One of the most common misconceptions about travel in Southeast Asia is that Phuket is too developed and travelers need to look elsewhere for their beach vacations.

While parts of Phuket are overly developed – and to be frank, pretty gross – Phuket is a big island and there are still plenty of gorgeous beaches and clear waters to explore. Below are my 10 reasons why Phuket should still be on your travel bucket list.

• Quiet beaches – Not all of Phuket island is Patong beach. For a quieter beach experience, head to one of Phuket’s less developed beaches – Kata Noi, Karon, Bangtao.

• Top rated island by travelers – Phuket was just listed as #7 of the Top Ten Islands in Asia by Travel + Leisure. There are a lot of islands in Asia – there’s a reason why T+L voters named Phuket as their favorite – because travelers love their time in Phuket.  
   
• Island hopping – Phuket is the best place to base yourself to explore some of the more remote islands and snorkel spots for the day, and come back to your hotel and have options for dining and nightlife.

• Ethical Elephant experiences – The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary recently opened on the island. A home for retired elephants, you can visit these incredible creatures in an ethical way, feeding and bathing them, with no riding offered at the park.

• Great value –  You can stay at some of the best hotels in the world, for a much better value than a beach vacation elsewhere.

• Destination for active travelers – sea kayaking, hiking, yoga, stand up paddle boarding – Phuket is the place for those who want to do more than sit on a beach and tan.

• Thai food – Thai food + beach vacation = yes please! Most Southern cuisine is inspired by the fresh sea food ingredients readily available on the island.

• Thai massages – $10, one-hour massages on the beach. Need I say more?

• Easy flights – You can fly into and out of Phuket with just one stop from the states (same as if you were flying into and out of Bangkok)

• #1 reason – Phuket is picture perfect.

Now that every thing has started to calm down after the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to plan your Winter getaway. While the weather starts to become cold, wet or maybe even snowy, wouldn’t it be fabulous to skip off to a tropical region where it’s warm and sunny? It’s not too late to plan a trip to Thailand, in fact, now is actually the best time to book a stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Chiang Mai, as we are offering 10% off accommodation booked now for travel during January 6-31^st, 2018 in a Residence type room.

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful properties, not only in Thailand but in the whole of South East Asia. Located about 30 minutes out of town, everything, from the service and design of the hotel to the extensive gardens and surrounding rice paddy fields, is flawless. Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave! And that’s okay because we recommend booking an extended stay and using the Four Seasons as your base to explore. During the days, Journeys Within can plan you personalized experiences, such as playing with the baby elephants or trekking to a local village and you can add in some free days to explore the resort, use one of their free bikes to explore the surrounding area or even learn how to plant rice.

Contact April or Andrea to start planning your Winter Escape to Chiang Mai now!… Read more »

By Courtney Ridgel, Junior Tour Consultant

The entrance fees to the Angkor Temple Complex will be rising come February of next year. Here are the new rates that visitors can expect in 2017:

1 day pass – $37.00 per person
3 day pass – $62.00 per person
7 day pass – $72.00 per person

Although some are concerned that the fees may hamper tourism, this is really a reflection of the Cambodian government taking steps to ensure that Angkor Wat is protected and preserved. Keen-eyed observers may have already noted the new and improved ticketing and registration booth, and new trash cans around the Angkor Complex to encourage visitors not to litter. The ‘Angkor Code of Conduct’, which has long been in place, is now being enforced by the Apsara Authority to make sure that these sacred sites remain peaceful places of worship, rather than being simply overrun by scantily-clad selfie-takers. $2 of each entry fee will be donated to the Kantha Bopha Foundation, to help provide medical treatment for underprivileged Cambodian children. More information about this transition can be found in the Khmer Times and at Conde Nast.

… Read more »