Vacations & Travel - Your Essential Guide to Thailand

Your Essential Guide to

Thailand COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND CONSERVATION SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL THE HEALING TOUCH TASTEBUDS ON TOUR IN ASSOCIATION WITH

FROM MARKET TO MALL

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CEO & Group Editor Cathy Wagstaff cathywagstaff@signaturemedia.com.au Editor Deborah Dickson-Smith Sub-Editors Natarsha Brown, Natasha Dragun Contributors John Borthwick, Julie Miller General Manager Tina-Louise Jackson Associate Publisher Cara Wagstaff Head Designer Gemma Kightly Designer Samantha Rowntree Production Coordinator Lilly McCoy Digital Managers Samantha Rowntree, Lisa Wagstaff Digital Editor Alison Godfrey Editorial Assistant Lauren Attard Business Development Managers Tracy Harris, Colleen Hinch, Lisa Maroun, Nicola McClean, Virginia Shirley General Enquiries admin@signaturemedia.com.au Sales Enquiries sales@signaturemedia.com.au COVER IMAGE: Beautiful Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay © Tom Hartrey @tomhartrey ABOUT THE TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND Tourism Authority of Thailand has been in operation for more than 60 years and is funded by the Government of Thailand. TAT Sydney operates as a marketing, public relations and administration branch of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, with its Head Office in Bangkok.

The Sydney office is responsible for the regional area of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. The main objective is to promote the Kingdom of Thailand as a preferred and sustainable holiday destination.

ABOUT VACATIONS & TRAVEL Vacations & Travel is Australia’s longest-running travel magazine, creating inspirational lifestyle content for more than 30 years.

Published by Signature Media PO Box 1825 Chatswood NSW 2057 Australia

Foreword

We look forward to welcoming back our friends from Australia and New Zealand to a revitalised and sustainable Thailand.

In this publication, we aim to highlight some of the best of Thailand’s diverse range of enriching, sustainable experiences, from immersive community tours and socially responsible resorts and restaurants to conservation programs managed by our tourism partners.

Thailand has long been recognised as a welcoming, friendly and culturally rich tourism destination. New initiatives in place aim to provide an even more enriched and sustainable experience for our international visitors.

Recently, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO) and the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) to promote low-carbon tourism and implementation of climate action for sustainability.

This is part of our ongoing commitment to drive the Thai tourism industry towards safe and sustainable travel in line with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model.

We encourage our international guests to support green tourism with a small or neutral carbon footprint in our efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Welcome back to Thailand.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn joins responsible tour operators HiveSters on an immersive experience with the Talad Noi community A B OV E :

Yuthasak Supasorn Governor Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Contents

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OCEAN ALLIANCE Thailand’s coastal environment and underwater world are spectacular, and tourism operators are working hard to keep them that way

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10 GET YOUR BEARINGS From north to south, east to west

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CONTENTS

12 IN KEEPING WITH TRADITION Discover Thailand’s best cultural attractions, experiences and events 18 THE POWER OF COMMUNITY Supporting community initiatives is the key to sustaining traditions and bolstering local economies 22 ONE GIANT EFFORT Conservation projects centred around Thailand’s endangered wildlife are providing incredible opportunities for tourists 32 A HELPING HAND Supporting local enterprises is one way to ensure your tourist baht is used for good, and staying local 36 A TRIP FOR THE TASTEBUDS Start musing about your favourite experiences in Thailand, and food will no doubt be high on the list

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44 MEMORABLE PLACES TO STAY Thailand has a vast range of accommodation options, from homestays to private island resorts 54 THE HEALING TOUCH From luxe yoga retreats to medical tourism, Thailand is a global leader in health and wellness tourism 58 FROM MARKET TO MALL Whether the mega malls of Bangkok or Chiang Mai’s night markets, you won’t leave Thailand empty-handed

TOP: Thailand has many unique places to stay, including Elephant Hills, a glamping experience in an elephant sanctuary © Pete McGee ABOVE: Theatrical masks

in Ayutthaya; the rich culture to be found in Thailand is one of the Kingdom’s main attractions © Tourism Authority of Thailand OPPOSITE: So-called ‘James Bond Island’ in beautiful Phang Nga Bay © Shutterstock/Pakhnyushchy

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Welcome (back) to

Thailand!

Thailand has long been one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand looks forward to welcoming visitors again as the world embarks, together, on a sustainable and dynamic tourism future.

WATCH

a number of unique local experiences...

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WARM WELCOME

ON T H I S PAG E:

The Chao Phraya River is an iconic symbol of Bangkok. For centuries the river and its canal ( khlong) system has been used for transportation, recreation and as a source of water. Exploring the city by river is a great way to see several of Bangkok’s renowned attractions including Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Image © Tourism Authority of Thailand

#AMAZINGTHAILAND

Thailand:

an overview

With more than 2,800 kilometres of coastline and 77 provinces, Thailand always has something new and enriching for visitors. By John Borthwick

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T F I R ST, SPE E D -DI A L L E D Bangkok might seem like a flash mob of 10 million people.

But by day three, you’re already at home: confidently jumping on the Skytrain, flagging down a Tuk-Tuk, and perusing Chinatown’s street food, markets and hidden bars. A list of the Thai capital’s ‘must-see’ temples, palaces and markets is as long as your arm, so – chok dee! Good luck.

One historic gem to the northeast of the city is Ayutthaya Historical Park, the site of the ancient Siam capital. Afterwards, head to Khao Yai with its forests, hill resorts and wineries, before venturing on to the Korat region to see the 12th-century Khmer ruins of Phimai.

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern capital, is a place for artisans, Lanna culture, music and, of course, markets. It is

also your base for excursions to hill country towns like Pai and Mae Hong Son, or eastwards to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, where three countries face each other across the Mekong River.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is the gateway to both the Andaman Sea and the upmarket resorts in and around stunning Phang Nga Bay. The Gulf of Thailand is blessed with many beautiful islands such as Koh Samui, and holiday towns like Hua Hin and Pattaya. Each one has its own specialities, from diving and dining to golf and nightlife.

There is much to explore beyond the Kingdom’s 34,000 temples. Don’t overlook, for instance, the northeastern region of Isaan, where Mekongside towns host unique river festivals and, year-round, remain authentic Thailand.

