All Is Wellness in Thailand, the Land of Smiles

Whether it’s for the body, mind or soul, Thailand refreshes, nourishes and rejuvenates like no other country. From tropical islands to fascinating mountain traditions, and from lazing on the beach to Lotus pose, this is a country that invites you to reconnect with yourself while you’re disconnecting from the day-to-day cares of home.

The Spirit of Thailand in the Big City 

You’ve just stepped off the plane at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, ready to embark on your Thai wellness adventure. Time to check the boards for that domestic flight to the tropical beaches of the southern islands? Not so fast. The Big Mango may be Thailand’s economic powerhouse, but it’s also the best place to immerse yourself in Thai culture and get a feel for the country’s history, customs, and attitudes before you fly further afield. It also harbours precious pockets of relaxation and serenity that no wellness seeker visiting Thailand should miss.  

Take a VIP tour of the Grand Palace to understand the history of Thailand’s Royal Family and why they remain so revered in the country today. Nearby, explore Wat Pho, home to the city’s enormous reclining Buddha and the first official massage school of Thailand. When a knowledgeable guide accompanies you, this is a fantastic place to learn about Thai Buddhist teachings and heritage, ensuring you get the most out of visits to temples and sacred sites, plus any meditation or other spiritual practices you wish to try yourself. Wat Saket offers a rare, tranquil setting to do so right in the heart of the city. You can offer alms to the monks and witness prayers both here and at Wat Ratchabophit, while Tiger God Shrine offers a glimpse of Thailand’s Taoist traditions.

Hiking, Rafting and Biking Among the Hill Tribes 

Northern Thailand is famous for its intersection of cultures, most notably the famous Hill tribes, who come with their own diverse range of customs and traditions. Chiang Mai is the most popular entry point for a North Thailand vacation. Famous for its walled city and night market, Chiang Mai also contains everything that’s distinct about the region in one charismatic, relatively compact city, making it an ideal choice if you have limited time to explore. Staying a while, you might have time for a full-day trek to meet some of the local Hill tribes. One of the most fascinating is the Lahu Hill tribe, who inhabit the local town of Baang Phong Ngan, a popular spot for bamboo rafting. 

Bike riding is popular in this region, too. Being an efficient, healthy way to get an overview of local life around Chiang Mai and visit towns ranging from the ancient remains of Wiang Khum Kham to thriving Ban Tawai. Famous for its handicrafts, Ban Tawai is a great spot to pick up an authentic, sustainable souvenir from local artisans. Whether you’re walking or biking, an active day can wipe away any lingering guilt after a delicious food tour through Chiang Mai’s night market—definitely an experience worthy of ‘cheat day.’

Serenity and Spirituality in the North’s Mountains 

At Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (don’t worry, you’ll have the drive there from Chiang Mai to practice pronouncing it), you can immerse yourself in local spirituality by watching an alms ceremony, in which saffron-robed monks collect offerings from local residents, and again, having someone alongside who can explain these rituals, temples, their relationship with the community makes all the difference. For a unique experience beyond tourism, book a guided meditation with a local Buddhist master, and learn about the monks’ lives right from the source.  

Go a little further north to Chiang Rai, and you’ll find the monks doing things just a bit differently. Alms, for example, are collected on horseback at Wat Tham Pa Acha Thong (not called Golden Horse Monastery for nothing). If you’ve ever wanted—or just never expected—to see monks practicing Muay Thai martial arts, you might well see it here! Chiang Rai’s most famous monument, however, is undoubtedly the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun. Though a relatively modern structure, it’s hard not to feel immersed in its beauty as you admire its unusual Buddhist paintings, sculptures, and decorative motifs.

Tropical Luxury and Sustainability in the Thai Islands  

The Thais aren’t afraid of a little luxury, and the natural beauty of Thailand’s southern islands lends itself perfectly to a spa day… or several. Many resorts on islands such as Koh Samui and Phuket are equipped with relaxation and wellness in mind, employing natural ingredients in treatments that lure visitors from around the world. This makes them an ideal place to finish your Thailand vacation, particularly if you’ve taken a few meditation classes or learned a little about Thai spirituality on your way here, ensuring you’re taken care of in body, mind and spirit. 

While HBO’s The White Lotus takes some pretty wild liberties for good TV, what the show does get right is the Thai tradition of hospitality. You’re in a land that looks like paradise, after all, so luxury resorts in Thailand compete fiercely to preserve that for each and every guest, whether their stay is geared toward relaxation or discovery. Both are possible in Southern Thailand.  

Enjoying an idyllic climate year-round, this region is also a haven for fresh produce. If you can tear yourself away from the spa, farm-to-table food and drink experiences are becoming increasingly popular in this part of the country, pairing traditional Thai cuisine with fresh, sustainable approaches to farming and preparation. Even local distilleries are beginning to make an impact (just in case you’ve been saving cheat day).

Goway’s Top Thailand Wellness Picks 

Not to pick favourites from a wealth of amazing options, but a few standouts come to mind. In Phuket, Amatara Welleisure Resort takes a unique but increasingly popular approach to nurturing good living on vacation, with lasting changes you can bring home. In Koh Samui, Kamalaya prioritizes wellness from the get-go, with programs that combine eastern and western therapies, while Four Seasons Resort offers a slightly more traditional take on the luxury spa and wellness regime. It’s also where Season 3 of The White Lotus was filmed, in case you want to live out the fantasy without the drama. Chiva Som is a destination wellness resort located in the town of Hua Hin, ideal for those seeking a wellness-focused holiday away from popular tourist spots. For a completely different kind of stay with a variety of treatments available, immerse yourself in nature at Chiang Rai’s Anatara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. The opportunity to interact with these majestic animals and assist in their care in a sustainable way makes for a uniquely magical stay.

Planning Your Wellness Trip to Thailand 

When planning your Thailand wellness vacation, think about what you’re hoping to achieve. Intention is a huge part of many Thai spiritual practices, particularly meditation, so you might start by setting this before you arrive. Of course, be open to adjusting it as you learn and make new discoveries. Don’t be afraid to visit tourist favourites like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Chiang Rai’s White Temple either. They’re considered icons of Thailand for good reason. Set aside at least a week for your trip, and talk to your Destination Specialist about planning the right balance of wellness, rest and adventure for your trip. Whether you’re off to the mountains, the islands, or to find pockets of serenity in bustling Bangkok, Thailand is ready to welcome you with a smile.