In sponsorship with Tourism Thailand

There’s a reason why Thailand is nicknamed ‘The Land of Smiles’. First-time visitors here are bowled over by the hospitality of this Southeast Asian country, where the people are as warm as the tropical sunshine that beams over ancient temples, modern skyrises, frenetic cities and out-of-this-world island beaches. From the mountainous tea plantations in northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai to the endless opportunities for island hopping in Krabi province, to the south, this captivating country is waiting with open arms to be explored.

The Thai capital might be a megacity, with over 17 million people living with the city’s greater limits, but each locale has its own distinct neighbourhood vibe. And despite its size, it’s a walkable city, with neighbourhoods like the formerly Portuguese Kudi Chin and Talat Noi hugging the Chao Phraya riverside and offering a nostalgic stroll back in time, to when this was a bustling international port.

In Chinatown (the world’s largest), the heady blend of tradition and modernity that characterises Bangkok is on full display. Along Yaowarat Road and on its hawker stall-lined side streets, neon billboards rise above smoke and steam from delicious, cheap snacks cooking streetside. Our pick? Lim Lao Ngow, which has been dishing up the area’s most legendary fish ball noodle soup for over 60 years.

Speaking of hawker stands, there’s one that’s garnered headlines for being the only one in Bangkok to earn a Michelin star. Jay Fai makes arguably the world’s best crispy crab omelettes, and the stand just happens to be a short walk from one of Bangkok’s loveliest boutique hotels, Bangkok Publishing Residence, where antique furnishings are paired with Nespresso machines and a rooftop hot tub.

A quick motorbike taxi away is Wat Pho – the must-see temple complex that’s home to the enormous, 46m-long reclining Buddha – and the clean, fast MRT (subway) will zip you anywhere in the city when the sun goes down. Sipping a cocktail on a rooftop bar is obligatory (check out Sky Bar, on the 63rd floor of a skyscraper seen in Hollywood blockbuster The Hangover Part II) but for a slightly different take on a Thai night out, look up the underground drum and bass scene that’s emerging thanks to the Bassclef collective.

Phuket’s most celebrated, idyllic beaches are clustered along the island’s western shore, whereas Phuket Town sprawls across its south-east. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect slice of sand than at Freedom Beach – where you can snorkel and get a moment’s headspace from nearby party spot Patong – or Mai Khao Beach, the island’s longest and a popular plane-watching spot (jets practically scrape the sand on their descent to Phuket International Airport, just behind). 

 The diverse culture of Phuket is thanks to its former life as a tin-mining hub, as well as its history of maritime trade with Malaysia, China and the western world. The cuisine on the island has evolved in a unique way to reflect these influences – from a penchant for dining on Chinese dim sum for breakfast to a weakness for ice-cold cha-chak, a creamy, caramel-sweet milk tea that originated in Malaysia, on a hot day. Order one at Aroon Po Chana in Phuket Old Town, and watch the drink being poured at arm’s length with a flourish.

Elsewhere in Phuket Old Town, go souvenir shopping along Thalang Road, the oldest and main shopping street here. Pedestrianised on a Sunday night, it’s a kaleidoscope of colourful 19th century, Sino-Portuguese shophouses. Running parallel is Dibuk Road, formerly a gambling and red-light district and now home to some of the city’s trendiest coffee shops and guesthouses (book into Baan Suwantawe – the pool is fabulous).

Mountainous northern Thailand couldn’t feel much more different than the islands and beaches of the south. Almost 700km north of the capital, Thailand’s ‘second city’ Chiang Mai is a peaceful, hip haven nestled among forested peaks, rivers and rice paddies. A university city, Chiang Mai’s blend of low-rise buildings, yoga studios and rough-and-ready music venues is the perfect recipe for a chilled-out retreat, with all the vibrancy of city life but nature on the doorstep. 

 The peaceful atmosphere in Chiang Mai is thanks to its deeply Buddhist population but the nightlife buzzes on the energy of students, remote workers and local creatives. During the day, peruse over 200 terracotta brick temples that decorate Chiang Mai’s city centre, from the 700-year-old, elephant-lined Wat Chiang Man in the old city to the Indian-style temple Wat Jed Yot. 

What more relaxing way is there to spend an afternoon than by having a Thai massage? Chiang Mai is a centre for wellness and healing practices, specialising in tok sen massages that use a wooden block and hammer – book into Lavender Tok Sen Massage 1 to try it out. Then it’s time to delight your taste buds, too. The food in northern Thailand has strong Burmese and Indian influences, with Khao soi as the standout example. The egg noodles served in a coconut, curry broth is a must-eat here, topped with beef, chicken or tofu.

Thailand isn’t short of natural beauty anywhere, but it’s here in Chiang Rai that outdoors enthusiasts really find their groove. Pack your hiking boots because almost all the guesthouses and hotels here offer guided walking tours of the lush hills and old-fashioned villages that surround this peaceful northern city. This region is known for its tea and coffee plantations, such as Doi Chaang – a lush coffee plantation that’s an hour and a half’s drive from Chiang Rai but perfectly positioned to combine with a 3km hike to the picturesque Khun Korn Waterfall. 

Closer to the city, hire a bicycle and pedal southwest towards Wat Rong Khun, the so-called White Temple – a wacky tourist favourite but an absolute must-see. The brainchild of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this is contemporary Buddhist art at its most outlandish: dazzlingly white and intricately sculpted with demons as well as characters from popular Western culture – we’re talking Gollum, Freddy Krueger, Michael Jackson and Superman. It’s a controversial and totally unique thing to see.

Back in Chiang Rai proper, enjoy the fact that this is one of Thailand’s most affordable destinations over dinner. In the city centre, FourStars is a cult favourite for a Khao soi recipe that’s been passed down generations – and it happens to be a stone’s throw from the Chiang Rai Clock Tower and its nightly light show. 

If you’re dreaming of an island-hopping Thai escape, Krabi is the place to begin. On the western coast of southern Thailand, Krabi province is the jump-off point for over 100 offshore islands, among them some of the country’s most famous and spectacular. Any kind of island vibe you seek can be found here – from late-night beach parties to outdoor sports, busy tourist attractions to deserted stretches of sand.

Start in Krabi Town, which is more authentic and less nightlife-driven than famed tourist hub Ao Nang. Here, relaxed riverside lunches (try the soft-shell crab at Baitoey Restaurant) spill into evenings exploring the vibrant night markets, like Maharaj Walking Street or Krabi Weekend Night Market, where handcrafted souvenirs are scooped up while you’re serenaded by live entertainers.

Before leaving the area, remind yourself that you’re in a majority Buddhist nation with a visit to the majestic Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), a short drive from Krabi Town. Trust us, it’s worth the gruelling climb up the 1,260-step staircase to marvel at the giant, golden Buddha statue that sits 309m high with an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding mountains.  

Ready to chill? It’s time to book a ferry to your next island spot. The small island group Koh Phi Phi is a universal favourite since Maya Bay here featured in the Leo di Caprio blockbuster The Beach, with honeymooners, marine life lovers and wellness seekers flocking here to sunbathe, snorkel and watch the sunset. It’s similar vibes at the former hippie enclave Railay Beach, where cliff diving and rock climbing also add in a dose of adrenaline.