Are you physically here but mentally on a holiday in Thailand? We’ve found some of the best Thai resorts to suit different types of vacation vibes, from a hotspot hotel stay in Phuket to a relaxed romantic retreat.
Best Thai resort in Koh Samui
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui is set on a secluded 28 acres wrapped around a private bay. This five-star wellness resort in Koh Samui’s northeast corner is located right on the beach. While there are 14 different suite or villa options, all have one thing in common (which is also why we rate this one of the best Thai resorts in Koh Samui!) – the chance to get in an outdoor tub and relax looking out over the ocean.
The resort facilities are also diverse, attracting guests who want to be active at the gym, yoga studio or on the tennis court, along with families looking for a stay with a kids’ club. There’s also a co-working space, handicraft store, three restaurants and a bar. In addition, the resort has two pool areas, one for ages 14 and up, located halfway up the hillside on the pathway from the beach to the villas. The 200 metre private beachfront, meanwhile, is a haven for water sports (non-motorised only!). Guests can make use of complimentary hobie catamarans, windsurfers, kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling equipment. And the resort’s beach boys will help beginners too.
If there’s one experience to add to your list while here, it’s a self-care session at the resort’s 8lements Spa. Here you’ll find an onsen, with soothing thermal waters to help ease stress and promote deep relaxation. The signature spa treatments include invigorating massages and calming rituals based on traditional Thai wellness.
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
garrya.com/en/destinations/samui
Peaceful hotel stay in Phuket
Patong is one of the places in Thailand to visit where the beach meets the streets, meaning you can spend your day on the sand before walking into a lively tourism town filled with shops, restaurants, bars and clubs.
While a stay at M Social Hotel Phuket puts you in a prime location to explore this popular hotspot, it also provides a bright and modern place to escape and relax. The hotel has walls painted with ocean-themed artworks, a day spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and two outdoor swimming pools. Additionally, Patong Beach is just a short stroll away from the 418 rooms and suites.
For a more intimate evening, the hotel has a Japanese restaurant on the property called Bincho Izakaya. Gather around the venue’s central bar to try some different sake and cocktails. And make sure to grab a few casual bites or dishes prepared at the robatayaki live counter and sushi bar.
Other places to explore near this hotel stay in Phuket include the Big Buddha and Phuket Old Town. In the evenings and on Sundays, markets turn the streets into a foodie’s and shopaholic’s paradise.
M Social Hotel Phuket
msocial.com/en/phuket/m-social-phuket
Where to go in Thailand for mountains
Set in the foothills of the lush mountains that play host to Northern Thailand’s vibrant culture and ancient temples is the Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai. The retreat is perfectly positioned to embrace tranquillity and the power of wellness restoration.
Built to protect the local ecosystem, the low-rise property merges modern and traditional Thai design. You can stay in one of the 44 rooms and suites or the pool residences. However, the star of the accommodation offerings is a four-bedroom villa made from restored antique golden teak carefully reassembled into a beautiful Thai abode.
At the Ayurah Wellness Centres, you can embark on a restorative journey through six holistic tailor-made programmes. These wellness-focused Thailand holidays incorporate a variety of focuses, from natural Thai medicine and healing to self-love and yoga. There’s also complimentary yoga each day, Qi Gong, meditation and mindfulness classes.
The Aleenta’s holistic wellness approach also incorporates bespoke nutritionist-led plans with full plant-based options and wellness cooking classes. The Garden restaurant showcases a nutritious take on Northern Thai Lanna cuisine with a Western twist. To further help guests achieve balance and wellness at the Thailand mountain resort, there’s also a resident “master healer”, doctor, nurse and nutritionist on hand.
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai
aleenta.com/chiang-mai
Head over heels for this honeymoon package
With a view of the gulf of Thailand and only a few steps from the beach, Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi is a honeymooners’ paradise found in Pak Nam Pran bay. While it goes without saying that the location alone will conjure plenty of those perfect romantic vibes, you can ramp things up with the Hua Hin Romantic Getaway Package.
The deal includes a two-night stay, daily breakfast (including a one-time breakfast served in-room or as a “floating” breakfast in the pool), a one-hour spa treatment each day and a night with pre-dinner drinks and a romantic dinner on the beach.
Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi
aleenta.com/huahin
Romantic places in Thailand to visit
Just 25 minutes north of Phuket airport, Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga is a boutique resort providing breezy vacation vibes and plenty of opportunities to fall in love all over again. For example, the resort’s honeymoon package starts with couples finding a rose bouquet and a bottle of sparkling wine when they enter their beachfront villa or suite.
Also included in these romantic Thailand holidays are gourmet breakfasts every morning and a one-hour spa treatment each day. During your three nights in loved-up luxury, you can also choose an evening for romantic pre-dinner drinks and a dinner for two on the beach.
Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga
aleenta.com/phuket/special-offers/romantic-getaway
Thailand holidays offering a fresh taste for foodies
With a plant-based menu, Thai ingredients and an Italian chef, there’s certainly going to be something new for every foodie at Seasons, Thailand’s first ever completely plant-based fine-dining eatery. Considered by many as one of the best Thai resort restaurants, this spot within the Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga has only eight tables, with direct views of the Andaman Sea and an intimate setting that draws on the beauty of nature both on and off the menu.
The primary focus for Chef Luca Mancini is to support local agricultural businesses, minimise the restaurant’s ecological footprint and create an innovative and health-conscious menu. This is why the restaurant creates new menus in alignment with Thailand’s three seasons – wet, hot and cool.
