Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast, jungle trekking to hill tribe villages in the North, or discovering the ancient capitals, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.
Bangkok, the “City of Angels,” is a spellbinding study in contrasts—one of the world’s most exhilarating capitals, forever reinventing itself while honouring centuries of royal heritage. Home to Thailand’s grand palaces and many of its most sacred temples, the city pairs deep tradition with a bold, forward-looking spirit. It offers some of Asia’s finest hotels, a constellation of glamorous rooftop bars with sweeping skyline views, and a culinary landscape that effortlessly spans award-winning restaurants and some of the most irresistible, affordable street food on earth. A paradise for shoppers, Bangkok delivers everything from high-end luxury malls to curated designer markets, and it has secured its place on the global touring circuit, drawing major international acts and hosting large-scale live performances throughout the year. Its legendary Muay Thai stadiums add a powerful dose of cultural intensity. Yet beyond the glittering high-rises lies a more intimate city: quiet canals, atmospheric Chinatown lanes lined with Michelin-plate eateries, and the tranquil sanctuary of Bang Krachao—Bangkok’s “Green Lung”—where shaded cycling paths and leafy gardens offer a welcome escape. Vibrant, creative and endlessly multifaceted, Bangkok remains one of the most compelling urban destinations in Asia.
Chiang Mai, the storied “Rose of the North,” stands as the cultural soul of the former Lanna Kingdom, where centuries-old heritage blends effortlessly with contemporary refinement. Within the ancient moat and crumbling city gates lies a walkable old town filled with gleaming Lanna temples, fragrant food markets and curated boutiques showcasing northern craftsmanship. Nearby, the fashionable Nimmanhemin district offers chic cafés, design-led galleries and elegant cocktail lounges, while the Night Bazaar continues to draw visitors with its lively evening atmosphere. Chiang Mai is also a gateway to northern Thailand’s landscapes: forested mountains, rivers and national parks lie only moments away, with Doi Suthep’s revered hilltop temple providing sweeping views over the valley. Anchored by distinctive Lanna cuisine, world-class hotels and easy access to nature, Chiang Mai delivers a refined yet soulful northern Thai experience.
The Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers, is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating border regions. Centred around the quiet riverside town of Sop Ruak, this area offers sweeping views of misty hills, forested mountains and the powerful waterways that have shaped its history for centuries. Longtail and Mekong boat journeys provide an unforgettable way to experience the landscape, drifting past jungle-covered riverbanks and remote rural villages. Once infamous as a major centre of the opium trade, the region now reflects on its past through two thoughtfully curated opium museums, offering valuable historical insight. Nearby, Mae Sai—the northernmost point of Thailand—adds lively local colour with its busy border market, revered Scorpion Temple and access to wild, mountainous terrain. The Golden Triangle also serves as a gateway to deeper cultural encounters, from visiting hill-tribe communities to crossing the river into the tranquil Lao village of Xieng Kok. With its evocative scenery, layered history and gentle rhythm of life along the Mekong, the Golden Triangle offers a richly atmospheric northern Thai experience.
Phuket stands as one of Thailand’s most iconic island destinations, celebrated for its sweeping arcs of soft sand, shimmering turquoise bays and a lifestyle that effortlessly blends tropical ease with refined indulgence. Days unfold in the sun—swimming, sailing or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters—while world-class resorts, private pool villas and award-winning wellness retreats cater to travellers seeking exceptional comfort and privacy. One of the island’s most compelling surprises is its beautifully restored Old Town, now a creative and cultural hub. Here, Sino-Portuguese mansions, colourful shophouses and ornate Chinese shrines line picturesque streets filled with boutique cafés, contemporary galleries and elegant restaurants. The neighbourhood’s architectural blend—Chinese, Portuguese, Malay and European—reflects centuries of maritime trade and lends Phuket an identity unlike anywhere else in Thailand.
Beyond town, the island’s western and northern shores reveal a more serene side of Phuket. Secluded beaches such as Layan, Nai Thon and Mai Khao offer tranquil stretches of coastline, ideal for travellers seeking space, calm and exclusivity. For dramatic panoramas, Promthep Cape at the island’s southernmost tip delivers unforgettable sunset views over the Andaman Sea.
