Markets, malls and more: a guide to shopping in Thailand

No-one escapes Thailand without shopping. Travel writer John Borthwick has compiled the ultimate guide to shopping in Thailand, in all it’s varied and colourful formats.

Street Markets

From Chiang Rai to Hat Yai and back, Thailand’s street markets are a hoot, overflowing with inessential yet irresistible stuff. Soi Sukhumvit in Bangkok’s Nana district is a perfect example, a sidewalk crush of football-shirts, elephant-print pants, “copy” goods and endless gizmos. Prices are flexible. Haggle away but you won’t beat the house. Forget cards: cash is king.

Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the biggest, baddest, best-fun shopping experiences in the world. Thais come here to arm-wrestle hard bargains from other Thais. With 15,000 stalls selling everything from fashion to bric-a-brac to homewares, pet dogs and cats, and even kitchen sinks, Chatuchak is all-consuming. 

Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is an institution even if most of its toy elephants, muay thai shorts, faux Vuitton and other tat can be found almost anywhere. Alternatively, try the Sunday Walking Street Market in the Old Town, stretching from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singh. It’s a crowded half-kilometre of handicrafts, artworks and clothing. Add foot massages and fried grasshoppers. There’s a Saturday afternoon market on Wualai Road near Chiang Mai Gate, and the nightly Anusarn Market, off Chiang Klan Road.

Floating Markets

Some of the most authentic ones don’t actually float. Consider Bangkok’s Bang Krachao Saturday and Sunday market. Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry from Wat Bang Na Nok pier to Bang Krachao, an oxbow-bend “island” in the stream. Its canal-side morning market, popular with Bangkokians, is all about food, drinks and souvenirs.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, 100km from the city swarms with coach-loads of tourists each morning. (It’s a seven a.m departure from your Bangkok hotel.) The sampan traffic jams are highly photogenic but the mass-produced souvenirs are standard market fare. Amphawa Floating Market, 50 km from town is an alternative, especially if you avoid weekends. 

Malls and malls

How many malls does Bangkok need? Always one more. Most upmarket malls showcase the name-brand watches, cosmetics and accoutrements you can find world-wide, but here they’re often under one roof, with the bonus of a VAT refund. (Keep your receipts.) 

The Ratchprasong district is home to quality outlets like Central World and Gaysorn. The adjacent Pratunam district has several more, including the large Platinum Fashion Mall. And, as there’s always one more mall, don’t forget mid-city Siam Paragon and the riverside mega-complex Icon Siam.

Further east on Sukhumvit Road you find malls like Central Embassy, the mammoth Terminal 21 (at Asok BTS station) and EmQuartier (Phrom Phong BTS). All these institutions display fixed prices, not the place for haggling. For a very different mall experience, with huge variety and competitive prices, hit the legendary MBK Center beside National Stadium BTS station. 

Top Tip: As well as air-conditioned relief from the heat, many malls offer appetising, economical food courts while the ground floors often host pop-up clothing sales. 

Chiang Mai isn’t a Mini-Me Bangkok and happily ‘lacks’ the capital’s swag of mega-malls. The most upmarket mall here is Maya in the Nimmanhaemin district (aka Nimman). With six floors of brand-names, beauty clinics and eateries, you can impulse-purchase anything from new Nikes to a Harley. Nearby, One Nimman which looks like Tuscany-in-Thailand, complete with a Siena-style clocktower, features artisan stalls and fashion wear. Massage spas, too, but no grasshoppers. Meanwhile, creativity blooms in the side-street boutiques off Nimmanhaemin Road that specialise in contemporary art, jewellery, ceramics and hill tribe textiles. 

Seaside Shopping

When the tanning gets boring, the sunburnt go shopping. Thailand’s beach resort towns are happy to assist. All the bargain beachwear, sunglasses, “copy” watches and shoes you thought you’d never want spill from their arcades and bazaars. 

Phuket. Patong, a busy, one-stop consumption epicentre, hosts the island’s principal malls, such as Central Phuket and family-friendly Jungceylon. Visitors don’t go short of splurging opportunities anywhere from Phuket Old Town to the over-touristed gauntlet of James Bond Island.

