Spectacular places in Thailand for a spot of winter sun
If you’re considering a trip to Thailand, it’s likely you’re feeling a little spoiled for choice. Far more than a beach paradise (although it certainly ticks that box with ease), the Land of Smiles can serve up bustling city adventures, humid jungle treks, world-leading wellness retreats and foodie tours with ease. Whether you want to head North for a culture-soaked sojourn, to Koh Samui for an island escape (if you're quick, you could even secure a room at the setting of The White Lotus' third season), to seek out the temples in Bangkok or simply to flop on the best-looking strips of sand, we know the location for you.
Here, discover the most beautiful places in Thailand, from the gateway island escape to some lesser-known hideaways, all recommended by a Bazaar editor who has explored the country from top to tail.
Where to go in Thailand, according to a long-time traveller
For a weekend in the city: Bangkok
Bangkok is not a city for the faint-hearted: from the extremely humid climes to the non-stop moped traffic, it’s a city that requires both energy and enthusiasm. But come prepared (that’s comfortable shoes, a proper hat and a decent night’s sleep) and there is so much to discover in this vibrant city.
On weekends, brave the rabbit warren of Chatuchak market (go early to skip the crowds and the heat) and hunt for designer vintage treasures hidden amongst the 15000 market stalls, or head to Chinatown’s Yaowarat road to traverse the miles of gold traders and street-food vendors. Looking for something more cultural? The Grand Palace is one of the most spectacular Buddhist temples in the country, sensitively maintained and glimmering gold beneath the sun.
The stay: Mandarin Oriental
The oldest hotel in Thailand, The Oriental first opened on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in 1876 and, after being bought by the Mandarin group in the 1970s, remains the most prestigious place to stay in the city today. Ask for a room in the Author’s Wing, part of the original 19th century building, where each suite is named after a past literary guest.
For jungle treks and food markets: Chiang Mai
An hour’s flight north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, offering a cultural contrast to the beachy Southern regions. Many come for the elephant sanctuaries – which can indeed be wonderful, but be sure to do your research to find an ethical option – and to delve into the country’s rich history and enduring Lanna heritage (notice the different dialect spoken by the locals).
Here, time-honoured temples, testing jungle excursions and sprawling national parks are all on the cards, as is a fantastic food scene for those unafraid to get stuck into a string of dishes on the side of the road. For the ultimate street-food experience, do as the late Anthony Bourdain did, and look for the lady in the cowboy hat at Chang Phueak Gate night market. If the outfit doesn't give her away, the queue will.
The stay: 137 Pillars
Chiang Mai isn’t the place for flopping into a five-star resort, with most visiting for a few action-packed days before recovering further south on the beaches. But that doesn’t mean a stylish stay is off the cards: opt for 137 Pillars, which honours the traditional Lanna architecture while working in modern (and truly luxe) touches, such as a slender swimming pool and well-kitted gym.
For the best beaches: Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is considerably trickier to reach than the popular islands of Samui and Lanta (the flight-taxi-speedboat trifecta takes up a whole day) which means it’s generally visited by those serious Thailand travellers who have ticked off the obvious spots and are in search of something that feels more secret.
Indeed, a trip to Lipe is something you’ll be talking about for some time: this truly paradisiacal island is dubbed the ‘Maldives of Thailand’ for good reason. Here, expect homespun cocktail bars, casual BBQ restaurants and some of the most jaw-dropping beaches in the country, with shallow shores and spectacular snorkelling spots. Don’t pack for an evening dress code: there is nowhere here that requires a high heel (and many places that operate on a bare-foot policy). And do remember to throw in a few good books, as Lipe is really all about the reclining.
The stay: Idyllic Concept Resort
On hippy-centric Lipe, pristine sandbanks are flanked not by high-rise hotels and mega resorts, but lowkey properties designed strictly around the natural landscape. The most luxurious is Idyllic, which is situated on a coveted spot at the end of Sunrise beach (early risers will be rewarded with the best views). The rooms are modest yet modern, with beachfront villas available, and there are two pools: one for lapping, and the other with a swim-up bar.
