Whether it’s a culinary adventure through neon-lit night markets in Bangkok or epic underwater experiences off Phuket, design your own Thailand adventure.
From brilliant beaches to big buddhas and sizzling street cuisine, Thailand is a powerhouse of colours, adventures, flavours and sounds. The ‘Land of Smiles’ has once-in-a-lifetime experiences in store for every type of traveller, but for first-time visitors, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are the best things to do in each of the most-visited regions.
We just love this resort. Staff are incredible, so friendly. The package was amazing and the rooms are very well appointed.
10.0
Christian S.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
An amazing place, worth 5 stars, run by amaing staff. From the moment you arrive, you will be taken care of. Any requests are handled professionally. The Spa offering is simply outstanding as is the food. But mostly the staff -who puts a lot of love into their work- makes the experience here truly special.
10.0
Shirley S.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Twin Palms Phuket Surin Beach was our first trip to Thailand (booked via uxury Escapes), and we chose it for our honeymoon. I can’t recommend it highly enough. The location is a big part of the appeal, right across from Surin Beach, and from the moment we arrived the staff were attentive and genuinely lovely. We booked an all inclusive package which included daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, 1 hour of free flowing cocktails (plenty of non alcoholic drink options too), and 1 hour massage at the resort spa.
To mark the occasion, they surprised us with sparkling wine and a beautiful handwritten note, which made us feel truly celebrated. Everything on the property was spotlessly clean, too, and the atmosphere was wonderfully quiet and relaxing. There weren’t many kids around, and the few we did see were well behaved. A special shout out to Thunyaluck who was attentive, warm, and provided excellent service to us during our 7 night stay!
There aren’t many restaurants on site, but it didn’t matter. The food at Oriental Spoon was delicious, and the mango sticky rice was the best I’ve ever had. I also had the best Thai massage of my life here, properly strong, just what I was hoping for. Even the small touches stood out, like the staff returning to our room at 3 pm to drop off chocolates.
We booked our airport transfers through Luxury Escapes, and they were seamless and beautifully organised. Our driver met us in a private, air-conditioned SUV with bottled water available, which was a relaxing start to the trip. We’ll absolutely be staying here again!
10.0
jaimi G.AU · 12 escapes · 1 review
A truly wonderful experience, the extended package for food and drinks via LE was extremely good value. The hotel was beautiful, incredible staff, a really relaxing, high end hotel. Would recommend.
10.0
michelle F.NZ · 15 escapes · 2 reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Stunning Boutique Resort
We absolutely loved our stay at Twinpalms Surin Beach. The resort is stunning, immaculate and beautifully designed. Our upgraded room was huge, with a gorgeous sunken bath, large balcony and evening turndown service.
A very special mention to Wansa, who looked after us from arrival. She set an exceptionally high standard and went above and beyond throughout our stay. Her warmth, professionalism and attention to detail made us feel genuinely valued. Champagne and cold flannels on arrival, carefully explaining our package, and even allowing us to choose our room flowers — I chose orchids — were lovely touches.
Breakfast was fantastic, especially the fresh fruit and juices, and dinner was excellent. The beautiful long pool and delicious cocktails were another highlight. We also loved Catch Beach Club and Lazy Coconut, easily reached by the free shuttle.
Wonderful resort, exceptional service and somewhere we would definitely return to.
Splash around in a waterfall
Take the plunge into one of Thailand’s many waterfalls as part of this full-day adrenaline-filled adventure tour. Swing through the trees on a flying fox, scamper across rope bridges and hurtle down thunderous river rapids before discovering hidden valleys on a 30-minute ATV ride.
Absolutely loved my stay here! The room was beautiful, the atmosphere was amazing, and there were so many gorgeous spots for photos. The service was excellent, and the staff were very attentive and welcoming. It’s a little far from Phuket town, but that’s actually what makes it perfect for a relaxing getaway. The atmosphere is peaceful, private, and very romantic. Highly recommended for couples looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to stay! ❤️
10.0
Leah D.