GET YOUR BEARINGS

CHIANG RAI

CHIANG MAI

SUKHOTHAI

KANCHANABURI KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK AYUTTHAYA

BANGKOK

HUA HIN

ANDAMAN SEA

PATTAYA TRAT

GULF OF THAILAND

SIMILAN & SURIN ISLANDS

KOH KOOD

KOH SAMUI & KOH PHANGAN

KHAO LAK

PHANG NGA BAY

PHUKET

to read more about Amazing Thailand and subscribe to the monthly newsletter.

KRABI

M A P:

©

Shutterstock

CLICK HERE

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CULTURE

# C U LT U R E # T R A D I T I O N

In keeping

with tradition

All the must-dos in the ‘Land of Smiles’ for a serious culture fix. By Julie Miller

F

RO M I T S S P I C Y C U I S I N E to the delicate steps of traditional dance, the culture of Thailand intrigues with its colours, tastes and history. Whether exploring independently or in a group, these cultural attractions are ripe for discovery, with many experiences led by passionate locals offering infinite insights into the Thai way of life. Here’s a selection of ways and places where you can experience this rich cultural landscape.

V I S I T C H I A NG RAI’S WH I TE TE M P LE

A work in progress, Wat Rong Khun is no ordinary temple: stark white, its elaborately carved exterior is the creation of Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who opened it to visitors in 1997. The bizarre details of the temple, from a pit of disembodied reaching hands to superhero gargoyles, encourage visitors to reflect on Buddhist teachings and escape from worldly temptations.

CULTURE

STR OLL TH R O U G H OLD PH UKET T O W N

Before it became a tourism destination, Phuket once boasted a prosperous tin mining industry. Phuket Town, the island’s historic capital, is beautiful, with restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses painted in pastel colours and an impressive street art scene breathing new life into the old town. If you’re visiting on a Sunday evening, be sure to check out the amazing Phuket Walking Street market along Thalang Road.

R I V E R C RU I S E T O AY U T TH AYA

A visit to the ruins of the former Siam capital of Ayutthaya is a must for history buffs, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site an evocative testament to Thailand’s long and fascinating past. In keeping with the spirit of a bygone era, travel from Bangkok to the historic location on a converted rice barge with Loy Pela Voyages, luxuriating in teak and mahogany staterooms as you soak up everyday life along the Chao Phraya River.

O PE N I NG S PR E A D:

Akha hilltribe children in Doi Sa Ngo, in Thailand’s Golden Triangle T H I S

S PR E A D, C L O C K W I SE F RO M A B OV E: Ancient Siam

capital Ayutthaya; Chiang Mai Night Markets; street art in Phuket Town; Phuket Town © Shutterstock/ Efimova Anna. All other images © Tourism Authority of Thailand

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E X PL O RE C HIANG MAI

BY B I K E AT N I GHT

With its illuminated temples, street food and colourful markets, the charming city of Chiang Mai comes alive after dark, making this a great time to explore in cooler climes.

For a visit with a difference, jump on a bicycle and pedal your way around the walled old city on a Grasshopper Adventures tour led by a local guide, visiting the famous Tha Phae Gate, the Three Kings Monument and the Wat Lok Molee temple, and sampling street food along the way. vacationstravel.com

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L EAR N T H E A RT O F M UAY TH AI B OXI NG

Professional matches of the national sport of Muay Thai are held in stadiums around the country, while many resorts offer classes in the sport. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas offers complete immersion during a three-day challenge, while The Siam Hotel in Bangkok features the first professionallyequipped luxury muay Thai facility in the city with multi-day training courses.

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MA S S AG E AT BA N G KO K ’ S WAT PH O

For an unforgettable experience in Bangkok, hop on an express ferry down the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Pho, an ancient Buddhist temple housing a 46-metrelong and 15-metre-high reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf. After admiring this incredible relic, enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the adjoining massage school, the first centre of higher learning in Thailand.

Get an authentic taste of Bangkok on a Midnight Tuk Tuk Tour.

CULTURE

MIDN IGH T TU K T U K TOUR OF BA NG KO K

Three-wheeled tuk-tuks are Bangkok’s most well-known form of public transportation and still one of the best ways to explore the city. This is especially so at night, when many landmarks are at their most spectacular, such as Wat Arun, which sits on the banks of the Chao Praya River, lit up so that every gold stupa glows and reflects in the water.

Bangkok Food Tours offer a fantastic Midnight Tuk Tuk Tour, giving visitors a taste of Bangkok at night with a mix of sightseeing and tasting treats at local food haunts.

WATER: THE HEART OF THAI FESTIVALS

L E F T:

Muay Thai masters demonstrate their art © Tourism Authority of Thailand B E L OW: Tuk-tuks are a great way to get around Bangkok © Unsplash/Florian Wehde R IG H T, F RO M T O P:

Thailand developed as a nation along the banks of its mighty rivers. For centuries, the Kingdom’s waterways have provided Thai people with their staple foods of rice and fish, so it’s little wonder that most local ceremonies and traditions are water-based.

Water droplet icon © Mada Creative Project; water fight at Songkran © Shutterstock/ Waraphorn Aphai; Loi Krathong © Shutterstock/ Elizaveta Galitckaia IC O N: Mada Creative/ Noun Project

SONGKRAN The country’s most important and wettest public holiday, Thailand’s New Year festival is held between 13-15 April, when the country explodes in a riotous water battle.

LOI KRATHONG Later in the year, Loi Krathong is an event marking the end of the rice harvest, giving thanks to the Goddess of Water for a year’s worth of her abundant supply. vacationstravel.com

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#COMMUNITY #ENRICHING

The power

of

community As Thailand reopens to tourists, supporting community initiatives is the key to sustaining traditions and bolstering local economies. By Julie Miller

A R E N E W E D F O C U S O N S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y H A S seen the rise of community tourism experiences in Thailand, a mutually beneficial arrangement with visitors keen to make a positive impact on the environments they visit.

Over the past decade, many destination management companies (DMCs) – from global bigwigs such as G Adventures and World Expeditions to smaller, region-based companies – have incorporated tours that support local initiatives into their portfolios. Some communities, however, have chosen to cut out the middleman and create their own successful tourist ventures, offering full immersion with homestays and cultural projects.

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COMMUNITY

HERE ARE A FEW EXPERIENCES WORTH CHECKING OUT HIVESTERS Founded by two sisters with a family background in travel, Hivesters’ mission is to preserve authentic Thai culture by empowering local masters to share their skills. Their extensive range of tours includes a foodie experience in Phuket’s Old Town and a natural detox on an organic farm near Chiang Mai.

