Villa Strand

With a stay in Villa Strand you’re just a 25-minute drive from the International Airport, so you won’t waste hours travelling here once you’ve landed and can get straight into enjoying a special holiday in the sun!

Just a five-minute walk along the beach is the sublime ‘Baba Beach Club’ restaurant which serves Chino Portuguese cuisine, offering fine dining and a contemporary tropical style with breath-taking panoramic views of the Andaman coast!

Fantastic local excursions including the Sangtawan Safari, just over 10 minutes away, Splash Jungle and the vibrant Ao Phang Nga National Park, both around 20 minutes away, and the stunning Khao Lak National Park 45 minutes away, offer endless miles of incredible scenery, including sea cliffs, mountains, waterfalls, forests and mangrove swamps all framing picture-perfect pockets of white sands and crystal-clear seas! And for those seeking a little retail therapy, both Turtle Village and Maikhao Plaza will fulfil your desires and are only 15 minutes away!

Within just a 40-minute drive you will find the three excellent Golf Courses of Blue Canyon Country Club, Mission Hills Golf Course and Katathong Golf Course, each providing a perfectly picturesque day out in the sublime Phang Nga countryside! For a calm day out on the water, you can also visit the Marinas of Yacht Haven and Ao Po Grand, also both within a 40-minute drive.

Tucked between the shores of the Andaman Sea to the west and Phang Nga Bay to the south, the province of Phang Nga is a natural haven among the most bustling and busy areas of Thailand. There are many other National Parks in the province, with four of Thailand's finest conservation areas are just a short distance from the resort, including the Similan and Surin Islands, famous for its revered diving spots! Khao Sok National Park, by contrast, is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and is home to a myriad of caves and waterfalls.

If you can spare the time, be sure to take a boat trip around Phang Nga Bay, with many uninhabited islands and the famous spires of limestone rocks that tower out of the emerald-green sea. Take a leisurely boat trip that winds down wide rivers through the jungle and mountains and admire the famous James Bond Island and Koh Panyee.

If you’re looking for a quieter retreat, during the May-to-October monsoon season, there are very few visitors to this mystical region, while visitors flock to the area for the clear waters, glistening sandy white beaches and vibrant reefs from mid-October to mid-April.

Read more about Phuket

Phuket

Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and modern indulgence. This tropical haven has evolved from a quaint fishing village to a global tourist hotspot, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities for all.

The bustling heart of Phuket, Patong Beach, is a vibrant stretch of golden sand lined by a kaleidoscope of shops, restaurants and lively nightlife. Visitors can indulge in water sports, savour delicious local street food or immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. The historical quarter of Phuket Town transports visitors back in time with its colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Quaint cafes, art galleries and colourful, buzzing markets create a charming atmosphere, making it a perfect place to explore on foot. A colossal cultural theme park, Phuket FantaSea showcases the island's rich heritage through theatrical performances, traditional dance and a grand buffet. The ornate architecture of the park itself is a spectacle, evoking the charm of Thai folklore. As you wander through the streets of Old Phuket Town, you will encounter elegant, beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese mansions which reflect the island's historical ties with Chinese and European traders.

Standing at 45 metres tall, the iconic Big Buddha is a symbol of Phuket's spirituality. Set on the top of Nakkerd Hill, the statue offers panoramic views of the island and the Andaman Sea. The site also features a learning centre about Buddhism and meditation. As one of Phuket's most revered temples, Wat Chalong is a testament to the island's cultural heritage. The intricate architecture and serene surroundings provide a peaceful escape and visitors can participate in traditional ceremonies. A marvel of Chinese-Thai architecture, the Jui Tui Shrine is a significant Taoist temple in Phuket Town. Its vibrant colours, intricate carvings and the aroma of incense create a captivating atmosphere, especially during annual festivals.

Phuket's underwater world is a mesmerising realm of vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. Popular diving spots such as Shark Point and the Similan Islands attract divers from around the globe. A short boat ride away, the Phi Phi Islands boast crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and stunning limestone cliffs. Maya Bay, made famous by the movie "The Beach," is a must-visit, as are the snorkeling spots teeming with colourful marine life. Phuket serves as a gateway to various neighbouring islands. You can join an island-hopping tour to explore the diverse landscapes, from the lush greenery of James Bond Island to the pristine beaches of Koh Phi Phi. A short ferry ride away, Krabi boasts stunning limestone cliffs, clear waters and beautiful islands. Railay Beach and the Emerald Pool are popular attractions in this province. Known for its dramatic limestone karsts and the famous James Bond Island, Phang Nga Town offers a tranquil escape from the bustling Phuket.

Visitors also enjoy exploring ethical elephant sanctuaries, where they can interact with these majestic creatures in a responsible and sustainable environment and embracing the flavours of Thai cuisine by joining a cooking class and learning to whip up classic dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong. Perfect for a family day out, Splash Jungle Water Park offers thrilling slides, lazy rivers and a dedicated kid's zone, ensuring a day of fun and excitement for all ages. Located in Cape Panwa, the Phuket Aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of the Andaman Sea.

Phuket is a multifaceted destination that caters to the diverse interests of every traveller. From the vibrant beaches to cultural landmarks and family-friendly activities, the island seamlessly combines tradition with modernity, creating an unforgettable experience for all who visit.