Unforgettable Thailand

Trisara, Phuket

If great food, interesting culture, spectacular hotels, and unforgettable experiences are your definition of a great vacation, then Thailand should be on your radar.  Sure, it can be a little touristy in places, but travel beyond those areas and you’ll discover the reasons why Thailand is loved by so many. My latest visit at the end of 2017 was a reminder that the long flight from the U.S. is absolutely worth it.  Read on for a few reasons why I recommend a visit to Thailand.  

People: Thailand has earned the nickname “Land of Smiles" for its friendly people. From guides to street vendors, the people continuously charm and capture the hearts of visitors. Service is friendly and authentic, and there is no shortage of easy-going smiles.  

Food: From street food to Michelin starred restaurants (Bangkok received its first Michelin star guide in December 2017), your taste buds will surely be overwhelmed, delighted and truly satisfied.  

Unforgettable Experiences: From ancient ruins and golden temples, to bustling cities, to elephant sanctuaries and beautiful palm lined beaches – there is so much to see and do here, it’s unlikely you’ll get bored.  Thailand is full of experiences that you’ll remember for years. Consider participating in the morning alms giving to the monks, sea kayak around limestone karst towers, or explore the bustling street markets with a chef and then learn to cook your favorite Thai dishes.

One of my favorite experiences is an afternoon with the rescued elephants at the Four Seasons Tented Camp. Learn about the complexity of wildlife tourism in Thailand, the work that is being done to rehabilitate mistreated elephants, and the bond they form with their Mahout – the person responsible for their rehabilitation and ongoing care. After a few lessons on communication with the elephants, embark on a jungle walk with the elephant by your side. Interacting with these beautiful creatures will surely have you smiling and feeling a little awestruck by their resilience and quirky personalities.

Luxury: Thailand has no shortage of truly luxurious properties. From the stunning Four Seasons Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle to the riverside Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, to the swanky Trisara beach hideaway on Phuket - the options are excellent. Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai are a popular combination for many travelers, but the less touristy locations also have a few great options. The Six Senses, for example, has a stunning property on Koh Yao Noi and Soneva Kiri offers laid back luxury on Koh Kood.

Beautiful Landscapes: The turquoise water and soft sand beaches of the Thai islands are a vision of paradise to many, but Thailand has more to offer than beaches. Located in the far north where the corners of Laos, Thailand and Burma intersect is the Golden Triangle; a place where cultures and countries collide, and jungle clad mountains give way to lush farmland. It’s a spectacular place to spend a few days.  Bangkok - with its skyscrapers, crowded streets and bumper-to-bumper traffic – really can’t be considered beautiful in the traditional sense, but it too has a lot to offer travelers. Embrace the grittiness of this urban center and you’ll be in for a treat with grand palaces, interesting temples, bustling street markets, rooftop bars and excellent dining. 

Food: It’s so good, it warrants a second mention. Wok-charred noodles, spicy papaya salad, smoky grilled skewers with spicy sweet peanut dipping sauce, salt roasted fish…and Kao Soi so good you’ll swear you’re in heaven. 

Thailand is an unforgettable destination with something to offer all types of travelers. It's worth the long flight from the U.S. and can easily be paired with other countries in SE Asia. 

Make it Happen:  There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Thailand so plan to connect in a travel hub such as Seoul, Hong Kong or Dubai. I recommend a minimum of 9 nights, but more will provide the chance to slow down and really explore. We have many partners in Thailand and can extend complimentary daily breakfast for two, upgrades and resort credit at many high-end properties. Inquire for details.