From the moment we arrived at Sinae Luxury Hotel in Phuket we were met with the warm friendly reception staff. Our check in was quite late & the staff were exceptional. Our room was beautiful, the air-conditioning was perfect, our bed amazingly comfortable, pillows perfect, shower pressure spot on. Our private pool was just the relaxing treat we needed. Ae, our room attendant was professional & friendly & nothing was ever too much trouble. The Hilltop cafe has the most beautiful views ever, coffee & food at the Cafe was just lovely. My husband did a cocktail making class at the Hilltop bar, the young man who ran the class was so lovely. Hubby now knows most of the tips & tricks to making a fabulous cocktail!!! I also took part in a Thai cooking class with Chef Joe. All I can say is WOW what an exceptional experience, I learnt so much from him. Chef Joe is AMAZING! Actually every single staff member has the most amazing customer service from Pat, Mint, Best, Chen, Nam & Aum, you were all AMAZING. Looking forward to a return trip next time. ❤️
10.0
Bashayer A.
Our stay at SINAE Phuket Luxury Hotel was truly outstanding and exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, everything—from the location to the service—was absolutely top notch.
The hotel’s setting is stunning, offering breathtaking views that make the experience feel both luxurious and serene. One of the features I especially appreciated was the hotel’s dedicated application, which made everything incredibly convenient. Booking spa appointments and requesting transportation within the property was seamless and efficient, adding to the overall comfort of the stay.
The spa experience itself was exceptional—relaxing, well-organized, and executed with great attention to detail. As we were celebrating our honeymoon, the team went above and beyond by upgrading us to a beautiful room, which was a very thoughtful and memorable gesture.
The staff deserves special recognition: everyone was warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive, making us feel valued throughout our stay. The room was immaculately clean, one of the cleanest hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in, which truly reflects the high standards of the property.
Overall, SINAE Phuket delivers luxury, comfort, and exceptional service flawlessly. It was an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a refined and memorable stay in Phuket—especially for special occasions like a honeymoon.
8.0
Khawla A.
One of the best resorts we’ve stayed at in Phuket. The villa itself was stunning, and the private pool was huge, we spent hours enjoying it. The views were absolutely magical, especially at sunset. It honestly looked like a painting and was one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever experienced.
Overall, we had a wonderful stay and truly enjoyed the resort. However, there are a few things worth mentioning for future guests.
The staircase connecting the ground floor and the bedroom upstairs is located outside the villa rather than inside, so the living area and bedroom feel completely separate. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially for families.
Another thing is that the air conditioning switches off whenever the door is opened, which can be a little inconvenient. Since the resort is close to the sea, there were also quite a lot of mosquitoes, so make sure to bring or use insect repellent.
The resort itself is beautiful, but some of the furniture feels a little outdated and could benefit from a refresh or renovation. The room housekeeping was acceptable but not as thorough as we expected from a luxury resort.
We also tried the room service once, but the food was quite average, and we didn’t feel the need to order again.
Despite these minor downsides, they didn’t ruin our experience. The beauty of the resort, the spacious villa, the incredible pool, and the breathtaking views made it a memorable stay, and we would still recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway in Phuket.
See marine life on a snorkelling trip to Phi Phi Island
Whether you swim, snorkel or dive, expect striking coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life in the waters off Phi Phi Island. Set off from Phuket for a full day of sugary white sands and kaleidoscopic underwater scenery.
The love language of Phuket is food, and there is no better way to experience the local cuisine than with a Thai cooking class. Select produce from a local market before getting hands-on with Thai culinary techniques under the guidance of a seasoned instructor.
When ticking off things to do in Phuket, an island-hopping day trip is a must. Cruise past the limestone karsts of the Andaman Sea en route to the spectacular Krabi, where mangrove forests, hidden lagoons and mysterious caves await. Return via Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Beach.
Roam Thalang Road’s endless stream of brilliantly coloured Sino-Portuguese buildings, pastel boutiques and street-food vendors on a private half-day tour. Be sure to pick up mango sticky rice and kanom krok (a crispy rice-flour pancake) to eat while perusing the ornate shophouses.
Oh my Goodness. The Kempinski was next level luxury for the surroundings, the service and the food. This deal from Luxury Escapes which included the 17th floor executive lounge with ongoing food and drinks was amazing- particularly cocktail hour between 5-7. We utilised this package as a stopover on the way home from a busy time in Europe and it was perfect. If you're after shopping Siam plaza and icon are right next door.
