Luxury Travel to Thailand: I’m standing barefoot in an open-air villa in Phuket, sipping a mango smoothie that tastes like it was squeezed straight out of heaven, and for a second—just a second—I genuinely believe I’m royalty. Like, where’s my crown? Where’s the dramatic entrance music?
That’s luxury travel to Thailand for you. A whole vibe. A whole new personality, really.
And before you’re like, “Yeah okay, but I’m not a Kardashian,” let me just say—you don’t have to be. You just need a few solid tips, a taste for the finer (and sometimes weirder) things, and the courage to eat something off a stick from a street vendor in between $300 spa treatments. Balance.
So here’s the real-deal, slightly chaotic, tell-it-like-it-is guide to where to stay, eat, and explore in Thailand like a freaking queen (or king, or whoever you wanna be).
Where to Stay – Because Pillows Matter
The One That Ruined All Other Hotels for Me
Amanpuri, Phuket
Oh. My. Zen. This place is so peaceful it made me feel guilty for ever complaining about anything in my life, ever.
We’re talking cliffside villas with private pools, teakwood everything, and staff who seem to magically appear every time you even think about wanting something. I coughed once, and someone brought me ginger tea. I’m not kidding.
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s worth selling your car for (kidding… mostly).
For the “I Want Luxury But I Also Want to Feel Cool” Crowd
137 Pillars Suites, Bangkok
Okay, here’s the thing. Bangkok is chaos in the best way—like if NYC and a lantern festival had a baby. But then you step into 137 Pillars and boom, everything slows down. You feel calm, rich, moisturized, and mysterious.
There’s an infinity pool on the 27th floor that overlooks the skyline, and I almost cried in it from joy. No shame. Also, they bring you popsicles. Again—no shame.
Where to Eat – Aka How I Gained 7 Pounds in Pad Thai and Regret Nothing
Michelin Star? Yes Please.
Gaa, Bangkok
This place is WILD. It’s modern Indian-Thai fusion, which sounds like it shouldn’t work, but holy moly—it slaps. They serve beetroot roses and ice cream made from local ants (yes, ants). And somehow… it works?
I sat there confused and delighted for two hours. Highly recommend.
The Hidden Beach Gem (That I Almost Didn’t Share But Here We Are)
Ruen Mai, Krabi
You’ll need a tuk-tuk and maybe a small miracle to find it, but when you do—wow. It’s built entirely out of bamboo in the middle of a tropical garden, and the curries will straight-up change your religion.
Get the Massaman curry. Don’t ask questions. Just do it.
H3: Street Food That’ll Rock Your World
Chatuchak Market, Bangkok
One word: chaos. But the delicious kind.
You’ll find skewers of… stuff (some of which you shouldn’t ask too many questions about), coconut ice cream served in actual coconuts, and mango sticky rice that will make you emotional.
Pro tip: Bring cash, and an iron stomach. Also, don’t wear white. Trust me.
What to Do – Besides Stare at the Hotel Bathtub in Awe
Private Island Hopping – I Peaked Here
Somewhere between Phi Phi and “I can’t believe I’m not dreaming,” we hopped on a sleek little speedboat that took us to islands I swear were photoshopped in real life. Turquoise water. White sand. Zero people.
I pretended I was in a Bond movie, minus the danger and the abs.
This isn’t your $20 snorkel tour. This is champagne-on-the-deck, float-like-a-mermaid kind of day. Book a private charter through Five Star Sea Cruise or a similar company and go nuts.
The Spa Experience That Unlocked My Soul
Let’s talk about Banyan Tree Spa, Koh Samui.
I walked in tense, cranky, and kind of constipated (sorry, real talk). I walked out 90 minutes later… reborn. They use herbal compresses, traditional Thai massage (which, yes, occasionally hurts in a good way), and vibes I can only describe as “Buddha himself might’ve approved.”
Also, I cried during the foot massage. That’s between us.
Temples, But Make It Fancy
Wat Arun at sunrise.
I know temples can feel like a “thing you do for the ‘gram,” but this one… and actually felt stuff. I went just before sunrise, half-awake, clutching a latte, and the light hitting those porcelain tiles? Insane.
It was quiet and peaceful. It made me forget I was wearing flip-flops with a dress I deeply regret buying in Chiang Mai.
Random Tips So You Don’t Embarrass Yourself Like I Did
- Don’t touch monks. Learned that one the awkward way. I waved. He flinched. I ran.
- Take your shoes off before entering temples or traditional homes. If you forget, they’ll gently remind you while you die inside.
- The humidity will attack your hair. Accept it. Embrace the frizz.
- Say “S̄wạs̄dī” (hello) and “Khàp/Kha” depending on your gender. Locals appreciate the effort, even if you butcher it.
- Always negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers—but nicely. Think haggling with a smile, not your angry bargain-bin aunt.
Final Thought (If I Can Even Call It That)
Luxury travel to Thailand isn’t just about how much money you throw at a resort or how many spa treatments you can cram into one week (though I highly support both). It’s about giving yourself permission to feel like royalty, even if your real life is mostly 3-day-old laundry and DoorDash receipts.
It’s a place that’s somehow both laid-back and extra, both chaotic and serene. One minute you’re eating fried bugs on a stick for $1, the next you’re floating in a marble bathtub with flower petals while someone outside plays a bamboo flute. That’s the magic of Thailand.
And if you ever go, promise me one thing: get the mango sticky rice. Twice. https://kohopoho.com/ultimate-adventure-travel-budget/.
Want More Relatable Travel Chaos?
Check out One Girl’s Accidental Adventure in Morocco or read about my disastrous but glorious spa day in Iceland.
