Perfect partners: my Singapore and Thailand holiday

This brilliant blend offers a great balance of excitement and relaxation and provides something for everyone, from families to honeymooners and groups of friends.

Spend a few days soaking up the cosmopolitan highlife and ancient culture of Singapore before hitting the tropical beaches and islands near Phuket. What could be better? This was my fifth visit to Singapore and my second visit to Phuket so trust me, you’ll keep coming back for more!

First stop: Singapore

If this is your first time in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a fantastic introduction. It doesn’t experience the chaotic hustle and bustle of other Asian capitals, making it easy to enjoy. You’ll find a very relaxed pace, with colonial architecture, incredible street food and unbeatable shopping. It’s one of the cleanest and most orderly countries I have ever visited, and the local people are super friendly.

Getting to Singapore

You can reach Singapore by direct flight with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow (13 hours), which operates the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777-300ER. There are four flights daily, so you’ll be spoiled for choice!

You can also fly direct from Manchester on the Airbus A350, a service that runs five times per week (13 hours 25 mins). You can reach the city via the MRT directly from the airport or simply take a taxi, and you’ll be at your hotel within 30 minutes. Easy!

Flying on to Thailand

You can fly directly from Singapore to Phuket with Singapore Airlines in one hour and forty-five minutes. I would suggest having a minimum of three nights in Singapore to allow you time to overcome any jetlag and enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace. You could easily spend anything from a week to ten days in and around Phuket, so the more time you have available the better! 

The best time to travel

Singapore’s rainy season runs from November to January and it’s humid pretty much all year round. Phuket’s rainy season lasts from June to early November, so to guarantee sunshine throughout your visit, we recommend travelling between February and June. This should, in theory, bring you the best of both worlds.

Why visit Singapore?

Singapore is a welcoming country steeped in history. Founded as a British Colony, it’s an extremely safe country and a great choice for first-time visitors to Asia. It is home to the world’s first night zoo, and it pioneered the first F1 night race, which is still a massive event today. Of course, no visit would be complete without enjoying a Singapore Sling at Raffles. 

The country has a fusion of cultures mixing Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European flavours, making it a destination which appeals to everyone. You can shop till you drop along Orchard Road and then relax at the beach on Sentosa Island. It is an ideal stopover en route to other parts of Southeast Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand.

My top things to do in Singapore

• Visit the Gardens by the Bay – This National Garden and horticultural attraction will leave you speechless. No visit to Singapore would be complete without it!
• Singapore Flyer – Take a ride on one of the biggest observation wheels in the world.
• Singapore Night Zoo - Set off on an unforgettable night safari in the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park.
• National Orchid Garden – Discover hundreds of rare and unusual orchids on a peaceful stroll through these beautiful sloped gardens.
• Sentosa Island - Experience Universal Studios and take a flight on the SkyHelix Sentosa, the highest open-air panoramic ride in Singapore. Afterwards, hop in a cable car over to Mount Saber for lunch at Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro.
• Eat your way around the city - Dine in one of the many high-end restaurants, mix with ex-pats and locals at Chijmes (originally a Convent and now a complex of restaurants and bars) or head down to Hawker Food Centre at Lau Pa Sat in Chinatown to try local delicacies & international food stalls.
• Explore Little India - Spend the afternoon in Little India, sampling some authentic street food, perusing the markets, and getting made-to-measure garments at one of the tailors.
• Sip on a Singapore Sling - Enjoy an iconic Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel for a classy taste of nostalgia.
• Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck – If you have a head for heights, make your way to the 56^th Floor of the Marina Bay Sands for far-reaching views over Singapore.
• Dance the night away - Enjoy amazing views from the dancefloor at C’est la Vie Bar at Marina Bay Sands, or head over to The Lantern Bar at Fullerton Bay hotel for romantic breathtaking views.

Where to stay in Singapore

Parkroyal Marina Bay Collection – This hotel is at the forefront of sustainability and is home to Southeast Asia’s largest indoor sky-lit atrium, filled with flora and fauna. It offers amazing views over Marina Bay and it’s just a short walk from Raffles Hotel. It has a stylish, minimalist style which is balanced out with all the indoor foliage, making you feel instantly relaxed.