For family-friendly fun: Koh Samui
Koh Samui is perhaps the most well-known of the Southern Thai islands, situated in the Gulf next to Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao. Served by its own surprisingly beautiful airport, it’s an easy hour’s flight from Bangkok, yet the atmosphere is worlds apart from the bustle of the city. Development has been rampant on Samui, and there’s now a multitude of luxury resorts to choose from (not to mention the setting of the forthcoming series of The White Lotus, The Four Seasons,) while the nightlife of Chaweng beach and restaurants of Fisherman’s Village are there should you fancy a livelier libation.
The stay: Six Senses
Set into the hillside on the Northern edge of Samui, Six Senses is the kind of otherworldly retreat that instantly makes you feel deliciously free from the stresses of real life. It’s a taxi drive away from the crowds of the main tourist beaches, and offers both privacy and incredible ocean views (which you can gaze at smugly from your own private infinity pool). Be sure to reserve a table at Dining On The Rocks for a quiet, memorable dinner on a platform perched over the ocean.
See our verdict on the very best Koh Samui hotels here.
For a peaceful retreat: Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta, situated on the Western coast and easily accessible from the mainland at Phuket or Krabi, is one of the quieter islands, offering a true sense of castaway escapism. The beaches to the north are the most built-up (although they’re still markedly chilled out) while the south of the island is where you’ll find the best resorts and most beautiful views. Lanta isn’t packed with tourist attractions or Western restaurants – families after ease and entertainment may want to consider Samui instead – but anyone after a week of rest and relaxation, with a few long, scenic walks for good measure, will be in their own personal paradise.
The stay: Pimalai Resort and Spa
Set into the snaking hillside of Lanta’s southerly Kantiang Bay, the Pimalai resort offers the most striking panoramic views of the Andaman sea (with a virtually private stretch of sand to boot). Here, you’ll feel immersed in nature, with villas built around the thriving tropical flora and fauna. Sure, you can rent a paddleboard, play tennis, complete a PADI diving course or borrow a bike to explore the island, but we think a day best spent involves a long, lingering trip to the award-winning spa, where massages take place under the palm fronds, soundtracked simply by the breeze.
For island hopping: Krabi
Situated on the West Coast of the mainland, just south from tourist hotspot Phuket, is Krabi: a cliff-framed province known as a jumping-off point for some of Thailand’s most spectacular beaches. There are over 100 tiny islands just off the coast to explore, including Maya Bay: the idyllic jungle-framed shore made famous by Danny Boyle’s The Beach.
The Stay: Ritz-Carlton, Phulay Bay
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After a long day island-hopping, the incredibly luxurious Ritz-Carlton in Phulay Bay is exactly the kind of place you’ll want to return to. Built sensitively around the verdant flora and fauna, you'll feel fully immersed in the tropical landscape, while the infinity pool is the perfect place from which to gaze out at the Andaman sea.
For luxe retreats and loud nightlife: Phuket
Phuket is the largest of the Thai islands, and the most developed. Fuelled by its own international airport, meaning you can fly directly from the UK without stopping in Bangkok, it's an island of two halves, where the main Patong beach is framed by dozens of 'walking streets' packed with bars, nightclubs and heaving seafood restaurants. That's not to say you're in for a week of sleepless nights, though (unless that's what you're seeking) as super-luxe resorts also abound on this sprawling sandy paradise, meaning you can stay as far – or, as close – to the action as you desire.
The Stay: Rosewood Phuket
Anyone who has stayed at a Rosewood property before will know to expect the very best. This Thai hideaway is a pristine example of the hotel group's attention to detail: situated beachfront on the picture-perfect Emerald Bay, it sensitively works around the landscape with architecture that truly brings the outside in.
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