Thailand

The Land of Smiles... and Seriously Divine Food!

Hello, Thailand! (Or, Sawasdee!)

Prepare for a country that will grab your heart and never, ever let go.

If I had a pound for every time someone told me they 'found themselves' in Thailand, I'd have... well, a lot of pounds. But here’s the thing—the cliché is absolutely true! This is a country that just gets under your skin, in the best possible way. It’s a full-on sensory whirlwind, from the scent of lemongrass and chilli in the air to the dazzling gold of a thousand temples and the world-famous, genuine warmth of its people.


The real Thailand is a glorious land of contrasts. It’s the whir of a tuk-tuk in Bangkok's organised chaos, the peaceful, saffron-robed monk receiving alms at dawn in Chiang Mai, and the sheer, jaw-dropping beauty of a limestone rock bursting from turquoise water in the south. I’ve been back so many times, and every trip I find a new secret beach, a new favourite food stall, or a new reason to fall in love.

Last Minute Luxury Getaways in Thailand

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Hotel Parkview Resort

Antigua, West Indies

3.5 stars • 10/10 Exceptional
Dhaka (DAC) - Antigua (WI)
$999.99 $1999.99
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From Tue, Nov 26, Sat, Nov 30 (4 nights)
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Central plaza Resort

Kegalle, Sri Lanka

3.5 stars • 10/10 Exceptional
Dhaka (DAC) - Antigua (WI)
$999.99 $1999.99
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From Tue, Nov 26, Sat, Nov 30 (4 nights)
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The Eleven Hotel and Resort

Essaouira, Morocco

3.5 stars • 10/10 Exceptional
Dhaka (DAC) - Antigua (WI)
$999.99 $1999.99
Per Traveler
From Tue, Nov 26, Sat, Nov 30 (4 nights)
20% Off

Royal Beach Resort

Maldives, Indian Ocean

3.5 stars • 10/10 Exceptional
Dhaka (DAC) - Antigua (WI)
$999.99 $1999.99
Per Traveler
From Tue, Nov 26, Sat, Nov 30 (4 nights)
Climate and Best Time to Travel

Thailand basically has three seasons: hot, hotter, and 'oh-my-goodness-it's-raining' (roughly July to October). My golden rule? Visit during the 'cool' dry season, from November to February. The skies are blue, the humidity drops to a manageable level, and the temperature is just perfect for temple-hopping and beach-lounging.

Food That Will Change Your Life

Thai food is a masterpiece of balance: salty, sweet, sour, and spicy, often all in one perfect bite. My number one, non-negotiable, must-have delicacy? Forget the Pad Thai. My insider tip is Khao Soi. It’s a rich, creamy, coconut-based curry noodle soup found almost exclusively in the north (Chiang Mai is the hotspot). It's served with soft egg noodles, topped with crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, and a squeeze of lime. It is heaven in a bowl, and I dream about it.

The Culture: Sanuk and Mai Pen Rai

The Thai vibe is built on two magical phrases. The first is 'Sanuk'—the idea that life should be fun! Work should be fun, eating should be fun... everything. The second is 'Mai Pen Rai'—which means 'it's okay' or 'don't worry about it'. This beautiful, laid-back philosophy is why everyone is so friendly. It's a culture of respect (always wai—a prayer-like gesture—to show gratitude) and kindness. It’s impossible to be stressed here for long.

My Four "Can't-Miss" Thai Moments

From the frantic capital to a floating jungle hut, this is the real Thailand.

(Bangkok) Get Lost on the 'Venice of the East' Waterways

Forget the packed roads and traffic jams. The real, old-school heart of Bangkok is still on the water. My top tip: hire a private long-tail boat for an hour and explore the khlongs (canals) of Thonburi, on the 'other' side of the main river. You'll see rickety stilt houses, floating kitchens, old women selling fruit from their canoes, and a side of the city that feels unchanged by time.

(Chiang Mai) Bathe an Elephant (The Right Way!)

This is a must-do, but please, please do it ethically. Forget any place that offers 'riding'. Instead, visit a true sanctuary like the Elephant Nature Park or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. You'll spend a day feeding, walking with, and bathing these gentle giants in the river. It’s a powerful, moving experience that supports their rescue and rehabilitation. My tip: book months in advance, as the best places fill up fast.

(Krabi) Find Your Own Secret Beach

The south is all about those iconic limestone karsts soaring from the sea. While everyone crams onto Maya Bay (from the film The Beach), my tip is to base yourself near Railay Beach or Koh Lanta and hire your own private long-tail boat for the day. Ask your boatman to take you to the smaller, quieter spots. You'll find secret lagoons, tiny patches of sand all to yourself, and world-class snorkelling.

(Khao Sok) Sleep in a Floating Jungle Bungalow

This is my secret weapon for wowing people. Khao Sok National Park is like something from Jurassic Park - an ancient rainforest surrounding a vast, emerald-green lake. The best part? You can stay overnight in a simple, floating bamboo bungalow. You'll wake up in the mist, dive straight from your porch into the freshwater lake, and fall asleep to the sound of gibbons calling in the jungle. It’s truly unforgettable.

Master the Street Food Stall

Don't be shy! The best food in Thailand is on the street. The golden rule is to pick a stall that’s busy with locals. Point at what you want, smile, and prepare for the best meal of your life for about £1. My go-to is always Som Tum (spicy papaya salad) and fresh-off-the-grill pork skewers.

Haggle (Nicely!) at a Night Market

Going to a night market (like Chiang Mai's famous Sunday Walking Street) is a vital Thai experience. It's a riot of colour, crafts, and food. When it comes to price, haggling is expected, but remember Sanuk (fun). Make it a game! Smile, be polite, offer a fair bit less, and meet in the middle. Never get angry—that's not the Thai way.

Learn the Lingo (and the Spoon!)

A little effort goes a long way. Learn "Sawasdee" (hello) and "Khop Khun" (thank you)—adding 'kha' at the end if you're female and 'khrap' if you're male. Also, my top dining tip: you'll get a spoon and fork. The fork is for pushing food onto the spoon. You eat with the spoon. You'll look like a pro!

Take a Tuk-Tuk... But Just Once!

You have to do it. Zipping through Bangkok traffic in one of these three-wheeled-lawnmowers is a rite of passage. It's noisy, you'll be breathing in fumes, and it's definitely not the cheapest way to travel (agree on the price before you get in!). But for 10 minutes? It's the most fun you can have on three wheels.

So, Are You Ready to Smile?

Thailand is waiting for you with open arms (and a plate of something delicious).

From the bottom of my heart, Thailand is a place that everyone should experience. It’s a country that’s as spicy, sweet, and complex as its food. You’ll be wowed by the golden temples and the perfect beaches, but you'll be charmed forever by the people. It’s a place that recharges your batteries and reminds you how much fun life can, and should, be. Go. Just... go.