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The most sophisticated face of Thailand
The lesser-known face of Thailand, reserved for those looking for more than just clichés.
This country, a cradle of hospitality and ancient traditions, is positioning itself as an exclusive refuge where luxury is redefined through unique and deeply personalized experiences. For the sophisticated traveler, Thailand offers a new horizon of exclusivity that blends its cultural richness with conscious luxury and sustainability.
At the heart of Thailand beats a unique combination: legendary hospitality, ancestral heritage, and an ability to adapt to the demands of modern luxury. Luxury is measured not just by opulence, but by the authenticity of experiences. From private ceremonies in sacred temples to exclusive dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants, you can immerse yourself in a destination that connects with your essence.
Thailand's temples, living monuments of their spirituality, offer exclusive experiences for those seeking a deeper connection. You can visit the impressive White Temple in Chiang Rai at dawn, when the light bathes its intricate details, far from the crowds. Have a ceremonial tea with a local monk who will tell you the story behind the temple's intricate designs. In Chiang Mai, you have the opportunity to join hidden retreats and participate in guided meditations by monks, where serenity becomes the true luxury. In a monastery nestled in the hills, ancient breathing techniques are revealed, providing a transformative experience.
Carriage at the Phi Ta Khon festival, which is celebrated in Loei.
In some workshops they teach you how to make your own mask.
White Temple in Chiang Rai. Photo: CJ.
The White Temple
Wat Rong Khun is a contemporary Buddhist and Hindu temple located in the province of Chiang Rai, Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai artist, and its construction began in 1997. Despite some parts of the temple being already finished and open to the public, Wat Rong Khun is an ongoing project, and it is expected that its construction will continue for many decades. It is estimated that the total completion of the temple, with all its structures and details, could take until the year 2070, several years after the artist's death!
Hidden gems and natural settings
To escape from the most popular destinations, Thailand offers corners that seem suspended in time. Nan, a city surrounded by mountains and marked by the Tai Lue culture, evokes the peaceful charm of Luang Prabang. You can explore the city by bicycle at dawn, while locals offer food to the monks in their morning ritual, a scene that will stay imprinted in your heart.
In the south, seeing Phattalung's sea of lotus flowers at dawn is a natural spectacle that invites contemplation in absolute tranquility. Boarding a boat steered by a local fisherman and gliding among the flowers, listening to stories about life on the Thale Noi lake, is an experience that redefines your connection with nature.
- Phattalung surprises with its lotus sea at dawn. —
- Women from the Tai Lue culture, evoking the peaceful charm of Luang Prabang. —
- Views of the Nan Valley from Wat Phrathat Khao Noi temple. —
- Thale Noi Lake.
Luxury with a Gastronomic Touch
Thai cuisine, already recognized worldwide, takes on a new dimension in the hands of award-winning chefs and exclusive experiences. Restaurants like Sorn in Bangkok, with two Michelin stars, allow you to enjoy private dinners that are true culinary journeys. Each dish is accompanied by a narration about its origin, turning the meal into an educational and sensory experience.
Le Du is a contemporary restaurant in Bangkok, located in the Silom district, that reinterprets Thai cuisine using local seasonal products. Chef Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn highlights Thailand's agricultural richness and its ancestral culinary techniques. In 2023, Le Du was recognized as the best restaurant in Asia, ranking number 1 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list.
At Kinu, located in the iconic Mandarin Oriental, haute cuisine merges with unforgettable views of the Chao Phraya River. The staff will design a tasting menu tailored to your personal preferences, ensuring that every detail fits your style.
For food enthusiasts, they can take part in private classes in restored colonial mansions or organic farms to discover the secrets of Thai cuisine from its roots. Imagine collecting your own ingredients at an ecological farm and then learning how to prepare an authentic pad Thai under the guidance of a local chef.
Michelin stars are the sophistication of Thai street food.
Chef Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn, from Le Du, best restaurant in Asia in 2023.
Supaksorn "Ice" Jongsiri, also known as Chef Ice, is the chef of the restaurant Sorn.
Bangkok celebrates urban sophistication in all its forms. At Divana Spa, an oasis is created where holistic treatments and traditional Thai techniques envelop you in serene luxury.
As night falls, the capital offers the best rooftops in the world. The Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree offers exclusive cocktails with panoramic views of the city, while the Mahanakhon SkyBar combines cutting-edge design and a unique culinary experience in the heights.
And of course, shopping... Elevated to pure pleasure, in places like ICONSIAM, where high-end boutiques and local crafts coexist in a stunning design space. Or at the legendary Jim Thompson silk house, which offers exquisite pieces representing the timeless elegance of this country.
The rooftop of Banayan Tree Bangkok, Moon Bar.
The Mahana Khon Cube building, an icon of contemporary architecture.
In Bangkok, the Capella hotel has been recognized as the best hotel in the world.
Luxury in Thailand is also reflected in its accommodation offerings. The Capella Bangkok, chosen as the best hotel in the world, redefines hospitality with surprising details that even the most demanding traveler will appreciate. One of the most memorable nights includes surprise dinners in private gardens organized by chefs who design exclusive menus based on your personal preferences.
In the far north, the Four Seasons Tented Camp, located in the Golden Triangle, offers an immersive experience surrounded by nature. You can interact with rescued elephants while learning about the conservation of these majestic animals, all in an intimate and sustainable setting.
If you prefer something more intimate, boutique options like The Siam in Bangkok or the private villas at Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood island combine luxury with local charm, creating havens where every moment is unforgettable. Enjoy dinners under the stars on the beach, with a personal chef and specially curated decorations just for you.
Soneva Kiri.
Boutique hotel The Siam.
Boat tour from the boutique hotel The Siam.
Couples massage at The Siam.
Central swimming pool of the Four Seasons Tented Camp.
Four Seasons Tented Camp.
Aerial view of Four Seasons Tented Camp.
Le Normandie Restaurant, Mandarin Bangkok.
Views from one of the rooms at the Mandarin Bangkok.
Mandarin Salon Bangkok.
River views from the Capella hotel.
Capella hotel lobby.
Thailand reinvents itself as a destination where luxury is a deeply personal and authentic experience. From private temples and traditions to natural settings that invite contemplation, this country offers a new perspective for the sophisticated traveler. Rediscovering Thailand means discovering a world where exclusivity is found in the details, in the calmness, and in meaningful connections. It is an invitation to live an unforgettable journey that redefines what luxury truly means.
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