Pattaya. It’s a similar story. Major malls include Royal Garden Plaza and Mike Shopping Mall along Beach Road, while the large Terminal 21 stands a little inland. Plus hundreds of bazaars and market stalls. For technology, go to TukCom mall on South Pattaya Road. 

Hua Hin. Eating and shopping converge at Hua Hin’s long-established Night Market, a mid-town mecca on Soi 72, along with alternative malls like Cicada. Clothing stalls spring up at dusk, as do roaring woks and live entertainment. Sated on satays and Singha, you can then plunder a cornucopia of delights and excess baggage. 

Sustainable Shopping

Look for shops displaying the OTOP (“One Tambon One Product”) brand, which markets community-produced Thai handicrafts, silks and many other wares. The program, launched in 2001, is based on an earlier program developed in Oita prefecture, Japan in 1964; OVOP (One Village One Product).

It’s the real deal – no cheap imports or fakery – with the profits going to mostly rural producers. Fresh and processed food produced under the Royal Projects initiative can be bought at general stores and Doi Kham Royal Project Shops throughout Thailand. NB: single-use plastic bags are still the default packaging option, always remember to take your own reusable shopping bag.

Tax-Free Shopping

Purchases worth over 2000 baht can be eligible for a Value Added Tax refund. Conditions apply.

Cash or Card?

Cash still rules much of the Kingdom. Cards are widely, but not universally accepted. Carry cash and bring more than one card. You’ll certainly need cash in markets and in smaller bars, restaurants and shops, and in non-urban areas. Many retailers set a 300 baht (AU $15) minimum spend limit. Hint: For security, bring a dedicated card for shopping, with a low, pre-set credit limit; inform your bank of your travel plans.

Check-out

  • Best buys. Clothing, footwear, silks, optical goods and luggage.
  • Worst idea. Cannabis products are sold legally across Thailand but don’t even think about being an exporter.
  • Gems. Buyer beware. 
  • Tailoring. Good bespoke cutters are plentiful but skip the “overnight” touts. A quality tailor or dressmaker will require several days.

The World Comes to Bangkok for the Motor Show

Travel writer and closet motoring journalist, Roderick Eime, treks out to the Impact Stadium to see what all the fuss is about at The 46th Bangkok International Motor Show

Remember when we used to go to Darling Harbour in Sydney or “Jeff’s Shed” in Melbourne for the sparkling international motor shows? All the latest models from our local brands, like Ford and Holden, were on show, plus exotic vehicles from Europe and Japan, like Toyota, Alfa Romeo, and Rolls-Royce. Well, those days may be over, but international motor shows are not.

Many of you reading this will know that Thailand has emerged as a major player in automotive manufacturing, both as a producer of whole cars and vital components, hence the prominence of those brands on display..

I’ve just returned from Bangkok, where the 46th annual Bangkok International Motor Show wrapped up at the massive and ultra-modern Impact Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center at Muang Thong Thani, near the Don Mueng Airport.

Of course, motor shows are a far cry from those I remember back home. I might have expected to see one or two unfamiliar brands exhibited among those displays. However, here on the expansive floor of the Challenger halls, among the flashing lights, glamorous models, throbbing beats and massive LED screens, there are more than a dozen marques of which I have absolutely no knowledge.

Predictably, these are Asian badges, mostly Chinese, demonstrating the rising automotive manufacturing power and prowess of the world’s largest continent.

This is my second visit to this show, and I notice some prestigious brands missing from the floor. Where are Ferrari, Citroen and Chevrolet? Ducati, Benelli and KTM are also missing from the motorcycle parade. 

Instead, I am educated on such new players as Aion, Denza and Zeekr, who showcase the rising prominence of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Similarly, Strom (from Thailand) and Yadea are EV motorcycles and lightweight scooters making a big splash. 

Apart from simply daydreaming about your new car, visitors can actually purchase at the show. Plus, there are a host of interactive activities and games for all the family ranging from model and radio-controlled cars, test drives, various skill tests like e-Racing and the Grand Prix RUNBIKE Championship for junior racers seeking to emulate local hero, Somkiat Chantra, the first ever Thai rider to compete in the world’s F1 of motorcycling, MotoGP.

