With a wealth of natural and cultural wonders and a price point that accommodates every budget, Thailand is hard to top as a leisure destination. As well, no matter how you define leisure, you’ll find something for you on a trip to Thailand.
Does leisure mean a romantic dinner on a beach with your soundtrack for the evening the waves lapping the shoreline? Does it mean a relaxed foodie tour to some of the most celebrated food stalls in the world, with drinks, of course? Does it mean a digital detox in a jungle sanctuary with elephants and gibbons as your neighbors? Thailand offers all three manners of leisurely escape.
The Southeast Asian nation is a haven for romance, wellness, food, and affordable luxury. The people are friendly, the weather is warm year-round, and it’s easy to get around, whether you’re on a private-guided tour or travelling alongside like-minded travellers. If it’s your first time visiting Thailand, you’ll find a lot to love in the popular sites of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. If you’re returning, you’ll discover new avenues to explore in these popular spots as well as plenty of alternative areas to fall in love with in the jungles of the north or the islands of the south.
Make this the year to focus on leisure, wellness, and a travel experience that recharges your mind, body and spirit. You can learn more about Goway’s vacation packages to Thailand by visiting our website.
Leisure on the Beach
Thailand is blessed with some beautiful environments in the south. The island of Phuket is the most famous of the beach-rimmed islands in the nation, but it’s by no means the only one. Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Phi Phi—take your pick and you’ll find a gorgeous island with sandy beaches, clear waters, and some of the world’s best wellness resorts. Spend your days exploring the waters and booking popular excursions to spots such as James Bond Island (famously featured in The Man with the Golden Gun) or stay at the resort and enjoy a variety of wellness treatments, often tailor-made to your specific interests. You can be active with snorkelling tours of coral reefs, kayak adventures to hidden beaches and coves, and Muay Thai classes, or you can simply lounge on the warm sands and enjoy doing absolutely nothing at all.
Leisure in the Jungle
The islands of the south are not the only spots where you can escape the busyness of the city and enjoy some downtime. Thailand is full of gorgeous jungle environments, most famously the region around Chiang Mai in the north. Escape to a jungle sanctuary where you can meet rescued elephants and contribute to their wellbeing. You can meet with local hilltribes and learn about their traditional ways of life far from the cities. Build some meaningful bonds with people who live in harmony with the natural environment and pick up some new insights about craftsmanship and cooking. Don’t forget that your opportunities for leisure extend beyond Chiang Mai. You can head east to enjoy the environment of the Golden Triangle near Chiang Rai, where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet on the Mekong River, or explore further afield in the south to Khao Sok National Park and other gorgeous natural environments.
Leisure in the City
Sometimes, the most relaxing vacation is one spent lost in a crowd. If you want to spend your downtime trying new dishes at local restaurants, sipping cocktails on rooftop patios, and strolling through eclectic shopping markets, Thailand will delight you. Bangkok is a city to wander and get lost in, with arguably the best street food in the world as well as dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants serving every variety of cuisine. The shopping is spectacular, not only at the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you can shop for all manner of textiles, trinkets, and souvenirs to take home, but also the upscale malls such as Siam Paragon. There are relaxing temples and museums to wander through, such as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Also, don’t limit yourself to Bangkok. Chiang Mai is a big city with the feel of a country town, which might be exactly what you want on a leisurely vacation. Chiang Rai is even more off the tourist trail and offers the chance to enjoy city sights with easy access to nearby jungles and natural landmarks.
Leisure has no limit in Thailand. For first-time visitors and returning travellers, for foodies and romantics, for city lovers and nature lovers, it’s a place to find your own leisure and enjoy an enriching, meaningful vacation. It’s time to put a vacation to Thailand on the calendar for 2023. And when you’re ready to book, get in touch with a Goway Destination Specialist or your trusted travel advisor.
This article was written in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
14 Feb 2023, 1:12 a.m.