10.0
Cathryn B.AU · 22 escapes · 2 reviews
Both the service and hotel facilities including room was outstanding.
10.0
AnonymousSG
Literally next door to Siam Paragon shopping mall!
10.0
John H.AU · 16 escapes · 4 reviews
This is the best hotel that I have ever stayed at.It passes all the metrics..outstanding architecture,the staff were wonderful ,the food was great,the room was excellent and our package included the executive club which was very popular.
10.0
AnonymousAU
A fantastic stay, I have two young children and couldn’t recommend this hotel more. Staff are proactive and no request was met with no.
Taste Bangkok’s best street food
Do as the locals do and dig into Bangkok’s incredible street food. This guided experience will start with a boat ride to a hidden century-old food market, then return to the city centre for a taste of classics like fried tofu, toasted coconut, salted radish and grilled Thai sausages.
Shop ‘til you drop at Bangkok’s most unique markets
Dive into the vibrant energy of the Maeklong Railway Market, where you’ll witness the impressive coordination of vendors and shoppers swiftly making way for trains to pass through. If it’s a floating market that floats your boat, jump on a longtail boat and glide from stall to stall at Damnoen Saduak market.
Stunning hotel, great location, staff friendly, food great
10.0
Philip M.AU · 8 escapes · 1 review
This is an excellent hotel with the staff offering excellent customer service. The
Italian restaurant is first class and overall the food is of a high standard. A great hotel in a great location.
10.0
David M.AU · 61 escapes · 13 reviews
Wonderful hotel in a great location. The food and beverage were amazing and the staff couldn't do enough for you. Really liked the roof top bar, and Dan the manager was great. Also the pool for an early morning dip and coffee were lovely, also the staff who worked there early mornings.
10.0
AnonymousSG
If budget isn't a main concern, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit is an excellent choice. It’s my go-to hotel every time I visit Bangkok. The location is incredibly convenient – just steps away from great food, shopping, and fantastic massage spots. On top of that, the rooms are spotless, and the staff is consistently friendly and attentive.
10.0
AnonymousHK
Maid and Concierge staff wonderful. Front desk and breakfat staff equally splendid. No complaints. Great venue.
Take a longtail boat to a grand temples
With more than 40,000 temples nestled in Thailand, choosing which ones to visit becomes a daunting task. For a unique temple experience, set sail on a longtail boat and glide to the leafy shores of the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Arun – two of Bangkok’s most visited sites.
Cycle around the bustling city backstreets
Pedal past UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, through narrow alleys and lush plantations, on a private, guided cycle tour of Bangkok’s hidden treasures. It’s the perfect way to see the buzzing markets and canals the city is famous for.
What a great package first trip away post pandemic. I have travelled Thailand many times before but never to Khao lak. I found this location and the resort to be so peaceful a real escape. The staff at Mai resort from the management to housekeeping made me feel like a very special guest it was almost hard to say goodbye . Food and beverage all included it was just amazing value. This is my first Luxury escapes but will definitely be booking many more they represent both incredible value but high end Luxury.
Todd Western Australia
10.0
TOULA B.AU · 16 escapes · 4 reviews
Wonderful getaway with my daughter & grandson we had the most relaxing time but also time to do sightseeing.
Resort was amazing plenty of swimming pools to choose from my grandson loved the Kids pool with the waterslide & pirate ship.
Plenty of food choices Thai at the bar, International food from Green & Grill, buffet at the Restaurant.
Thoroughly recommend for families.
10.0
Jodie G.1 escape · 1 review
Amazing place, wonderful staff and service.
Two dislikes, the management team (old man) taking unsolicited photos of my family, he said it’s to make sure the work is being completed. The old dog with the red collar walking into the restaurant, optically not good.
We did enjoy the stay, and will be back at some point.
10.0
Matthew H.23 escapes · 9 reviews
This resort is amazing !! Ignore all negative reviews.
