In Bangkok, Le Meridien Bangkok is a new five-star luxury hotel that has opened its doors in the city’s central business district. Set across 24 levels, the hotel’s 282 guestrooms and suites are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the bustling streets of Silom below. The hotel also boasts of five-star business facilities, including meeting rooms, VIP boardrooms and a foyer for private functions. The entire sixth floor is devoted to the guest’s unique lifestyle pleasures.

On the outskirts of Chiang Mai, The Granary Resort is a charming guesthouse with Lanna-style teak huts surrounded by lush greenery. The interiors are fitted with antique teak furniture and bathrooms are open-air with rain showers. The swimming pool offers a fantastic view of the Ping River. Surrounded by verdant mountains and the Ping River, the Granary is an ideal accommodation choice for a relaxing holiday.

Down south in Phuket, Sri Panwa Phuket is an exciting addition to the island’s resort scene. Perched atop Cape Panwa, the luxurious estate commands stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. All villas are enclosed by infinity-edge swimming pools and are just a short walk to an exclusive private beach. Sri Panwa’s Baba Dining Lounge specializes in authentic Andaman Thai and Continental European cuisine while Sai Spa features a wide selection of ancient techniques and modern treatments.

A water sport that originated in Hawaii, Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUP) has now made its way to Phuket. The surfer just stands on a large stable board and uses a paddle to propel himself/herself across the water. SUP is an eco-friendly, easy and fun way to explore the warm turquoise waters and beautiful lagoons of Phuket. Waves-riding trips are available from May to November.

In Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, we have hand-picked a selection of sightseeing tours and excursions that bring guests off the typical tourist paths to discover the hidden charms of these cities. These unique tours are compiled into an exclusive ‘Optional Tour Booklet’ for each destination city. To request for a copy of these booklets, please contact thailand@exotissimo.com.

Our City and Jungle by Bike day trip starts with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s landmark hilltop temple where participants can chat with the monks and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The biking journey begins from the hilltop with a ride through the lush jungle of Doi Suthep and Doi Pui National Park combined with visits to a Hmong hill tribe coffee plantation development project and the man-made lake Huay Taeng Taew. After lunch, cycle along the meandering Mae Ping River filled with sights of local markets, temples and friendly locals.

Memorable Morning Merit is a half-day excursion in Chiang Mai. At dawn, participants enjoy a 30-minute trishaw ride through Chiang Mai and watch the town waking up. At the local market, they can make purchases of food and flowers to be used as offerings later. Continue by trishaw to Wat Ket, a picturesque temple seldom visited by tourists. Guests can observe monks in their morning prayers before presenting the offerings to the monks and receiving blessings in return, capping off an authentic Buddhist experience.

Scenic Day Trip to the Golden Triangle by SGA Flight is a delightful full-day excursion through the fabled Golden Triangle. Taking off from Chiang Mai on a SGA craft, clients enjoy a bird’s eye view of the scenic mountains along the way to Chiang Rai. In Chiang Rai, they will visit the Karen, Yao, Lahu and Akha hill tribe villages followed by a scenic drive through the Doi Tung mountain ridge (straddling Thailand and Myanmar) en route to the beautiful Mae Fah Luang flower gardens. Lunch is served at the splendid restaurant of the Anantara Resort. Cruise along the Mekong on a long-tailed boat into the heart of the Golden Triangle before returning to Chiang Mai on the SGA flight.

Exotissimo’s Phuket Heritage excursion uncovers the island’s rich and colourful cultural heritage. The downtown fruit market tantalises all palates with its wide array of tropical fruits. In the historic quarters, the oldest Chinese shrine and Sino-Portuguese architecture are standing testimonies to the tin mining days of the 19th century. Guests then head to the summit of Rang Hill to savour refreshing cocktails and a sweeping panorama of Phuket town. In the evening, a delightful meal of Phuket cuisine completes the day.

For more information about the excursions, please contact thailand@exotissimo.com.

In our recently launched Super Special Thailand Package, the 14D/13N itinerary features some of our best-loved signature excursions in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. This luxurious tour promises to take clients to lesser known and undiscovered parts of Thailand, such as a railway country market in Bangkok’s outskirts, biking through the lush forests of Chiang Mai and secluded beaches and lagoons in Phuket. The top hotels in each city are selected, including Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi and Anantara Resort Phuket. This promotion runs from January to May 2009. For more information, please contact thailand@exotissimo.com.

A feel of tropical paradise can be experienced in this ‘Bamboo Island & Koh Yao’ tour that circles the stunning islets of Phi Phi Archipelago. Starting with Bamboo Island, clients can spend a leisurely morning snorkeling in the turquoise waters or sunbathe on the powdery beaches. At Yao Yai Island, they can tuck into a scrumptious picnic, relax on the sandy beach or canoe in the seas. The local bus songtaew will then lead guests into the heart of the island to discover the lives of the tropical residents. For more information, please contact thailand@exotissimo.com.

Exotissimo Thailand has developed many interesting excursions to show you around the hidden charms of Bangkok and Phuket. Below are some of our new tours.

The “An Old World Charm” tour is a journey back to the olden times of the Thai kingdom. From Bangkok, a short train ride eastwards leads to the lesser known historical province of Chacherngsao. At Talaat Klong Suan and Talaat Baan Mai, both 100-year old markets, marvel at the simple lifestyles of the inhabitants, quaint architecture and wide variety of food items and knick-knacks for sale. The remarkable beauty of the Italian marble hall of Wat Sothornwararam Worawiharn and Wat Leng Hok Yee, a Chinese shrine with paper-mâche sculptures, will dazzle visitors. Return to Bangkok in the afternoon.

In Phuket, our “Serenity at Sea” tour presents guests with the unique opportunity of enjoying a romantic sunset cruise on a private fishing boat. At scenic spots, guests take refreshing dips in the waters while being served chilled wine by a floating bar man. On the deck, the comfortable cushions, wine and canapés make for great relaxation. A setting sun beneath the limestone karst formations and Andaman horizons are breathtaking moments. After an afternoon of idyllic sailing and sunset viewing, guests return to the hotel.

The “Glamourous Phuket” excursion uncovers the island’s rich and colourful cultural heritage. The downtown fruit market tantalises all palates with its wide array of tropical fruits. In the historic quarters, the oldest Chinese shrine and Sino-Portuguese architecture are standing testimonies to the tin mining days of the 19th century. Guests then head to the summit of Rang Hill to savour refreshing cocktails and a sweeping panorama of Phuket town. In the evening, a delightful meal of Phuket cuisine caps off the day perfectly.

The south of Thailand, including Krabi province and Khao Sok National Park, has beautiful sceneries and excellent roads which makes it easy for tourists to drive a car by themselves. Exotissimo has good experience working with Avis car rental. Your guests can just pick up their cars at Krabi airport and drop it off at Phuket airport. Self-driven road trips give the ultimate feeling of freedom such as stopping wherever one fancies, organising one’s timing and contact with local people (when stopping for to take pictures or to ask for directions). Some suggested itineraries: Krabi (2 nights) – Khao Sok (1 night) – Khao Lak (2 nights) – Phuket (2 nights) or maybe Krabi – Khao Sok – Surat Thani (and take the ferry to Koh Samui).