Welcome to Thailand. Or should we say, welcome to paradise. Thailand is blessed with some of the world’s most-enviable beaches and a myriad of off shore islands for a holiday filled with watersports, hammocks and sunset strolls along the water’s edge. Some areas are super-vibey while others offer a more serene experience.

Some of our favourite holiday destinations in Thailand include Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Khao Lak. You could decide to spend your holiday at just one of these destinations, or combine a few in a tailormade Thailand holiday.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is undeniably the country’s most popular beach destination with a vibrant nightlife, bustling market stalls, a family atmosphere or romantic seclusion. Phi Phi Island is located two hours by ferry from Phuket (some resorts also offer a speedboat service) and offers a quieter area where sandy beaches lead to aquamarine bays filled with marine life. Krabi is known for sheer limestone cliffs where over 130 islands rise majestically from the sea, and secluded beaches are accessible only by colourfully adorned long-tail boats. And finally, Khao Lak is on Thailand’s mainland west coast, and is a less crowded tourist destination with a rugged natural beauty.

Thailand is an island paradise that offers a vast selection of hotels, and the beaches supply every kind of vibe! There’s always a party or something to do if you feel like being active while you’ll also find quieter beaches and rainforest retreats if you’re travelling as a family or couple. While Thailand was once known as a cheap, budget holiday destination, it is now becoming better known for its range of luxury hotels, of which the Holiday Factory only works with the best of the best.

Thailand is a unique destination where exquisite beach resorts combine with delicious exotic cuisines, stunning natural locations, unique modern architecture, and captivating local cultures, to offer a well-rounded holiday experience quite unlike anything you’ll find in South Africa. An island holiday here is like travelling to another world and offers you a chance to not just getaway but to truly explore somewhere different from your everyday.

Thailand’s tropical climate has three main seasons: hot from March to June, rainy from July to October, and cool from November to February. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C. The monsoon season in the Andaman Sea is from approximately May to October but even during this time the monsoon rains are generally short and heavy, clearing quickly and days of constant rain are rare.

The currency is the Thai Baht which is better for bargaining and shopping in markets. US Dollars, Pounds and Euros are accepted at hotels. A service charge is already included in all prices. Tips, in general, are not mandatory, and you should only give them if you are really content with the service offered. Waiters, bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change. Thailand is 5 hours ahead of South Africa. The electric current is 220 volts AC and the majority of electrical outlets take a round, two-pronged slim plug (the same as us!)

It is important to show respect for the Thai Royal Family. Do not climb over or sit on Buddha monuments. Do not touch or give anything directly to a Buddhist monk if you are a woman. It is also rude to touch people on their head or point your feet at people or an object.

Drink only bottled water and avoid ice unless you know it is made from bottled or boiled water. Be cautious when eating from food vendors on the street.

Light, cool clothes are sensible. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area. Revealing attire is not allowed in religious shrines. The dress-code for dinner is usually smart casual and gents are required to wear long trousers.

La Flora, “where your soul blossoms”, is a sustainable hideaway with modern aesthetics and designed with local elements putting guests in touch with the beauty of Southern Thai tradition. Located on the shores of the Andaman Sea facilities range from sea kayaking and coral reef snorkelling to sunset cocktails by the pool and delightful dinners on the beach.

LOCATION
Khao Lak.

ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is spread across the resort’s 3 wings – 128 rooms in the Flora Wing, 68 rooms in the Poolside Wing and 58 rooms in the Seaside Wing.

Flora Room (Size: 38m²)
Flora rooms are located on the upper floors and have a balcony overlooking the pool.
These rooms have shower only.

Flora Pool Access Room (Size: 38m²)
Flora Pool Access Rooms provide direct access to the pool from the private deck.
Bathrooms are fitted with a separate shower and bathtub.

Flora 2 Bedroom (Size: 76m²)
The Flora 2 bedroom units are located on the upper floors. Featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (shower only), sitting areas and a large balcony overlooking the pool they offer ideal family accommodation.
The maximum occupancy is 5 adults.

Deluxe Rooms – Poolside Wing (Size: 42m²)
The Deluxe Rooms are located on the upper floors in separate low rise buildings scattered throughout the gardens and have a contemporary Asian style with spacious bathrooms, featuring shower and bathtub, that can be opened to the sleeping area.

Deluxe Pool Access Rooms – Poolside Wing (Size: 45m²)
The Pool Access rooms on the ground floor connect, via their patios, to the free form pool.
The modern interiors feature a king size bed and a day bed and a bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

Deluxe Seaside Rooms (Size: 42m²)
The Seaside Wing is close to the beachfront and the Deluxe Seaside Rooms are located on the upper floors with large balconies.
Bathrooms have a separate shower and bathtub.

Seaside Pool Access Rooms (Size: 50m²)
Seaside Pool Access Rooms are located on the ground level just a few steps from the beach.
The large wooden veranda’s provide direct access to the beachfront pool complex.
Bathrooms have a jacuzzi bathtub and a separate shower.

ROOM FACILITIES

• Air conditioning
• WiFi
• Mini fridge
• Mini bar (on request)
• Complimentary drinking water
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Espresso coffee machine (Seaside Pool Access Rooms only)
• Electronic safe
• Flat screen TV with satellite channels
• Separate shower

DINING
The resort operates on a Bed & Breakfast basis with the option to upgrade to Half Board or All Inclusive

Half Board includes:

Breakfast and dinner at the Sire Beachfront Restaurant. Lunch and dinner offer a choice of either a Thai or a Western 3-course meal per day.

All Inclusive includes:

• Breakfast, a 4 course lunch and a 4 course dinner at the Sire Beachfront Restaurant
• Drinks including beers, a selection of spirits, a selection of cocktails and mocktails, still and sparkling water,  fresh juices, milkshakes, tea and coffee including cappuccino and espresso
• Morning and afternoon snacks

• All inclusive beverages are available at the Breeze, Kohala, Regina and Cave bars from 11h00 to 17h00 and at the Sire Beachfront Restaurant from 11h00 to 22h00.

Sire Beachfront Restaurant
The resort’s all day dining restaurant is located directly on the beach with breath-taking views of the Andaman Sea. The menu ranges from Thai to international cuisine and freshly caught seafood is available daily.
Open for Breakfast (06h30 - 10h30), Lunch (13h00 – 18h00) and Dinner (18h00 – 00h00).

Breeze Bar
This casual indoor-outdoor bar is housed in a wooden beach hut and offers a selection of beverages and light snacks.
Open 08h00 – 00h00

Cave Club
The resort’s pool bar serving beverages, including special cocktails, and light snacks.
Open 10h00 – 19h00

Kohala Bar
The Kohala is located in the Flora Wing
Open 11h00 – 19h00

Regina Bar
The Regina bar is located in the Poolside Wing
Open 11h00 – 19h00

SPA
The Floranica Spa is the perfect choice for balancing mind, body and soul. The trained staff offer a great menu of massages and treatments ranging from a traditional Thai massage to a hot oil or after sun massage.

KIDS CLUB
Experienced childcare attendants will ensure young guests are entertained. Indoor facilities include a playscape and fun slide as well as games, toys and creative projects whilst outdoor facilities include a playground and a kids pool.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (* some at a supplement)

• 5 Swimming pools
• Paddle boards*
• Snorkelling*
• Sea Kayaks*
• Hobie cats*
• Petanque
• Table tennis
• The resort’s private speedboats offer excursions to Khao Nah Yak to swim, scuba dive and snorkel*
• Dinner cruise on the resort’s private yacht*

All information in this Fact Sheet is applicable as at January 2025 and is subject to change without prior notice.