On a research trip to Thailand, our Asia specialist Frances had the enviable task of sampling some seriously cool traditional Thai experiences. From staying on a working farm in the mountains to cheffing it up at a Thai cookery class, she got to grips with what holidays in Thailand offer. She also took note of top tips for anyone eager to visit the country. Read on for the lowdown on her trip... Where did you visit?
11th December 2023 - Thailand Travel Tips
If you’re anything like us, a romantic getaway isn’t complete without a mesmerising landscape as the backdrop – and Thailand certainly delivers on that front. Think aquamarine waters, watercolour sunsets and silky white sands. Whether romance means a remote escape with just each other’s company, exploring culinary delights on a foodie break or getting stuck into outdoor activities on an adventure holiday, Thailand’s islands deliver romance in abundance no matter your love language.
28th September 2023 - Thailand Beaches & Islands
Beloved by backpackers, beach bums and families alike, Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. And with good reason. From idyllic islands and cosmopolitan cities to national parks filled with natural wonders, the country has it all in one aesthetically-pleasing package. To help you plan a trip that’s jam-packed with picturesque vistas and unforgettable views, here’s our round-up of unmissable landscapes in Thailand.
24th August 2023 - Thailand The Natural World
The vibrancy and variety of Thailand’s culture extends beyond its vast ancient temples and snap-ready scenery, to rich, tradition-filled menus in which hot spices pair perfectly with sweet, citrus flavours. Whether tucking into an authentic pad Thai in the perpetually moving Maeklong Market, or dining on world class Thai cuisine in one of Bangkok’s Michelin starred restaurants, Thailand is brimming with explosions of flavours just waiting to be tasted.
13th July 2022 - Thailand Food & Drink
Thailand has an island for everyone; whether you want to soak up the sunshine and explore sleepy fishing villages, or dive among breath-taking coral reefs and dance until dawn. Each one moves to its own distinct rhythm (making an island hopping excursion well-worth the travel time), while still sharing notes that make them undeniably Thai; think sugar-soft sand beaches, turquoise-toned waters and authentic Thai dishes to tantalise the tastebuds.
28th March 2022 - Thailand Beaches & Islands
Thailand is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in Asia, and possibly even the world - it’s no coincidence that the hugely popular book and film ‘The Beach’ was set here (more on that later). Whatever kind of holiday you’re planning, we can recommend the perfect stretch of coastline, whether you’re after a secluded island paradise or a bit of adventure. Check out our list of the best beaches in Thailand and start dreaming… 1 Patong Beach The Party One Patong Beach on Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular beaches (and for good reason).
24th November 2021 - Thailand Beaches & Islands
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok A Bangkok institution since the 1860s, whose famous guests have included Joseph Conrad and Graham Greene. For a city hotel, the Mandarin Oriental has exceptional facilities, including two outdoor pools, two floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, a gym and a jogging track. Across the river in a traditional Thai-style carved-wood building is the renowned Oriental Spa, which offers a range of Ayurvedic remedies and traditional Thai beauty treatments.
28th June 2021 - Thailand Hotels
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Perched on a hill overlooking the enchanting hills of neighbouring Myanmar and Laos, this charming hilltop hideaway effortlessly combines luxury living with a genuine sense of adventure. Built in the traditional style of Northern Thailand, Anantara Golden Triangle is set amidst acres of bamboo forest and lush tropical jungle and makes the perfect base from which to explore the rich history and culture the area has to offer.
28th June 2021 - Thailand Hotels
Built within lush tropical rainforest and set right on the soft sands of Pansea Beach, The Surin is easily one of the most idyllic beach hotels in Thailand, in our humble opinion of course. I visited on my most recent trip to Thailand, so here's a rundown of The Surin's sweet spots... The Beach Let's start with the big one, the beach. Despite the fact that no beaches in Thailand are technically private, The Surin seems to have found a naturally occurring loop hole.
28th June 2021 - Thailand Beaches & Islands
Amanpuri Accommodation consists of traditional Thai-style pavilions and villas scattered amongst the towering coconut palms; all rooms feature king-size beds and private outdoor terraces. Facilities include a 27-metre infinity pool, a lap pool, a gym and six floodlit tennis courts. The beach club offers watersports such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba-diving, and the Aman Spa offers a range of massages, therapies and beauty treatments, as well as yoga.
28th June 2021 - Thailand Hotels
I would wholeheartedly recommend Thailand to anyone... Perfect for couples and families I have recently returned from one of OT's truly indulgent luxury holidays to Thailand, where I was a guest of Six Senses Resorts & Spas, and was lucky enough to visit the new property Soneva Kiri on the island of Koh Kood close to Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand. The setting is truly stunning and the plane journey in the 8-seater Cessna was a magical experience in itself, flying over various beautiful and barely inhabited islands.
28th June 2021 - Thailand Hotels
South East Asia is well known for its jagged karst landscapes, and many people will recognise images of the vertiginous peaks rising from the sea at Krabi and Halong Bay, or the wonderful limestone formations around Vang Vieng in Laos. But while these destinations share fabulous scenery, they also have a less appealing common feature - the presence of mass tourism. Head three hours inland from Krabi in Thailand and the scenery remains impressive while the crowds thin to almost nothing.
28th June 2021 - Thailand Travel Inspiration
Six Senses Samui Six Senses Samui is located on a headland on the northern tip of Samui, set amongst 20 acres of indigenous plantings and offers stunning views of the surrounding sea and outlying islands. Just 66 villas in total, all created to maximise the feeling of space and light with mountain views from almost every location in the villa. A majority of the villas have their own private infinity-edged pool and these pool villas are split level and have an open-style bathroom.
28th June 2021 - Thailand Hotels
Having previously been to Thailand twice before, I presumed that I had already experienced most of what the country has to offer. However, on my recent trip to the self-claimed 'nation of smiles', my presumptions were proved highly incorrect (as most often they are). I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there is a plethora of authentic experiences to enjoy both in Phuket, Thailand's largest island whose history in international trade has impacted the its interesting culture hugely, and the capital city of Bangkok with its incredible food scene evolving every day.
28th June 2021 - Thailand Travel Inspiration
Get a whole new perspective on the Thai capital, while discovering a wide range of rooftop restaurants and the best rooftop bars in Bangkok. Turbulent, hyperactive, in perpetual motion, Bangkok is a lively city. The metropolis is made up of a collection of neighbourhoods that continues to spread, housing more than 8 million inhabitants. Nearly everyone has a smile on their face, inspired by Buddha, the most important influence in the country.
6th November 2019 - Thailand Travel Inspiration
Thailand's second largest city, surrounded by tropical jungle and blue mountains, seduces visitors with its calm and slow pace of life, far from the hustle and bustle of the capital... 8:00 am Meditation in a temple To reach Doi Suthep, 3,280ft above sea level, first climb the mountain that dominates the city, then go up the 309 steps adorned with huge dragons and frangipani flowers with the texture of porcelain.
6th November 2019 - Thailand 24 Hours In
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