NUTTY’S ADVENTURES This award-winning responsible tourism company specialises in community-based tours, from going off-the-beatentrack in Phayao Province in northern Thailand to working alongside farmers in rice paddies in Nakhon Pathom.

PLANETERRA G Adventures’ non-profit arm helps empower local communities and conserve cultures in more than 70 countries. One of its Thailand projects is a program empowering women and youth in Khao Thep Pitak in Suratthani, benefitting 225 community members.

BAA N TA K H A N T H O N G H O M E STAY Explore the hybrid Isaan/Lanna cultures of this northern Thailand village, with its homestay program promoting traditional games and riverside culture.

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The

INTERVIEW

HiveSters

community

HiveSters is a social enterprise helping to preserve Thai culture while providing an immersive experience for tourists. Founder Achiraya Thamparipattra explains. By Deborah Dickson-Smith One of the best ways to experience authentic Thai culture is to immerse yourself with the locals; take a food tour, learn a craft, or perhaps even discover how to dance.

HiveSters was founded with a mission to help Thai culture flourish by empowering locals to share their knowledge, traditions and customs with the world through sustainable tourism initiatives.

According to founder Achiraya; “HiveSters works like a beehive: a hive of culture heroes that work together to help preserve local culture from the inside out and from the outside in. We cherish their local traditions, develop sustainable tourism programs, and train the locals in necessary knowledge such as entrepreneurship, storytelling and customer service skills.

“I grew up in a family travel business and saw Thailand’s precious culture and communities disappearing 20 } v a c a t i o n s t r a v e l . c o m

because the local masters don’t earn enough income.

So the culture disappears and the next generation doesn’t see the benefits of continuing tradition, opting to choose other occupations.

“I wanted to use my passion for travel and Thai culture, and my experience in tourism and business, to revive the disappearing culture. Every trip generates direct income for locals, which not only helps support the artisans, but also their family members while helping to keep the culture alive.”

Profit generated from the trips goes to support HiveSters cultural projects, including the Hive Academy, a capacity building program and Creative Culture, a community cultural youth program, among others.

And for tourists, a creative and fun travel experience is promised, where they learn and connect with locals, get to see Thailand on a

WATCH

The HiveSters story on YouTube.

COMMUNITY

O PE N I NG S PR E A D:

Community experiences range from paddling tours, learning how to dance, discovering cuisine with street food cooks and exploring Bangkok’s canal communities.

B E L OW: Learning how to dance with ‘Granny Master’ and how to make a Thai kite with ‘Uncle Kite’. All images © HiveSters

deeper level and have more meaningful experiences.

“Travellers will not only have a good time, but the experience will also make their hearts bloom. There are a variety of experiences to choose from.

“For example, our gastronomy experience where we bring travellers to the hidden and local food hub in the community... travellers will savour a variety of local delicious Thai food. They can also learn how to cook street

food like Pad Thai with a street food cook. Learn a traditional Thai dance with the ‘Granny Master’ and help preserve the disappearing culture, or learn how to make a Thai kite with ‘Uncle Kite’ in the wooden community next to the canal.

“I think post-COVID, people will travel longer, and they will [be] looking to connect more with the destination they visit, learning the culture from the locals. Community experiences are the perfect fit.”

CONSERVATION

# C O N S E R VAT I O N #ELEPHANTS

One giant

effort

Conservation projects centred around Thailand’s endangered wildlife and its 3,800 captive elephants are also providing incredible opportunities for tourists. By Julie Miller 22 } v a c a t i o n s t r a v e l . c o m

CONSERVATION

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CONSERVATION

F

OR M A N Y DEC A DES, Thailand’s unique relationship with the Asian elephant has been a cornerstone of its tourism industry, with visitors to the ‘Land of Smiles’ always keen for an encounter with one of its gentle giants. Recently, animal welfare concerns have led to a more ‘handsoff’ approach, with elephant riding largely replaced with the joy of simply watching pachyderms at play in their natural habitat. Today, there are thankfully many ethical elephant sanctuaries where the wellbeing of the animal is paramount, resulting in a happier experience for both the eles and their admirers.

While the quiet times enforced by COVID-19 clearly impacted conservation efforts reliant on international tourism, one of Thailand’s highest-profile elephant camps – the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – found an unexpected silver lining in the lack of visitors.

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“As we weren’t having to concentrate on guests, we started to notice little things about the elephants and learned more about elephant relationships than we had in the past,” says John Roberts, director of elephants for GTAEF. “We now bond the elephants into ‘friendship groups’... if the elephants get along, it’s a much more relaxed situation, and the mahouts (handlers) don’t have to control them so much.

That way, we can genuinely see them interacting and wandering through the forest.”

The resort’s lush elephant camp is home to more than 20 pachyderms and their mahout families, rescued from a life of street begging, the logging industry or a harsh existence working in trekking camps. As well as a ‘no ride’ policy, the camp also discourages guests from feeding the elephants.

Instead, individual guest experiences include ‘Walking with Giants’ (trekking through the forest with bonded elephants) and ‘Elephant Guardian’ (learning about the traditional mahout lifestyle.)

For an immersive experience, an overnight stay in one of the resort’s Jungle Bubbles is a must. There are currently two of the transparent sleeping domes (with another family suite in the works), both of which allow a 360-degree view

of a jungle enclosure where elephants roam at night.

“The Jungle Bubbles [are] a really cool experience, where you are able to see the elephants in their friendship groups at night, hanging around in an enclosed area,” enthuses Roberts. “You wake up at three in the morning when an elephant breaks a branch, you go outside and, if there’s any moonlight, you can see one munching away.

It’s a magnificent experience.”

As well as protecting the 20-plus elephants in its northern Thailand camp, GTAEF also supports elephant research projects, subsidises 14 specialist vets and funds a mobile clinic in Ban Ta Klang, home to more than 400 ‘unemployed’ elephants and their mahout carers.

The team also supports a conservation project working with wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park. For more information about its work, visit helpingelephants.org.