Fullerton Bay Hotel – This hotel commands breathtaking views over the river and instantly oozes class and sophistication. All rooms are well-appointed and it’s worth splashing out here. The Lantern Bar is ideal for a cocktail with breathtaking views after a long day of sightseeing. It's our top pick for Singapore and somewhere that you won't forget in a hurry.

The Furama Riverfront - This hotel is just one block back from Clarke Quay and takes advantage of a great location without the higher price tag.

Marina Bay Sands - This iconic building dominates the Marina Bay River area and is famous for its rooftop infinity pool, stylish rooms, amazing views, and cool ambience. If you’re looking for the quintessential luxury Singapore experience, this is THE place to stay.

Why visit Phuket?

The beautiful Thai island of Phuket has something for everything. It’s a stone’s throw from many of Southeast Asia’s major cities and has been Thailand’s most popular island for many years.  It has an international airport, and you can fly directly into Phuket with Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Malaysian Airlines and Cathay Pacific to name a few. 

It is the largest island with amazing beaches, incredible scenery, an abundance of restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. In a nutshell, Phuket has it all!

My top things to do In Phuket

• Hit the beach - Enjoy one of the many paradise beaches, such as Lamai, Bo Phut, Karon, Kamala Kata, Nai Harn, Bang Tao

• Paddle through Phang Nga Bay - Canoe through the caves of Phang Nga Bay, soaking up the sights and sunshine along the way.
• Visit the white marble Big Buddha – Be dazzled by the seated statue of the Big Buddha, measuring a whopping forty-five metres.
• Explore Old Phuket - Wander between the atmospheric street markets and boutique shops in Phuket Old Town
• Visit Wat Chalong – Take a trip to the largest and most important Buddhist Temple in Phuket
• Charter a Catamaran – Spend a dreamy day out on the water swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.
• Snorkel amongst tropical fish - Take a boat trip to nearby islands and snorkel through the crystal blue waters.
• Go scuba diving – Book a diving trip to discover the hidden marine life of beautiful Phang Nga Bay
• Hit the town - Enjoy the legendary nightlife of Bangla Road in Patong, packed with bars, clubs, and live music.

Where to stay

Intercontinental Phuket Resort – This luxurious hideaway is situated right on secluded Kamala Beach. It’s just thirty minutes from Phuket Airport and surrounded by luscious green hills.  It is a very elegant property with an infinity pool, Club Lounge and pool, and four restaurants. One of the restaurants, Jaras, is Michelin-recommended, making it heaven for foodies.

There is a temple complex design in the centre of the resort, creating a unique blend of Thai and contemporary styles. It is a stone’s throw away is Café Del Mar, which is perfect if you’re looking to let your hair down in a sophisticated environment, while top DJs play their best sets.

Avani Mai Khao Suites - Only fifty from Phuket Airport, the Avani Mai Khao Suites is perfect for families or larger groups looking for a quieter holiday. This 70-suite property is located just across the road from the beach and offers lots of space with a home-away-from-home concept. Some of the suites have private swimming pools in addition to the main communal swimming pool.

Outrigger Surin Beach – This is a boutique property and is across the road from Surin Beach. It has a fresh Hawaiian theme and offers incredible sunsets from its in-house Nalu Bar & Grill.

Anantara Mai Khao - This is an ‘All Pool Villa’ resort located right on Mai Khao beach. It packs in the wow factor and an evening at The Treehouse Japanese restaurant is an experience not to be missed.

The Slate at Nai Yang Beach – This stunning property offers something unique in terms of its design. It combines art with natural beauty and really is very luxurious. It has eight restaurants and three gorgeous swimming pools. It is certified by Michelin Guide 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 and housed in a traditional Thai mansion hovering over a luminescent lagoon.  A stay here is a must!

Ready to plan your Singapore and Thailand holiday?

We can put together multi-destination holidays of all shapes and sizes throughout Southeast Asia. Combine Singapore and Thailand or turn your trip into an epic Asian adventure by adding more destinations to your itinerary. With us, anything is possible! To start planning your trip, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email.