It isn’t easy to understand what Thailand tourism is made up of. As soon as you fall for its beaches and forests, a skyscraper infested skyline diverts your awe. Just as you begin to stare a little longer at the architecture of ancient ruins at Ayyuthaya, Sukothai or Chiang Mai, you instantly recall the country’s modern edifices beginning from the structural magnificence of the Suvarnabhuni Airport. As the country offers you a nightlife to revel in, it also offers you spiritual retreats to heal at. Thailand tourism is a tale of two cities, that exist not just as parallels but in harmony with each other. The average backpacker is as enthralled with the country as the tourist who demands sheer luxury. There is no dearth of things to do in Thailand. Here underwater adventure meets spa retreats; floating markets meet boutique stores, laid back beaches meet all-night parties; ancient temples give way to modern wonders; and all this is simmered, tossed and boiled down to create the colourful, spicy flavours of the Thai cuisine – a taste no honest traveller has ever forgotten.
Picture credit: Mikhail Koninin
Getting Around
Though Thailand has a road public transport system, the most effective way to get from one city to another is to book a domestic flight on Thai Airways or Nokair.com. There are daily and weekly flights available so plan your trip accordingly. Nok cars are also available at Rs.2000 a day. Ferry rides and cruises are also available to various islands.
Places to Visit in Thailand: Bangkok (Day 1 & 2)
Picture credit: Tore Bustad
Thailand’s capital is known for all the right (and wrong) reasons. It raises the bar for the luxury traveller and delivers to the point. The best way to experience Bangkok is to let it surprise you. Its street markets, a haven for food lovers, vibrant khlongs (canals) and shining Wats, a gift for culture enthusiasts, and its nightlife, every party person’s dream; are spoken of around the world. Bangkok is the oriental dream come true; enchanting, exotic and endearing.
Luxury Things to do in Bangkok
1) Gaze at the Magnificence of the Grand Palace
Picture credit: Exotissimo Travel
2) Indulge in a Dinner Cruise
Chao Phraya cruises, Loy Nava Dinner Cruises, and Manohra Cruises offer packages starting from Rs.3000.
Picture credit: Manohra Cruises
3) Get a much coveted Thai Massage
Banyan Tree Spa, Thaan Sanctuary and Ruen Nuad are a few places where you can enjoy a traditional Thai massage.
Picture credit: Merlin Phuket
4) Shop at the World’s Largest Weekend Market, the Chatuchak Weekend Market
Picture credit: Mark Fischer
Best Rated Places to Stay in Bangkok
1) Private Décor Apartment: Rs. 8,500
2) The Landmark Bangkok: Rs.8000
3) Grand Center Point Hotel: Rs.7,700
Best Rated Places to Eat in Bangkok
1) Sky Bar- Sirocco: How about sipping a cocktail atop the highest roof bar in the world? Offering a view of the city lights and the sky lights, this is one of the best ways to end a great day in Bangkok. It is also one of the best ways to begin a good night in Bangkok. Dine at the award winning restaurant, Sirocco and then head to the bar for some fun. Don’t miss the special Hangovertini they created to spend the filming of Hangover II in the hotel. This is surely on all travellers' things to do in Thailand.
2) River Side Terrace (Mandarin Oriental): Serving a mix of Asian and International cuisine with the romantic view of the Chao Phraya river. Indian Tandoori ovens, sushi counters, and Lebanese mezze are juxtaposed together to create one of the most appetite-inducing food counters you could find. Its dessert station is the cherry on the top.
3) The Rain Tree Café: With the amount of options Bangkok gives you to eat, it’s easy to get confused. Don’t worry Rain Tree has you covered with its plethora of cuisines spread out in a nice buffet. Rain Tree is a delicious end to all your ‘where to eat’ conversations.
Places to visit in Thailand: Chiang Mai (day 3 & 4)
Picture credit: Roberto Trombetta
Slowly moving from Thailand’s present (Bangkok) to its past, Chiang Mai was the cultural and religious center of ancient Thailand. Its ornate, historical structures still boast of the opulence that the Thai land inhabited and still inhabits. Luxury in Chiang Mai radiates from its spirituality, from its splendid fit-for-the-kings Wats. Travelling to Chiang Mai is like exploring the true soul of Thailand. It's surreal experiences like painting elephants and ornate temples are some of the most interesting things to do in Thailand.
Luxury Things to do in Chiang Mai
1) Reach for the Spirit at the 700 year old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Picture credit: Maxim B.
