Breadcrumbs ![3 Ways To Do Thailand In Style](https://media.sheerluxe.com/O54sbFrVs9Wjyj4HbgNCAwpXZwI=/500x221/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fgold-site-assets-0826-hero-travel-thailand.jpg) ![3 Ways To Do Thailand In Style](https://media.sheerluxe.com/RTetK6ZlWanmyWd_9q9G8iPUbGQ=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fgold-site-assets-0826-thumb-travel-thailand.jpg) [Long-Haul](/culture/travel/long-haul) / 17 August 2026 # 3 Ways To Do Thailand In Style Thailand has long captivated travellers with its contrasts, from the buzzy pace of Bangkok to the powder-soft beaches of its southern islands and the slower rhythms of Chiang Mai in the north. Whether you're planning your first visit, celebrating a milestone anniversary or simply looking for somewhere that combines city life, culture and pristine beaches, here are three ways to experience the Land of Smiles. ByJEANNETTE ARNOLD [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53603) Image: Capella Bangkok [ ![Cape Fahn](https://media.sheerluxe.com/XC8YrvDaEUf9UGvBloXJxfpeLO8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2F3-ways-to-do-thailand-in-style-new.jpg) ](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/cape-fahn) Cape Fahn ## THE ULTIMATE THAILAND ### Bangkok & Island Luxury **Best For: Special Occasions, Milestone Birthdays & Anniversaries** ### The Lowdown If your idea of the perfect holiday involves private villas, infinity pools, exceptional spas and impeccable service, Thailand delivers all of that and often at prices that compare favourably with the Maldives or Caribbean. Start with two or three nights in Bangkok before heading to one of the idyllic islands like Koh Samui, once the home of backpackers and beach parties but now offering the most luxe barefoot-chic resorts with five-star service, award winning restaurants and some of the world’s best spas. ### What To See & Do Bangkok is the cosmopolitan centre of Thailand where ancient temples sit alongside modern high rises – yes, it’s energetic and chaotic but don’t even think about missing out on this extraordinary city because there’s an endless list of things to do. The best way to see the key attractions is to book a private guided tour (your hotel will be able to arrange this) – be sure to visit the Grand Palace and Wat Po (home to the reclining Buddha which stretches 45 metres along the floor). An early morning trip along the klongs (web of canals) which wind through the quieter neighbourhoods of the city and where domestic life actually happens is a must too – here, the floating markets open early, before the tour boats arrive, and you'll see vendors setting out their stalls with fresh fruit, snacks and noodles and locals starting their day in their wooden houses on stilts. Foodies will love a tour of Bangrak's narrow streets which have been the city’s food centre for decades – your guide will take you to places where the locals eat and you’ll taste dishes you won't find in the luxe hotels or tourist restaurants. A trip along the Chao Phraya River is also great way to see the city from a different angle, as it reveals the striking contrast between the glittering temples, modern skycrapers, luxury hotels and the traditional wooden homes built along the waterfront. For something a little more adventurous, take a tuk-tuk ride – they are easy to find in the busy areas and a great way to get back to your hotel after seeing the sights or a night out. From Bangkok there are several flights daily to the island of Koh Samui and, once here, most hotels will arrange a transfer from the airport to your resort. The greatest luxury of this island is that it encourages you to embrace a slower pace and days can be as lazy as you want them to be – start with morning yoga overlooking the sea, then a leisurely breakfast followed by a spa treatment; the rest of the day can be spent soaking up some sunshine before dressing up for a cocktail as the sun sets over the sea and dinner under the stars. If you’re looking for more than simply lying on the beach or by the pool, there are plenty of options. If you do just one excursion, it’s got to be Ang Thong National Marine Park – this protected archipelago of 42 islands is a spectacular day out, with emerald lagoons, limestone cliffs and deserted beaches. Chartering a private speedboat or yacht allows you to avoid the crowds and discover quieter coves for swimming and snorkelling. Other trips worth doing include a visit to the charming fishing village of Bophut, one of the island's prettiest spots – its narrow streets are lined with chic boutiques, jewellery shops, cafés and excellent restaurants and, in the evenings, the waterfront comes alive; and an early morning visit to the 12-metre golden Big Buddha, one of Koh Samui’s best-known landmarks, and Wat Plai Laem, a group of colourful temples set on a tranquil lake. [ ![Capella Bangkok ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/fVJai4NghtqJQvYCUHKf69t-8Hs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2F3-ways-to-do-thailand-in-style14.jpg) ](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/capella-bangkok) Capella Bangkok ### Where To Stay Perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, [Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en) is the epitome of Thai opulence at its most stylish. The grande dame of Bangkok has been welcoming Hollywood A-listers, literary legends and members of the Thai royal family for close on 150 years. First opened as the Oriental Hotel with just 12 rooms, it now has 393 rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, an award-winning spa, two swimming pools and tennis courts. For the ultimate experience, book into one of the Author's suites, named after some of the literary stars who have stayed here, including Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward. For pared back design and first-class Thai hospitality, it’s hard to beat [Capella