Get Inspired | Travel Tips | Montecito Village Travel

Bangkok and the Beaches of Thailand

Written by Shianne Motter | April 30, 2024

Not all who wander are lost: from the city life of Bangkok to remote villages, jungle, or beach - Thailand is the sort of place you visit once and promise to return

Find yourself faraway yet feeling at home in the land of smiles - Thailand is a country with diverse regions, landscape, spirituality, food and nightlife culture. For the picturesque island hopping experience the southern region of Thailand is home to the breathtaking isles and beaches. 

Whether it's a long international flight or domestic journey via tuk tuk to speedboat, one of the best feelings is a warm hotel welcome. From buzzing city to white coral sand oasis, here is where to stay in luxury. 


Brand new island retreat: Anantara Koh Yao Yai 

Slow down and unwind in Thailand’s last untouched paradise. The new Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas - opened August 2023- sits on a lush island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, where limestone islets dot the horizon in every direction. At the height of luxury beachfront pool villas line a kilometer of sandy white beach. Family suites, meanwhile, offer a private playground for younger guests, with bunk beds and even a slide. Snorkel pristine waters just off the coast, surfacing for a beach barbecue and sunset cocktails. 

Koh Yao Yai is an island located halfway between Phuket and Krabi, making it the perfect stop in your island itinerary. After the party atmosphere of Patong Beach in Phuket, escape the crowds and totally relax in Anantara luxury and service. All pool villas and above receive your own private butler for your stay, who most notably will guide you by recommending sunset restaurants or even helping you to book your boat departure. 

Booking benefits exclusive for MVT clients:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant 
  • $100USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
  • Bookings in Beach Front Pool Villa or higher categories will receive complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers
  • Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-F

Back to Bangkok- Capella Bangkok 

Thailand’s most colorful metropolis, where age-old traditions and modern splendors collide. At its heart, away from the never-ending bustle of Bangkok’s kaleidoscopic streets, the quaint and culturally rich Charoenkrung district has recently been reawakened with the opening of Capella Bangkok, an award-winning new-age sanctuary perched along the meandering bends of the Chao Phraya River. Reserve two nights at the Best Available Rate in any room category to receive a complimentary third night!

Exclusive benefits for booking Capella Bangkok with MVT:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability upon check-in at the hotel
  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, in the restaurant or via in-room dining
  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Additional benefits for Villas:

    • Round-trip airport limousine transfer
    • 30-minutes Wellness Massage upon arrival
    • Dedicated Capella Culturist
    • Daily Apero service

White Lotus Season 3: Four Seasons Koh Samui

The secrets out: Four Seasons Koh Samui, another new luxury hotel off the coast of Phuket, will be home to the third season of the White Lotus saga. What makes this series unique is that the hotel property & destination is one of the main characters. Amidst the natural splendor, Four Seasons Thailand beckons travelers, and White Lotus guests & fans alike to embark on a journey of rejuvenation and discovery.

Now, let's set the stage for your romantic White Lotus arrival like only Four Seasons can do:

Toast to each other with sparkling wine on arrival, then spend quality time together as our chefs create an intimate dining experience on your private deck. Later, wind down with cocktails at CoCoRum and a relaxing soak in your villa’s bath. Each morning, reconnect over breakfast for two. Read more about Four Seasons in Thailand here.

Morning with Monks & Abercrombie & Kent private guided tours

The benefits of a guided tour can only be truly appreciated when experienced. And a great guide makes all the difference. Make the most of your time traveling and consider adding a guided tour or airport meet-and-greet to your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

A&K Morning with Monks: Head out early for an uplifting spiritual experience inside one of Bangkok’s more authentic local temples along the Chao Phraya River. Witness Buddhist monks perform their morning prayers, filling the air with their hypnotic, rhythmic chant. Receive a blessing while you make merit and enjoy a personal chat with one of the monks to learn more about their spiritual beliefs and way of life.

