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.
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)
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.
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
Big Buddha Hill. Pattaya, Chon Buri, Thailand
Copyright 2009. John Borthwick
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.
Chiang Khan’s ‘walking street’, Chai Khong. Cocktail Kombi and monks.Chiang Khan’s ‘walking street’, Chai Khong.Chiang Khan: facing Mekong River (Mae Nam Khong).Chiang Khan’s ‘walking street’, Chai Khong.Chiang Khan: facing Mekong River (Mae Nam Khong).
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.
Phra Phuttha Maha Udom Mongkhon Nanthaburi Si Nan, a 9-metre Buddha image, Phrathat Khao Noi Temple, NaWhite Water Rafting along The Wa River, Nan
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.
Two monks at Golden Buddha temple, Sop Ruak, beside Mekong River. February 2017.Copyright John Borthwick
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 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.
Fish Bar CafeLuscious Garden Cafe
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 PascalCafe des AmisThe Glass House Pattaya
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.
Tree House Durian CafePlatoo Chanthaburi
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.
Al DenteOcean Terrace Restaurant & BarKiku Sushi CafeTrat Marche
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Resortand 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 Resortand 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.
Fermented pork taco or ant eggs entree, anyone? Gourmet Isan cuisine promises exciting meals beyond Som Tum.
The agricultural heartland of northeastern Thailand, known as Isan, has transformed into an unexpected hotspot for fine dining. The region, long recognised for its rustic charm, rich culture, and signature cuisine, is now a place where traditional flavours and innovative techniques converge to redefine its culinary reputation.
The Essence of Isan Cuisine
At the core of Isan’s food culture is a celebration of bold, spicy, and rustic flavours. Sticky rice, grilled meats, spicy salads like som tum (green papaya salad), and larb (minced meat salad) are staples. These dishes are defined by the liberal use of fish sauce, fiery chilies, lime juice, and fresh herbs such as mint and coriander.
A New Wave of Culinary Creativity
In recent years, chefs across Isan have begun to elevate these local flavours through modern, fine-dining techniques. Taking cues from global trends while staying true to their roots, they reinvent traditional dishes by incorporating premium ingredients, artistic plating, and intricate cooking methods.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy
Many fine dining establishments in Isan embrace a farm-to-table ethos, sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers and foraging in nearby forests. This commitment to sustainability is not just a trend, but a way of life in rural Thailand. It ensures that diners at high-end restaurants in cities like Khon Kaen or Udon Thani can experience the freshest and most flavourful dishes, with menus that feature locally grown organic herbs, free-range poultry, and freshly caught river fish.
Contemporary Takes on Tradition
At restaurants like the Michelin-recommended Samuay & Sons in Udon Thani, Chef Num Samuay has been at the forefront of reimagining Isan cuisine. His tasting menus are a journey through the region’s landscape, combining elements like Isan-style marinated beef with organic vegetables and unique garnishes like edible flowers and foraged mushrooms. Each dish pays homage to traditional recipes while adding a modern twist, offering guests a sophisticated yet truly local dining
Experience
Another noteworthy name to know is Kaen in Khon Kaen, another Michelin-starred restaurant. Its menu reflects the seasons, and the healthy nature of Isan cuisine. Crunchy bamboo shoots are picked fresh from the garden and crafted into a spicy salad with pork neck. Kaen also reaches to the sea for inspiration. Pomelo salad with Cajun squid is a surprising mashup of far-flung flavours of the Caribbean and the juicy grapefruit relative found locally.
Isan’s fine dining scene is a fusion of culinary influences, a blend of French techniques with local Thai ingredients, and Japanese precision with Isan’s bold, spicy flavours. Dishes like smoked duck breast with tamarind glaze or a delicate soup incorporating aromatic Thai herbs with a broth slowly simmered in the French style are just a few examples of this exciting fusion.
Artisanal Ingredients
A deep respect for artisanal ingredients also characterises the finest dining experiences in Isan. Tasting menus highlight locally made fish sauce, crafted by hand and aged for months, or rare rice varieties grown in small batches. Some chefs even collaborate directly with local producers to source unique ingredients, such as wild honey from forest bees or salt harvested from ancient salt mines in the region.