Staple ingredients at Seasons include rice from a farm run by the same family for four generations. Their strain of rice is high in nutrients like Omega 9, which can help to lower cholesterol and improve circulation. The restaurant also sources tofu made using a secret recipe passed down for generations. Also, the homegrown Thai “grape seaweed” is from a nearby plantation. Signature dishes using these ingredients include a creamy risotto with flavours of the sea and a rich chocolate mousse made from white tofu.
Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga
aleenta.com/phuket
Facts and tips for Thailand holidays
The Basics
Population: 71 million
Capital: Bangkok
Religion: Around 95% of the population is Buddhist
Emergency number: 191
Some trivia
- Thailand used to be known as Siam – and yes, Siamese cats are native to this country.
- The town of Kanchanaburi is home to the famous “Bridge Over the River Kwai”, part of the Burma-Siam railway; an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people died constructing the project during the Second World War.
- At 127 metres high, Phra Pathommachedi in Nakhon Pathom is the tallest stupa in the world
- Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has not been colonised by Europeans.
- Speaking of Europe, Bangkok was once called “the Venice of the East” due to buildings being built on stilts above the Chao Phraya River.
- It is strictly against the law to criticise the monarchy in Thailand.
- Bangkok’s full official ceremonial name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
Key dates in Thailand
- 13 to 17 April: Songkran Festival. The Thai New Year is celebrated in boisterous fashion (put it this way: you will get wet!).
- 13 October: The anniversary for the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand’s much-loved king of 70 years died in 2016, aged 88.
Where to find the best Thai Resorts
Hot spots include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi and Hua Hin. There are five World Heritage Sites in Thailand, including the historic towns of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
Itinerary ideas and places in Thailand to visit
- Beach Break: Bangkok – Koh Samui – Koh Phangan – A hotel stay in Phuket
- Highlands: Bangkok – Lopburi – Sukhothai – Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
- Heartland: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Ayuthaya
Staying safe and healthy
The usual mosquito-borne diseases are common enough in Thailand, also be aware of cutaneous larva migrans; it’s a rash caused by dog hookworm that’s sometimes contracted on Thailand’s beaches (sounds awful, but it’s very easily treated with medication!). There are snakes around – we’ve seen some ourselves – so tread carefully when you’re off the beaten track.
Cultural things
While you’re there, please don’t…
- Wear your shoes into a temple or someone’s home.
- Raise your voice unnecessarily; anger and aggression are signs of disrespect in Thailand.
- Touch a Thai person on the head.
- Use your feet to point at anything.
Before you go, read …
- Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap – short stories by a young award-winning Thai-American author
- A Child of the Northeast by Kampoon Boontawee – written in 1976 and set in the 1930s, this book tells of a family from the Isan region of Thailand.
- Bangkok 8 by John Burdett – the seamier side of Thailand is represented here (namely, the bars and brothels) but it’s a suspenseful and entertaining read.
Before you go, watch …
- Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives – winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, this film centres around the last days of the title character.
- The Legend of Suriyothai – the story of Queen Suriyothai who died in courageous fashion in 1548 in a battle against Burmese invaders.
- The Big Boss – if you’re a martial arts fan, you’ll love this Bruce Lee flick, which was filmed entirely in Thailand.
They said it…
“In Thailand’s history there have been dissensions from time to time, but in general, unity has prevailed.” – Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand (1946-2016)
“Bangkok is a rejuvenating tonic; the people seem to have found the magic elixir. Life, a visitor feels, has not been wasted on the Thais.” – Bernard Kalb, author
“Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of sanuk. This doesn’t mean Thai people don’t want to work or strive. It’s just that they live more in the moment, and do their best to enjoy it.” – Anonymous
Important questions when booking a Thailand holiday
Do I need a visa?
Passport holders from over 60 countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Singapore and Australia do not require a visa for stays not exceeding 30 days. See the official visa website here.
What time is it in Thailand?
Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT, 1 hour behind Singapore and 3 hours behind Sydney.
What’s the money situation?
The official currency of Thailand is the Thai baht (THB). Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and Thai baht withdrawn at ATMs throughout the country. Credit cards are also widely accepted.
When’s the best time to visit Thailand?
Before you book your flights and stay at one of the best Thai resorts, it’s important to know what to expect weather wise. In Thailand it’s generally hot and humid across most of the country throughout most of the year. Avoid Bangkok and the inland areas in April when the weather is scorching. Beach lovers should be aware that the weather varies on the east and west coasts. On the west coast, the southwest monsoon brings heavy storms from April to October so it’s best not to book a hotel stay in Phuket, Phi Phi or Krabi . On the east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan), most rainfall is between September and December.
What’s the lingo?
Thai is the official language, but most locals have at least a rudimentary understanding of English. Here are some phrases to get you started:
- Hello: Sawadee ka (female) / Sawadee krab (male)
- What is your name? Khun cheu arai?
- My name is __: Di-chan chuh __ (female) / Pom chuh __ (male)
- How much? Tao rai ka? (female) / Tao rai krub? (male)
- Thank you: Khorb khun ka (female) Khorb khun krab (male)
- Yes: Chi
- No, thank you: Mai ao ka (female) / Mai ao krab (male)
Last but not least
Is there anything I should know about meeting the locals?
To say hello in Thai, perform a wai: place your hands together close to your chest and dip your head in a slight bow.
What’s a must-try dish?
Pad Thai: rice noodles stir-fried with eggs and chopped firm tofu, flavoured with tamarind pulp, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic or shallots, red chillies, palm sugar, and served with lime wedges and chopped roasted peanuts. But there are so many other options!
What should I buy as a souvenir?
Thai silk, spa products, Thai cookbooks.
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