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Thailand Insider’s August 2024 Highlights, Awards, and More!
Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Award Winners – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Thailand has once again received prestigious accolades in the the 2024 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure. Chiang Mai and Bangkok have been named in the “15 Favorite Cities in Asia” listing while Koh Samui has been recognized on the “Five Best Islands in Asia” list, highlighted for its beauty among Asia’s premier beach destinations. Globally, Koh Samui and Phuket have been recognized among the “25 Best Islands to Visit in the World.” Learn More →
August 2024’s Festivals and Events in Thailand – Thailand hosts a plethora of festivals and events in August, including the rehearsals for the Royal Barge Procession, Summer Sonic Bangkok 2024, and the Amazing Beach Life Festival. Visitors present for these events will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Thai culture and the country’s festivities. Discover August Festivities →
Thailand’s Wat Arun and Yi Peng Festival Recognized as “World Night View Heritage” Sites – Wat Arun and Yi Peng Festival have been recognized as World Night View Heritage sites. Wat Arun, known for its stunning nighttime views, and the Yi Peng Festival, famous for its lantern displays, have earned international recognition. This recognition highlights their cultural and visual significance, drawing attention to Thailand’s unique heritage. Learn More about the “World Night View Heritage” →
Phu Phrabat’s UNESCO World Heritage Status Elevates Thailand’s Cultural Tourism Experiences – Phu Phrabat in Udon Thani, one of the kingdom’s Hidden Gems destinations, has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. This recognition highlights the site’s cultural and historical significance and is expected to boost Thailand’s cultural tourism. It underscores the importance of preserving and highlighting the country’s rich heritage. Explore Phu Phrabat Historical Park →
Explore Sustainable Tourism Initiatives at The Sirindhorn International Environmental Park – TAT encourages tourists to visit the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park in Phetchaburi as this award-winning site promotes sustainable tourism and environmental education. Visitors can explore the park’s Energy for Environment Centre and learn about restoration efforts at the Princess Mangrove Plantation. The park offers a range of activities focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Explore Sustainability at the Sirindhorn International Environment Park →
Renew your spirit & soul in Thailand
Jaw-dropping vistas, ornate temples, and serene private islands. Awaken all the senses on your next Thailand adventure. As a NorthStar Virtuoso guest, you’ll gain access to exclusive amenities, insider knowledge, and special offers. Connect with your NorthStar Virtuoso travel advisor to start planning your getaway to this amazing nation.
- Cruising in Asia Is Back, Big-Time, by David Swanson
- The White Lotus Is About to Inspire Us All to Go to Thailand, by Chris Schalkx
- The Big Hotel Report, by The Editors
Exciting getaways with exclusive amenities
Ready to go? Explore these offers and trip ideas.
- Tourism Authority of Thailand – Michelin-starred restaurants, ornate temples, and more.
- Abercrombie & Kent Thailand – Bangkok to Phang Nga Bay Food market visits, exclusive benefits, and more on the Ultimate Honeymoon Adventure.
- Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Krabi, Thailand Welcome cocktails for 2, round-trip airport transfers, and more at this serene sanctuary.
- EXO Travel – Thailand – Bangkok to Phuket Experience a traditional home-cooked meal with a Thai family on the Lavish Lifestyles Thailand tour.
- Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok – Complimentary Thai lunch for 2, an upgrade (if available), and more at this iconic hotel.
- Banyan Tree Phuket – Stay in a private pool villa and receive up to THB 15,000 resort credit inclusive of daily breakfast.
- Rosewood Phuket – This tropical hideaway offers food & beverage credit, a welcome amenity, and more.
- Anantara – Thailand – Authentic experiences await at these Anantara properties – each offering exclusive amenities.
- Four Seasons Resorts – Daily breakfast, an upgrade (if available), and more exclusive extras with these serene stays.
- Amanpuri – Phuket, 24-hour dedicated butler service, a personal Thai chef, and more with a 3-night stay in a private villa.
- Six Senses Resorts – Thailand – Save more when you stay longer, plus receive exclusive amenities like a massage for up to 2 guests.
- The Peninsula Bangkok – Bangkok, Thailand 3rd night free, plus a THB 800 spa credit per person, afternoon tea for 2, and more.
