Thailand rewards the curious explorer and the beach lover – it’s a perfect destination for sun-seeking travellers who want to be inspired.
Despite its persistent backpacker reputation, Thailand is also one of the world’s most spectacular luxury holiday destinations. Charming culture, evocative history, brilliant beaches and islands, plus a series of outstanding hotels from trusted names.
We recently created this two-week Thailand itinerary for our clients, an exclusive journey through Thailand’s nature, culture and history.
Start at Rosewood Bangkok: Modern Thailand
Bangkok, an energetic city where centuries collide. It’s packed full of experiences, like cruising Chao Phraya River by wooden speedboat, exploring speakeasy bars by tuktuk, having art and culinary adventure – find many more Bangkok layover ideas here.
Bangkok is a convenient one-stop flight from Prague, via Vienna, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Zurich or Dubai. For our clients we arranged airport VIP service and a stay at Rosewood Bangkok.
Rosewood Bangkok is a 30-storey glass and steel pleasuredome where everything feels spacious, matched by top design and an inner peace. We recommend a duplex penthouse with a glass-fronted sky pool.
The hotel’s two structures are a homage to the wai, a traditional Thai gesture of hands pressed together in greeting. Rosewood Bangkok is already a Bangkok icon – if you prefer a more low-key hotel, try Capella Bangkok.
Rosewood Bangkok represents Thailand’s creative and contemporary edge. If you’re feeling tired, it’s a tranquil place to rest and relax. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you’re in the heart of the city.
Explore the Golden Triangle: Thailand’s Nature
Now fly north, to the rolling green mountains of the Golden Triangle. Elephants roam the bamboo jungles up here. Ancient temples and traditional villages hide in places inaccessible by road.
48 hours is perfect in the Golden Triangle. Take a traditional long-boat along the river divide between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Walk with rescued elephants (strictly no riding). Relax in the silence of nature.
We typically recommend Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, a world away from Thailand’s typical beachfront hotel style. It’s a jungle home under canvas with a dramatic open-air spa.
You enjoy the Four Seasons signature service but the style and design is completely unique. Just 15 spacious luxury tents, almost like a vintage African safari adventure, out in the beautiful wilderness of northern Thailand.
The minimum age at this tented camp is ten. If you’re travelling to Thailand with younger children we would recommend Anantara Elephant Camp Golden Triangle, as it offers more tailored activities.
Now Classic Thai Culture in the North
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s beating cultural heart. Unfortunately, it is also a very popular backpacker destination, so the exclusivity of your experiences is paramount here.
We arranged a private Khantoke dinner for our clients, as an insight into the culture and gastronomy of the old Lanna Kingdom. Plus an introduction to Thai tea .
You’ll need a hotel hideaway here. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a good choice, but if this holiday is sounding too much Four Seasons then opt for one of two boutique hotels.
137 Pillars House is a 19th-century homestead, meticulously restored and wonderfully private. The most interesting hotel design is at Howie’s Homestay, where seven golden teak pavilions have been designed by Bill Bensley.
In Chiang Mai your holiday can be tailored with a range of authentic experiences, including the iconic temples and non-intrusive visits to traditional hill tribes.
End Your Holiday on the Beach
Of course, Thailand is famous for its amazing islands and beaches. You’ll find beautiful turquoise waters, top-class beachfront resorts and pristine sand. But hey, you’ll find that in the Maldives, Mauritius and Anguilla too. So why Thailand for a beach holiday?
Firstly, the landscapes. Beaches backed by verdant jungle, hidden coves far from crowds, and phenomenal marine life.
Secondly, the quality of Thailand’s beach resorts. Although some beaches and some islands are mass-tourism destinations, Thailand also has resort destinations to rival the best in the world.
We booked our clients at Soneva Kiri, sister property to Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. All three combine luxury with smart sustainability, embracing nature and truly disconnecting.
Soneva Kiri contrasts the stays on offer in Phuket, where Rosewood Phuket and Amanpuri are respectively the new luxury and grand dame of the island. Or on Koh Samui there’s Four Seasons and Napasai by Belmond.
Six Senses Yao Noi and the recently opened Anantara Koh Yao Yai should be high in your thinking. Located on undeveloped islands, they have a more exclusive and private feel.
Customising Your Thailand Holiday
Thailand has reopened. It’s perfect for travel now, or any month between November and May. So if the winter is bringing you down, there’s an exotic destination not far away.
At EliteVoyage we’re always guided by client feedback. It’s so rare for somebody to visit Thailand and not be wowed by the experience.
If you just want a beach the popular Indian Ocean islands will continue to provide. But if you want more than a great beach, Thailand is a phenomenal place to explore, so much more than its stereotypes.
Will you holiday in Thailand?