It’s really all the fun of the fair for the whole family, and if you’re in any way interested in cars and motorcycles and happen to be in Bangkok, it’s a show not to miss.

The next (47th) Bangkok International Motor Show will be the last week in March 2026

Visit the official website for more information

A year round guide to Elephant Hills Bush Camp

Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, Elephant Hills’ Bush Camp Chiang Mai offers an unparalleled connection to nature and eco-tourism – and it is a destination that provides incredible experiences all year. Here’s how to plan your visit, keeping seasonal variations and events in mind.

What is the best time of year to visit The Bush Camp Chiang Mai?

The best time depends on your preferences. The winter season (November to February) offers cooler weather and excellent hiking conditions, while the green season (June to October) features lush landscapes and unique wildlife sightings.

Are there any festivals I can experience while staying at The Bush Camp?

Depending on the season, you can experience festivals such as Loy Krathong in November and Songkran in April.

What wildlife can I expect to see at different times of the year?

The winter season is ideal for birdwatching and spotting mammals, while the green season is great for seeing amphibians and vibrant insect life.

What should I pack to visit during different seasons?

Bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings in the winter. During the hot season, pack lightweight clothing and sun protection. For the green season, waterproof gear and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Is the green season a good time to visit?

Yes, the green season offers a unique experience with lush landscapes, fewer tourists, the opportunity to see different wildlife and serene surroundings.

No matter when you choose to visit, each season The Bush Camp Chiang Mai offers a variety of experiences. From cooler hikes and cultural festivities to vibrant green landscapes and wildlife sightings, every time of year provides a unique adventure. Visit thebushcampchiangmai.com for more information.

How to celebrate Songkran in 2025

Thailand’s annual Songkran celebration was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This year, more than 100 Songkran events will take place across Thailand, in Bangkok and throughout the Central, Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Eastern regions. Each location brings its own blend of tradition and celebration, from sacred rituals and temple fairs to music festivals and water fights.

Festival Highlights Include:

  • Maha Songkran World Water Festival, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok (11–15 April)
  • S20 Songkran Music Festival, Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok (12–14 April)
  • Chiang Mai’s legendary Songkran traditions (7–16 April)
  • Grand Isan Songkran Festival, Khon Kaen (8–15 April)
  • Coastal celebrations in Phuket, Songkhla, and Surat Thani
  • Cultural parades in Phrae, Lamphun, and Ubon Ratchathani

How to holiday like White Lotus in Thailand

With the much-anticipated third season of White Lotus about to hit our screens, everyone is talking about Thailand.

For those who want to holiday like a White Lotus cast member, here is a selection of luxurious properties – from serene poolside resorts to tranquil wellness retreats – where you can immerse yourself in the best of what Thailand has to offer.

Soneva Kiri

Soneva Kiri is a luxurious, eco-conscious resort on Thailand’s Koh Kood island offering a range of private villas nestled within the jungle, by the beach, or perched on the cliffs. The resort blends sustainability with indulgence providing a personalised experience with 24/7 butler service, electric buggies and bicycles for exploring. Guests can enjoy activities such as night snorkelling with bioluminescent plankton, stargazing at the resort’s observatory and unique dining experiences like Treepod Dining, where meals are delivered via zipline from the treetops. 

A highlight of Soneva Kiri is the Seven Days, Seven Beaches experience. This one-of-a-kind adventure allows guests to explore Koh Kood’s pristine coastline aboard a private wooden fishing boat. Each day takes you to a different secluded beach or bay including Klong Chao Beach, Ao Kluai and Koh Rang’s Blue Lagoon. You can snorkel, kayak or simply relax on the shore enjoying a gourmet lunch prepared on board. Whether opting for a one-day cruise or the full seven-day journey, this immersive experience offers an intimate way to discover Thailand’s hidden beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Soneva Kiri is not just a resort; it’s a destination that invites relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Amanpuri

Located on Phuket’s west coast, Amanpuri lies on a sheltered headland overlooking the Andaman Sea. Meaning ‘peaceful place’, Amanpuri exudes all the grace of its design inspiration, Thailand’s ancient capital Ayutthaya.

