So much to explore in Luxury Thailand
In each of Yonder’s main destinations, we have selected a range of highlights you might like to include in your personalised Yonder trip.
Whether they are fabled regions, resorts or cities, single destinations or entire itineraries, these are the Yonder ingredients we know will help you begin to piece together the ideal trip…
Where to go in Luxury Thailand
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Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern hub, is contemporary Southeast Asia in miniature: confident, youthful, on the move and yet deeply reverential towards its diverse heritage and long history.
- Get out onto the Ruak and Mekong in a longtail boat. You’ll get a different perspective of the Golden Triangle and encounter scenes that can only be appreciated from water level.
- Explore Chiang Mai at night. Don’t miss the sprawling night bazaar where you’ll find great food and frenetic nightlife.
- Chiang Rai’s Hall of Opium museum is an absolute must visit. Unquestionably one of the best museums in Thailand. it is brilliantly curated, with fascinating insights into the opium trade.
The Golden Triangle was truly exhilarating. We went from being mahouts to explorers in a single day. Pampered beyond belief, we ate food with flavours so intense we thought we were hallucinating (no, there wasn't any opium involved).
Phuket and the West coast
Phuket, the most famous of all of the Thai islands, has been enjoying a sun-filled renaissance and we at Yonder have been basking in its renewed glory. We’ve gone out exploring, rediscovering little corners of this picture-perfect paradise - and we are putting it back on our secret map.
- Kick back on the glorious West coast tropical beaches. They are amongst the best in the world.
- Follow in illustrious footsteps on her Majesty’s Secret Service and head to the stunning Phang Nga Bay, featured in the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun.
- Embrace the heavenly cocoon of your hand-picked hotel
There is something truly magical about Phuket. We’ve returned countless times and on each occasion have been able to luxuriate in exquisite hotels that have gone from perfect to out of this world
Khao Sok
Sometimes we’re in such a hurry to get to where we think we want to go, we miss out on new and memorable experiences. So it was for us with Khao Sok. Because this stunning national park is within easy striking distance of the likes of Koh Samui and Phuket, you can easily pass it by. Oh what a mistake! Until we took the road less travelled.
- Go exploring in the rainforest with an expert guide. Believe us, hiking through this ancient forest is no mere walk in the woods.
- A thrilling way to experience the magic of Khao Sok is tubing down the Sok River.
- Canoeing on Cheow Lan lake is an easy way of exploring the national park
Koh Tao
It’s a tiny island but Koh Tao sure is big on experience. And that starts with the journey there, as this far-flung gem is quite a ride across the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Siam, taking around two hours by ferry from Koh Samui. But let’s face it, when you’re journeying down the road less travelled, that’s a short hop in the grand scheme of things!
- Go on a night dive – you’ll be awed as the underwater world goes about its night time business.
- The picture postcard islands of Koh Nang Yuan are just 10 minutes by longtail boat.
- Fall into a beanbag at a beach bar as the sun sets and cradle a Singha beer.
Koh Phangan
Ah, Koh Phangan! It is an emerald casually cast into the Bay of Siam, exquisite but rough-hewn. And it will always have a special place in our hearts as the setting for one of the most exquisite beaches we have ever had the delight of discovering.
- Take a hiking trip through the jungle to visit Koh Phangan’s beautiful waterfalls.
- Explore the many idyllic bays and beaches on an all-day boat trip.
- Visit Ko Maa off the northwest coast. It offers some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Koh Samui
Once a remote tropical island, with a couple of thatched pavilions as its airport terminal, Koh Samui is now a colossus on the Thai beach scene. The backpackers who first put the island on the map, have long since been replaced by wheelie pullers. And the bamboo beach shacks have given way to some phenomenal Koh Samui luxury hotels.
- Choeng Mon beach is amongst the finest on the island, with perfect white powdery sand.
- No trip is complete without a visit to Big Buddha. The golden statue seated on a 12m plinth is the island’s most revered site.
- You’ll have a giggle at Hin Ta and Yin Ya. It’s a rock formation that is decidedly phallic.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a name, that can make the hairs on the back of the neck stand on end. It is the frontier to the Golden Triangle, the legendary intersection between Thailand, Laos and Burma where the mighty Mekong river flows. It's super remote, intensely mysterious and achingly beautiful.
- Experience the Ruak and Mekong in a longtail boat to get a different perspective of the Golden Triangle.
- The Hall of Opium museum is an absolute must visit.
- Go into the spectacular countryside to mingle with local tribes, encounter the wildlife and experience the rugged terrain.
Bangkok
Bangkok is bursting with energy and bubbling with diverse culture. It’s one of those extraordinary and evocative global cities that surprises you at every turn. Within the frenetic comings and goings and amongst the towering infrastructure you’ll find charming night markets, tiny Buddhist shrines and an authentic daily life.
- Get up early, brave the crowds and visit the Grand Palace.
- Go to Chatuchak market. It’s a never ending maze of booths, stalls and shops.
- Take a private longtail on the klongs (canals) that run off the sides of the Chao Phraya river.