Photo credits: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Thailand has long been loved for its warm hospitality, vibrant culture and unforgettable adventures. But beyond the beaches, bustling cities and world-famous cuisine, a different side of the country is drawing travellers in. From wellness retreats and traditional healing experiences to tranquil herb gardens and rainforest escapes, Thailand is fast becoming one of Asia’s most inspiring destinations for rest, renewal and reconnection. In partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to relax, recharge and reconnect.
Exciting experiences to rejuvenate yourself are available wherever you might want to visit – and if you’re looking for something a little more unique than a standard massage parlour, there are plenty of options in the city centre and within regional Thailand that will be memorable. For fuss-free planning, there are inclusive retreats that take the worry out of your trip. For a seamless getaway, the country offers inclusive, worry-free retreats tailored to every type of traveler. For those heading up to the tranquil mountains of the north, we love the philosophy behind the family-friendly Museflower Retreat in Chiang Rai. Alternatively, if your journey takes you to the sun-soaked south, Layan Life by Anantara is an exceptional wellness sanctuary perfect for families with kids aged four and up. If traditional and holistic wellness interests you, time at the Wat Pho Massage and Traditional Medicine school needs to be on your to-do list! Thai traditional medical science and culture all in one location, drawing from traditional beliefs and herbalism combine to combat illness, fatigue and pains. Located within Bangkok’s famous Wat Pho temple complex, the school has been teaching traditional Thai medicine and massage since 1955. The school presently offers four basic courses in pharmacy, medical practice, midwifery, and massage.
Adding a trip to Khao Sok National Park is a must if time in nature soothes your soul. It’s one of Thailand’s most popular trekking spots thanks to an incredible landscape that includes the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, huge limestone mountains rising from the lake itself, deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, exciting caves, wild animals and much more. Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of the National Park with its floating raft houses and luxury tents, are a destination in themselves – imagine waking up to the sound of nature surrounded by the towering cliffs and limestone pinnacles, ready for a sunrise swim or kayak adventure before breakfast. This vast protected acreage is the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeply and appreciate the scale of the natural world. The cliffs in this area of the country are thought to have been created at the same time as the Himalayas, fifty million years ago when the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates collided. Tour operators here are vetted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, so practices and proceeds of tours and other activities in Khao Sok all help to maintain this unique forested area. Wellness means different things to different people. If your idea of recharging involves excitement and adventure then the Jurassic World Experience at Asiatique The Riverfront is where you’ll find a family-friendly change of pace. Visitors are immersed in settings inspired by the popular Jurassic World film franchise while animatronic dinosaurs bring the beloved film to life, with plenty of places to explore. All this adventure is sure to leave you and the family hungry so fuel up with some delicious international eats at the Fossil & Flame restaurant.
If eating your way to good health is how you like to enjoy your free time, get ready to revive your lust for life with plenty of wholesome, home-cooked food and quality, fresh ingredients that burst with distinctive flavours. From humble plates of fragrant Thai curry to bowls of warming noodles, these meals are extra memorable thanks to the array of wonderful herbs used daily in Thai cooking. You can experience these unique ingredients straight from the source at one of Thailand’s Herbal Gardens. Top of the list to visit? HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden (Rayong) was established in 1984, and the 60-acre sanctuary is Thailand’s first herb garden, features hundreds of medicinal plants and trees organised by their therapeutic properties, and offers a chance for visitors to learn about the natural ingredients that have shaped Thai wellness traditions. It’s located within the grounds of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, in the Nikhom Phatthana sub-district, making it an ideal quick trip to explore out of Bangkok’s centre. Another majestic location to visit is the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Chiang Mai which was originally initiated in 1992. As Thailand’s first international botanical garden the sprawling mountain facility was designed for the conservation and study of thousands of native and exotic plant species.
Adding a trip to Khao Sok National Park is a must if time in nature soothes your soul. It’s one of Thailand’s most popular trekking spots thanks to an incredible landscape that includes the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, huge limestone mountains rising from the lake itself, deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, exciting caves, wild animals and much more. Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of the National Park with its floating raft houses and luxury tents, are a destination in themselves – imagine waking up to the sound of nature surrounded by the towering cliffs and limestone pinnacles, ready for a sunrise swim or kayak adventure before breakfast. This vast protected acreage is the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeply and appreciate the scale of the natural world. The cliffs in this area of the country are thought to have been created at the same time as the Himalayas, fifty million years ago when the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates collided. Tour operators here are vetted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, so practices and proceeds of tours and other activities in Khao Sok all help to maintain this unique forested area. Wellness means different things to different people. If your idea of recharging involves excitement and adventure then the Jurassic World Experience at Asiatique The Riverfront is where you’ll find a family-friendly change of pace. Visitors are immersed in settings inspired by the popular Jurassic World film franchise while animatronic dinosaurs bring the beloved film to life, with plenty of places to explore. All this adventure is sure to leave you and the family hungry so fuel up with some delicious international eats at the Fossil & Flame restaurant.