Bangkok](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/capella-bangkok) (voted No.1 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2024 and holder of numerous awards). Also set along the river, the atmosphere is one of total peace and tranquillity and the service and attention to detail are second to none. By Bangkok standards, the hotel is small, with just 101 rooms, all of which are beautifully designed to make the most of the space and done up in a calming, neutral palette with views of the river and an outdoor space. Koh Samui has some of Thailand’s most luxe hotels and, if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime beach escape that delivers on every detail, put [Four Seasons Koh Samui](https://www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui/) at the top of your list. Perched on a lush hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, each of the 78 villas comes with its own infinity pool and sweeping sea views, while the resort's palm-fringed private beach feels blissfully secluded. The service is impeccable without ever feeling overbearing and the atmosphere remains relaxed and understated. Days are best spent drifting between the Secret Garden Spa, long lunches and sundown cocktails overlooking the water. If you feel you’ve entered a scene from *The White Lotus*, you have – part of season 3 was filmed here. For a quieter, more secluded side of Koh Samui, [Cape Fahn](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/cape-fahn) is a short speedboat ride away on its own tiny private island. Here, the 24 spacious villas all have infinity pools and are designed to maximise the uninterrupted views across the Gulf of Thailand. The atmosphere is peaceful, the perfect choice if you want complete privacy or are looking to experience a quieter side of Koh Samui. Spend your days lounging by your private pool, indulging in spa treatments or enjoying fresh seafood at Long Dtai, the resort's excellent fine dining restaurant. For a small group (up to six) looking for total seclusion, we love [Villa Muscat](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/villas/villa-muscat-beach-access), a three-bedroom, terraced property situated on the picturesque northeastern coast, in the neighbourhood of Plai Laem and just down the road from Fisherman’s Village, Choeng Mon beach and the renowned Big Buddha statue. Here you can expect contemporary interiors, generous open-plan living spaces and a dedicated villa team. [ ![RXV Wellness Village](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QNVuiHGkXaIJxk2JXtMgzVuGBEQ=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2F3-ways-to-do-thailand-in-style3-2.jpg) ](https://rxvwellness.com/) RXV Wellness Village ## BEYOND THE BEACHES ### Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle **Best For: Foodies & Culture Vultures** ### The Lowdown Thailand's beaches may steal the headlines, but the country's cultural riches lie further north. Begin your holiday with a couple of nights in Bangkok, then fly north to Chiang Mai where early morning temple visits provide a fascinating insight into northern Thai culture. Then head to Chiang Rai, home to some of Thailand's most spectacular scenery – it’s here that the Golden Triangle meets Laos and Myanmar, offering an altogether different perspective on the country. You'll almost certainly return to Bangkok before your flight home, making it the perfect opportunity to experience two very different sides of the capital. At the end of your trip, if you want a total reset, book into a tranquil wellness retreat outside of the city centre (see below), though this option also works well on arrival if you want to get over your jetlag. ### What To See & Do While you’re in Bangkok, we’ve outlined above the main attractions, both foodie and cultural, that should not be missed. Next stop, Chiang Mai. Although you can fly there in just over an hour, if you want the journey to be a memorable part of your holiday, take the overnight train on Thai State Railway’s first-class sleeper, which takes about 12 hours. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, situated in the country’s northern hills and surrounded by jungle. Once the capital of the 13th-century northern Thai Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai was originally a walled city, known for its markets and monasteries. Today, the modern city has expanded way beyond the old walls, but the barefoot monks, street vendors and flourishing markets are still very much there. Must-dos include visiting the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, known locally as Doi Suthep – legend has it that a precious relic, believed to be a piece of Buddha’s shoulder bone, was tied to the back of a sacred white elephant who lay down and died atop Mount Suthep and the golden shrine was built on the same spot to house the heirloom; cycling the ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, located 5km south of the city – these were hidden underground until recent excavations when more than 1,300 artefacts were unearthed, some of which are on show in a small visitor centre nearby; haggling for bargains in the night markets; booking a Thai cookery lesson with a local family. The drive to Chiang Rai takes about three to four hours. Once the royal capital of Thailand, today Chiang Rai is a sleepy city near the country’s northern border. The one must-see temple is Wat Phra Kaew, one of the oldest in the city; if you have time, as a complete contrast, head about 13km south to Wat Rong Khun, a modern temple that glitters in the sun thanks to millions of tiny mirrors. Outside the city, the landscape is green and covered with rice paddies and jungle, perfect for a day-long trek through the countryside exploring the area’s rivers, mountains and villages. Chiang Rai is also a good base for exploring the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. In fact, you can stand at the exact spot where the two rivers meet to view all three countries at