The resort’s 40 guest Pavilions and 40 Villas are surrounded by lush gardens and coconut palms. The property is home to a sleek, 27-metre swimming pool with tropical views as well as a Holistic Wellness Centre, offering ancient healing techniques and alternative therapies.

A number of elegant dining venues including Buabok and Arva open onto the central swimming pool, from which a sweeping stone stairway descends to a secluded white-sand beach. The Beach Terrace offers another pool alongside the extensive Eco-Beach, Discovery Centre and Hot Spot – a sport, music and tech hub.

Additionally, in Thailand resides the latest property joining the Aman portfolio, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok set to open April 2nd 2025.

RAKxa

Thailand’s first and leading integrative wellness and medical retreat located in the verdant protected island of Bang Krachao near Bangkok and surrounded by the Chao Phraya River or an area known as “Bangkok’s Green Lungs”. 

Helps guests achieve their “wholeness” a state of harmonious balance between the body, mind and lifestyle, using its unique approach consisting of integrative diagnostics and solutions.

RAKxa designs a personalised treatment program that combines traditional and modern medicine to match individual needs and preferences to bring out the healthiest and happiest version of oneself. Every program addresses the totality of wellbeing through rest, nutrition, lifestyle, and therapies.

Trisara

Phuket’s most exclusive pool villa beach resort. Trisara, meaning “The Garden in The Third Heaven” in Sanskrit, is set in a protected nature preserve surrounded by a tropical forest, exotic gardens and the sparkling Andaman Sea. 

The resort has earned a coveted place on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2025: The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World. It features 60 spacious ocean facing pool villas and private residences, a private beach, Jara Spa, three unique dining venues including PRU, the only MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in Southern Thailand and an organic on-site garden. 

Located just 15 minutes from Phuket Airport, Trisara represents a peaceful and secluded departure just outside the tourist-centric town.

11 Thai Towns you haven’t heard of

You’ve done Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui and Samet – so what’s next? A few Thai towns you might hardly have heard of. They’re all easily reached by plane, road or rail. John Borthwick shares his expertise.

Bang Saray, Chonburi Province 

Laid-back Bang Saray on the Gulf of Thailand is 15 km, and a world apart, from party town Pattaya. Development is happening, but Bang Saray’s long, clean beach is not yet overshadowed by condos or its waters shredded by jet-skis. You can stroll its shaded shoreline of pop-up seafood eateries, fishing boats and flaming sunsets, and then do it again next day. There are beer bars and restaurants but you’re not really here for the nightlife and cocktails. The daylight attractions include golf, diving on the offshore islands or an excursion to the giant petroglyph icon of Buddha Mountain. Bang Saray is just two hours drive southeast of Bangkok. bangsaraycom

Chiang Khan, Loei Province

This old Mekong River port, 580 km northeast of Bangkok – or 50 km north of Loei city airport – stretches lazily along the shoreline like a cat on a couch. Facing Laos cross the river, the town’s old roaring days of rubber trading and opium smuggling are now well behind it, along with skirmishes with the colonial French and later communists. Today’s Chiang Khan has been well and truly “discovered” by nostalgic Thais, especially its riverfront Chai Khong walking street with intact but tricked-up, century-old teak warehouses. Weekends in particular are busy. There’s a spectacular new Riverside Skywalk 20 kilometres out of town. Or just stroll Chiang Khan’s riverside promenade beneath the sunset or morning mist.

Hat Yai, Songkla Province

Hat Yai sits inland from Thailand’s South China Sea coast. You’re in the “deep south” here, almost a thousand kilometres from Bangkok, and the optics are very different to those in the rest of Buddhist Thailand. Think, mosques instead of wats, and more hijabs than T-shirts. The Malaysian border is even further south, but Hat Yai town already has that frontier feeling of transience and perhaps guilty pleasures, with gold shops galore, bargain shopping and the latest Thai thing, cannabis boutiques. Meanwhile, the spicy southern food is exceptional, the people courteous and getting here by train is an adventure.

Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Khao Yai, around three hours’ drive north of the Thai capital is the go-to destination for Bangkokians when it comes to wine – both the making and drinking thereof. The local boutique wineries produce surprisingly good “new latitude” wines, so sign up for a vineyard tour and tasting, which almost inevitably also involves buying and consuming, and overnight stays. The pioneering PB Valley and family-run GranMonte wineries offer good dining and accommodation options. While you’re there, don’t miss Khao Yai’s huge national park (Thailand’s first) with its dramatic waterfalls. khaoyainationalpark.com/en

Laem Mai Phim, Rayong Province

You’ll find this snoozing shoreline on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, well south of Pattaya and Koh Samet. Or, about three hours drive from Bangkok. It’s a quiet peninsula with empty beaches and offshore island diving sites that include a wreck dive. One of the best beaches, adjacent to Ao Khai (“Egg Bay”) fishing village, is a tree-lined shore where two fishing boats, three kayaks and a strolling couple almost constitute a crowd. There are good resorts and several seafront restaurants along this by-passed shoreline. If there’s little by way of nightlife, well, who cares? thailandguide24.com/mae-phim

Nan, Nan Province

You can reach Nan, the capital ofNan Province via a long, looping drive from Chiang Mai.Established in 1282, Nan was once the capital of an independent Lanna kingdom and is still rich with Lanna-era temples, as well as historic teak mansions. Wat Phumin, built in 1569, is Nan’s most photographed “icon”, with its bold murals depicting the lives of the Buddha, plus secular images from the 19th century, including European sailing ships and costumes. Dine memorably on the banks of the Nan River on the northern speciality, khao soy ghai chicken noodles. Meanwhile, white-water rafting is big on the same river during June and July.

Ranong, Ranong Province

This fishing and trading port on the Andaman Sea about five hours north of Phuket has been bypassed by over-tourism. Known, by tourists, mostly as a departure point for more celebrated Andaman destinations, little Ranong’s own attractions include classic Sino-Thai-Portuguese shop-houses and Chinese temples. There’s a reconstructed old timber palace, the local hot springs are indeed hot and there’s good trekking to the waterfalls of Ngao National Park. The resort island of Koh Phayam sits just offshore, Myanmar is just across the river and live-aboard dive boats depart from Ranong to the spectacular Richlieu Rock.

Sichon, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

It sits on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand just below Koh Samui and “Tranquil Tourism” might be the local guiding principle. Low-rise, seafront resorts offer kitesurfing, SUPs, snorkelling and diving while rare, pink Indo-Pacific dolphins cruise the protected waters of nearby Hat Khanom National Park. Sichon is scrumptious seafood central, so pack an appetite. Meanwhile, Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Ai Khai Wat Chedi, aka “the Chicken Temple”, is extraordinary – it’s long story, just go see its thousands of chook statues donated in thanks for prayers answered or “good luck” granted.

Sop Ruak, Chiang Rai Province

Sop Ruak on theMekong River in Northern Thailand, east of Chiang Rai city is better known as the Golden Triangle. Stand here at its apexand you can see why – three nations (Thailand, Laos and Myanmar) and two rivers (Mekong and Ruak) meet there. This low-key town offers boat excursions, markets, restaurants and, almost inevitably, a Big Buddha statue overlooking the confluence of cultures and waters. Don’t miss the Hall of Opium Museum that recalls the region’s infamous smuggling history. Meanwhile, the nearby Anantara resort’s elephant camp sets the standard for ethical interaction with the big beasts.

Sukhothai, Sukhothai Province 

Sukhothai, the first capital of ancient Siam enjoyed a golden age from 1238 to 1378, during which this Camelot-like kingdom became the cradle of Thai art, architecture and language. Its Sanskrit name even means “Dawn of Happiness.” Today the exceptionally well preserved, World Heritage-listed ruins of old Sukhothai occupy a large archaeological park near the modern town of Sukhothai, 430 km north of Bangkok. Tall stupas, temples of intricate masonry and imperturbable Buddha statues rise from its lawns. Meanwhile, 50 km away, Sukhothai’s twin, Si Satchanalai is equally well-named – “City of Good People” – and is similarly rich with heritage-listed ruins.