O PE N I NG S PR E A D:

Elephants in their natural habitat at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort © Markus Gortz O P P O SI T E: GTAEF director, John Roberts © James de la Cloche

CONSERVATION

#WILDLIFE # S A N C T UA RY

Wild about Thailand Here are seven great wildlife sanctuaries that welcome visitors and volunteers, where you can learn more about Thailand’s conservation efforts. By Julie Miller

CONSERVATION

CH AI LAI ORCH I D RES ORT

This beautiful communitybased resort in the mountains of Mae Wang near Chiang Mai features thatched bungalows surrounded by pristine elephant habitat. Ethical elephant experiences include jungle treks to Karen villages, learning to communicate with elephants and making traditional elephant medicine.

The 15 resident pachyderms have been rescued from abusive practices, and 100 per cent of the resort profits are donated to Daughters Rising, an anti-trafficking organisation that helps atrisk women and girls.

E L EPH AN T HAV E N

The transformation of a former trekking camp in Kanchanaburi into an ethical sanctuary was supported by Lek Chailert from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. The herd now has the freedom to roam, bathe in the River Kwai and socialise in a natural setting. Day trips, overnight stays and volunteering opportunities are available.

WATCH

Gibbon Rehabilitation Project explained.

T O P:

WATCH

the I-Love-Phants Lodge experience.

W I L D L I F E F RI E N D S F O UN DATI O N T H A I L AN D

This well-regarded charity founded in 2001 by Edwin Wiek rescues captive wild animals and provides a safe and natural environment for them. Volunteers are welcome at its wildlife rescue centre, working with elephants, gibbons, bears, macaques and many other endangered species; while day trips to the sanctuary allow visitors to learn about the foundation’s vital work. The newest addition is the I-Love-Phants Lodge, offering rooms overlooking the elephant enclosures where the giants roam chain-free.

G R E E N E L E PH AN T SA N C TUARY PARK

Founded by Swiss elephant lover Urs Fehr, this sanctuary is an affair of the heart.

Located near Surin Beach in Phuket, the park has been created in accordance with European animal protection laws and is a safe haven for formerly mistreated

Rescued gibbon Honey May at the Phuket sanctuary © Gibbon Rehabilitation Project B O T T O M: Rescued elephants at Kindrid Spirit roam free in a natural setting © Kindrid Spirit Elephant Sanctuary

GIBBON RE H A B I L I TAT I ON PRO J E C T

The mission of this project in Phuket is to rescue and rehabilitate illegally captive gibbons, reintroducing them to their natural forest environment. Visitors can drop by the sanctuary to learn about their work, and also sponsor a family of gibbons who have recently been relocated into a rehabilitation zone.

K I N D RE D S PI RI T E L E PH AN T S ANCT UARY

This intimate sanctuary set near a Karen Hill Tribe village near Chiang Mai is home to just five elephants, returned to the forest after a life of hardship. Volunteers and visitors can join the local community, hiking to the forest to observe elephants in their natural habitat, with homestay accommodation providing an income for the community.

S A M U I E L E PHANT S A N C TUA RY

This award-winning elephant sanctuary has had so much support it has opened a second sanctuary so that more rescued elephants can live with dignity and respect. Both retreats are set on forested land, offering a safe retirement home for elephants who have worked exhausting hours in the logging and tourism industries. Visitors can observe and walk with these gentle giants as they socialise, bathe and play in the mud. vacationstravel.com

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MARINE CONSERVATION

#DIVING # S U S TA I N A B L E

Ocean alliance Thailand’s coastal environment and underwater world are spectacular, and tourism operators are working hard to keep them that way. By Deborah Dickson-Smith

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MARINE CONSERVATION

T H E R E A R E OV E R 20 Marine National Parks in Thailand and many famous dive sites, including the Similan and Surin Islands, which are regarded by many as some of the world’s best dives.

Some are only open for six months each year, minimising the impact of tourism. Here are a few ways Thailand is caring for the marine environment, and how you can help.

1.

SUSTAINABLE HOTELS

Visitors to Thailand can help protect our oceans by choosing a hotel with a strong stance on sustainability, and those that support conservation projects like the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, such as JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Marriott Vacation Club properties, Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas and the AKARYN Hotel Group.

2.

M AYA BAY’S REEF SHARKS

The health of marine habitat along the Andaman Coast has significantly improved in recent years, most notably with the closure of the former tourist hot spots of Maya Bay, Koh Tachai and Koh Yoong. Divers have been delighted to discover that Maya Bay is now home to well over 100 black-tip reef sharks, the highest localised shark population in Thailand. vacationstravel.com

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MARINE CONSERVATION

PR E V IOU S S PR E A D:

Maya Beach © Shutterstock/Iakov Kalinin L E F T: Andaman Sea’s reefs © Pete McGee B E L OW: Nesting leatherbacks © Shutterstock/ Stephanie Rousseau O P P O SI T E , F RO M T O P: Aleenta Resort’s organic kitchen garden; the same resort’s Pool Villa

WATCH

a video playlist of Thailand’s best diving.

3.

C ORAL RESTORATION

In 2010, AKARYN Hotel Group’s Pure Blue Foundation funded the construction of an artificial reef in Phang Nga to revive a reef system destroyed by the now-defunct tin mining industry. Similar projects are similarly in place in Phuket and Koh Samui, with support from other hotels and resorts.

6.

LEATHERBACK TURTLES RETURN

Through the efforts of locals organising regular beach cleanups, and efforts to minimise light pollution, rare leatherback turtles have returned to the beaches to lay their eggs.

Dr Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong, the director of the Phuket Marine Biological Center, said this is the greatest number of leatherback sea turtle nests that Thailand’s beaches have seen in 20 years.

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4.

BEACH CLEAN-UPS

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative is one of several organisations supporting beach clean-ups, repurposing Koh Tao’s unemployed boat operators to clean up the island. Similar initiatives are being managed by resorts along the coast on both sides of the Thai peninsula.

5.

S UNSCREEN MONITORING

The Thai Government has banned sunscreens that contain coral-damaging chemicals (oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor or butylparaben) from all of its marine parks. Anyone found using these sunscreens can be fined 100,000 baht (approximately AU$4,192).

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

INTERVIEW

Sustainable state of mind What does it mean to be a sustainable tourism business? AKARYN Hotel Group Founder Anchalika Kijkanakorn chats about the company’s long-term plan. By Deborah Dickson-Smith

OPER ATING SUSTA INA BLY encompasses a broad range of initiatives, each designed to lower your carbon footprint and protect the environment. It is a concept that has underpinned the development of the AKARYN Hotel Group, which manages small luxury resorts throughout Southeast Asia.

