Thailand

Bangkok hums a rhythm true travelers are inevitably attracted to—with its unique mix of modernity and tradition, it enchants with stories of ancient journeys and well-loved rituals and amazes with its alternation of sleek skyscrapers, gilded Buddhist temples, and the grandeur of the Grand Palace.

Settle into the bright red walls of Amdaeng, a retreat on the banks of the Chao Phraya River—arguably the most romantic hotel in town, with its traditional Thai-style rooms decorated with soft linens, beautiful paintings, and a breakfast you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.

Once rested and ready, immerse yourself in the life-filled maze of Bangkok and start at the house and museum of collector and American businessman Jim Thompson, where traditional Thai interiors pair with European touches—such as Italian marble floors—to house a collection of statues, paintings, and porcelains from Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, and Laos. Continue with the grandeur of the Grand Palace, a vast complex of royal residences, throne rooms, and sacred relics. We suggest visiting the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles for a journey through Thailand’s history, told through intricate weaves and exquisite patterns.

Cross the river to admire the pearly iridescence of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, whose central spire represents the center of all universes. Drift along the Chao Phraya on an express boat to admire the city from a fluid perspective while escaping the center’s traffic. Stop at Wat Pho, home to the majestic Reclining Buddha, and if you’re feeling tired from all the exploring, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at White Wood Green Spa or sip white and oolong tea in the sophisticated and grounding atmosphere of Araksa Tea Room, where the finest selections from Chiang Mai’s historic plantation are served.

As evening falls, head to Yao Rooftop Bar to watch the sunset cast golden hues over the city’s skyline as you sip on aromatic drinks and nibble on spring rolls and crab dumplings. For dinner, the choice is yours—whether to enjoy local street food, perhaps a bowl of Nai Ek Roll Noodles in Chinatown—the best spot to experience the city's vibrant nightlife—or the legendary Pad Thai Fai Tu, a Michelin-recommended gourmet twist on Thailand’s most famous dish.

For a more refined experience, book a table at Le Du, a Michelin-starred take on modern Thai cuisine, or let the bold personality of chef Gaggan amaze you with his 22-course tasting menu.

If Japanese cuisine is more your style, look for the sleek interiors of Sasay Silom or the lively energy of Fatboy Izakaya, a Japanese gastropub where food and drinks flow into the night—the perfect way to embrace this ever-moving city of gold.

From Bangkok, a short flight takes you to Chiang Rai: nestled in the hills of northern Thailand, this dreamlike escape is the perfect retreat for those longing for a slower pace of life. The first step to slowing down? Settling into the clean-lined rooms of Riva Vista, a serene retreat on the northern bank of the Kok River, where traditional Lanna architecture seamlessly merges with contemporary design. Before setting out, indulge in a Thai massage, an experience the hotel is renowned for.

Hiring a private driver is essential to exploring the vast landscapes of this corner of paradise. Begin at Singha Park, a lush expanse of tea fields and vibrant gardens, before making a playful stop at Abonzo Farm, where you can sip on locally grown coffee at a hilltop café, surrounded by freely roaming sheep.

Continue to the White Temple—an evocative architectural masterpiece filled with surrealist murals and intricate sculptures blending pop culture with Thai mythology—and then onto the Blue Temple, also known as the "Temple of the Dancing Tiger", a dazzling sanctuary painted in deep indigo hues with celestial murals. Prepare to be further amazed at the Black Museum, a striking collection of dark, enigmatic sculptures.

No visit to this region would be complete without a detour to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet—a land historically intertwined with opium trade since the 1950s. The Opium Museum is an unexpectedly fascinating place to delve into this area’s storied past. Complete your day at Choui Fong Tea Plantation, where delicate Thai teas are served alongside coconut, banana, and rice pastries.

For dinner, head to Pad Thai - Thai Food & Drink, a tiny, folkloric eatery run by a mother-and-son duo, serving traditional Pad Thai with a complimentary plate of fresh fruit to end your meal. Or, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, a vibrant mix of market stalls, street food, and open-air performances.

Leaving Chiang Rai behind, enjoy a scenic drive through northern Thailand’s rolling hills until you reach Lisu Lodge—an eco-retreat offering an intimate glimpse into the traditions of the Lisu tribe.

A guided village visit, led by a local Lisu tribesperson, unfolds stories of their customs and daily life, culminating in an encounter with a village elder, who will offer you a taste of homemade sesame whiskey. The immersive stay also includes a private massage on your terrace, overlooking the tranquil countryside, and a visit to the Araksa Tea Garden, where you’ll walk through the lush tea fields and partake in the delicate ritual of tea harvesting, tasting, and a beautifully prepared lunch.