2) Embark on a one-of-a-kind Night Safari
Picture credit: Matthew Guay
3) Watch the Elephants Paint at Measa Elephant Camp
Picture credit: Jinny
4) Understand local culture at the Lanna Folklife Museum
Picture credit: eltpics
Best Rated Places to Stay in Chiang Mai
Pink Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa: Rs.11000
2) The Hut: Rs.8000
3) Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping: Rs. 7000
Best places to eat in Chiang Mai
1) La Terrasse: Situated in a cottage, its home-like ambience and the delicious flavours of French and European cuisine make it one of the best places to enjoy a Sunday Brunch or a lazy lunch. Prior reservation is recommended.
2) Ginger and Kafe: One of the best kept local secrets, it serves authentic traditional Thai cuisine. It’s vibrant, antique and homely environment makes it perfect for a hangout with friends as well as for a date with a loved one.
3) Khaomao-Khaofang Restaurant: Imagined on the lines of a rain forest, the restaurant provides a unique experience of dining in the wild. With a lake, tress and a wooden table making for a perfect starter, the meal just keeps getting interesting with its Asian flavour infused menu.
Places to visit in Thailand: Ko Samui (Day 5&6)
Picture credit: jipe7
Ko Samui is where the Thai Romance resides. In one way, it is the beating heart of Thailand tourism which has been seeing an influx of tourists much before the Thai islands become prominent on the map. The island is a fresh breath away from the high energy cities of the inland. It’s like taking a boat ride to nowhere. A nowhere lined up with luxury beach resorts, dimly-lit bars and posh spas along with a palm-filled coastal line and a landscape covered in rain forests.
Luxury things to do in Ko Samui
1) Dine over the Romantic Blue Waters
Contact the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort for the most amazing meal of your life.
Picture credit: Chaweng Regent Beach Resort
2) Get a Beach Massage
Find a list of the best spas here.
Picture credit: Sigmund
3) Go Zip lining through the Rainforests
Both Canopy Adventures and Treetop Tours promise a day of adventure and a never-seen-before view of the rainforests. Packages start from Rs.5500.
Picture credit: Jakub Michankow
4) Discover Beauty below Sea Level at Ang Thong National Marine Park
Picture credit: ryan harvey
5) Visit the Golden Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Picture credit: Badly Drawn Dad
Best Rated Places to Stay in Ko Samui
1) Pavilion Samui Villas & Resorts: Rs.12,000
2) Baan Talay Pool Villa: Rs. 9000
3) Private Poolside Villa: Rs.6500
Best Rated Places to Eat in Ko Samui
1) Tree Tops: The restaurant serves some fresh seafood along with fusion of Asian and International cuisine in the romantic and enchanting setting of a tree house in the rainforests. Quite easily, the most delightful dinner of your trip.
2) Dining on the Rocks: Thai food is enjoyed best with the added view of the ocean. The restaurant lets you enjoy the salty sea breeze as you order from an elaborate fusion of Asian food.
3) Full Moon Restaurant: Full moon offers an assortment of fine dining experiences. It’s most popular for its barbeque and grills and a romantic setting.
Places to visit in Thailand: Phuket (Day 7&8)
Picture credit: Jeff Gunn
Luxury Things to do in Phuket
1) Watch a Cabaret Show
To pick Simon Cabaret or to pick Aphrodite Cabaret is an on-going debate here.
Picture credit: Karen Marie
2) Where’s the Rum (Tour) at the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Picture credit: Justin Otto
3) Learn to Cook some Authentic Thai
One of the essential things to do in Thailand is learning the secret to its food. You can bring home the mind-boggling Thai flavours by taking a few classes at Kata Thai Cooking Class and Phuket Thai Cooking School.
Picture credit: Colleen Kirkland
4) Take a Trip to the James Bond Island
Hop on a speed boat tour of the Phang Nga Bay and visit the amazing location where The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) was filmed.
Picture credit: Eustaquio Santimano
Best Rated Places to Stay in Phuket
1) BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel and Serviced Apartments: Rs. 11,000
2) Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort: Rs.9000
3) The Blue Phuket Grand Deluxe: Rs.6600
Where to eat in Phuket
1) Sam’s Steak and Grills: One of the best food choices in Phuket, this steakhouse sets the standard for what grilled meats should taste like. It attracts a huge amount of locals and tourists. A must visit on all Thailand Itineraries.
2) Le Versace: This French haven in Patong is quite a luxurious dining experience. It serves some fine wines too with an amazing view of the ocean.
3) Siam Supper Club: A perfect dinner and drinks place, it serves some amazing Asian dishes and grills with live music, a dimly lit atmosphere and a superb service. If nothing else its extensive wine list is bound to keep you impressed.
4) Baba Nest Rooftop Bar: This one deserves an exclusive mention with its amazing setting- a floating wooden surface over water on the roof overlooking the ocean. Sitting on cozy pillows and sipping cocktails, this is the perfect place to chill.
All prices are approximate and as updated on 7th March 2016.