Lampang, Lampang Province

Pony-drawn carriages (rot maa) trot past the 100-pillared Baan Saonak (“House of Many Pillars”), ageing teak buildings and the 1916 railway station. Lampang, 100 km southeast of Chiang Mai was once a major teak logging centre and its Kad Kong Ta road and remaining mansions are a reminder of those glory days. One building, “the Louis House”, is the 1905 villa of teak baron Louis T. Leonowens. Open to the public, its most dramatic feature is a huge vault containing an equally huge steel safe. With business booming, this was Louis’ impregnable piggybank. Overlooking the town is Wat Prah Putthabat Sutthawas, “the mountain guardian”. www.green-trails.com

East Thailand – Seafood Lover’s Paradise

East Thailand offers a diverse and exciting fine dining scene that fuses the region’s rich culinary heritage with modern techniques and international influences. From luxurious seaside restaurants in Rayong to sustainable dining experiences in Trat, the area offers something for every discerning palate. 

As this part of Thailand continues to grow in popularity, its fine dining offerings are becoming part of its allure, attracting foodies from around the globe. Whether savouring fresh seafood by the beach or indulging in fusion cuisine at a cliffside resort, East Thailand promises a gastronomic journey as diverse and dynamic as the region.

Rayong: Ocean-Inspired Dishes

Rayong, nestled along the Gulf of Thailand, has long been known for its seafood. The province has several high-end restaurants that blend traditional Thai techniques with modern culinary innovation. Restaurants here highlight fresh local produce, with freshly caught fish, prawns, and shellfish taking centre stage.

Chefs transform the day’s catch into delicacies at renowned Fish Bar Restaurant, serving fresh seafood grilled to order. Another standout, Luscious Garden Cafe, offers a fusion of local seafood with Mediterranean flair, attracting diners who crave something both familiar and unique. The setting at these restaurants, with views of the sea and lush gardens, elevates the overall dining experience.

Chon Buri: Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Chon Buri, home to the vibrant city of Pattaya, is a melting pot of tradition and modernity in its culinary scene. The city’s lively nightlife and beach culture are matched by a vibrant culinary scene, with high-end restaurants merging traditional Thai cuisine with international flavours.

Casa Pascal is renowned for its sophisticated European dishes with a subtle nod to Thai flavours. Cafe des Amis is one of the finest French restaurants in Thailand, serving classic French dishes like duck confit and crème brûlée. Another gem is The Glass House Pattaya, set in a beachside pavilion serving traditional Thai dishes. Their grilled tiger prawns with tamarind sauce and lemon grass sorbet are a perfect example of how the restaurant is refining East Thai flavours.

Chanthaburi: A Gem for Culinary Adventures

While less well-known than its neighboring provinces, Chanthaburi is becoming a hot spot for food lovers seeking more than traditional Thai food. The province, famous for its durians and gemstones, has a growing reputation for its innovative chefs.

As the name implies, Tree House Durian Cafe focuses on tasty and versatile durian fruit. The menu offers unique durian dishes like spicy shrimp salad and smoothies. Platoo Chanthaburi is a chic riverside eatery specialising in mackerel (Pla Tu) and assorted stir-fried seafood and chili pastes.

Trat: Frontier of Farm-to-Table Dining

Trat is the most serene and least commercialised province in East Thailand, known for islands such as Ko Chang and Ko Kut. But beyond its natural beauty, Trat is a leader in sustainable fine dining, with chefs embracing farm-to-table and organic produce.

Every process in getting food to the dining table is carefully controlled and monitored. Indeed, there is a continuous movement and friendly competition among restaurants here to see who can deliver the freshest and tastiest dishes.

Al dente is the premier Italian eatery with daily special menus and a vast wine list. Kiku Sushi Cafe serves mouthwatering fresh sushi platters and premium shabu-shabu sets. You can’t go wrong with the charming decor and hospitable service at Trat Marche or the Ocean Terrace, Restaurant & Bar for elevated fusion Thai cuisine.