According to founder Anchalika Kijkanakorn: “Our underlying DNA is to leave the smallest footprint, whether that’s ditching singleuse plastic or improving our energy efficiency.”

AKARYN was the first hotel group in Thailand to get rid of single-use plastic and has since invested in solar panels at its Phuket Resort Aleenta.

“We’ve also started to use food waste in our gardening. We have started a farmers’ market in one of our hotels, so our guests can purchase local produce, and the produce used in our kitchens is from local farms.

My next project will be working with the local community to

teach them alternative crafts, starting with how to make soap to use in the hotels.

“To truly operate sustainably, you need to think long term.

When I started this hotel, at the same time, I started the Pure Blue Foundation.

“The foundation works with the local community to try to instil a love of the natural environment that we earn a living from. We hold regular beach clean-ups and reward volunteers with a beach party and barbecue dinner.”

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#RESPONSIBLETOURISM

A helping hand Supporting Thai enterprises during your travels is one way to ensure your tourist baht is being used for good, staying local and addressing social problems. By Julie Miller

From top-end resorts to humble coffee shops, here are six socially responsible experiences in Thailand making a difference by encouraging tourists to be a force for change.

1.

RIDE TO PROVIDE

Ride to Provide’s epic long-distance guided bike ride provides funding for the remarkable Hands Across the Water charity. A new ride has been announced for 2023, covering 800 scenic kilometres along the Gulf of Thailand in eight days.

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2.

CABBAGES AND CONDOMS

One of Thailand’s original social enterprises, dating from the 1970s, Cabbages and Condoms is a restaurant chain with outlets across the country, with proceeds funding sexual health education, family planning and sustainability programs.

With the cheeky motto “our food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy”, it’s unsurprising the quirky restaurants serve traditional Thai fare alongside bold decorations with condomadorned mannequins.

3.

HU CHAISAI P MOUNTAIN RESORT

Giving back to the local community while preserving traditions and reuniting with nature is the mantra of this boutique five-star resort nestled in the forest-cloaked Doi Mae Salong Mountains of northern Thailand. It’s owned by a Thai designer of royal heritage, and experiences offered to guests include giving merit to local monks on horseback, visiting the resort’s tea plantation and learning about organic gardening.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

WATCH

Hands Across the Water’s Ride to Provide.

C L O C K W I SE F RO M T O P:

Ride to Provide cycling tours © Hands Across the Water; a message for customers at one of Cabbages and Condoms cafes © Cabbages and Condoms; Phu Chasai Mountain Resort © Julie Miller

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

4.

DOITUNG PROJECT

Initiated by the Princess Mother in 1988 to provide an alternative income for Golden Triangle hilltribes in the opium trade, this project incorporates horticulture, coffee growing, hospitality and tourism. By visiting the gardens, museums and shops of this enterprise, you directly support livelihoods as well as the environment.

5.

KHA AMA A COFFEE

What started as one local Akha village’s attempt to produce and market their own artisanal, organic coffee at a fair price has resulted in the establishment of three hip cafes in Chiang Mai. Each cup of coffee purchased in the cafes sends funds directly back to the small village outside of Chiang Mai.

6.

COURAGEOUS KITCHEN

Offering several food-related experiences – including expeditions to vibrant local markets, street-food tours, and noodle-making demonstrations – Courageous Kitchen provides a fun and informative tourism experience while helping marginalised youth and children across Bangkok.

T H I S PAG E , C L O C K W I SE F RO M L E F T:

Akha Ama Coffee; Doitung Project © Sirinada Santiprechajit/ Tourism Authority of Thailand; learning about Thai ingredients with Courageous Kitchen R IG H T, F RO M T O P: Orphaned kids helped thanks to Ride to Provide tours © Jeng Rocker; Peter Baines © Van Middleton Photography

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INTERVIEW

Riding to provide

After 2004’s wave of destruction, a wave of compassion is providing a future for orphaned kids thanks to Hands Across the Water’s founder Peter Baines. By Deborah Dickson-Smith HANDS ACROSS THE WATER was founded in 2005 to help children orphaned by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

Since then, through various fundraising programs, the Australian charity has raised more than $27 million, and now runs seven homes and projects throughout Thailand, supporting over 350 Thai children and their communities.

As well as providing a place to live for vulnerable children,

Hands Across the Water now also manages university scholarship programs.

“A big part of our fundraising has been around the creation of meaningful shared experiences. In 2009, we started with a bike ride where we rode from Bangkok down the east coast,” says charity founder Peter Baines.

“We now have three main routes that we ride each year.

One is Bangkok to Khao Lak,

one is from Nong Khai down to Ubon Ratchathani or Yasothon, and then another is from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.”

These guided cycling events are a regular feature on the fundraising calendar, and when borders were closed, the foundation organised cycling tours in Australia and New Zealand. To find out more about taking part in a fundraising cycling tour, visit handsacrossthewater.org.au. vacationstravel.com

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#THAIFOOD #GASTRONOMY

A trip for

the tastebuds Start musing about your favourite experiences in Thailand, and food will undoubtedly be high on the list. Make sure to try these heavenly dishes. By Deborah Dickson-Smith

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THAI FOOD

TH E NORT H

A khantoke dinner is a northern tasting experience in which a variety of dishes are served, usually including sticky rice, chicken or pork curry, fried chicken, vegetables, soup, pork crackling, chilli dips and sai ua (pork sausage). Another iconic Chiang Mai dish, khao soi is a creamy yellow coconut curry soup with egg noodles and slow-cooked chicken, topped with crunchy fried noodles.

O P P O SI T E PAG E:

Som tum (green papaya salad) originated in northeast Thailand © Tourism Authority of Thailand A B OV E , F RO M L E F T:

Khantoke dinner from Thailand’s north © Deborah Dickson-Smith; sai ua (Thai pork sausage) © Tourism Authority of Thailand

NO RTH E A S T ( I S AN ) Northern-style larb is a spicy

C E N TRAL THAI LAND

minced meat salad dish with a dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, chilli flakes, mint, basil, red onions and toasted rice.

Another salad from northeast Thailand, som tum is a spicy green papaya salad that is widely consumed throughout the country. For something more indulgent, sai krok Isan is a garlicky fermented sausage made of pork and rice.

In central Thailand, it’s all about curries: massaman, kaeng khiao wan (green curry) and kaeng som (sour curry) star. Massaman is a rich, mild curry uniting spices not frequently used in Thailand – think cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves and star anise. Kaeng khiao wan is made with coconut milk, while kaeng som is a spicy fish curry with tamarind.