once, marked by large shrines and the giant golden Buddha on a boat. This area was once one of the world's most notorious opium-producing regions and was associated with drug trafficking, armed militias and cross-border conflict, but it has since reinvented itself as a scenic tourist destination where the landscape is serene and you can explore coffee plantations, traditional villages and the slow winding rivers, as well as one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. [ ![Anantara Siam Bangkok](https://media.sheerluxe.com/GPVDZi_u7qBsfIDy_IpIJrKpcuc=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2F3-ways-to-do-thailand-in-style4.jpg) ](https://www.anantara.com/en/siam-bangkok) Anantara Siam Bangkok ### Where To Stay In Bangkok, if you’re looking for something slightly less pricy than the uber luxe hotels mentioned above, [Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel ](https://www.anantara.com/en/siam-bangkok)offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets. Having just undergone a $50m refurb, there are a number of newly designed rooms and suites with pools, all of which are dotted around the attractive, leafy gardens. The whole place feels very spacious and the spa is first class. An added bonus is that the hotel is close to the excellent Ratchaprasong shopping district. Or, for a total reset, book into [RXV Wellness Village](https://rxvwellness.com/). Located along the banks of the Tha Chin River within the historic Suan Sampran estate, about an hour from Bangkok, this is the younger, less hardcore relative of RAKxa in Bangkok. RXV follows the principle of ‘Everyone's Wellness’ whereby you choose from six programmes (lasting three to seven nights) that range from Destress and Detox to Physical Rebalance or opt for something tailor-made where programmes and activities are individually adapted to your wishes – at the end of the day, it's all about making healthy choices that benefit your body. After an initial consultation, you can expect to spend your days enjoying treatments, massages, one-on-one Pilates, aerial yoga and sound healing. The vibe is relaxed in a village setting designed to be shared, so it’s the perfect destination for solo travellers, couples, groups of friends and families. In fact, family inclusivity is a natural part of the RXV experience, with a dedicated Wellness Foundation for Kids programme where younger guests can explore movement, nutrition and emotional wellbeing through playful workshops and creative sessions and outdoor activities immersed in nature. Rather than separating wellness for adults and children, RXV introduces younger guests (6yrs+) to the principles of health, mindfulness and balance in a way that feels intuitive, engaging and fun. Parents can choose to join in or take time for their own treatments, while children are taken care of. The hotel has 83 comfortable and spacious rooms with balconies, spread across two wings – some overlook the gardens and pool, others have views of the river. In the arty Wat Gate district of Chiang Mai, [137 Pillars House](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/137-pillars-house/) was built in 1889 to accommodate the manager of the British East Borneo Company and has been restored into a 30-suite boutique hotel. All the suites combine elements of a colonial era with rattan furniture, freestanding Victorian-style baths and black and white photographs of Thailand at the turn of the 20th century. You can also expect delicious food, a pretty spa and a dramatic pool. For a totally indulgent stay, book into [Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai](https://www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai/). Set just outside the city in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley amid emerald-green rice paddies, it’s the perfect retreat after the energy of Bangkok. The villas and pavilions are generously proportioned, with teak furnishings, deep soaking tubs and private outdoor spaces overlooking the surrounding countryside. Days here are designed to be as active or as relaxed as you choose – learn to plant rice with resident farmers, take a Thai cooking class, explore nearby temples or simply spend an afternoon by one of the resort's serene pools. The spa is one of northern Thailand's finest, with treatments inspired by ancient Thai healing traditions, and the food is exceptional. For a tranquil stay just outside Chiang Rai’s main hub, [Mora Boutique Hotel](https://www.moraboutiquehotel.com/) is a stylish independent hotel and the perfect base to explore the city’s markets, museums and temple. Designed in a modern Northern Thai style with a sleek monochrome palette and floor-to-ceiling windows the hotel also has a beautiful courtyard pool and a serene spa. Just over an hour’s drive from Chiang Rai, [Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort](https://www.anantara.com/en/golden-triangle-chiang-rai) is surrounded by jungle and has wonderful views across the two rivers and the Golden Triangle region as it stretches into Laos and Myanmar. The 77 rooms and suites are beautifully furnished with local materials, and all have balconies with views of the Mekong River. The resort also has a lovely infinity pool, tennis courts and a fabulous spa. On the doorstep, the elephant conservation camp is home to some 30 retired or formerly mistreated elephants, which you can visit during your stay. And the Hall of Opium Museum is across the road and well worth a visit. [ ![Island hopping at Six Senses Yao Noi](https://media.sheerluxe.com/NICDHRsOOYFQbQinqUo7u9eWP2A=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2F3-ways-to-do-thailand-in-style11.jpg) ](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/thailand/yao-noi/) Island hopping at Six Senses Yao Noi [ ![Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort](https://media.sheerluxe.com/WRE8QkP0ex32fQZ-k114iKwqndA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2F3-ways-to-do-thailand-in-style6.jpg) ](https://www.anantara.com/en/golden-triangle-chiang-rai) Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort ## AN ELEVATED ISLAND ESCAPE ### Phuket & Phang Nga Bay **Best For: Winter Sunshine, First-Time Visitors, Couples & Multi-Generational Holidays** ### The Lowdown The arrival of Virgin’s direct scheduled flights from London to Phuket this autumn puts Phuket firmly back on the luxury travel map. Forget outdated stereotypes of crowded beaches and package holidays. Today's Phuket is home to some of southeast Asia's finest hotels, exceptional restaurants and spectacular coastal scenery. ### What To See & Do Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and, although it is largely geared towards a beach holiday, there’s far more to the island than simply lying on a sun lounger. Spend your first few days unwinding before venturing into the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, where towering limestone karsts rise dramatically from the sea. A private long-tail boat or luxury yacht charter for a couple of nights is the best way to explore hidden lagoons and deserted beaches rather than busy day excursions. Back on land, take time to wander around Phuket old town, where beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese mansions house stylish cafés, boutique shops, cocktail bars and excellent local restaurants. One of the best ways to discover Thailand’s unique cuisine is to book a [street-food tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/en-gb/phuket-l32123/phuket-old-town-food-tasting-tour-with-14-dishes-t177807/) – this one takes in 15 stalls where you’ll sample the likes of satay, Hokkien noodles and massaman curry. Culture sites not to be missed include the Big Bhuddha, a massive statue on a hill from which you’ll get great views of the island, and Wat Chalong, the largest and most revered Buddhist temple located about 8km from town. [ ![Discover the Phi Phi Islands from Six Senses Yao Noi](https://media.sheerluxe.com/WEyCji1WCXnfaqFPCM2If_c6MM8=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2F3-ways-to-do-thailand-in-style12.jpg) ](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/thailand/yao-noi/) Discover the Phi Phi Islands from Six Senses Yao Noi ### Where To Stay Bearing in mind that you are likely to spend the entirety of your holiday on Phuket, you could try a range of hotels, depending on the length of your stay and, of course, your budget. For affordable luxe, book into [The Slate](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/the-slate-phuket) which sits on Nai Yang Beach on the island’s north-west coast. Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining heritage, you can expect contemporary with a hint of industrial design, excellent food and a blissful spa. There’s also a gym, tennis courts, a dive centre, lots of watersports and a kids' club. For a luxe experience, [Trisara](https://trisara.com/) is a hidden paradise nestling on a secluded bay along the island’s tranquil and unspoiled northwest coast. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, lush gardens and the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea, the hotel boasts Thailand’s largest selection of private pool villas, ranging from two to nine bedrooms, all with jaw-dropping ocean views, and seven bars and restaurants, including Phuket’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. For multi-gen families, children are particularly well catered for with a clubhouse and a range of activities, including immersive educational workshops, kids’ yoga and cooking classes. Wellness also plays a big part here – Trisara, meaning ‘the garden in the third heaven’, places holistic wellbeing at its heart with its new Thai medicine clinic dedicated to traditional healing therapies. Later this year, the resort will unveil its reimagined spa where new facilities include hydrotherapy experiences with steam and dry saunas, cold plunges and hot tubs, an ocean-view yoga studio and upgraded treatment suites with private steam rooms and outdoor bathtubs. The fitness centre is also getting an upgrade, there’s a new padel court and, if you have a passion for golf, the area is home to some world-class courses. Alternatively, a 45-minute speed boat ride across the water will get you to [Six Senses Yao Noi](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/thailand/yao-noi/) which is located on a 24-acre site on a small island in Phang Nga Bay. Perched on the hillside surrounded by jungle, the 56 thatched-roof villas have outdoor salas and private pools, and some have breathtaking views across the bay. As with all Six Senses properties, you can expect an amazing spa with a huge range of treatments. The sea in this area is pristine, and excursions can be arranged to nearby islands for snorkelling or diving, If you want to blow the budget big time, [Amanpuri](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanpuri) remains the ultimate beach resort. Established in 1988 as the first ever hotel in the Aman group, it is situated above Pansea Beach on the west coast of the island and still retains an unrivalled reputation for its stunning and discreet villas, flawless service and serene setting. The hotel also boasts a great beach club with a range of experiences for children and teenagers, tennis courts and a fleet of cruisers and sailing boats for diving, excursions or a romantic dinner at sea. ## WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season which runs from November to April and when temperatures range between 29°C to 34°C. However, it is possible to visit all year round but bear in mind that, in the south, the climate differs between the east and west coasts, the latter being better during the winter months if you want to dive and snorkel; the weather on the east coast is good most of the year with rainfall being lowest in January and February, and highest in November. 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