< Previous150 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 SONEVA KIRI TRAT STAY IN Soneva Kiri is located on Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth largest but least populated and most unspoiled island – just a 90-minute flight from Bangkok on Soneva’s private Cessna aircraft. The resort combines unmatched hospitality with environmental sustainability, rare experiences and exquisite culinary concepts. RECHARGE The resort’s 32 private villas range from one to five bedrooms. Whether next to the beach, hidden in jungle on the hillsides, or commanding spectacular views from the clifftops, each has a private pool, vast indoor and outdoor living spaces, and verdant gardens. Every villa comes with an electric buggy or bicycles to explore Soneva Kiri’s winding forest paths, and all have a Barefoot Guardian to offer personalised service 24/7. BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 | 151 SONEVA KIRI Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand +66 8 2208 8888 reservations-kiri@soneva.com soneva.com/resorts/soneva-kiri/ T E W REFILL Seven dining destinations offer a tempting array of cuisines for every taste, with highlights including authentic local cuisine at Kruua Mae Tuk (Tuk’s Kitchen) and the once-in-a-lifetime Treepod Dining experience. Guests can also visit the Wine Cellar, with more than 350 varieties sourced from the world’s top wineries, or indulge at the complimentary chocolate, ice cream, and cheese and charcuterie parlours. RECREATION Magical experiences are designed to create unforgettable memories, guests can explore the constellations with the resident astronomer at the Observatory or watch a classic movie at the Cinema Paradiso that floats above a jungle lagoon. They can join the Marine Team to dive or snorkel around submerged statues and thriving corals, discover some of Thailand’s best beaches, or unwind with specialised wellness rituals at the Soneva Kiri Spa. The Den, shaped like a huge Manta Ray, and The Eco Den, are a fun-filled haven for children of all ages. Designed to inspire their imaginations, they have rooms for reading, dressing up, games, music and more, overseen by qualified childminders. There is also a weekly programme of family-friendly activities and experiences.152 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 TOLANI RESORT KOH KOOD TRAT STAY IN Located on the heavenly Koh Kood, Thailand’s fifth largest island. Just a few steps from the naturally stunning Klong Chao Beach, Tolani Koh Kood oozes style with luxurious beachfront accommodation replete with private terraces, comfortable seating and picture-perfect views. The Polynesian tribal concept of the resort’s décor is complemented by a warm and intimate Thai welcome and modern conveniences that combine to create an unforgettable experience. RECHARGE Spacious suites featuring large double beds and en-suite bathrooms are cocooned in verdant tropical gardens that echo the meditative sounds of nature. Accommodation options are Hilltop Duplex Bungalow, Superior Seaview Villa, Deluxe Seaview Villa, Beachfront Villa and Beachfront Pool Villa. REFILL MOLANO Restaurant (or Polynesian Grill at night) serves a sumptuous selection of the freshest catches of the day, choice cuts of the premium meats and its lip- smacking, pièce de resistance, 48-hour marinated tiger prawns. Skugga Coffee BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 | 153 TOLANI RESORT KOH KOOD 43/8 Moo 2, Baan Klong Chao A, Tambon Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand +66 8 1835 4517 reservation.kk@tolanihotels.com www.tolanihotels.com/tolani-resort-koh-kood T E W Café serves freshly brewed gourmet coffee from Tolani’s own coffee plantation in Ban Pok Village, Chiang Mai. Zanziibar Beach Club serves refreshing cold drinks and is the perfect meeting place to chillax with loved ones or engage in lively conversation with like-minded friends while listening to cool tunes. RECREATION Kayaking on the island is a pure delight – from the mangrove forests to wild shore surfing. For aspiring divers, the PADI Dive Center is an excellent place to get certified. The resort’s white sand beach is also perfect for volleyball lovers. 154 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 Take a glimpse at the ancient soul of Thailand in Sukhothai, where a golden era and ancient civilisation whisper through well-preserved ruins in a tranquil landscape. Here is the birthplace of Thai civilisation, today a UNESCO World Heritage site with serene temples, Buddha statues and history carved in stone. Sukhothai always beckons with its blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. THAI SUKHO CHECK-IN BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 | 155 TO SEE SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK Sukhothai Historical Park transports visitors back 700 years to a golden era, that of the first capital of the Siamese kingdom. The archaeological park boasts well- preserved ruins including Wat Mahathat, the most significant temple complex with a central stupa surrounded by smaller stupas and seated Buddha statues. Visitors can explore this UNESCO World Heritage site by rented bicycle or the hop-on, hop- off tram service. A visit in the late afternoon is highly recommended, to experience the magical glow of sunset behind the ancient ruins and temples. SAWANKHALOK OLD TOWN Explore the charming attractions of Sawankhalok’s old district, which are within walking distance of each other. Drop by the sprawling, wooden, former police station with its well- preserved architecture from 1939. Step back in time at the quaint railway station, which is still used to this day. Take a pleasant stroll through its streets filled with vibrant street art that has breathed new energy into the neighbourhood. WAT SRI CHUM Wat Sri Chum is