where a sanctuary is created by the Manager and family owner, Ms Nida Wongphanlert. She played a key role in design and construction of the Bangkok property at the outset and maintains a high degree of social responsibility and commitment to sustainable tourism. Our suites were cavernous in size with luxurious beds, quality linens and enormous bathrooms. We even had those famous Japanese toilets. If you’ve never experienced them, I won’t spoil the surprise! This is a great city hotel.

It was bye bye Bangkok baby and Sawsadee Phuket. Travelling to Khao Lak was a leisurely drive through unspoiled countryside with the joy of our next property, The Sarojin (2 Key Michelin Guide) awaiting us. The Manager Khun Kade was a complete joy himself. He attended to our every need and seemed to be everywhere at once! Omnipresent and omniscient. The Sarojin is stunningly landscaped. Lush and verdant and fronted from the lobby by pools brimming with water lilies and croaking frogs, it’s a pure delight. Gardens are emerald green with coconut palms, hibiscus, bougainvillea and fern fronds. It must be a replica of the Garden of Eden. Little pathways meander through the garden leading to a lovely open-air spa where aromatherapy and oil scented massages are bodily pleasures that could be deemed dangerous! Another pathway leads to a super private sandy beach with an excellent bar and restaurant. Our beautiful rooms and enchanting bathrooms were cleverly designed to feel like they were open air.

Each evening, we enjoyed a menagerie in towel folding on our beds. Khun Kade even organised a cookery class here for us and a pandan leaf lesson in making flowers. We had a great visit to the local market with our own Chef Gogh where he showed us the fresh ingredients he buys to feed the hungry guests. A trip to a scenic waterfall and Thai Wine Paddle Tasting at the Ficus Bar were some fun activities arranged. This amazing gentleman had a further surprise for our final night where we sampled Champagne on the beach (and a fairylike atmosphere was created with candles whilst watching the sun go down), then he led us to a gourmet dinner, again surrounded by candles and mouthwatering food. Magical. A very special evening. The Sarojin’s name is inspired by the mythical Lady Sarojin, who was regarded as the perfect host and was famed for her outstanding hospitality. The Sarojin today is well named and in the careful and attentive hands of Khun Kade and his willing staff, it’s like staying at a friend’s luxury estate. Thank you Khun Kade. It was wonderful.

Onwards to Krabi (a couple of hours further south on the mainland) and we pass the dramatic Karst limestone outcrops and cliffs so famous in this part of the world. Rising above the turquoise glitter of the Andaman Sea, Phang Nga Bay and Krabi coastline are reminders of movies like The Beach. Our destination is Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton, a 3 Key Michelin property. With Ian Ding and Vadya Sagar at the helm, Phulay Bay has the wow factor. Our arrival prompted a local traditional group beating drums and playing flutes. It was quite a welcome. With unique architectural design (think curving purple walls, winding pathways, stepping stones, streams, rivulets, mini waterfalls and private pools), the property has an oceanfront location with lovely lawns sweeping to the sea. These very same lawns hosted the Manager’s Cocktail Party where guests and management mingle and relax.

Phulay Bay is spread out, so golf buggies are the preferred mode of transport. Didn’t need a driver’s licence though as we were all assigned a personal butler whom we summoned to bring us hither and tither! Service with a smile. Fabulous food, spa treatments and wonderful swimming pools (overlooking the ocean) are routine here. Ian organised a super excursion on a traditional wooden longtail boat with Blue Voyages which carried us to Laolading Island and Hong Island Nature Trail. Some of the “hardy boys” climbed a gazillion steps to a viewing point. The other sensible few dipped and bobbed in the Andaman Sea! Our suites in Phulay Bay were superb. Huge beds were as long as they were wide. Separate dressing rooms, vanity areas and patios with private pools were visible through the enormous glass doors and windows. A chocolate surprise awaited us every day – a Thai house in dark chocolate layers or a solid white chocolate elephant. Such imagination from the kitchen. Our final night was rather special. A traditional Thai wooden house was the backdrop with 2.500 candles lining the walls and our table laden with delicious food. Thank you to Vadya and Ian. Incredible.

Thailand in 2025 was spectacular in the best sense of the word. Fantastic hotels, food, landscapes, people. Kob kun kha. Amazing Thailand.