For a sunny and mildew free festive season, Traversing the Orient recommends Christmas on the beach in The Land of Smiles.

Traditionally, some of us like to go where the snow is, where it’s bloody freezing and where Santa has no troubles wearing ultra-thick clothes. Others choose to follow the sun, to seek out places where kids can play on white sand beaches and swim in the warm sea. Places where adults can go shopping dressed in Hawaiian shirts and straw hats without being laughed at by their mates.

Thailand is one of these places.

Unwind and enjoy the festive break on one of Thailand’s numerous beaches and islands. The following are a few recommendations from us.

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The Understated: Cha Um

Cha-am is a little like Vientiane, upon first arriving you wonder what the draw is and why people stay there…then the enchantment sets in. The natural beauty of this small traditional Thai town on the beach combines with the warmth of its people to create a world of carefree relaxation. Experience all Cha-Am has to offer in a chic yet understated style at the best little guest house in town, Cha-Am Inn@Cha-Am.

Stay: Putting the boot in Boutique, Cha-am Inn offers the best value for money, with bamboo mats over polished cement floors, tasteful bathrooms with either balcony or window seating, its rooms are modern and minimalist with just the right touch of elegance (ca. 1200 THB/night) http://www.cha-inn.com, Tel: +66 (0)3247 1879

Do: Wake up looking over the beachfront promenade, hire a bike and cycle to the fisherman’s village, buy the fresh catch of the day and bring it back for the Cha-Am Inn guest house kitchen to cook-up, offering a festive feast on the beach.

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The Family Celebration: Hua Hin

For those needing action, care and attention from the moment they wake up until the moment the head hits the pillow – and we are referring to all ages from 6 months to 86 years – Baan Laksasubha is the family resort to check-in. We can even let the grown ups into a secret – children will find Santa here on vacation too! Seriously….he will be on the beach reading Christmas stories to the children, handing out gifts and may even join you for the Christmas lunch and carol singing. Rumour has it he can’t get enough of the place!

Stay: Enjoy a truly unique family Christmas celebration in the beautiful resort of Baan Laksasubha and with their Costenara restaurant being the only direct beachfront dining space in Hua Hin, an alfresco Christmas Eve or fun filled Christmas Day on the beach doesn’t get much better than this.

Do: In the true spirit of fun and festive giving, there will be games on the beach, entry is at a small donation request from participants with proceeds going towards building a library for the Hueng Pueng School, which is located on the remote hills of Hua Hin. Last year, Baan Laksasubha already started funding the building with a contribution from the United Nations Women’s Club.

www.baanlaksasubha.com

53/7 Naresdamri Rd., Hua Hin, Prachuab Khirikhan 77110. T +66 2261 5551  F +66 2258 7347

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The Escape Artist: Koh Jam

A hidden jewel nestled off the coast from Krabi, Koh Jam (often spelt Koh Jum for confusion and to keep the masses at bay) is the ultimate island holiday experience for the escape artist looking to get away from it all.

Stay in comfort in one of the guesthouses offering bungalows on the beach and wake to the soothing rhythms of waves lapping the shore. Ho-ho–ho only crosses your mind when you think of the madness in the shopping malls that you have escaped. It’s just you, the beach, and a few other like-minded travelers in the know, relaxing in this bliss of exquisite oasis amongst lush forests, long secluded beaches and a never-ending ocean.

It isn’t that Christmas is cancelled here, there is bound to be a smattering of tinsel somewhere, but the island makes wishes come true from October until April every year. Be sure to tick off the days to departure on the calendar, it’s the kind of place you can just lose yourself in and forget to leave at all!

Stay: Koh Jum Lodge www.kohjumlodge.com for an ecolodge with style amongst the horticulture of tropical grounds and white sand on the doorstep. For the minimalist, Siboya Bungalows has a bed with your name on it – www.siboyabungalows.com – and you will find they have a verdandah and a hammock waiting too.

Getting there: Boats between Krabi and Ko Lanta drop travelers off at Ko Jam for 450 THB. The island can also be accessed by boat from Ban Laem Kruat, a village just 30km from Krabi for just 100 THB.

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The Thrill Seeker: Phuket

Fire your imagination and revive your spirit with all the fascinating wonders around Phuket. Travel in comfort on a luxury yacht to the islands; explore an abundance of stunning islands, including the Racha and Coral islands; snorkel or dive and be surrounded by schools of tropical marine fish and fauna or simply lay back and cruise the seascape of the Phang Nga Bay. At the close of a full day, return to a 5 star resort and spa such as Anantara Phuket.

The Minor Affair, a Sunseeker Manhattan 60 packed with charm and sophistication, offers intimate cruising options for up to eight guests seeking island hopping and overnight adventures. Discover a breathtaking diversity of exotic beaches and pristine waters in the beautiful Andaman Sea from the privacy of a luxury yacht. Rates for a full day charter including lunch are 205,000 THB plus tax and service charge.

Stay: Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa is an ideal setting for a Christmas story you’ll tell forever. Located on the island’s secluded northern sunset coast, a collection of 83 expansive villas all benefit from a private pool, outdoor terrazzo tub and an array of luxurious facilities.

Do: Add to the adventure by chartering the yacht for an extended cruise from 2 days to the Similan Islands where whale sharks have been spotted, up to 8 days to Mergui Archipelago in Burma.

http://phuket.anantara.com

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The Upgraded Backpacker: Koh Samui

Don’t you just love it when the upgrade comes naturally? Once the backpackers pilgrimage, Koh Samui island has undergone some serious nip and tuck treatment to welcome back yesterday’s backpacker returning with family and friends in tow.

The extraordinary landscape encompasses mountains, verdant valleys and the beautiful waters and beaches around the coastline, accessible from the 100km ring road around the island. From the picturesque fishing village in Bo Phut to the waterfall at Nam Tok na Muang, this remarkable island will enchant and amaze.

Stay: Bandara Resort and Spa, in pure Asian style where imaginative design has combined with nature for a sanctuary of solace. Take a day trip to see some of the local sites of Bophut Beach, visit Big Buddha, local markets, shopping areas and the bustle of Chaweng. Return for a sumptuous seafood dinner at the beach side restaurant to the backdrop of gentle lapping waves on the beach and a thousand stars above.

www.bandarasamui.com/
178/2 Moo 1, Tambol Bophut, Koh Samui,

Surat Thani 84320 THAILAND

Tel: +66 (0)7724 5795

Fax: +66 (0)7742 7340

samuisales@bandarasamui.com

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Hideaway for Couples: Yao Noi

If you always thought Christmas was meant to be spent in a private infinity-edged pool villa, in a Hilltop Reserve, with a private sundeck and comes with a personal villa team who is trained to anticipate every whim, then surrender yourself to complete tranquility in this idyllic haven called Six Senses Yao Noi. Its where soft, white sand meets sparkling azure ocean in the perfect location for you to rest and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

This exclusive space is guaranteed to satisfy your every desire with private villas, seductive spa treatments and extensive health facilities.
You will leave wondering if Christmas was ever spent any other way.

Stay: Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi is located on the island of Yao Noi, situated midway between Phuket and Krabi, among the awe-inspiring limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga. The resort can be accessed from both Phuket airport and Krabi airport. A quick drive and boat ride will bring you to the resort, or to arrive in style, try the helicopter option!

http://www.sixsenses.com

Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi

56 Moo 5, Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang-Nga 82160, Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 76 418 500, Fax: +66 (0) 76 418 518

E-mail : reservations-yaonoi@sixsenses.com

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