Back at the lodge, your evening is further enriched by a traditional Lisu dinner—a fitting close before a dream-filled night in the silence of the countryside

The cultural heart of northern Thailand is a tapestry of golden temples, majestic landscapes, traditional markets, and serene sanctuaries—a city where life eternally renews itself. Possibly our best tip for this guide would be to check in at Sela Chiangmai—a dazzling masterpiece of contemporary Thai design, a sanctuary to soak in and recalibrate, with soft lighting, natural textures, and uniquely designed rooms where every night becomes a celebration of local heritage and the joys of life. Despite being slightly out of the city center, you’ll find the short distance to be completely worth it.

Should you finally be persuaded to leave your idyllic stay, head to the Old Town to stroll through centuries-old temples and hidden courtyards, each blessed with its own incense-scented shrine. If your visit falls on a Sunday, experience the lively energy of the Sunday Night Market—a city-wide celebration filled with lantern-lit stalls, performances, and handcrafted treasures to bring home.

You can also spend a day at Elephant Nature Park—a sustainable sanctuary dedicated to the ethical rescue and rehabilitation of local elephants—or test your Thai cooking skills at Grandma’s Cooking Class, an immersive experience where you’ll learn traditional recipes alongside the history and uses of local aromatic herbs and spices.

Or maybe you’ll enjoy a session of souvenir-hunting at One Nimman Select, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted work in a beautifully curated space, or take a moment to decompress and recenter at Calma Massage and Spa.

If your idea of relaxation is sitting with a coffee and watching life unfold, you’ll be delighted by Chiang Mai’s vibrant café culture—our top picks are Graph Café for its rich, experimental brews and Fern Forest Café, a charming spot tucked beneath lush greenery.

For an unforgettable dinner, head to Tong Tem Toh—a local institution offering the purest form of Northern Thai cuisine, from aromatic curries to spicy meat stews.

A short flight from Chiang Mai to Trat, with a brief stop in Bangkok, brings you to Thailand’s hidden coastal gems. Koh Chang and Koh Kood remain blissfully under the radar, offering a slower, more untouched island experience, where turquoise waters meet lush, unspoiled nature.

Tucked away on Thailand’s eastern shores, Koh Chang is a place where emerald hills roll into white-sand beaches; once again, the rhythm of life seems to soften—harmonizing with the tides. Settle into The Retreat Hotel, a tranquil hideaway where days begin with the gentle sound of waves and end with golden-hour cocktails overlooking the sea.

The island’s rugged beauty calls for exploration. For a sun-drenched afternoon, head to White Sands Beach, a dreamlike stretch of soft white sand and lively evenings. If you feel called by the song of nature, hike to Klong Plu Waterfall, where cool, fresh water cascades into a glistening pool, perfect for a refreshing swim and a full immersion in the jungle.

Further south, Bangbao Fisherman Village offers a glimpse into traditional island life, with wooden stilt houses and seafood shacks lining the pier. From here, follow the red boardwalks through the otherworldly scenery of the Mangrove Forest, a precious ecosystem that can also be admired from the river.

You may think the island couldn’t possibly offer more beauty, but the sunset from Rasta Viewpoint Restaurant will prove otherwise. Let your mind drift in the pink and orange hues as you sip on a cocktail and enjoy the laid-back reggae beats of this hillside retreat before heading back to your hotel—another perfect spot for a sunset aperitivo, surrounded by Koh Chang’s quiet magic.

If Koh Chang feels like an escape, Koh Kood feels like a jealously kept secret—a place where barefoot, tropical dreams come to life, far removed from Thailand’s more touristic shores.

Check in to either High Season Resort Spa & Villa—a stunning resort on Khlong Chao Beach—or the ultra-exclusive Soneva Kiri, where unparalleled luxury meets sustainable design. Here, the rhythm of your stay is entirely yours to decide—whether you seek active adventure or deep relaxation.

Explore the hidden lagoons and emerald waters by kayak or snorkeling, discovering untouched coral reefs and secluded coves. Or, embrace pure tranquility at Bang Bao Beach and Khlong Chao Beach, where silky-soft sands and crystal-clear waters invite you to linger under the shade of swaying coconut palms.

For your final gourmet experience in Thailand, indulge in the beachfront restaurants of your resort—where the hardest decision might be choosing between Japanese-Peruvian fusion, starlit tapas dinners, or a medicinal mixology cocktail class before a moonlit meal. Alternatively, venture out to Mermaid Restaurant & Café or Goodview Resort & Coffee, where simple, beautifully prepared Thai dishes come with a breathtaking ocean backdrop and the gentle promises of the evening tide.

From here, a short flight from Trat back to Bangkok marks the final stretch of the journey. One last night in the city—perhaps a return to Amdaeng, or one final rooftop drink overlooking the skyline—before you head home, carrying the lingering essence of Thailand, subtly woven into the days and months ahead, through a hint of incense, a touch of gold, or a quiet daydream of its turquoise shores.