a prominent temple within Sukhothai Historical Park and known for its colossal seated Buddha image, Phra Achana. Fifteen metres in height, it sits in a narrow, open-air mandapa exuding an aura of tranquillity and majesty. Wat Sri Chum is one of the essential stops on any Sukhothai itinerary.156 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 SUKHOTHAI TO DO THA NAM RAP SADET MARKET Tha Nam Rap Sadet Market, located opposite the beautiful pond of Sukhothai Historical Park, is an evening weekend market that is open from 5.00-9.00 p.m. After a day exploring the historical park, visitors can sit on mats here next to the pond and enjoy the sun going down while indulging in local snacks and browsing craft stalls. Spend a pleasant evening here! BANPRAPHIM AMULET LEARNING CENTER Discover the art of traditional amulet- making at Banpraphim Amulet Learning Center, guided by passionate owner Mr. Kob and his wife. You'll learn about the history of the craft and the evolution of designs here, and be able to watch a live demonstration as well as create your own votive tablet. Mr. Kob also offers a fun archery corner using wooden bows, where participants can win handmade souvenirs. This is a surprisingly engaging and informative experience! CHECK-IN BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 | 157 TO SAVOUR BAAN KRU IW Baan Kru Iw is well-known by locals for its everyday single-dish meals. The menu here is extensive, featuring both local specialities and favourite Thai dishes all prepared with local ingredients and homemade condiments. Don’t miss the Pad Thai Sukhothai made with soft, chewy Sukhothai noodles with fresh shrimp wrapped in egg. Another highlight is the dessert of caramelised bananas with homemade coconut milk. Enjoy your meal either outdoors or indoors; both are comfortable with a laid-back atmosphere. THE WARMTH The Warmth is a quaint coffee shop beloved by locals for its speciality coffees. The owner participates in auctions to procure award-winning coffee beans from other producers and then roasts them, ensuring memorable cups for coffee aficionados. The shop exudes a retro vibe, and the owner is at hand to welcome guests and offer friendly suggestions. ASHRAM SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT & TEAHOUSE To be found near Sukhothai Historical Park, Ashram Spiritual Refreshment & Teahouse is a haven for tea enthusiasts. This speciality teahouse immerses you in the Asian culture of tea in a serene ambiance, and offers exquisite teas brewed with mineral water. The knowledgeable owner is happy to share insights into tea, making a visit also educational. For those eager to delve deeper, the teahouse also hosts workshops.158 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 SUKHOTHAI CHECK-IN JONGKON CAFE Jongkon Cafe is a charming spot surrounded by greenery, embracing its heartwarming concept "A Little Cafe Like Home". The cafe also features Jongkon Studio, where you can unleash your creative juices by painting. Run by siblings, the sister bakes the mouth-watering cakes, the brother brews the coffee, and the brother's girlfriend teaches painting— together contributing towards the warm and friendly atmosphere. The cakes, inspired by Thai desserts and seasonal ingredients, currently include toddy palm cake, pandan coconut custard cake, and coconut milk Lod Chong cake. Don't miss the Sugar Bomb Coffee, a zesty mix of coffee with plum, lime and soda that’s a refreshing pairing with the cakes. ALL BLUES COFFEE BAR Tucked away inside a former rice mill, All Blues Coffee Bar combines vintage charm with an eclectic vibe. The owner sources coffee beans from across the country and around the globe, and rotates them to constantly offer a diverse selection. Every cup of coffee is made with care. Alongside the exceptional coffee, you’ll find unique coffee creations paired with rum, as well as delicious homemade bakeries. SIBSONG NHUAI TAD Set in a beautiful Thai house, Sibsong Nhuai Tad exudes vintage charm with its antique furniture, framed pictures and walls adorned with weave patterns from the owner's own collection—one of which inspired the restaurant's name. Savour Thai dishes including rare recipes such as Laab Khun Yaai, and Kaeng Kua Bai Cha Plu which is packed with a generous amount of crab meat. In the café, indulge in delicious cakes and the sweet, fragrant Sukothai melon smoothie. Here, you can step back in time and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature and a tranquil pond.BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2024-2025 | 159 KABKAO KAPPLA SUKHOTHAI A trip to Sukhothai is incomplete until you have visited this Thai restaurant, which faithfully presents recipes from a grandmother of the family. Each dish is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, reminiscent of palace recipes. Don't miss their signature Nam Prik 5 Pattapee, featuring five types of chilli paste served with carved vegetables and other accompaniments. Also try the Mieng Kleep Bua with fresh Thai herbs and condiments wrapped in lotus petals, and Haw Mok Moo Sub, served on a clay plate. The prices are surprisingly reasonable as well. We recommend to make a reservation in advance. BAAN MA-KWID SUKHOTHAI Nestled amidst a rice paddy, Baan Ma-Kwid Sukhothai is a beautiful traditional Thai house shaded by trees. Enjoy the Sukho Set here, which features savoury dishes, desserts and beverages such as Sukhothai noodles with a rich and comforting broth, and Khanom See Thua, an assortment of four classic Thai sweets bathed in smoked coconut milk. Then there is the refreshing Butterfly Pea Honey Lemon Soda made with local forest honey—all for just THB 150. The restaurant is conveniently situated along a cycling route, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a morning of exploring on bike.Next >