Thailand Beyond the Familiar
A FAM journey through Bangkok, Bangsaen, Pattaya and Hua Hin
Thailand is often introduced through its best-known highlights. On a recent journey with ONYX Hospitality Group, we travelled with ten travel professionals from the DACH region through Bangkok, Bangsaen, Pattaya and Hua Hin. Hotel visits sat alongside local food, hands-on activities and the chance to experience how different each stop could feel.
The journey offered more than a series of property visits. It gave the group a closer look at four destinations with distinct characters—and fresh ideas for combining them in a Thailand itinerary.
Bangkok: More Than the Starting Point
Bangkok is often the gateway to a holiday in Thailand, but our time in the capital reminded us why it deserves to be a destination in its own right.
The city offers an extraordinary mix of culture, gastronomy, shopping and neighbourhood experiences. It is also a place where choosing the right hotel can make a real difference to the overall stay.
Our visits to three ONYX properties showed just how varied the accommodation options can be.
At Oriental Residence Bangkok, the elegant residential concept and spacious suites created an atmosphere that felt particularly suited to guests who value comfort and independence. With separate living areas and kitchen facilities in selected room categories, it is an interesting choice for families and longer stays.
Shama Lakeview Asoke offered a more relaxed residential experience. Spacious accommodation, lake views and convenient access to everyday facilities make it a practical option for guests who prefer a little more flexibility during their time in the city.
At Amari Bangkok, we experienced a different side of the capital. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city, while its dining options add another reason to enjoy a longer stay. Dinner at NILA was one of the culinary highlights of our visit.
We also visited Amari Don Mueang, where a Thai lunch and an interactive green papaya salad cooking class introduced us to the flavours of the country. The hotel inspection gave the agents an insight into the room categories and special arrangements for occasions such as birthdays and honeymoons.
Together, these visits demonstrated how Bangkok can accommodate very different travel needs, whether as a short city break, an extended stay or part of a wider Thailand itinerary.
Closer look at the special room arrangements available for occasions such as birthdays & honeymoons Balloons and cake gave the agents a glimpse of how Amari Don Mueang can help mark a special occasion Dinner at NILA was one of the culinary highlights of our time in Bangkok.
Bangsaen: An Opportunity to Look Beyond the Usual Destinations
Not every traveller is looking for the same well-known beach destination. Sometimes, the most interesting discoveries are the places that have not yet become part of the classic Thailand itinerary.
Bangsaen was one such discovery.
Located conveniently from Bangkok, the coastal destination offers a more relaxed alternative for travellers looking to combine seaside time with local experiences.
Our stay at Amari Bangsaen gave us the opportunity to experience this atmosphere first-hand. The hotel’s landscaped gardens and pool area provided a peaceful setting, while the programme introduced us to the local character of the area.
There was plenty of participation along the way. During a cooking class, we learned how to prepare traditional green papaya salad, followed by a cultural dance performance and a short spa experience. We also visited Nong Mon Market, known for its local products, and enjoyed the views from Khao Sam Muk.
These experiences offered a glimpse of a destination that is not simply about spending time by the pool or at the beach.
For the DACH market, Bangsaen could be an interesting addition for families, short breaks and travellers who have already visited Thailand and are curious to discover somewhere different. Its proximity to Bangkok also creates opportunities to include it in a wider programme.
Pattaya: Different Hotel Concepts, One Versatile Destination
Pattaya brought another change of scenery. Known for its lively atmosphere, the destination has much more to offer than its traditional image might suggest.
Our hotel visits highlighted two different ways to enjoy the area.
At Amari Pattaya, the experience began with a particularly warm welcome. Thoughtful details, refreshing drinks and sweet treats made the group feel at home from the start.
The hotel offers spacious accommodation, attractive outdoor areas, swimming pools and facilities for families. Its North Pattaya location also provides convenient access to the beach and nearby attractions.
Food played an important part in the visit. We enjoyed lunch at AMAYA Food Gallery before heading to Prego for a pizza and cocktail-making experience – a fun opportunity to get involved rather than simply sit down for a meal.
Outside the hotel, the impressive Sanctuary of Truth and a visit to Terminal 21 added two very different experiences to the programme.
At OZO North Pattaya, we discovered a contemporary hotel concept with a more casual, lifestyle-oriented atmosphere. The visit included lunch at EAT, followed by a Thai inhaler-making workshop and a stop at Khao Pratamnak viewpoint. The day finished with a relaxed Grill & Chill dinner at the hotel.
The contrast between the two properties was a useful reminder that Pattaya can appeal to a broad range of travellers. Whether clients are looking for family facilities, a modern hotel or a convenient base for exploring the area, there are different ways to position the destination.
Hua Hin: A Different Rhythm to Finish the Journey
After the activity and energy of Pattaya, Hua Hin offered a welcome change of pace.
The seaside destination has a more relaxed character and is particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy combining time by the coast with local culture and a little exploration.
At Amari Hua Hin, the welcome included a refreshing drink and a relaxing head and shoulder massage. The property itself offers spacious rooms, green outdoor areas, a swimming pool and family-friendly facilities, including a kids’ area and a shuttle service to the beach.
We also had the opportunity to sample the hotel's dining options, with lunch at Aqua Eatery & Bar and dinner at Aqua Pool Bar.
Beyond the property, Hua Hin provided some of the most interesting cultural moments of the trip. At Hua Hin Khomapastr Fabric Factory, we took part in a traditional fabric-printing workshop, while a visit to Hua Hin Railway Station offered a glimpse into the town's local history and character.
It was a fitting final destination for the journey: a place where guests can enjoy a slower pace, explore local traditions and still have plenty of opportunities for dining, shopping and seaside relaxation.
For travel agents, Hua Hin is worth considering for couples, families and repeat visitors to Thailand who are looking for an alternative to the country's busier beach destinations. It also combines naturally with Bangkok and other destinations in Central Thailand.
A Fresh Perspective on Thailand
Travelling through four destinations in one journey offered a valuable reminder that Thailand is a country of contrasts. Within a relatively compact itinerary, we experienced the buzz of a major capital, discovered a coastal town with a distinctly local feel, explored Pattaya beyond its familiar image and ended our journey in the laid-back surroundings of Hua Hin.
For the participating travel professionals, the experience went beyond getting to know new hotels. It was about seeing the destinations in context, meeting the people behind the experiences and discovering details that are difficult to convey through brochures and presentations alone.
The variety of ONYX Hospitality Group's portfolio also stood out throughout the trip. From elegant city accommodation and residential-style concepts to contemporary lifestyle hotels and family-friendly beach resorts, the properties offered plenty of inspiration for different types of Thailand holidays.
Most importantly, the journey opened up new ideas for selling Thailand. Familiar destinations gained new dimensions, while places such as Bangsaen offered fresh possibilities to introduce clients to something less expected.
We returned with more than just hotel impressions and photographs. We came away with new stories to share, new connections and plenty of inspiration for bringing a different side of Thailand to our clients.
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