Good Life Getaways: where to travel in Thailand this festive season

If you still haven’t made travel plans for Christmas and New Year’s, do not fear.

Your ultimate vacation guide with all the best offers and listings is here. 

Whether you prefer the sand between your toes and a fireshow into 2021, or you prefer 16 degrees of mountain breeze for Christmas dinner, read on for where to travel outside of Bangkok this season, and know that it’s still not too late to book. Whilst each of these hotels boast a vast offering of activities and promotions at this time, be sure to click for further information to access pricing and details. 

Lastly, do note: whilst it is the season to be jolly, it is also the season to take extra care and stay extra safe. Let’s not forget why we can’t wait for 2021: 2020 brought with it a freakin’ pandemic. 

[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Phulay Bay, a Ritz Carlton Reserve]

Hua Hin
For families and couples: Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa

The Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa is hosting a series of events, each cleverly separated by those who wish to celebrate with family (buffet dinners and kids’ activities), and those who wish to celebrate more intimately with private sit-down dinners at Big Fish & Bar. With a perfect beachfront location, it’s a great spot to watch the fireworks, with over three dining packages available to choose from on 31 December, as well as entry to their New Year’s Eve Countdown Beach Party. 

More info: Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa

For those who like cocktails & outdoor cinema: SO Sofitel Hua Hin

The fun-loving SO Sofitel Hua Hin presents a lineup of events this year that includes cocktail soirees, degustation and buffet dinners, a beach barbecue with outdoor cinema, a dinner at the SO Wonderland Adventure Gold, a bubble brunch, and, of course, a countdown party on the beach. Between European Christmas Market food and live jazz music, be sure to stay for the Monk New Year Blessing at the beach on 1 January and start the year on a prosperous note. If you’re hungover, head to the SO/SPA for a treatment especially designed for the season (Vitamin C and AHAs, as well as aromatherapy and rose quartz).

More info: SO Sofitel Hua Hin

Phuket
For foodies with style: Rosewood Phuket

A beautifully-designed destination, the Rosewood Phuket this year is hosting a series of lavish dinners and parties for the festive season, as well as the return of their infamous Sunday Brunch at the Ta Khai, Red Sauce, Mai Bar, and The Shack dining outlets. Beyond dining, there are also exclusive room and villa offers, so be sure to check it out. 

More info: Rosewood Phuket

Koh Samui
For gourmands who can dance: Four Seasons Koh Samui

From a Christmas Eve feast on the beach over to a ‘last supper to savour’ New Year’s Eve barbecue, the Four Season Koh Samui ensures you end the year with a fabulous bang by beach. There’ll be everything from a live DJ to fire dance performances this festive season, so if you’re a gourmand that’s big on entertainment, this one’s for you. 

More info: Four Seasons Koh Samui

For the best view: Banyan Tree Samui

You know how much we love the Banyan Tree Samui. This season, the serene resort is hosting a special New Year’s Eve celebration at The Edge, perched on the hillside overlooking a spectacular vista. On 31 December, guests can enjoy fireworks, champagne, and cocktails on the beach, with a fire show and live DJ in attendance, too.

More info: Banyan Tree Samui

For the kids (and maybe Mum and Dad too): Melia Koh Samui

Melia Koh Samui turns one year old early next year, and for its first season to be merry, they’ve got a long lineup for celebration. Whether its tropical barbecues, beach bonfires, all-day tapas, Christmas tree lighting, and even a visit from Santa himself (!), there’s a lot to explore. There will also be a cocktail party, dinners as well as buffets and brunches. Kid or adult: you won’t have a minute to find yourself bored here. 

More info: Melia Koh Samui

For a package that includes a boat trip: Anantara Bohphut Koh Samui

Located in the Old Town, the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui is offering special festive stay packages this year, inclusive of upgrades, airport transfers, a boat excursion to Koh Madsum (the pig island), and dinner at Full Moon restaurant. For an additional fee, guests can also enjoy the Christmas Day five-course dinner, or the New Year’s Eve barbecue dinner, followed by a “larger-than-life countdown party” at SEEN Beach Club. prices start at THB 4398++, which sounds pretty worth it to us. 

More info: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui

For the Samui way of life: Ritz Carlton Koh Samui

Firm advocates for “the Samui way of life,” the Ritz Carlton Koh Samui is offering a selection of dining specials this season, from a tropical Thai Christmas dinner (or a prime rib dinner at The Ranch if you prefer) over to a New Year’s Eve dinner on the beach to live music and a countdown party with a live DJ. There is also a selection of special festive stay packages inclusive of many of these dining experiences, so be sure to explore your options wisely. 

More info: Ritz Carlton Koh Samui

For music-on-the-beach lovers: Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort

You don’t have to wait until 24 December to have a good time. Vana Belle is the ultimate proof. This 18 December, singer Saharat ‘Kong’ Sangkapreecha will be taking to the stage for a mini concert at the beachfront property. Tickets for the show are inclusive of dinner, with an extra special stay package available for that weekend. The 3-day-2-night offer includes access to the event as well as a bottle of prosecco on arrival, airport transfers, and daily breakfast, for stays in either a suite or pool villa. Prices start at a friendly THB 16,999/night and apply for stays from 17-20 December, so be sure to book fast. 

More info: Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort

Krabi
For those who want to celebrate for 10 days straight: Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Just because it’s on a quiet island, doesn’t mean it’s a quiet affair. Phulay Bay is kicking off the festivities early with a ‘Art at Andaman’ four-hands chef dinner by host chef Vivek and guest chef Wuttisak on 21 and 22 December to celebrate the resort’s 11th anniversary. This special event is then followed by a Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December as well as a New Year Eve Gala and Countdown Party on 31 December. The resort is also offering two experiential packages named ‘Exclusively Yours!’ and ‘New Year, New You,’ which feature special celebration offers for the former and a rejuvenation retreat (so essential) for the latter. 

More info: Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

For the new kid on the block: Banyan Tree Krabi

It is one of the newest hotels in all of Thailand. Following its anticipated opening just last month, the Banyan Tree Krabi is welcoming guests with special introductory offers, that perfectly coincide with the end of year celebrations. The packages can get you up to 25% off private pool suites and villas, so if you like to be the first to check out any soon-to-be hotspot, here’s your call. 

More info: Banyan Tree Krabi

Chiang Mai
For tranquility and romance: Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Is there anything more romantic than a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony? The Four Seasons ignites the festive season with this event on 12 December, followed by a themed dinner, a Christmas brunch (with a live carol-singing choir), and a visit from Santa and Santarina on 25 December. Come New Year’s Eve, opt for the relaxing dinner overlooking the terraced rice paddies while enjoying festive treats from the barbecue. 

More info: Four Seasons Chiang Mai

For a cultural Christmas, the Chiang Mai way: Anantara Chiang Mai

The Anantara Chiang Mai went down a creative route this festive season. Between a local market tour for “last minute gift ideas” and a a Lanna dance show, things are very cultural at the resort this season. Of course, there will also be Christmas dinners, brunches, and a New Year banquet, as well as a special live music performance by Fangkao Nuttcha, who starred on The Voice season 2. If you know, you know. 

More info: Anantara Chiang Mai