TRAVEL NEWS + DEALS
From the jungles of Khao Sok to Pattaya and HK streets
Adventure in the Southern Thai jungle at an eco-lodge, take in the Wanchai sights on an audio tour, or enjoy some new design accents in Pattaya.
Thai eco-warrior jungle adventure
Anurak Lodge (anuraklodge.com/), an eco-friendly sustainable travel escape in the Southern Thai jungles of Khao Sok National Park, offers an opportunity for true immersion in nature for romantics, the intrepid, the curious, or families escaping concrete. Tucked away in the limestone karst rainforest just north of Phuket and Phang Nga, Anurak Lodge serves up imaginative jungle dining, cycling, hikes, lake stays and forest explorations, bamboo rafting or canoeing down the Sok River, elephant encounters, and more. There are 12 air-conditioned bungalows with simple amenities making 18 rooms in all. The former palm oil plantation has been replanted with local trees. Access is from both Surat Thani International Airport to the east (an hour-and-a-half drive, about Bt3,500) or from Phuket and Krabi airports. A three-day two-night Khao Sok Getaway deal is priced at Bt11,000 (per person, minimum two) with activities, meals, national park entrance fees and airport transfer from Surat Thani. A four-day three-night Jungle and Lake package is priced at Bt17,500 per person (minimum two).
The Hari Hong Kong (above left, www.thehari.com) not only offers vast views of its historic Wanchai District but is keen for guests to immerse themselves in a bit of local lore. What better than to combine a special one night room package for two at HK$1,800 with breakfast and an intriguing audio tour? Included in this engaging circuit is a meal on a sampan, the Noon Day gun, and a look at 'villain beating' practised by wizened ladies under a bridge to cast out bad luck and to harry tormentors. Also enjoy a private local family dinner, a hidden art collection, and a visit to a restored 1960s tenement block now a creative hub. The icing on the cake is Hari CEO and founder Dr Aron Harilela's account of his childhood memories and love of art. Tune in. Meanwhile, closer to the tropics, the 4.7 hectare Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree (above right) opens April 2025 in Singapore's Mandai Wildlife Reserve with access to the Night Safari and the zoo.
Why it's party time in Pattaya
Melia Pattaya Hotel (melia-pattaya) has opened at this Thai seaside playground two hours from Bangkok with 234 rooms and expansive bay views. The 12-storey construct is on Pattaya Sai Song (2nd Road) and its Lay Beach Club fronts the sands right on Beach Road. Think rooftop sky bar with tasty treats, alfresco swimming pool with bar and lawn for events. Ladies can stretch out at the spoiling YHI Spa while kids are entertained at the well-featured Kidsdom (which includes a slide pool). Adrenalin junkies may avail of well stocked gym and suits can pop into the coworking space or explore meeting areas for that perfect handshake.This is a multi-functional escape with modern design accents that offer a cool and relaxed feel.
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On 1 September 2023 Bhutan (above left, bhutan.travel/) brought the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) down to US$100. The levy is valid until September 2027. Young children get special concessions too. In early 2023 the government opted to drop all-inclusive tour fees (US$250) and began charging a flat US$200 per head for foreigners (with a special Rs1,200 rate for Indians). The freebie was over. Hotels and tour operators complained that this was killing tourism as foreigners now had to pay the $200 personal fee and fork out separately for hotels, transport, and meals. This resulted in the cut. Indians don't require a Bhutan visa. Maldivians and Bangladeshis are also exempt from visas. Coming on the heels of Janu Tokyo in March 2024, Aman announces the arrival of Janu Dubai in 2027 (above right). The green-feel nature-leaning Janu Dubai will offer 150 keys (including some for exclusive residences) and a members' club. Expect the usual thoughtful wellness escape, fitness, fine dining and event space in a designer escape.
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