T H E S O U TH

TH E E A S T

Few dishes say ‘southern Thai cuisine’ more than khao yam paktai, a tart and salty rice salad with carrots, long beans, sour mango, pomelo, roasted coconut, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and chillies. Pla tod kamin (turmeric fried fish) is another popular dish from this region. The fish most commonly used is pla daeng, a type of threadfin bream, and this is cooked to slightly crispy.

The eastern province of Chanthaburi is famous for its fruit production, especially durian, which is used in an incarnation of massaman.

Chamuang leaves are another popular ingredient used in dishes such as kaeng mu bai chamuang, also known as pork belly curry with chamuang leaves, and tom bai chamuang, which is similar to the worldfamous tom yum soup. vacationstravel.com

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GOURMET

#ROOFTOPBARS # D I N I N G W I T H AV I E W

Such great

heights

While Bangkok is known for its rooftop bars, there are equally dreamy vistas to be found at venues beyond the capital. Discover nine of the best places to wine and dine with a view. By Deborah Dickson-Smith

TR EEPOD D I NI NG AT S ONEVA KI R I , KOH KOOD

You’re seated in a bamboo pod that is raised gently into the ancient rainforest canopy of Koh Kood; meals are then served via zipline as you gaze out across the coastline. This one-of-a-kind experience at Soneva Kiri is certainly taking fine dining to new heights.

R IG H T:

Treepod Dining at Soneva Kiri

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R E D S KY B A R, BA N G KO K

On the 56th floor of Centara Grand hotel at CentralWorld, Red Sky Bar is a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.

With a dazzling 360-degree view across the skyline and a sea of twinkling lights stretching out before you, it’s the perfect place to relax and indulge after a busy day of sightseeing.

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L ON G DTAI, KO H S AMUI

Perched on a hilltop at the private island hotel Cape Fahn, chef David Thompson’s Long Dtai has sweeping vistas of the Koh Samui coast, equally beautiful by day and by night.

The green-thinking restaurant only serves line-caught fish, and plastic straws and bottles are banned on the island.

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SA FF RO N C RU I S E

BY B A N YA N TRE E , BA N G KO K

Want to dine on the ‘River of Kings’? Jump aboard Banyan Tree Bangkok’s newest culinary journey to enjoy the timeless splendour of the Chao Phraya River on a cruise, alongside a menu of Thai cuisine with an innovative twist and vibrant cultural performances.

C L O C K W I SE F RO M T O P L E F T: Celebrity

chef David Thompson’s Koh Samui restaurant Long Dtai; sweeping city views from Mahanakhon Skybar, Bangkok; Hua Hin vistas and funky furniture at Gravity Bar on the 24th floor of the Novotel Hua Hin © Michael Spencer; take in the view from the Chao Phraya River on Banyan Tree’s Saffron Cruise © Manoo Manookulkit

GOURMET

M A H AN A K H O N B AN G KO K S KYB AR, B AN G KO K

Soaring high above Bangkok on the 76th floor of King Power Mahanakhon, SkyBar is Thailand’s tallest dining landmark, designed by renowned architect Tristan Auer. Expect breathtaking vistas, classic cocktails and a curated wine list.

G RAV I TY S KY B AR, H UA H I N

Dine with a vista of the ‘River of Kings’ from the 76th floor, or take a dinner cruise on the river itself to view the sparkling city lights.

Offering unparalleled panoramic views of Hua Hin from the 24th floor of the Novotel, the Gravity Sky Bar is a funky rooftop hangout with graffiti murals by Bangkok street artists, eclectic custom furniture that you won’t be able to resist taking a picture of, and a soundtrack of fun pop music.

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TH E JUNGLE CLU B, KOH S AM UI

Set high on a hill on an old coconut plantation with sweeping views of Chaweng Bay, The Jungle Club boasts a menu of traditional Thai, French, Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Relax on a beanbag or in a bamboo sala and watch the sun set across the lush island.

SKY BAR BY L E BUA , B A NGKOK

If you’ve scrolled through #bangkok Instagram results anytime in the last few years, there’s a good chance you’ve seen this showstopper. Sky Bar is legendary – the crowning jewel on the 63rd floor of the Lebua State Tower – suspended atop a precipice almost 250 metres above sea level.

B A BA NES T AT SR I PAN WA, PH U KE T

More inclined towards relaxation than partying, Baba Nest offers an awe-worthy outlook over the Andaman Sea and the surrounding islands.

Wave goodbye to chairs and bar stools: here you’ll sit on floor cushions while indulging in cocktails and a tapas menu.

T H I S PAG E , F RO M T O P:

Jungle Club © Unsplash/Robert Eklund; Sky Bar by Lebua © Wimut Thammakesorn; Phuket’s Baba Nest O P P O SI T E , F RO M L E F T: Thai Farm Cooking School; Blue Elephant’s chef Nooror

COOKING CLASSES

#THAIFOOD #COOKING

WATCH

Cooking up

the Blue Elephant cooking experience.

a storm

Thai cooking classes have become increasingly popular in recent years, and what better souvenir could there be than acquiring the skills to prepare your favourite meals back home?

M A N Y HOTELS A ND resorts throughout Thailand offer fantastic, and often free, cooking classes for guests.

However, if you want to take your skills to the next level, some cooking schools offer more advanced classes, from multi-day courses to programs spread over months.

At these cooking schools, your

tutors will take you to local markets where they will show you how to choose the best fresh produce, followed by a stroll through the garden to pick your herbs. Then in class, you can learn how to handle utensils typically used in Thai cooking: a mortar and pestle, sticky rice steamer, fruit and vegetable carving knife.

Some of our recommended Thai cooking schools include Amita Thai Cooking Class and Baipai Thai Cooking School in Bangkok; as well as Blue Elephant, which has outlets in Bangkok and Phuket; Thai Farm Cooking School and Pantawan Cooking in Chiang Mai; and Ya’s Cookery School in Krabi. vacationstravel.com

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WHERE TO STAY

11Thai hotels #HOTELS #RESORTS

sensational

Thailand has a vast range of accommodation options, from homestays to private island resorts. Here's a selection of the most memorable. By John Borthwick 44 } v a c a t i o n s t r a v e l . c o m

WHERE TO STAY

CLICK HERE

for a 360-degree view of The Sarojin.

