Celebrating Slow Travel in Thailand
At ÀNI, we favor timelessness over trends, agreeing with Jack Kerouac that, ‘Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.’ After all, the finer things in life – friends, family, romance, nature, culture, cuisine and travel – never go out of fashion.
That said, as travel professionals and travel addicts, we pay keen attention to trends within our industry, especially when they are meaningful. In 2024, an increased buzz around Slow Travel caught our attention, not least because we have subscribed to this since we began life in 2010.
Slow Travel favors meaningful, mutually rewarding encounters over surface-level interactions with a destination and its people. It champions community tourism, celebrating immersive experiences, cultural interactions, personal growth and journeys that benefit the world
That said, as travel professionals and travel addicts, we pay keen attention to trends within our industry, especially when they are meaningful. In 2024, an increased buzz around Slow Travel caught our attention, not least because we have subscribed to this since we began life in 2010.
Slow Travel favors meaningful, mutually rewarding encounters over surface-level interactions with a destination and its people. It champions community tourism, celebrating immersive experiences, cultural interactions, personal growth and journeys that benefit the world
At each of our resorts, we curate a highly localized experiences program, rooted in the local environment and its communities, but also tailored to guests’ tastes. These experiences offer direct, rewarding connections with our small-scale suppliers and local guides, from longtail boat drivers to athletes, artists, chefs, conservation experts and rubber-plantation workers.
Our unique Luxury Inclusions are designed to offer guests an inspiring Slow Travel experience, with an array of holiday-defining extras included in rates. At ÀNI Thailand on idyllic Koh Yao Noi, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip to Batang Island by traditional longtail boat, including a Monkey Island visit and an island picnic prepared by our private chef. Our immersive cultural experiences include a trip to a local rubber plantation, where our local expert will give you an insider’s tour, explaining how the 350 trees are ‘tapped’ daily to release their latex.
Thailand has a rich artistic legacy, a storied, vibrant culture and a tangible sense of spirituality; let us immerse you in all of the above. Learn the ancient art of batik during an informal – and surprisingly meditative – art class with a skilful, English-speaking local lady, Sapiyah. We will also arrange a trip to the nearby, non-profit ÀNI Art Academies Thailand, where you can meet the talented students and purchase a piece of art as a meaningful momento (funds go directly to the apprentices). Back at our resort, we will entertain you with a traditional Thai dance show and a fire-juggling performance under the star-strewn sky.
Our unique Luxury Inclusions are designed to offer guests an inspiring Slow Travel experience, with an array of holiday-defining extras included in rates. At ÀNI Thailand on idyllic Koh Yao Noi, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip to Batang Island by traditional longtail boat, including a Monkey Island visit and an island picnic prepared by our private chef. Our immersive cultural experiences include a trip to a local rubber plantation, where our local expert will give you an insider’s tour, explaining how the 350 trees are ‘tapped’ daily to release their latex.
Thailand has a rich artistic legacy, a storied, vibrant culture and a tangible sense of spirituality; let us immerse you in all of the above. Learn the ancient art of batik during an informal – and surprisingly meditative – art class with a skilful, English-speaking local lady, Sapiyah. We will also arrange a trip to the nearby, non-profit ÀNI Art Academies Thailand, where you can meet the talented students and purchase a piece of art as a meaningful momento (funds go directly to the apprentices). Back at our resort, we will entertain you with a traditional Thai dance show and a fire-juggling performance under the star-strewn sky.
We want you to experience some of our favorite local places, so we will also whisk you away in chic motorcycle sidecars and host you at ‘The Noodle Shop’, a rice-paddy restaurant that offers an extraordinary breakfast.
So that you can experience the surroundings at your own pace, we arrange guided cycling tours and local walks, with complimentary on-loan mountain bikes for adults and children. You can also explore cinematic Phang Nga Bay with unlimited use of our kayaks and paddleboards.
One sunset cruise with drinks and canapés is included per group stay. We also arrange Movies by Moonlight: private movie screenings under star-filled skies, backdropped by Phang Nga Bay. To unwind and recharge after local adventures, we invite you to unwind with up to 10 spa treatments daily, including Thai and aromatherapy massages featuring local herbs and holistic ingredients. We’ll also treat you to one sound-bowl experience and one sunrise group yoga class.
So that you can experience the surroundings at your own pace, we arrange guided cycling tours and local walks, with complimentary on-loan mountain bikes for adults and children. You can also explore cinematic Phang Nga Bay with unlimited use of our kayaks and paddleboards.
One sunset cruise with drinks and canapés is included per group stay. We also arrange Movies by Moonlight: private movie screenings under star-filled skies, backdropped by Phang Nga Bay. To unwind and recharge after local adventures, we invite you to unwind with up to 10 spa treatments daily, including Thai and aromatherapy massages featuring local herbs and holistic ingredients. We’ll also treat you to one sound-bowl experience and one sunrise group yoga class.