This article was first published on TAT News. About the Author: Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya: (Chat): Frequent foodie and occasional craftsman of travel stories, Khun Chat draws on his nearly four decades of promoting Thailand’s tourism industry to highlight everything from world-class attractions to hidden gems. When not writing stuff, he makes it a mission to catch rom-coms and DC superheroes whenever they show up in theatres.

Run to Remember

Congratulations to Peter Baines and the Hands Across the Water team for completing the ‘Run to Remember‘ event in Thailand and raising over AU $600,000!

The team ran 1400km from Yasothon Province to Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province over 26 days and raised over AU $600,000 to support their activities to help disadvantaged youth and create opportunities for improving the lives of children in Thailand.

This event was held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tsunami disaster that struck southern Thailand in 2004. Peter Baines, a former Australian police officer, led the search team for victims of the tsunami and later established the organisation Hands Across the Water to provide assistance to Thai youth who lost their families in the incident.

In addition, on December 22, 2024, Hands Across The Water organised a charity run as part of the ‘Run to Remember’ event at Suan Rot Fai, with 350 runners participating.

If you are interested in supporting the organisation’s activities, you can find out more on their website.

Thailand’s 10 Most Romantic Islands

Looking for an island that’s more intimate than Phuket or Koh Samui? Consider one of these dreamy isles, says our “islands correspondent”, John Borthwick. Then snooze, swim, grab massage. Repeat cycle.

Moken Eco Village Thailand huts on beach sunset_3509

Koh Kood

So good Koh Kood sits unruffled in the eastern waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The beaches of this jungle-clad island, Thailand’s fourth largest, are whistle-clean and usually jet-ski free. There’s plenty of seafood dining and a refreshing scarcity of 7-11s, and you’re not here for the clubbing. Quality resorts include Cham’s House and opulent Soneva Kiri. Koh Kood is your launch pad for diving in the surrounding Koh Chang Archipelago. Onshore you can go river kayaking and waterfall trekking. explorekohchang.com

  • Getting there: Fly to Trat, road transfer to the pier, ferry to Koh Kood.
  • Don’t miss: Treepod Dining at Soneva Kiri – the waiter arrives by zipline.
171.Trat-Koh Kood-Yai Kee Bay

Koh Lanta

Lush and rugged Koh Lanta, south of Krabi is called “the island of long beaches.” Wander along its near-empty Klong Dao Beach, or stay at west coast resorts like Layana on Prah-Ae Beach or Pimalai on Kantiang Beach. There’s an excellent national park, while the original teak buildings of Lanta’s Old Town are a reminder of how village life was in earlier times. kolanta.net

  • Getting there: Fly to Krabi and transfer by road, ferry or speedboat to the island. Or take the ferry from Phuket.
  • Don’t miss: Dive the beautiful Koh Ha (“Five Islands”), where you’ll see vibrant soft corals, teeming with life and several beautiful underwater caverns.

Koh Pha Ngan

Once infamous for the full-moon rave parties at its Hat Yin Beach, as well as half-moon and “black moon” spin-offs, Koh Pha-Ngan in the Gulf has come a long way in terms of sophistication. There are scores of accommodation options from bungalows to luxury suites, but much of the island is still jungle with waterfalls and empty shores. Explore and you’ll find that beaches like Hat Mae and Hat Sadet deliver a laid-back, siesta-style stay.

  • Getting there: By speedboat or ferry from Koh Samui.
  • Don’t miss: A full moon beach party with a few thousand of your newest besties.

Koh Phayam

Koh Phayam (pronounced “pie-am”) floats in the Andaman Sea just off Ranong, near the southern tip of Myanmar. This 35 sq km dot has no cars. You get around on motor scooters on paths that lead to beaches like Ao Khao Kwai and spectacular Ao Yai. Phayam boasts few big bars or lavish spas but instead has good bungalow resorts along the west coast. Bamboo Bungalows on Ao Yai (Big Bay) is among the best, while Blue Sky Resort on the east coast aims further upmarket. kohphayam.org

  • Getting there: By 30-minute speedboat trip from Ranong.
  • Don’t miss: Sunset cocktails with grilled prawns at Bamboo Bungalows’ beachfront restaurant.