TH E S ARO J I N , K H A O L A K

The Sarojin’s lotus ponds and lawns roll down to a seemingly endless stretch of white sand beach, stretching out into the azure Andaman Sea. This 56-suite luxury haven near charming Takuapa Old Town gives you hectares of gardens to wander, plus pools and a secluded spa. Meanwhile, an exceptional wine cellar matches the delicious fare at the two restaurants.

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WHERE TO STAY

E L EPH AN T HI L L S, SURAT TH ANI

Elephant Hills pioneered glamping in Thailand in Khao Sok National Park. At Elephant Camp, you meet the resident pachyderms, and at the floating Rainforest Camp on Cheow Larn Lake, you can explore the surrounding landscapes by kayak, spotting birds, langurs and gibbons along the way.

CH AKRAB ONG SE VILLAS & RE SI DE NCE S, B A NGKOK This former palace beside the Chao Phraya River is a lush garden enclave of teak pavilions with four suites of differing size, three Moroccanthemed rooms and four studio apartments facing the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) on the opposite bank.

CAPE KU D U HOT EL, KO H YAO N O I

Koh Yao Noi is located in one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world: Phang Nga Bay. At the boutique, five-star Cape Kudu Hotel, you have a front-row view of this marine Eden. A pool villa, private beach, spa and island-hopping trips complete the picture.

OPENING SPREAD: The Sarojin © Phillip Koschel THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Elephant Hills' floating accommodation

on Cheow Larn Lake © Pete McGee; ChakraBongse House © John Borthwick; views of Phang Nga Bay © Jorg Sundermann RIGHT: 137 Pillars House © Masano Kawana (bottom) 46 } v a c a t i o n s t r a v e l . c o m

WHERE TO STAY

137 P I L LARS H O U S E , C H I AN G M A I

Dating back to 1889, this elegant building was once the headquarters of a grand teak trading company. And the history doesn’t stop there: the premium Louis Leonowens Pool Suites recall the founder and his family’s links to a famous Thai tale, The King and I. Now superbly restored, 137 Pillars features 30 luxurious suites, a fine restaurant, wine cellar, piano lounge and a 25-metre pool.

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WHERE TO STAY

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A N A N TARA GOLDEN TRI A N G L E E LEPHANT CAM P & RE S ORT, C H I A N G RA I

From the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, you’ll see Thailand, Myanmar and Laos in one glance – but even better is the unique accommodation.

Spend an unforgettable night in one of the transparent Jungle Bubbles while quietly observing elephants at large in their natural habitat.

L E F T:

Jungle Bubbles at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

C E N TARA G RAND B E AC H RE S O RT & V I L L A S , H UA HIN

A sense of ‘Old Siam’ blends with full modernity in this historic resort’s spacious guestrooms, suites and villas.

Fine dining, four pools and a legendary high tea are part of the mix, as well as enormous gardens and wondrous topiary facing out toward the Gulf of Thailand. Don’t miss the seafront COAST Beach Club & Bistro for sundowners.

L O Y L A L O N G HOT EL, B AN G KO K

This tiny hideaway beside the Chao Phraya River has just six guestrooms. The name means 'Let it be, let it go, let it flow' – and so you do. Dine in or at nearby Chinatown, and then it’s a nightcap on the deck before drifting to sleep to the sounds of the river. vacationstravel.com

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WHERE TO STAY

TH E MOKEN E CO VILLAGE, KO H P HR A TH ONG

The Moken Eco Village is a boutique resort with a handful of bungalows. While only 43 kilometres from Khao Lak, it takes a bus, boat and 4WD transfer to get here, so it feels very remote. At this peaceful retreat, you can swim, kayak and snorkel the pristine fringing reef, lounge in a hammock, or go on a sunrise birdwatching tour of the island’s savannah.

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T HE S I A M H O TE L , BA N G KO K

This svelte riverfront retreat, designed by the ever-inventive Bill Bensley, features spacious suites with playfully eclectic Thai-Chinese period décor.

Across the property's 1.2 hectares of lush gardens are several renovated, centuryold Ayutthaya teak homes that now house the Chon ('Spoon') restaurant, and you have a dress-circle view of the river that never sleeps.

RA I S A E N G A RUN RE S O RT, C H IANG RAI

Here is rural Thailand at its best.

Rai Saeng Arun Resort – nestled right beside the mighty Mekong River, 100 kilometres northeast of the city of Chiang Rai – has 14 comfortable timber cottages with uninterrupted views of the surrounding rice paddies and river. It's encircled by gardens, so it comes as no surprise that the food is exceptional – start your day with fresh-picked strawberries for breakfast.

WHERE TO STAY

A B OV E:

Sunset at Moken Eco Village, Koh Phra Thong © Moken Eco Village R IG H T, F RO M T O P: The Siam Hotel sits amid lush gardens with a dreamy pool; the same hotel's courtyard.

Both images © Sven Ellsworth

Designed by Bill Bensley, the Siam Hotel's spacious suites feature playfully eclectic Thai-Chinese period décor. vacationstravel.com

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WHERE TO STAY

& notable

New

Several new hotels have opened in Thailand recently, some winning international awards within months of opening. By Deborah Dickson-Smith K IM PT ON MA A - L A I B A NGKOK

Each room at this locallyminded lifestyle hotel in central Bangkok features a minimalist blend of handcrafted Thai textiles, oversized modern furnishings and metallic touches. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies bring the greenery closer, and a garden-enveloped pool and spa by HARNN make for a private urban oasis.

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CR O S S RI V E R KWA I , KA N C H AN A B U RI

Cross River Kwai is located on the banks of the most beautiful stretch of the Kwai Noi River, its modern design meshing seemlessly with surroundings.

With a spectacular backdrop of mountain ranges, every room has panoramic views; some lodgings actually float on the river itself, offering direct access to the water and your own private kayak.

WATCH

a tour of the Capella Bangkok neighbourhood.

C L O C K W I SE F RO M A B OV E:

Stunning bathroom decor at Capella Bangkok; riverside at Four Seasons Hotel © Ken Seet; retro furnishings in the Family Suite at Kimpton Maa Lai; floating suites at Cross River Kwai

CA P E L L A B A N G KO K

This 101-room beauty boasts private villas, a Capella Culturist for every room ensuring you have the best stay possible, fine dining overseen by three-Michelinstarred chef Mauro Colagreco, and personalised wellness programs provided at Auriga Wellness spa. Yet what makes this five-star hotel truly special is its location, perched on the Chao Phraya River in historic Sathorn, a neighbourhood steeped in tradition blended with fashionable cafes, bars and art galleries.