Island Hopping Phuket with G Adventures

Thailand’s known for its unrivalled beaches, so forget setting foot on just one. This eight-day tour lets you hop around some of the best beaches along the Andaman Sea, discover the hues of Ko Mook’s Emerald Cave, and snack on some tasty barbecue on the shores of Ko Lanta. Find that sweet spot just for you, whether that means getting your thrills from optional activities like whitewater rafting, or just picking a place where you can hang out and watch the waves. This small group max 16 people requires light walking and hiking - nothing too serious. 

What's included:

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Beach barbecue (Ko Lanta). Half-day snorkelling boat trip through the Trang Islands (Ko Ngai). Free time on spectacular beaches. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Cruising Culture Capitals of Southeast Asia on Viking

Witness the fascinating juxtapositions of Southeast Asia, where long-held traditions infuse bustling capitals. See the floating markets of Bangkok with a Thai guide. Marvel at the Viking experience meanwhile approaching Kuala Lumpur’s soaring Petronas Towers. Absorb the vast cultural diversity of Singapore with a resident by your side. And gain unmatched insight into the spiritual and arts culture of Java, from the enormous temple of Borobudur to the historic riches of Jakarta and Surabaya.

MVT Exclusive booking benefit on Viking: $250 USD per person spending credit on select voyages. 

Regent Seven Seas: sacred temples & wild beauty

This 14-night cruise itinerary takes you from Bangkok to Bali and when you book now you receive a savings of $3,200 per suite in the featured 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares. 

What's included in the Regent Seven Seas all-inclusive luxury?
  • 2-FOR-1 All-Inclusive Fares
  • Business Class Air* on All Intercontinental Flights
  • Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Program
  • Unlimited Shore Excursions
  • Unlimited Beverages, Including Fine Wines and Spirits
  • Open Bars and Lounges Plus In-Suite Mini-Bar Replenished Daily
  • Pre-Paid Gratuities
  • Specialty Restaurants
  • 24-Hour Room Service
  • Transfers Between Airport and Ship*
  • Unlimited WiFi*
  • Valet Laundry Service*
  • CONCIERGE SUITES AND HIGHER INCLUDE: FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Package* and more
  • PENTHOUSE SUITES AND HIGHER INCLUDE: FREE Personal Butler and more

A Princess World Cruise for the whole family 

Your world cruise on Princess Cruises will afford you the opportunity to take part in some activities that other vacationers can only dream of. Ko Samui, the third largest island in Thailand, is a perfect example of a world cruise destination that will provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Perhaps the most famous and iconic structure in Ko Samui, and indeed all of Thailand, is Wat Phrayai, also known as the "Temple of the Big Buddha," located on Fan Island. It's easy to see where this spiritual center gets its nickname from - the 39-feet tall golden Buddha located right in the center of it. This temple attracts massive crowds every day, and it's a great chance for you to be exposed to Buddhist culture while also seeing one of the more famous sites in the country.

Celebrating Songrakn, Thai New Year

Celebrated from April 13th to 15th each year, Songkran is a time of joyous festivities, cultural traditions, and spirited water fights that symbolize the washing away of the past year's misfortunes and the welcoming of a new beginning.

At the heart of Songkran is the concept of renewal and purification, which is reflected in the many rituals and customs associated with the festival. One of the most important traditions is the pouring of water, which is meant to wash away bad luck and bring good fortune for the new year. During Songkran, people of all ages take to the streets with buckets, water guns, and hoses, engaging in friendly water fights that can last for hours.

If you have to wonder what time is it in Thailand? It is probably time to eat.

Thailands vibrancy & diversity from north to south takes on a whole new meaning within flavors and spice level. The food is an experience

No discussion of Thai cuisine would be complete without mentioning street food. No matter where you are - you probably aren't far from a fresh coconut to drink, mango sticky rice or fried chicken from a street vendor that is guaranteed to rival any Michelin chef. 

But Thai food is not just about bold flavors and exotic ingredients; it's also about the experience of dining. Thai meals are meant to be shared, with dishes served family-style and eaten with a combination of spoon, fork, and chopsticks. Dining in Thailand is a social affair, with friends and family gathering to enjoy good food and good company in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Expand your horizon and palette - learn more about planning your vacation to Thailand. Book with an MVT advisor today.