An Ideal Time for Thailand?

© Six Senses Hideaway Samui

In the wake of the recent unrest in Bangkok, many travelers seem to be steering clear of Thailand and its fascinating capital. But now that calm has returned and the State Department’s Travel Warning has been lifted, there is no reason not to take advantage of the reduced crowds. We’ve seen this sort of situation time and again. People willing to travel in the months after September 11 were treated to mercifully short lines at the Vatican and tranquility at Angkor Wat, for example. After the 2002 attack in Bali, tourism temporarily collapsed. But those who did go had the vacation of a lifetime and the satisfaction of helping to support an economy desperately in need of visitors.

In Thailand, we’re now starting to see some impressive values. Until the end of August, the serene Sukhothai features a host of amenities and significantly reduced rates. Even the fabled Eastern & Oriental Express is offering some surprisingly generous extras. On train journeys between Bangkok and Singapore through August, travelers receive two complimentary nights at both The Ritz-Carlton in Singapore and The Peninsula in Bangkok. Additionally, this week's batch of Harper Auctions features a two-night stay in the Sukhothai Bangkok (a $2,240 retail value) for an opening bid of $900, and a three-night stay at Six Senses Hideaway Samui (a $1,500 retail value) for an opening bid of $870. Although no one can guarantee that the calm in Bangkok will last indefinitely, it’s important to remember that no destination offers 100% risk-free travel.

Plan your dream trip to Southeast Asia, purchase travel insurance, and as you glide down one of Bangkok’s evocative back canals or watch the sunset from your veranda on Koh Samui, think about how smart you were to buck the crowds.