Dining with a View
In addition to the food, fine dining in northeastern Thailand often comes with breathtaking scenery. From restaurants along the banks of the Mekong River to dining spots in the hills of Loei Province, the region’s natural beauty adds another layer to the dining experience. Imagine enjoying a perfectly seared piece of Isan-style pork while gazing over the lush, rolling mountains or sipping a glass of wine as the sun sets over the Mekong.
A New Culinary Destination
While Bangkok remains the epicentre of Thailand’s fine dining scene, northeastern Thailand is fast emerging as a destination for food lovers looking for something different. Whether it’s the vibrant street food markets or the newly opened Michelin-starred restaurants, Isan is beginning to attract gourmands worldwide. Chefs in the region are pushing boundaries, combining the ancient with the avant-garde, all while keeping the soul of Isan cuisine intact.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Isan’s fine dining scene is a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. It beautifully showcases the diversity and depth of Isan’s culinary heritage while embracing modern techniques that appeal to the discerning diner. For those seeking a unique gastronomic journey, northeastern Thailand offers an unforgettable blend of flavours, textures, and cultural richness—making it a rising star on the global culinary map.
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.
Morgan Taylor is a passionate about wildlife conservation, and recently joined the team at Elephant Hills. She shares her first experience at the new Chiang Mai Bush Camp here.
My first day in Chiang Mai was spent with a truly wonderful guide, Nink. We spent the whole day exploring all the main sights together, temples, markets, monuments, iconic walks, incredible food – we fit a lot in – even the expansive mall!
I feel my understanding of Chiang Mai is much greater having had this day out. It’s a brilliant city with SO much on offer. I knew I would love it, but it truly touched my soul. I will never forget this day. A waterfall so powerful it gave me chills, landscapes that never seemed to end and some very off-the-beaten-track routes. It was heaven. A rural cafe with a delightful owner, buffalo by the side of the road, rice fields, I get emotional thinking about this first day. This day is something that will stay with me forever.
I wasn’t expecting the Bush Camp to impact me so much. I don’t know if it was the location or the scenery, but I could have sworn I was deep in an African National Park. The surroundings were familiar to Hwange, The Namib bush, and KZN province, all in one.
The welcome from the team here was so warm, I felt ‘home’. My tent was enormous, the bed and the ensuite left me without words. Air-con was a welcome component – it was hot! Dinner was delicious, the children’s performance left me with tears in my eyes and I was blown away at the feeling of this place, it was magic.
My guide Nink explained the plans for the coming day, I couldn’t wait. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening video presentation here, I think it’s important to hit pause and truly appreciate where we are.
We started the next day with the elephants, our guides, Chai and Sherlee were both an absolute joy. In the morning, we had a huge laugh making the elephant dung paper. Our artwork was not amazing, but gosh I enjoyed making this with Nink. The coconut pancakes were insanely yummy, and the Thai coffee and tea was so, so fantastic – and seeing the elephants right by us was very special.
Heading back to camp was an experience, the drive so picturesque. We even saw elephants and mahouts on the way. Lunch was so yummy and so generous; I could not fault the variety or quantity at all.
Our afternoon was another elephant session, these elephants, compared to those I met in the south, bore many scars of their past lives. It was very moving to see them with such kind and engaging mahouts and in this beautiful setting. I loved this experience and could see the whole group I was with did too. There was a moment spending time with an elephant called “Mae Buap” that I was moved to tears, I’m so grateful she has found herself at The Bush Camp.
We then walked to the Karen village. Sherlee was so thorough with her knowledge and explanation of this and I did not realise the scope of this whole set up, it was absolutely extraordinary. I appreciated the care taken to go into detail at each point we visited and it felt like we were all very much welcomed to get involved and hands on.
It was special and quite humorous for us all to try and use the traditional methods for preparing the rice – I was for one, terrible at this. The cooking demonstration was much more a cooking lesson and so interactive. I will never forget this experience. Everyone got so involved, especially the children, it was joyous.
Before sunset, we saw more around the property. On the way I was lucky enough to see three endangered peacocks – I could not believe it!!
The Bush Camp Chiang Mai is, in my opinion, a total gem. It is tranquillity, luxury, beauty and warmth. Even though such a short visit, I feel I’ve left a part of my heart there.
Even weeks on, I’m missing it. Whether agents are booking families, couples or older clientele, I would personally recommend this camp to everyone. What it offers is exceptionally unique and is in a setting that cannot be fully explained in words – it’s the feeling, too.