- The Siam – Bangkok, Thailand The SHA+ package includes personal butler service, a one-way airport transfer, and more.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Wellness Experiences to Plan for in 2021
By Elaine Glusac – An alphabetical guide to blissful vacation pursuits.
How to See Thailand’s Under-the-Radar, Sustainable Side
Produced by Virtuoso with the Tourism Authority of Thailand – Eco-friendly experiences in some of the country’s most remote destinations.
Explore these offers and trip ideas!
- Tourism Authority of Thailand – Thailand Michelin-starred restaurants, ornate temples, and more in The Land of a Thousand Smiles.
- Abercrombie & Kent Thailand – Bangkok to Phang Nga Bay Food market visits, exclusive benefits, and more on the Ultimate Honeymoon Adventure.
- Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Krabi, Thailand Welcome cocktails for 2, round-trip airport transfers, and more at this serene sanctuary.
- EXO Travel – Thailand – Bangkok to Phuket Experience a traditional home-cooked meal with a Thai family on the Lavish Lifestyles Thailand tour.
- Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok – Bangkok, Thailand Complimentary Thai lunch for 2, an upgrade (if available), and more at this iconic hotel.
- Banyan Tree Phuket – Phuket, Thailand Stay in a private pool villa and receive up to THB 15,000 resort credit inclusive of daily breakfast.
- Rosewood Phuket – Phuket, Thailand This tropical hideaway offers a US$100 food & beverage credit, a welcome amenity, and more.
- Anantara – Thailand – Thailand Authentic experiences await at these Anantara properties – each offering exclusive amenities.
- Four Seasons Resorts – Thailand – Thailand Daily breakfast, an upgrade (if available), and more exclusive extras with these serene stays.
- Amanpuri – Phuket, Thailand 24-hour dedicated butler service, a personal Thai chef, and more with a 3-night stay in a private villa.
- Six Senses Resorts – Thailand – Save more when you stay longer, plus receive exclusive amenities like a massage for up to 2 guests.
- The Peninsula Bangkok – Bangkok, Thailand 3rd night free, plus a THB 800 spa credit per person, afternoon tea for 2, and more.
- The Siam – Bangkok, Thailand The SHA+ package includes personal butler service, a one-way airport transfer, and more.
Revitalizing Romantic Thailand
City skylines and romantic outings
The Land of a Thousand Smiles invites you to plan long-overdue celebrations and experience the country in luxury. Hop in a vintage car and zip through the old town of Bangkok or embark on your dream honeymoon adventure, and enjoy the vibrancy of Thailand.
THE ULTIMATE LUXURY HONEYMOON ADVENTURE
Presented by Abercrombie & Kent – Thailand
14 Days • Private Journeys available
Bangkok • Chiang Ral • Chiang Mal • Khao Sok National Park • Phang Nga Bay
VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation at The S1am. Ananta(a Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort (with one night in the “Jungle Bubble” offering views of elephants in their natural habitat). Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, and Six Senses Yao Na.
- Kayaking and monkey spotting on Cheow Lan Lake
- Khao Sok National Park
- Private blessing ceremony by monks and river boat outing in Bangkok
- Private road rally tuk-tuk adventure in the remote hills of Chang Mai
VIRTUOSO EXCLUSIVE: Complimentary cocktail and Mahanakorn Skywalk experience in Bangkok
Connect with your Northstar Virtuoso travel advisor for best available rates
LUXURIOUS BANGKOK
Presented by EXO Travel – Thailand
4 Days • Departure available
Bangkok Noi
VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- Three nights’ accommodation at The Peninsula Bangkok
- Helicopter airport transfer, private speedboat transfers, and private luxury vehicle transfers
- Grand Palace tour by a vintage Mercedes Benz or Volkswagen
- One-hour Muay Thai, training lesson
- Private Joe Louis puppet show and dinner
Temples, tuk-tuks, and floating markets
Every adventure under the sun
Grand palaces, floating markets, and secluded islands. There’s just something about Thailand that speaks to all the senses. When you’re ready to start planning your next adventure, connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor for exclusive amenities and special savings at preferred properties in Phuket, Koh Yao Noi, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Bangkok.
- Marvel at some of Bangkok’s most noteworthy attractions from this unique point of view.
- Discover what makes Mu Koh Chang National Park the best place to go snorkeling.
