Beaches, Bangkok, and Beyond

Visitors to the island of Koh Samui love the fuss-free cadence of languorous mornings spent soaking in the warm waters of Chaweng Beach before tucking into a seafood omelet or a spicy mango salad at seafront eateries, such as FishHouse (kimptonkitalaysamui.com).

Marvel at area beaches on a traditional junk boat with Red Baron Charter and hire a 4x4 to visit the Buddha statues atop Khao Pom Mountain. You can also explore dozens of islands with towering limestone rock formations that make up Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park (explore available tours at GetYourGuide.com). Sample street food favorites at a night market in Fisherman’s Village and close the day out with a party back at Chaweng Beach.

For those interested in deepening their spiritual journey, the Samui International Meditation Center is a must-visit. It hosts daily complimentary meditation led by head monk Phra Punnadhammo as well as more immersive retreats. Each April, the Songkran Water Festival marks the start of the Buddhist new year and is celebrated with cleansing rituals, including public water fights.

The gateway to northern Thailand’s lush, hilly jungle, Chiang Rai is a cultural crossroads, also known for its proximity to the Golden Triangle, the border that connects to Laos and Myanmar. While there’s ample rural charm, a striking number of contemporary projects are redefining Chiang Rai’s appeal, including venues for natural wine and jazz music, exceptional coffee, pottery, and art galleries. You may also want to scope out The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, which was delicately brought to life by a Thai artist.

Thailand’s Rose of the North, Chiang Mai offers a delightfully varied travel experience. Yes, you’ll find quintessentially Thai temples and energetic night markets, which are great for tucking into Khao soi, the area’s signature coconut curry noodle soup. The city is also full of hip bars and workshops helmed by local creatives, plus third-wave coffee shops, modern shopping center One Nimman, and The House by Ginger (thehousebygingercm.com), a restaurant in a former colonial mansion.

If you choose to venture outside the city, the verdant hillside that surrounds Chiang Mai is just as inspiring, whether you’re going for a brisk hike or to visit an elephant sanctuary.

The capital city of Bangkok appeals to every indulgence: eating is a thrill, from street food to fine dining; shopping is truly exciting, whether you’re browsing at Chatuchak Weekend Market or contemporary malls like Emsphere (which are also handy for cooling off from the heat); and the nightlife is its own reason to visit.

Start your day at the Jim Thompson House (jimthompsonhouse.org) to learn about the Thai silk industry before picking up beautifully patterned scarves, dresses, and shirts. Then discover recently revived Charoenkrung, the city's creative district. It's full of quirky boutiques, homegrown cafes, and thrilling galleries. For dinnertime, book an award-winning restaurant like Potong (restaurantpotong.com) or Sorn (sornfinesouthern.com).

After-dark diversions also include food tuk tuk tours (available at GetYourGuide.com), Muay Thai shows at Lumpinee or Rajadamnern stadiums, and cocktails with live jazz at the legendary Bamboo Bar within the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Seek out Bangkok’s quieter moments while navigating the under-the-radar network of canals on a traditional long-tail boat (available at GetYourGuide.com).

A rising destination in Thailand’s tourism scene, Khao Yai’s national park is just over two hours by car from Bangkok. The reward is hiking forested mountains, seeking out serene waterfalls, and praying to spot one of the hundreds of wild elephants that call Khao Yai National Park home. It’s also buzzing with a nascent winemaking scene that’s already gotten the stamp of approval from many of Bangkok’s leading restaurants.

A three-hour drive south from Bangkok, Hua Hin is renowned as Thailand’s original beach resort and is the ideal partner to a big-city trip if you don’t want to fly to one of the islands. The last few years have seen this party hotspot turn a more cosmopolitan page as chic hotels, lively beach clubs, mindful wellness retreats, and elegant restaurants have launched at a clip. But Hua Hin beach remains the most in-demand attraction—you can’t miss the non-stop action along the four-mile stretch of sugary sand.

Before Koh Samui, Phuket, the country’s largest island, was considered Thailand’s glitziest beach destination. Dense rainforests and pristine beaches on the Andaman Sea characterize its natural beauty—still the primary draw for Phuket, although there’s also the restaurant scene (most of which honor southern Thailand’s spicy culinary style), the colorful architecture in the Old Town, and the nightlife.