We had an 8 night stay, 14-22 Jun 24, in a pool access room, which was stunning. On our arrival, we were met by happy smiling staff who provided all details about the resort and made the check in process faultless. The resort has 6 pools, with 2 swim up bars, which includes an adult only area and children's pool/play area. Pool towels are provided at reception. Due to the off season, the 4 restaurants alternated their opening hours, however there was always plenty to choose from and the breakfast buffet provides plentiful Asian & Western varieties. The room was clean, tidy, serviced daily and you had the option of having the sheets changed by placing a, provided, note of the bed. The resort is located approx 15mins from Khoa Lak township, and the resort runs a shuttle bus into town and back via 2 drop off points. Reception provides shuttle times. There is an onsite gym, which is adequate (you are on holidays after all) and a Spa where you can have massages or facials. There are vendors on the beach, less than 10min walk, that provide massages, cocktails and food. The overall cleanliness of the hotel is great, we constantly saw all pools being cleaned daily, reception being mopped, meal plates cleared ASAP, rooms cleaned daily, towels replaced daily. The staff are, always, willing to assist any need you have with a graceful smile. I can highly recommend the Mai Khao Lak resort and staff, we will be back !!!
Khob Khun Khrup
10.0
Larry D.AU · 3 escapes · 1 review
Accommodation was excellent , the room was great with a pool view and views looking over the ocean and the facility
Skim across emerald waters to James Bond Island
Canoe through hidden lagoons and caves as you pass beautiful limestone islands and dense mangrove forests on this full-day tour to James Bond Island. Take a dip in the shimmering Phang Nga Bay before stopping for a photo op on Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan.
Make a difference at the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Spend a whole day exploring Khao Lak’s natural wonders by embarking on a bamboo rafting adventure along its scenic river. Check out Thai Mueang Beach National Park, then head to a conservation centre to meet sea turtles and discover fascinating facts about these remarkable creatures.
For a fix of traditional architecture, cuisine and culture, be sure to visit Takua Pa — Khao Lak’s old town. Glimpse into the past as you stroll through the oldest parts of the city, encounter neighbourhood temples and visit a local school to hear school children sing hymns.
Gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism and traditional Thai culture with a visit to some of Khao Lak’s grandest temples. At the awe-inspiring Bang Riang Temple, Dragon Cave Temple and Suwankuha Temple, you’ll encounter limestone formations, Buddha statues, sacred pagodas and religious relics.
Had the most amazing holiday and 20th wedding anniversary vow renewal. The staff are exceptional and we would definitely go again.
10.0
AnonymousGB
We had an amazing time here. We booked the deluxe pool room. This was beautiful and I was so pleased that the pool was big enough for me to swim laps. Huge bed and bath, perfect for us. The room was clean and well managed. Staff were incredibly welcoming and kind, they often remembered our breakfast orders and accommodated reservations / different seating for us in the evening. Food was also fantastic, you could also try different Thai dishes at breakfast and we appreciated the a la carte style breakfast wirh food made fresh and to order alongside a small buffet. Staff are always greeting you with a smile and pleasantries. We loved engaging with everyone here. Such a warm, serene and welcoming place. Room service was always very helpful and quick. They have a brilliant messaging service alerting you to events such as fire shows, booking for yoga classes and use of kayak and paddleboards (free) , providing information and giving you ability to contact staff for amenities, room cleans etc.
Thank you.
10.0
AnonymousIN
Amazing property, amazing views, amazing staff. Might be on the pricier side of scale but that is expected from this property. Just amazing and truly lovely experience.
10.0
AnonymousAU
I am sitting on a deckchair drinking a singapore sling looking out at the sunset over the ocean with a cat sitting at my feet. I have never been happier and SAii villas made it happen.
10.0
AnonymousAU
We loved our stay here, 3rd time in Samui and would definitely stay again and recommend this place to anyone!
Thankyou muchly to the kind staff who made our stay so hospitable and memorable!
Visit Wat Khao Hua Jook
Aside from spectacular coastlines, Koh Samui is renowned for its plentiful sacred sites and natural wonders. Visit remarkable sites of historical, cultural and religious significance on a full-day private tour to the ornately decorated Wat Khao Hua Jook temple, then wander amid the bubbling waterfalls and enchanting sculptures of nearby Tarnim Magic Garden.