F O U R S E AS ONS HOT EL B AN G KO K AT CHAO PH RAYA RI V ER

Also located riverside in Sathorn, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is bordered by galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafes, and the hotel itself is a hub of energy and style.

Designed by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy, it affords guests sweeping river views from the lap and infinity pools, plus inventive cuisine ranging from French to Cantonese in the hotel’s restaurants. Or, simply relax in the green, bamboo-fringed courtyards.

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WELLNESS

# W E L L N E S S # S PA # M A S S A G E

The

healing

touch

From luxe yoga retreats to medical tourism, Thailand is arguably the premier health and wellness destination in the world. By Julie Miller A HOLIDAY IN THAILAND IS NOT ONLY the perfect way to lift your spirits, it’s also good for your body and general wellbeing. From limbstretching Thai massages to gentle facials or meditations focusing on breathing, Thailand has become synonymous with wellness, with luxury retreats, therapies and even medical services helping you find rejuvenation, inner strength and physical and mental health. A visit to one of these retreats in Thailand is more than just an escape for body and soul – it’s also an investment in a long and healthy future.

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WELLNESS

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WELLNESS

KA M A L AYA , KO H S AM U I

O PE N I NG S PR E A D:

The Sun Shala is ideal for morning yoga at Absolute Sanctuary A B OV E: Morning yoga at Amatara O P P O SI T E , T O P T O B O T T O M:

Chiva Som hydro-therapy © Kittipong Panchee; tonics and tinctures at RAKxa; meditation at Absolute Sanctuary; traditional massage at Kamalaya © Ralf Tooten 56 } v a c a t i o n s t r a v e l . c o m

Built around a cave that once served as a place of meditation for Buddhist monks, Kamalaya capitalises on its beautiful environment to create a sanctuary guaranteed to inspire, heal and reconnect to your inner self. It offers 20 holistic wellness programs ranging from relaxation to detoxification and stress management, combining traditional Eastern healing therapies with Western medical research. Rooms, suites and villas feature jungle or ocean views, some complete with their own plunge pools.

RA K XA, B A N GKOK

Set on an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, RAKxa is Thailand’s newest fully-integrated medical destination combining advanced medical remedies with holistic therapies.

Treatments cover physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing, with modern technologies provided

by Bumrungrad Hospital designed to optimise health.

The facility offers a series of retreat packages, from weight management to gut health, with accommodation in private villas capping off the experience.

WELLNESS

CH IVA-S OM, H UA H I N

This luxury health resort in Hua Hin has long raised the bar for wellness in Thailand, transforming lives since 1995.

It offers a series of wellness escapes, with each program curated to promote healing and improve lifestyles back in the ‘real world’. Each retreat includes pre-selected activities and treatments, with your path to self-discovery guided by a Health and Wellness Advisor.

With facilities including a dance studio, yoga pavilion, a Watsu pool and restaurants helmed by leading chefs, Chiva-Som really lives up to its name, meaning ‘haven of life’.

A B S O LU TE S A N C TUA RY, KO H S AM U I This intimate destination spa hotel is regarded as one of the best yoga retreats in Thailand, with leading instructors, therapists and chefs providing a worldclass wellness program.

Programs are designed around individual needs, with 22 different offerings across 15 categories nurturing mind, body and spirit. Facilities include a spa, yoga studio, steam room and a beautiful infinity pool; while nutritious, organic meals created in the Love Kitchen provide a special gourmet experience.

A M ATARA, PHUK ET

Located on Cape Panwa on the southern tip of Phuket, this five-star spa resort offers nine all-inclusive wellness retreats, all while staying in some of the island’s lushest suites, pool villas and pavilions.

Programs include detox, yoga, weight management and family wellness, with holistic treatments, fitness activities and spa treatments integral to the healing journey. vacationstravel.com

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#SHOPPING #MARKETS

From market

to mall

Whether you’re visiting the mega malls of Bangkok, the floating markets of Ratchaburi, or the walking streets of Chiang Mai, you won’t leave Thailand empty-handed.

T R IG H T, F RO M T O P:

Colourful and chaotic, Chatuchak Market has over 8,000 stalls © Joyful;/Shutterstock; spanning eight floors with more than 2,500 retail outlets, Bangkok’s MBK Centre is one of the largest shopping malls in Asia © Kriang Kan/Shutterstock IC O N: Coins © Ben Davis/Noun Project 58 } v a c a t i o n s t r a v e l . c o m

HER E A R E IMPR ESSI V E markets all over Thailand.

Whether visiting a floating market or night market, practice your bargaining skills and get lost in the maze of stalls.

On the opposite end of Thailand’s shopping experiences are the high-end malls. Selling everything from fashion and accessories to electronics and home décor, many also have entertainment precincts, with live shows and theme parks.

Either way, you’re bound to find everything you want, and plenty you didn’t know you were looking for.

SHOPPING

5 VERY SPECIAL THAI SHOPPING EXPERIENCES

1. Cicada Market, in Hua Hin, is a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, boutique fashion and a real taste of Thailand, with street food from all over the country as well as live entertainment. It has four sections: Art a la Mode, Art Indoors, Art of Act and Art of Eating.

2. Asiatique The Riverfront, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, is both a night bazaar and a mall, with more than 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants. Enjoy a ride on the carousel or ferris wheel, and in the evening, have dinner on a tall ship or watch a live cabaret show.

3. Chatuchak Market in Bangkok is one of the largest and craziest markets you’ll ever visit, with some 8,000 stalls tucked into the narrow sois (lanes) selling everything from vinyl records and beads to suits of armour and artifacts, and attracting 200,000 shoppers each weekend.

4. Talad Rom Hub Market in Samut Songkhram is located alongside the railway line at Mae Klong Railway Station. It’s an amazing sight to see vendors collecting their goods and closing their umbrellas as the trains approach, and setting them back up when they pass.

5. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in the Ratchaburi Province is a glimpse of the traditional floating market of yesteryear. In the past, daily commerce mostly occurred on the rivers and canals (or khlongs) of Thailand, so much so that European visitors nicknamed the country the ‘Venice of the East’. vacationstravel.com

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