Koh Samet

Being within driving distance of Bangkok you might expect the small Gulf island of Koh Samet to be hectically hip. It is actually a national park island, even though there are many resorts, as well as hot spot beaches like Hat Sai Kaew. However, the sandy coves that loop down the eastcoast become increasingly quieter the farther south you go. Accommodation is mostly in smaller hotels and bungalows. More more upmarket retreats include Ao Prao Resort, Sai Kaew Beach Resort and Paradee Resort at the southern tip.

  • Getting there: Road trip from Bangkok to Ban Phe, then ferry or speedboat to Samet.
  • Don’t miss: Evening fire dancers on Sai Kaew Beach.

Kho Yao Noi

The long, skinny twins of the Kho Yao Islands snooze in the middle of Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) has several beautiful retreats including Cape Kudu, Ko Yao Resort and Six Senses Hideaway. From your suite or a shoreline eatery you can contemplate the mystical limestone upthrusts of Phang Nga Bay Marine Park. Better still, take a cruise or go kayaking among them. Forested Yao Noi runs on slow-boat time and isn’t big on beer bars or nightlife — just what true romantics order.

  • Getting there: By ferry or launch from Phuket.
  • Don’t miss: Twilight dining at the hilltop Rice Paddy Viewpoint Restaurant.

Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai (Big Long Island) is even less developed than its kid sibling. Settled long ago by Malay and Mon people, island life here is more about aquaculture, farming and rubber plantations than bars and boutiques. The best resorts, like Koh Yao Yai Village overlook the dreaming dragon-like isles rising from Phang Nga Bay. Go kayaking or snorkelling, or cycle to a village and then wind-down with an afternoon massage. After that it’s sundowner hour while you contemplate that mystical bay.

  • Getting there: By ferry or launch from Phuket.
  • Don’t miss: Kayaking inside the “room island”, Koh Hong.

Koh Si Chang

Nicknamed “the Island of Eternal Love”, little Koh Si Chang (not to be confused with more famous Koh Chang) is the closest holiday island to Bangkok. This Gulf island has no cars, just light motorcycles and mutant “Skylab” tuk-tuks. Its beaches and town aren’t particularly notable but Si Chang is popular with Bangkok’s weekend escapees and romantics who come to pose on the late 19th century Atsadang Bridge built by King Chulalongkorn. There are lodges and hotels, with the very comfortable Somewhere Resort being the most stylish accommodation. iamkohchang.com

  • Getting There: Drive from Bangkok to Sri Racha port, followed by a 45-min ferry ride to the island.
  • Don’t miss: The restored gardens of the former Thai royal summer palace.

Koh Talu

This southern Gulf sleeper has clean sands, plenty of palms and no neons. The 1500-ha island sits on the western, or “sunrise” side of the Gulf, 370 km south of Bangkok. The roomy bungalows of Koh Talu Island Resort overlook the sands of Big Bay and the absurdly pretty Pearl Bay. Your “might-do” list here includes snorkelling, kayaking or a bushwalk, and certainly evening cocktails.

  • Getting there: Private transfer from Hua Hin, or travel 160km by train south from Hua Hin to Bang Saphan, and then a ferry to the island.
  • Don’t miss: The hawksbill turtle hatchery and squid fishing at dusk.

Koh Prathong

The almost unsung island of Koh Prathong sits off little Khura Buri on the northern Andaman coast. Its palm-fringed beaches have a handful of accommodation choices including Moken Eco Village and BABA Ecolodge. What romantics and others love here are the lush birdlife and excellent coral reefs, plus no crowds. Pristine Prathong Bay and its Koh Pling Islands offer snoozy canoeing and snorkeling. Try morning yoga or just a mind-cruise in your hammock.

  • Getting there: Khura Buri is 100km by road north of Phuket airport; then it’s 90 min by boat. Plan to stay a while.
  • Don’t miss: Don’t sleep in! Get up before dawn for a bird-watching tour of the island’s savannah.