- Find your thrills on Thailand’s jaw-dropping limestone cliffs and overhangs.
- Buddhism continues to play an important role in Thai culture and society today.
Stay longer with free nights, credits, and more
- Ao Phang Nga National Park offers surreal beauty and prehistoric archaeological sites.
- Artfully designed longtail boats are a common sight and relaxing way to travel.
- Vibrant culture and rich spirituality offer opportunities for enlightenment.
- Crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches make a kayaking excursion a must.
Insider Tip: Temple visits are a must for visitors traveling to Thailand, especially for first-time visitors, experiencing the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha are a high priority. These bucket lists attractions, however, are similarly shared ideals among travelers, meaning these amazing temples come with large crowds. For those who might want a quieter temple experience but still adorned with ornate detail can opt to visit Wat Ratchabophit, that sits just a few blocks away from the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The temple’s unique layout circles around the main buildings with a golden chedi/stupa towering over the compound. The Italian-like interior of the ubosot, which was inspired by King Rama V’s first European trip with the outer spires intricately decorated in benjarong ceramics. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon as the soft sun reflects off the tiled walls -making it a perfect photo opp.
The wonders of Thailand, waiting to be seen
Exclusive amenities in the Land of Smiles
It’s a country that sparks curiosity and wonder…filled with diverse beauty, culture, and cuisine. From the bustle of Bangkok to the stunning beaches of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Phuket, discover Thailand for yourself with special offers at five luxurious hotels, plus exclusive amenities compliments of your Northstar Virtuoso travel advisor.
Highlights
- Explore the nature-lovers paradise of Khao Sok National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests
- Discover Chaiya’s Chedi in Surat Thani at night to see the temple surrounded by brightly colored lights
- Tee off at Santiburi Golf Course near W Koh Samui, known for its cliffside views and lush forests
- Feel the night come to life in Chaweng Beach, filled with popular bars, clubs, and restaurants
- Go behind the scenes at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary for a rare glimpse of these fascinating animals
- Stroll through historic Phuket old town with its ornate shrines, colonial-style mansions, and boutique shops
- Island hop around Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat, stopping to snorkel whenever the mood strikes
- Explore the impressive waterfalls during a hike through Sri Phang Nga National Park
- Feast on authentic street food like phad thai, congee, and tom yum goong soup while in Bangkok
- Tour Bangkok’s famous temples including Wat Traimit, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Kaew
Watch as thousands of lights illuminate the night sky during the Lantern Festival held each year in November. The best places to celebrate are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Sukhothai.
Michelin Guide Seeks Out Khan Tok Dining in Northern Thailand
The Michelin Guide has launched the 2020 Thailand edition highlighting the Northern capital of Chiang Mai. Part of the underrated food scene in northern Thailand is Khan Tok, which is both a serving tray as well as the meal itself. The Khan Tok trays of Chiang Mai have a pedestal base that elevates the dishes above floor level to display an assortment of smaller dishes that complement one another. The Michelin Guide has found some key items found in Khan Tok including curries such as Bamboo Curry, relishes, and a variety of meats like pork, chicken, and beef as well as freshwater fish. The Khan Tok is the perfect introduction to northern Thai cuisine for all foodies.
SEE THE 2020 MICHELIN GUIDE’S RESTAURANTS IN THAILAND HERE
Insider Tip: There are night markets throughout Thailand and Phuket is no stranger to them. Most tourists are familiar with the Sunday night market that runs through Old Town Phuket, but Chillva Market is a newer market that caters to the younger hip crowd. Most market vendors are young locals showcasing their unique DIY crafts adding to the richness of Phuket’s bohemian lifestyle. Open Monday –Saturday evenings, the market is a favorite among young Thai locals for the live music, art, and relaxed island vibe. Located ten minutes away from Phuket Old Town, Chillva Market is a great alternative to traditional markets.
Click HERE for additional Thailand Promotions
New Yorkers Are Invited to The Experience Thailand Festival This September 14 of NYC’s best Thai restaurants will take part at this Experience Thailand event where New Yorkers can enjoy many cultural Thai activities while also feasting on a variety of authentic Thai food. Activities include Thai massages, Muay Thai (Thai boxing) demonstrations, a Thai marketplace and so much more.
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