Five ways to explore South-east Asia with Anantara

Some hotels are oases of comfort which keep the outside world at arm’s length. Others embrace their location and the wealth of experiences on their doorstep. Anantara resorts provide the best of both, hosting excursions which immerse you in the sights and sounds beyond your suite, whilst offering a luxurious space to return to.

Tour Thailand, Myanmar and Laos in a day

Anantara’s Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort, Thailand

The Golden Triangle Elephant Camp sits on the brow of a jungle in Thailand. From this high-ground, amidst mountain mists and elephant-plied forests, you can spot Myanmar and Laos in the distance. This triumvirate of nations forms the famous Golden Triangle, and – if you can pull yourself away from the resort’s infinity pool – take a whistle-stop tour courtesy of Anantara. Accompanied by an experienced guide, spend the morning moving at your own pace between fascinating stops across the three countries. In Myanmar, head to a bustling market by tuk-tuk and gaze in awe at the gold-steeped stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda. In Thailand, explore the relics of the Lanna Kingdom and cruise along the Mekong. The excursion is rounded off with an optional visit to Don Sao island in Laos, where you can toast your trip with a Laotian beer. 

Tee off at the Blue Canyon Country Club

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Thailand

Situated on Thailand’s largest island, the villas at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket resort put you within a coconut-kick of the ocean. There are 91 villas here to choose from, each with a private pool and contemporary Thai design. As well as enjoying the on-site leisure activities – from yoga to windsurfing – golf enthusiasts can drive 12 kilometres south to make use of the Blue Canyon Country Club. Here you’ll find more than 280 hectares of lush, manicured green to putt around. Perfect your swing on its two award-winning courses, Canyon Course and Lakes Course; the former is a two-time host of the Johnnie Walker Classics Tournament and for those seeking a challenge, while the latter is more laid-back and offers pretty views of the natural scenery. Don’t worry if you’re a little rusty – there are driving ranges, practice greens and lessons by professional golfers available. 

Meet the giants of land and sea

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Sri Lanka

Sequestered in a coconut plantation right beside the Indian Ocean, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle promises the perfect escape in Sri Lanka. Relax with Ayurvedic rituals, enjoy a luxury surf excursion, practice your asanas on the beach and tuck into delicately spiced cuisine. Whilst here, discover the wonderful wildlife living on ‘the teardrop of India’ with either a whale-watching expedition or a national-park safari. Whale watching season is between December and April, and Mirissa Harbour – 45 kilometres from the resort –  is your launch point for this excursion. Board a leisure trawler to Weligama Bay, where you can see blue and sperm whale, snorkel in the warm waters and fish with a hand line. If you’d rather stick to dry land, meet the animals of the Udawalawe National Park – 80 kilometres from the resort. This sanctuary offers travellers the chance to encounter the endangered Sri Lankan elephant, alongside other tropical critters.

Explore in a 4x4

Anantara Hoi An Resort, Vietnam

From the split-level rooms at the Anantara Hoi An Resort, you can gaze out over the waters of the Thu Bon. This river flows through the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, where fishermen in conical hats toil for the morning catch and lantern-lit streets glow in the night. Anantara’s resort sits at the top of Phan Boi Chau street, less than a five-minute walk away from the town and known for its art galleries, cafés, spas and market. When you’re not exploring Hoi An, why not enjoy an off-the-beaten-track adventure? Anantara can arrange a 4x4 experience tailor-made for you, lasting anywhere from half a day to three full days. Head out into rugged, rural Vietnam in an open-top jeep, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. You could traverse the scenic Hai Van Pass, break bread with ethnic mountain tribes or stop by a beach for a swim in the South China Sea. During your journey, visit ancient landmarks, bustling markets and verdant rice paddies, then return to the resort for well-earned R&R.

Dive into an underwater world

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Situated on the island of Koh Phangan, Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas offers the ultimate in barefoot luxury. The property’s villas are nestled on 400 metres of pristine, white-sand beachfront, and promise peace, quiet and Thai hospitality. During your stay here, make the most of that big blue ocean. You can discover the Gulf of Thailand’s bountiful marine life with Anantara’s range of diving and snorkelling experiences. There are excursions for every ability level, so you won’t be thrown in at the deep end. Spot migrating whale shark at Sail Rock, admire the colourful coral of Ang Thong Marine Park or dive deep off the shore of nearby Koh Tao island. Though the resort is perfect for basking lazily in the sun, there’s a whole underwater world waiting to be explored.