Looking for an escape that won’t break the bank? Thailand should be at the top of your list, with affordable prices, beautiful relaxing resorts and brilliant shopping. All these aspects will be covered in a tropical trip to Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai, which is famous for its handicrafts and shopping, followed by a luxurious but within-budget beach sojourn on the stunning island of Phuket.

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a bustling, vibrant city rich in culture and tradition, and it’s not far away – from Sydney it’s just a nine-hour flight to Bangkok, then a short one-hour flight northward. And it’s the perfect place to shop up a storm. Start with a spot of bartering at one of the many bustling markets and get a taste of local culture.

Colourful Chiang Mai Walking Street Market on Ratchadamnoen Road is open every Sunday from 4pm to 10pm. Head there for handmade bargains, clothing and jewellery, plus authentic and unusual local delicacies to feast on. This market also gives you a chance to brush up on your bartering skills in preparation for the evening.

Stretching over three blocks in the heart of the city is the Night Bazaar market, which bustles with tourists. Open nightly from 6pm to midnight, it’s the place to go for inexpensive clothing, jewellery, watches and DVDs.

 

It will take you at least a few hours to tackle, so make sure you set up a meeting spot before heading off on your spending spree. You can barter down as low as you think is fair, as there is so much competition. It’s a thrilling shopping experience, and you’re sure to have loads of fun and pick up some great bargains.

For serious shopping, base yourself in a self-contained apartment at Kantary Hills Hotel, a classy new establishment located on the famous Nimmanhemin Road in Chiang Mai’s most chic and stylish district. This area boasts many hip bars, restaurants, cafes and boutiques, and the hotel puts on a fabulous breakfast each day, as well as being perfect for a post-shopping Singha beer or cocktail.

Your shopping experience starts right outside your hotel door – this is the place to shop for gorgeous homewares, chic boutique clothing and lots of splurge items to give your house an authentic Thai feel. It’s also a wonderful place to pick up unique knick-knack gifts for family and friends.

 

Phuket pleasures
After gallivanting around Chiang Mai, enjoy some rest and relaxation on the island of Phuket. Pure bliss can be found at the Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa Phuket, which is nestled among palm trees and has an exclusive beach.

 

It’s a truly spectacular escape where you can eat, sleep and play without having to leave the resort grounds - unless you wish to! It’s no wonder celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Gordon Ramsay and Toni Collette choose to stay there while in Phuket.

You’d think with all this decadence that you’d see a price tag to match, but the hotel offers a selection of rooms to choose from at affordable prices. The first task on your to-do list after you check in is an authentic 70-minute Thai massage. The aim of this deep therapeutic massage is to prevent pain, and this unique treatment is still performed in Thai temples today.

Cape Spa is conveniently located within the hotel grounds, and there’s an array of treatments to choose from including facials, massages and scrubs. The amazing therapists will have you coming back for more, guaranteed!

Cape Spa’s premier therapy rooms have views of the tropical gardens and ocean, and combined with the smell of hibiscus flowers in the air and the sound of trickling water from the fountains surrounding the spa, plus the ginger tea after your treatment, it’s unlike any spa experience at home.

Another very special activity available to guests at Cape Panwa is a Thai cooking class with executive chef Phudom. The classes take place every Friday and Saturday in the Top of the Reef restaurant, and are an interesting and fun experience. The chef takes you step-by-step through each delicious recipe chosen for you, and the best part is that you get to feast on your creations for lunch after cooking up a storm! 

 

 

CHIANG MAI MUST-SEES

1. Elephant Trek
Visit the Maesa Elephant Camp, where you can ride one of these beautiful animals up into the mountains to meet the Palong and Padong tribes. For about $50 you will have an amazing experience crossing the jungle to the Maesa district. Check out www.maesaelephantcamp.com for information.

2.  Phra Sing Temple
With more than 95 per cent of Thailand’s population being Buddhist, a must-see in Chiang Mai is the Phra Sing Temple, which has been an important part of the city for more than 700 years. Watch local Buddhists pray and monks wandering the grounds while admiring the glistening temples surrounding you. Entry is free, and it will be an experience you won’t forget.

3.  Umbrella making
Head to the San Kamphaeng district of the city and duck into the Umbrella Village, where you can watch umbrella makers and artists crafting their amazing works. You can pick up one of these traditional pieces of art starting at less than $3, a steal for
such a beautiful handmade memento.

 

TO GO
Thai Airways flies daily to Bangkok from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and five times a week from Perth, with connecting flights to Chiang Mai. Call 1300 651 960 or visit www.thaiairways.com.au.

In Chiang Mai, stay at Kantary Hills Hotel. Visit www.kantarygroup.com/kantaryhills-chiangmai.

Save an elephant by donating to the TSPCA. Visit www.thaispca.org or email info@thaispca.org.

Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa Phuket room rates start at $130 a night twin-share for a Superior room. For bookings call (02) 9410 3405 or visit www.capepanwa.com.

For more information on travelling to Thailand, visit www.tourismthailand.org.

 

 

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