Additional à la carte experiences at ÀNI Thailand
In case all of the above doesn’t quite satiate your wanderlust, we also offer a fleet of à la carte experiences that showcase our Thai island and its laid-back lifestyle. With these bespoke adventures, perfect for Slow Travel in Thailand, you can go even deeper, exploring further afield and forging authentic connections with locals. Here are some of our favorites.
KOH HONG, KOH PAK BIA, KOH LADING AND KOH RAI ISLANDS
Koh Hong and its neighboring islands are famed for their translucent waters, amazing marine life, rugged limestone cliffs and coastal mangroves. Admire these natural beauties as we visit Koh Pak Bia, Koh Lading and Koh Rai in an ÀNI-designed longtail boat. An early-morning start is suggested; guests will return to ÀNI for lunch.
BIOLUMINESCENT CLEAR KAYAKING, RAILEY
Slide into a crystal-clear kayak and immerse yourself in the majesty of Railay’s underwater world without even getting wet. Bioluminescent plankton, silverfish, and a variety of friendly sea creatures welcome you to their habitat, while stars and sunset colors flash overhead. Our local guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime.
BANG THONG TEMPLE AND SAMET NANGSHE VIEWPOINT
The tranquil temple is renowned for its stunning architecture, serene ambiance, and cultural significance. The spacious complex features a very wide path, with decorated pillars and an elephant statue leading to the gates. A golden Cheddy and beautiful statues await within. Wat Bang Thong offers an illuminating glimpse into Thailand’s Buddhist heritage: visitors are mostly locals, who partake in rituals and prayers with the monks. From the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, discover a 180-degree view over Phang Nga Bay and Thailand’s largest mangrove forest.
Koh Hong and its neighboring islands are famed for their translucent waters, amazing marine life, rugged limestone cliffs and coastal mangroves. Admire these natural beauties as we visit Koh Pak Bia, Koh Lading and Koh Rai in an ÀNI-designed longtail boat. An early-morning start is suggested; guests will return to ÀNI for lunch.
BIOLUMINESCENT CLEAR KAYAKING, RAILEY
Slide into a crystal-clear kayak and immerse yourself in the majesty of Railay’s underwater world without even getting wet. Bioluminescent plankton, silverfish, and a variety of friendly sea creatures welcome you to their habitat, while stars and sunset colors flash overhead. Our local guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime.
BANG THONG TEMPLE AND SAMET NANGSHE VIEWPOINT
The tranquil temple is renowned for its stunning architecture, serene ambiance, and cultural significance. The spacious complex features a very wide path, with decorated pillars and an elephant statue leading to the gates. A golden Cheddy and beautiful statues await within. Wat Bang Thong offers an illuminating glimpse into Thailand’s Buddhist heritage: visitors are mostly locals, who partake in rituals and prayers with the monks. From the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, discover a 180-degree view over Phang Nga Bay and Thailand’s largest mangrove forest.
KAYAK SIGHTSEEING AT TALEN MANGROVE
Explore the hidden beauty spots of Krabi’s mangrove ecosystem. Paddle your way through bays and canyons, past caves and cliffs. This is another way to appreciate nature around Krabi, undisturbed and by kayak.
PHUKET ETHICAL ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Support the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary as it pioneers ethical elephant tourism. On our private tour, observe rescued elephants from a 600-meter canopy walkway as they roam, bathe, forage, and socialize freely in their natural habitat. Dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and old elephants who have spent their entire lives working in the logging and tourism industries, the Sanctuary offers an uplifting and illuminating encounter with these gentle giants.
SEA CANOE AT PANAK AND HONG ISLANDS
Accompanied by a professional guide, paddle through Phang Nga Bay’s ‘Tidal Nape Sea Caves’ in custom-designed, handmade kayaks. Hidden, cliff-lined lagoons are populated with macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, mudskippers, egrets, Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites. After dark, float your own self-made flower ‘Kratong’ in a spiritual and spectacular natural light show.
Explore the hidden beauty spots of Krabi’s mangrove ecosystem. Paddle your way through bays and canyons, past caves and cliffs. This is another way to appreciate nature around Krabi, undisturbed and by kayak.
PHUKET ETHICAL ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Support the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary as it pioneers ethical elephant tourism. On our private tour, observe rescued elephants from a 600-meter canopy walkway as they roam, bathe, forage, and socialize freely in their natural habitat. Dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and old elephants who have spent their entire lives working in the logging and tourism industries, the Sanctuary offers an uplifting and illuminating encounter with these gentle giants.
SEA CANOE AT PANAK AND HONG ISLANDS
Accompanied by a professional guide, paddle through Phang Nga Bay’s ‘Tidal Nape Sea Caves’ in custom-designed, handmade kayaks. Hidden, cliff-lined lagoons are populated with macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, mudskippers, egrets, Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites. After dark, float your own self-made flower ‘Kratong’ in a spiritual and spectacular natural light show.
Reserve Your Stay at ÀNI Thailand
Inspired to book a slow travel vacation? Just drop our reservations team a line at [email protected] and we’ll take care of the rest.
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