Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia known for its magnificent wild beauty, white sandy beaches, impressive palaces and interesting culture with amazing local street food. A visit to Thailand provides tourists with an immersive experience that is ideal for everyone; whether you prefer a backpacking trip or a relaxing and luxurious getaway.
This guide is for luxury lovers that enjoy the finer things in life and want to explore Thailand’s beautiful islands and what it has to offer from a luxurious point of view.
How to get around Thailand
The most comfortable and fastest way to island hop between Thailand’s main islands is via a plane. When it comes to transport between the main islands and the smaller islands that are nearby a plan is not always an option. In that case, to travel in style and luxury tourists can opt for a First Class ticket on a ferry.
Phuket
Phuket is an island situated on the Andaman sea which makes the ultimate luxurious hideaway for beach loves.
What to do
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: For an heartwarming experience a visit to the elephant sanctuary in Phuket is a must. The sanctuary’s aim is to educate visitors on the hardships that the elephants have been through while entertaining the tourist industry. A visit to the sanctuary is a fun day that includes a tour of the grounds, feeding the elephants and at last a delicious and vegetarian buffet lunch. You will leave the sanctuary feeling great that you’ve contributed to a good project and practiced ethical tourism.
Visit the beach: Phuket is blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches. Pa Tong, Karon and Kamala are the island’s most touristic beaches featuring cafes, restaurants and buzzing nightlife. Paradise beach is another recommended beach for young crowds. There is an entry fee and transportation to the beach from Patong.
Where to stay
Phuket has a lot of luxurious and pampering accommodation options on offer. Depending on your preferred location, some of the best hotels to stay in are Amari Phuket, Mandarava Resort & Spa and Baba Luxury Pool Villas.
Where to eat & drink
Cafe Del Mar: The hottest beach club in Phuket is Cafe Del Mar. Located on Kamala beach, it is where the young and fashionable crowd hangs, eats, drinks and parties. On season it is recommended to book your beach and pool cabanas ahead of time. Otherwise, you can also book a table at the restaurant. Be prepared for high-end prices that match their prestige reputation.
Koh Samui
One of Thailand’s most popular islands is Koh Samui. It is famous for its natural beauty and lively atmosphere.
What to do
Relax on the beach: Chaweng beach is the main hub in Koh Samui where everything is happening. However, for luxury lovers a busy beach might not be the best option. Instead, try other beaches like Coral Cove or Silver Beach.
Take a cooking class: Most of the big resorts and hotels also offer Thai cooking classes on their premises. Take them up on the offer to learn something new from the experts.
Where to stay
Anantara Lawana Resort: A luxe 5 star beachfront hotel featuring 3 restaurants, villas with private pools and a swing, and an infinity pool. The most unique thing about Anantara is their Three Top Sky Dining restaurant where guests can dine in a tall treehouse overlooking the hotel’s grounds. The hotel is especially recommended for honeymooners for an ultimate romantic experience.
Where to drink
The jungle club: During sunset the best place to be is at the Jungle Club. The resort, situated on a hillside, offers the best gulf views of Koh Samui which can be enjoyed from their open-air trendy bar and restaurant.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is paradise for luxury lovers as it is home to some of the best upscale hotels in Thailand. A visit to Thailand’s stunning islands is never complete without a visit to Koh Phangan. The island might be known for its full-moon parties, however, it also has a lot more to offer for those seeking tranquility and well-being.
Where to stay
Santhiya Resort: Santhiya provides an unforgettable jungle-themed experience for its guests. This upmarket waterfront resort has a private beach, a pampering spa and several restaurants on site. Guests can choose between villas with private pools or rooms with a direct pool-access. The impeccable service, magnificent views and delicious food on-site make the hotel the perfect choice for luxury lovers.
- Disclaimer: This post has been written in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
