The Ultimate Guide To Thailand
The Ultimate Guide To Thailand
Thailand boasts cosmopolitan cities with incredible shopping, nightlife and culture, while its beautiful coastline and more than 1400 sun-soaked islands invite you to relax and unwind. With its rugged mountains, idyllic countryside and rich culture, Thailand has something for every kind of traveller.
No matter where you find yourself in this diverse nation, you will have the opportunity to sample delectable food and experience the finest hospitality.
With so much packed into the country, it pays to get insider knowledge. Our travel experts have hand-picked the best destinations for your Thailand holiday with tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.
Best for: beaches and relaxation
Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, Ko Phi Phi and Koh Samui
Southern Thailand draws tourists to its popular beach destinations with azure blue water, endless sandy beaches and plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and spas to explore. Base yourself at Phuket or Krabi and from there, take a speedboat around the spectacular Phang Nga Bay. Head to Koh Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs jutting dramatically from the emerald green waters. Or cross the mainland to Koh Samui, a haven for luxury spas, wellness resorts and snorkelling.
Just north of Phuket yet far from the partying crowds, Khao Lak is an oasis if you are looking for relaxation. The coastal belt is dotted with luxury beachfront resorts overlooking white sand beaches and surrounded by lush national parks.
Where to stay:
Sink your toes into the tropical white sands of Koh Samui at the luxurious and secluded five-star Melati Beach Resort or try Merlin’s lush surrounds and nature-based activities in Khao Lak. For a truly immersive getaway, escape to secluded Rayavadee by private speedboat and you’ll have access to three incredible private beaches.
Best for: offbeat adventure
Kui Buri, Lampang, Hua Hin
Get off the tourist trail and head to Kui Buri. On the east coast of Central Thailand, this perfectly preserved nature reserve is the best place to see elephants in the wild in Thailand. Tour the national park on a half day jeep safari, before taking time to visit villages in the vicinity.
The nearby Sam Roi Yot National Park offers fantastic hiking and climbing opportunities, and hikers are rewarded with spectacular ocean views.
For visitors to northern Thailand, a day trip to Lampang can offer deep insights into the history of Thailand while giving you a glimpse of the Thai way of life in these parts. Step back in time by taking a ride on a horse and cart through the beautiful town streets and tuck into sumptuous food at any of the eateries in the town. Pay a visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple to round off your trip.
Thailand’s oldest, most traditional resort town, Hua Hin, is situated on a five-mile long beach. Historically favoured by the Thai Royal family since the 1920’s, today this hidden gem offers travellers great golfing courses, historical sites, parks and splendid seafood.
Where to stay:
A three-hour drive from Bangkok, Tolani Resort Kui Buri is a tranquil beach side resort surrounded by small fishing villages. Alternatively, relax in the lush surrounds of Rico Resort, Phayao, in the northern part of Thailand.
Best for: food and culture
Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Exploring Thailand’s ornate temples is a great way to learn more about the Buddhist culture that permeates every aspect of Thai life. In Bangkok, marvel at the Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of jade, and visit Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. When your stomach starts rumbling, visit the floating markets at Bang Kachao, and snack on steaming noodles, seasonal fruit and mango sticky rice.
Don’t miss exploring Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. Behind the lively nightlife and bustling markets, the city is also known for its wellness retreats offering meditation and yoga. You can also try your hand at making Tom Yum soup, Thai green curry, Pad Thai and spring rolls in an interactive cooking class or go on a culinary tour through the night market to get your taste buds tingling.
Visit neighbouring Chiang Rai’s striking temples, such as Wat Rong Khun and its intricate all-white exterior.
Where to stay:
Base yourself at Raya Heritage in Chiang Mai, a natural, sustainable hotel perched on banks of the Ping River. Within the golden triangle, (where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet) both the Four Seasons Golden Triangle Hotel and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort are stellar luxury hotels.
Best for: nature and wildlife
Elephant Island, Khao Sok, Elephant Hills
There’s no dearth of natural beauty in Thailand. Those seeking adventure can try kayaking, jungle trekking, diving and snorkelling on Elephant Island or hiking the wooden boardwalks through Pranburi Forest Park’s mangrove forest.
For wildlife spotting opportunities, head to Khao Sok National Park. If you’re lucky, you may spot a clouded leopard, while elephants, deer, monkeys and boars are among the more common sightings.
Where to stay:
Get up close with elephants in a sustainable and ethical manner at Elephant Hills Lake Safari. Spend the first night in the main Elephant Camp, before heading to the lake where you can sleep at the floating Rainforest Camp – among the few floating luxury tented camps in the world! Look for wildlife in the jungle, float in self-paddle canoes, explore the forest on foot or just relax at the camp. This truly is nature at its finest, and the perfect add-on to a trip to Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui.
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Thailand travel 2022
If you’re looking for an inspiring getaway this year, look no further than Thailand. Its incredible beaches, rich cultural hotspots, buzzing nightlife and mouth-watering cuisine will leave you in awe.
We offer safe and exciting Thailand itineraries to both offbeat as well as popular destinations. Speak to our experts about creating a bespoke Thailand travel 2022 trip today.