Break Away

Our rand isn’t getting any stronger; and luxury holidays are becoming steeper by the day. But there’s an iconic escape that’s been a no-brainer for students and backpackers for decades: Thailand. What if we said the green haven isn’t just for the barefooted, but for the high-end explorer too?

- Nadim Nyker

Thailand has been on my go-to travel list for the same reason it’s on most people’s: sapphire waters, white-sand beaches, and it’s cheap. Not to mention I’m in my mid-20s, most of my friends have been on a Phuket binge, and it’s the furthest my rand can dream.

But when I flew over the Cardamom Mountains, home to one of the last unfragmented rainforests in South-East Asia, my heart sank; I realised I was in for the unexpected. And as the short-haul turboprop plane landed in the thick of it, in the coastal town of Trat, I felt like the Che Guevara of The Land of the Smiles: rebellious, and charged for the adventure ahead.

But what came next was an affordable luxury getaway on the island of Koh Chang, a sanctuary unknown to most of the 100 000plus South Africans who visited Thailand last year. I rented a private boat, soaked up a helluva lot of vitamin D, and (of course) created an IG highlight reel of note. Here’s how you can, too.

Get Grounded

Get familiar with the acronym DMC. It stands for “Destination Management Company”, and Thailand has some of the best in the world.

A DMC is responsible for all your ground arrangements and will plan an itinerary according to your needs. The company will ensure that you’re transported to every location safely, on time, and with a tour guide and driver on hand.

This is the best way to get the most out of your holiday, if you’re short on time and want to be let in on local secrets. I used Asia Evolution Tours (evolutiontour. com), who provide an excellent service if you’re planning an adventure out of the city. They’ve been around for 15 years, and have warm and welcoming staff who went out of their way to ensure I was relaxed and at ease.