You’ve been to Thailand, but have you dived the Andaman Sea, eaten at one of Asia’s best restaurants, or stayed on an untamed island eco-resort?
Thailand has so much to offer to travellers, above and beyond the usual hallmarks of a regular Thai bucket list. There’s much more to see beyond the bright lights of Khao San Road or the blue waters of Koh Phi Phi..
Here’s just a few examples..
EAT MICHELIN-STARRED CUISINES
Le Normandie, awarded 2 Michelin Stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide Bangkok
Thai street food is amazing but there are so many dining options in Thailand’s big cities from burger vans to fine dining. Chef Gaggan Anand’s Gaggan restaurant has put Indian food back in the spotlight and this world-class restaurant topped Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for three years in a row. And, in a rock star move, Anand is closing his signature restaurant in 2020, so get in NOW!
Thailand’s first Michelin Guide was released this year with 17 Bangkok restaurants getting the honour of either 1 or 2 coveted Michelin stars – and it was recently announced that Phuket and Phang Nga Michelin Guides would follow soon.
But you can still get some great street food in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, just follow the crowds for the best spots and bring an adventurous appetite.
SEE BEYOND THE BEACHES
Thailand has some of the most dramatic beaches in the world such as the karst peaks rising out of the Andaman Sea near Krabi. But what is overlooked is the beauty under the water.
Whether you are a snorkeler or a diver, the Andaman Sea offers huge diversity of sea life that you can see from a range of day trips or liveaboard cruises. You can dive with whale sharks at the famous Richelieu Rock, cruise the Phi Phi Islands or head to Koh Samui and dive in the Gulf of Thailand.
HAVE AN AWESOME NIGHT OUT
While Bangkok has many rooftop bars as well as five-star hotel bars mixing up world-class cocktails, travellers should really explore some of the smaller local bars along Soi Langsuan, Soi Nana in Chinatown and Soi Thonglor in Bangkok. If you are up north, try the small laneways of Chiang Mai’s old town and around Nimmanahaemin quarter.
STAY SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT
Stay in five-star accommodation surrounded by lush tropical jungle right on Railay Beach at Rayavadee resort. Here you can watch gibbons swing past your resort room, dine in a secret cave on the sand, or take a longboat ride at sunset.
You can stay on the eco-resort Soneva Kiri Koh Kood on the untamed island of Koh Kood that has authentic Thai experiences and barefoot luxury. Or head to the luxe canvas retreat of Four Seasons Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai where you can visit rescued elephants and explore the bamboo jungles.