The Best Thai Experiences to Indulge in

Deepa N

Last updated: Sep 24, 2019

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Thailand is for the senses – a year-round tropical feel, turquoise seas that gently roll up into long stretches of white-sand beaches, jagged limestone cliffs, time that slows down even at the most hurried floating markets, umpteen options for relaxation, and a promise of satiation with the most flavoursome meals. Revel in the land’s entirety with these must-do experiences in Thailand.

Enjoy the Beach Life

Whether it is Krabi, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, or Hua Hin, beaching is a way of life in Thailand. Find some of the best beaches in the country at Phuket. The clear blue-green waters and jagged jungle-topped mountains that surround the beaches look picture perfect. Head to Prachuap Kiri Khan, a relatively unexplored coast towards the south of Thailand, or revel in the dramatic beauty of limestone karsts in the blindingly beautiful beaches of Krabi. Soak in the splendour of turquoise waters and white sands, one drink at a time. Go sun-bathing or snorkelling in the daytime, and enjoy high party beats through the night at shacks close by. Some beaches also offer luxury cruises on yachts. There are many dimensions to the beach life in Thailand. Live them up to the core!

Shop Till You Drop

MBK-bangkok — MBK Shopping Mall, Bangkok

Thailand is a shopaholic’s dream come true. So head to Chinatown in the morning, and to Siam when the sun is right above your head, to lose yourself in its many air-conditioned malls. While you’re here, don’t forget to buy handicrafts and home décor, everything coconut, Thai lights and lanterns, Thai silk, furniture, Thai carvings, alcohol, shoes, clothes, jewellery, accessories, and t-shirts, if you must. Oh the pleasures! For those who like their malls, head to CentralWorld or MBK at Siam, or EmQuartier at Phrom Phong. With a whopping 400 labels under its roof, EmQuartier is your one-stop destination for high-end indulgences. March in for your fix of Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and more!

Read more: Eco Tourism in Thailand

Treat Yourself at a Spa

spa-thailand — The Banyan Tree in Phuket

Gift yourself an elaborate pampering session at a Thai salon, with an array of massage options to choose from. Go for the traditional Wat Pho massage, or choose between a facial massage, Thai foot massage, and reflexology. Also try aromatherapy treatments, believed to balance, harmonise, and promote holistic health at spas like Kamalya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, at Koh Samui, or the Explore Spa at Chiang Mai. Most of these spas offer through-the-year signature packages. The Banyan Tree in Phuket also provides Eastern therapies focusing on spiritual, mental, and physical harmony.

Enjoy an Authentic Thai Meal

The Thais have got their food figured—zesty, spicy, and impregnated with flavours and fragrances. So if you are in Thailand to binge on food, you’re in luck! Grab a juicy piece of grilled pork, fiery bowl of Tom Yum Soup, or hot wok of Pad Thai. Enjoy a breakfast of Kai Jeow, a Thai omelette with a good helping of fish sauce and chillies served over rice and a dash of sweet chilli sauce. Then, try the Pad Thai for lunch at Sukhimvit Soi 33, Bangkok, or at “Baan Padthai”, at Soi 44, Bangkok. Binge on Pad Kra Pao, which is minced chicken or pork stir fried with basil and chillies and served over rice. For dinner, dig into a bowl of Kuay Teow Moo Daeng, a red pork noodle soup, available only in Thailand. In the end, trust the sweetness of Mango Sticky Rice to complete your meal.

Explore the Famous Floating Markets

floating-market-bangkok — Floating Markets

One of the first images you’d conjure up about Thailand is its floating markets. And despite the tourist rush, they have retained their charm. So get right into the zone, marvelling at the remains of what used to be the normal way of life until some of the main waterways got filled up to make way for roads. One of the biggest attractions about these markets is the food cooked and served from the long, thin boats. Check out Amphawa, in Bangkok, or Khlong Lat Mayom, towards the south of Bangkok—the closest a market can get to a fairy-tale setting. Then, head to Taling Chan for the love of seafood.