Why you should book a Thailand vacation this year

Pristine beaches, breathtaking temples, and incredible cuisine, Thailand has captured the attention of travelers the world over. If you’ve never been, it’s time to put the country at the top of your bucket list. If you’ve visited before, you’ll know that it’s a destination with so much to explore that your first trip to Thailand is never your last. The best time to visit is November to May, with over 200 hours of sunshine per month, but the rainy season has its charms too.

There are an estimated 40,000 temples in Thailand, and you’ll come across one in practically every town and village you pass. With elegant sloped roofs and intricate carvings, they are fascinating places to explore. Any visit to Thailand should begin with a trip to see the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok’s grand palace. Carved from a single slab of jade, the craftsmanship will take your breath away. Also deserving of a visit is Wat Arun, likewise in Bangkok. Known as the Temple of Dawn, the imposing structure with its 230 ft spire is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and is especially beautiful at night when floodlights highlight the tiered carvings.

When you’re out exploring temples, remember that you are in a place of worship, and dress appropriately. It’s also customary to remove your shoes before entering any holy areas. Follow these simple rules and you’ll enjoy your visit even more.

No trip to Thailand is complete without delving into the country’s delicious, often spicy, cuisine. From curries that will knock your socks off to delicately flavored salads and refreshing Singha beer, there’s a whole lot to discover. A great way to start your gastronomic journey is with a Thai cooking class. Cooking schools can be found across the country, from Koh Samui and Phuket, and classes often include a guided trip to the market to learn about local ingredients. Alternatively, our concierge team can organize a class or two in the comfort of your villa’s kitchen - so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor right after class!

Thailand is a fantastic scuba diving destination - and some of the best dive sites can be found along the west coast. The Similan Islands - northwest of Phuket - are perhaps the best place in the country to grab your gear and head underwater. The sheer variety of underwater life you can expect to see here is amazing. Manta rays, sharks, colorful coral gardens and submerged boulders are just waiting to be explored.

Phuket proper also offers great dives, with boat trips setting out daily. In the east of the country, Koh Tao, close to Koh Samui, is another popular spot, especially for beginners looking to earn their PADI certification. If you’re looking to get your feet wet, your Luxury Retreats concierge can organize diving courses, equipment hire and boat charters for you.

One of the great pleasures of this country is seeing the coastline from on board a traditional long-tail boat. From your base in either Phuket or Koh Samui, you can take a number of memorable day trips to the surrounding islands. Among the most famous of Thailand’s smaller islands is Koh Phi Phi - famous as the location of Leonardo DiCaprio's tainted paradise in the movie The Beach. Though the island can be very busy in high season, it’s undeniably beautiful - with cliffs towering above you and pristine beach giving way to dense green jungle. In the east of the country, the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Pha Nhan are nestled close together, and each one is stunning, so make time to explore all three on your travels.

Experience our luxury homes in Thailand

Infinity pools overlooking pristine beaches, spacious outdoor areas and plenty of privacy, our luxury villas in Thailand will welcome you with open arms. Many of our homes have a full staff including a private chef who will cook up a delicious feast night after night, and even teach you a thing or two about Thai cuisine. Situated on the beautiful islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, they make the perfect base for exploring this beautiful, charming country.

In the south of the country, Phuket is a lush rainforest island separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. The island boasts some of Thailand’s best beaches - and our homes here make the most of that fact. Many of our properties boast panoramic beach and ocean views, which you can contemplate from the calm of your private infinity pool. Start your Phuket vacation with a relaxing massage in your villa, then take your days at your own pace. Explore the food markets and beautiful temples or chill out on your terrace with a good book. To sample the local nightlife head to the party town of Patong, where buzzy bars are the order of the night. Whatever you choose, good times are guaranteed here.

Tumbling waterfalls, giant Buddhas and secluded beaches, Koh Samui has a lot to recommend it. Thailand’s third largest island, you’ll find everything here, from luxurious beach clubs to bustling markets and traditional temples. Our exquisite homes on the island combine the best of Thai architecture with all the comforts of home. You can expect sprawling sun terraces, serene bedrooms with fresh white linens, and tropical style indoor-outdoor bathrooms. Inviting infinity pools come as standard in almost all our homes on the island, and some properties offer private beach access for guests looking for privacy and seclusion. If you enjoy cooking you’ll love the chef-grade kitchens where you can practice your Thai cooking skills, although you won't have to, as the majority of our properties come with chef services included.

If you’re planning a family reunion or destination wedding a Koh Samui House Rental makes a great choice. With properties that sleep up to 36 people across numerous private bungalows and wedding planning and catering services available, you can have the island wedding you’ve always dreamed about with Luxury Retreats.