Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular holiday destinations – boasting a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, five-star hotels and resorts with first-class amenities and of course the warm and welcoming Thai hospitality – it’s easy to see why this is an excellent choice for a luxury holiday.
And for those travellers who value unique and exclusive experiences, Thailand promises quite a selection. From the serenity and seclusion of a hilltop spa to a personalistic wellness retreat or the dusk-to-dawn Jungle Bubble experience amidst majestic elephants to the endless extravaganzas in one of the world’s most vibrant cities all this and more await.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Thailand has something to offer all luxury travellers from around the world. Read on to discover more.
This guide has been written in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Thailand The Luxury Editor Way
The Luxury Editor visited Thailand in September, on our luxury tour, we enjoyed the city vibe in Bangkok, the tropical paradise that is Phuket, and succumbed to the timeless charms of Chiang Mai.
If you’re planning a luxury escape, then we implore you to explore Thailand. You won’t be disappointed.
Bangkok: Thailand’s capital, Bangkok is an exciting and energetic city where grandiosity knows no bounds. This vibrant metropolis exudes an air of unmistakable luxury that effortlessly blends the past with the present.
Phuket: Picture a place where azure waters gently kiss powdery sands and palm trees sway in the breeze – this is Phuket, the tropical paradise that has captured the hearts of beachgoers, water sports enthusiasts, clubbers and foodies from around the globe. Here you can do as little or as much as you wish.
Chiang Mai: Amid the lush hills and serene landscapes of northern Thailand lies a city that beckons travellers with adventure, culture and profound tranquillity. Chiang Mai is a haven for explorers and wanderers so, pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted by the timeless charm of Chiang Mai’s food, landscapes, experiences, and authentic hospitality.
The Luxury Editor Hotel Reviews
During our stay, we were hosted at 137 Pillars House, Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Capella Bangkok, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, Trisara, Pavilions Phuket and Anantara Koh Yao Yai. All of which offered exceptional service, stunning surroundings, incredible dining experiences and first-class facilities.
Read our reviews to discover more.
Chiang Mai
Phuket
Thailand – Be Inspired
Take inspiration from some of our own experiences and live the high life in Thailand. Do, see, learn, discover, eat, and drink and enjoy the best of the best. Read our ‘best of guides’ to help you plan your trip.
Fine Dining In Thailand
Thailand boasts an ever-growing number of fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants where culinary artistry takes centre stage. These establishments provide a different perspective on Thai cuisine, with beautifully presented dishes and elegant settings. International influences and modern twists to traditional styles ensure the dining experience is as innovative as it is delicious.
- Read our Bangkok Fine Dining Guide
- Read our guide to the most romantic dinner settings in Thailand
- Read our Phuket Fine Dining Guide
- Read our Chiang Mai Fine Dining Guide
The Art of Cocktails
Amidst the vibrant streets and bustling markets of Bangkok lies a world of mixology that’s as diverse and electrifying as the city itself. In a metropolis renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, exotic street food, and nightlife that never sleeps, one aspect of its culinary scene shines brightly: the cocktail bars. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop lounges with awe-inspiring views, Bangkok’s cocktail culture has evolved into a thrilling adventure for the discerning drink enthusiast.
The Healing Art of Thai Massage
At the heart of Thailand’s spa culture is the world-renowned Thai massage. Rooted in ancient healing traditions, Thai massage is a holistic practice that blends acupressure, assisted yoga postures, and Ayurvedic principles to align the body’s energy, known as “sen.” The combination of gentle stretching, rhythmic pressure, and mindful breathing helps release tension and promotes the flow of vital energy throughout the body.
These therapeutic sessions are conducted in tranquil settings, often adorned with soothing aromas, calming music, and warm lighting, creating an atmosphere that encourages complete relaxation. The knowledgeable therapists, or “healers,” employ their intuition and years of training to tailor the massage to your specific needs, ensuring a unique and deeply restorative experience.
The Best Luxury Hotels In Thailand
When thinking of Thailand, it’s hard not to envision pristine beaches, vibrant street markets, and delectable street food. But beyond these postcard-perfect images lies a hidden treasure trove of luxury accommodations that make a visit to the Land of Smiles an unforgettable experience. Thailand’s luxury hotel scene, although well-established continues to flourish, offering a wide range of world-class resorts and boutique escapes for travellers seeking the pinnacle of comfort and opulence.
Read on to discover some of the most exquisite properties this enchanting country has to offer.
Top holiday locations
Useful Info
How To Get There
Thailand is easily accessible from most countries and has a great network of international airports facilitating easy access to the major hubs from which onward travel to the more secluded destinations can be arranged. The most popular airports include; Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, Chiang Mai Airport in Northern Thailand, Phuket International Airport Krabi Airport and Koh Samui Airport.
TLE Top Tip: Fly Qatar Airways Q Suite
If you are travelling from the UK to Thailand you will arrive at Bangkok’s main airport Suvarnabhumi or Phuket International. We recommend travelling to Bangkok with Qatar Airways, which offers exceptional business-class cabins across its fleet globally. They also offer Q Suite Business Class cabins on their Doha to Bangkok route, which is the best way to travel in our opinion!
- Read our review of our Qatar Airways Edinburgh to Doha business-class flight
- Read our review of the Qatar Airways Doha to Bangkok business-class flight
When to Visit
The best time to visit Thailand depends entirely on what you’d like to do when you get there, where in the Kingdom you plan to visit and the type of holiday you enjoy. Weather is most comfortable from November to February but with distinct patterns noticed throughout the year:
- Warm and dry Season = November to February. Warm temperatures, sunshine, and infrequent showers.
- Hot and dry season = March to May. High temperatures and uncomfortable levels of humidity but a low chance of rainfall.
- Hot and wet season = June to August. Heavy downpours and high humidity.
- Cool and wet season = September to October. Comfortable temperatures but rainfall is at its highest.
As Thailand is quite a large country there are geographical variations to consider too.
The northern part of Thailand (Chiang Mai) is a mountainous region which experiences the most variation in its weather patterns. It is less humid than the southern part of Thailand and can be quite chilly during the dry season however, March to May sees temperatures higher than the rest of the country.
The southern part of Thailand has a more tropical climate with temperatures remaining relatively consistent throughout the year but rainfall fluctuating considerably.
Holiday Types
We do not joke when we say Thailand is THE place for any type of holiday and traveller. Pristine beaches, turquoise waters and first-class beach resorts welcome those who want to relax and enjoy the sabai sabai way of life whilst the bustling vibe of Bangkok suits those who want a vibrant city break. Creative cuisine (from street food to fine dining) for foodies can be found across the country and snippets of history and culture await around every corner.
The same level of diversity is found within its luxury hotels and resorts offering. Privacy and tranquillity can be found at secluded five-star retreats, romantic moments loom from the beauty of the Kingdom’s stunning surroundings, whilst bigger family resorts promise fun for every age. Exceptional service is the way with the Thai people so enjoy being well-looked after wherever you stay.
