As travel restrictions ease post-pandemic, myriads continue making a beeline for tourist hotspots. T-Edit Fashion Editor, Amber Liaqat, zeroes in on vibrant Thailand as her timely getaway.
Phuket
Adventure, scenic beauty, water sports, shopping and delicious food you’ll keep wanting to come back for- Phuket has it all. One of the largest islands in Thailand, it’s also the most popular for attracting tourists from across the globe, many of whom consider it to be a dream beach destination. The luxurious white sand, tree-fringed landscape and exquisite, crystal-clear, jade waters of the Andaman Sea make this the perfect getaway, particularly for those in need of some serious unwinding.
With over 30 beaches on Phuket’s breathtaking coast, you won’t have to worry about being stuck somewhere you don’t like. Whether you’re looking for a entertaining spot, a high-end luxury experience, or a secluded seaside escape, Phuket’s beaches offer a bit of everything. Most people stick around either Patong, Kata, Karon or Kamala beaches for convenience, as they have many restaurants, shops, and of course, nightlife.
Phang Nga Bay
With turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, and a lush jungle, Phang Nga Bay boasts islands that look like they’re straight out of a brochure. Explore them with a guide on an all-inclusive day trip, while kayaking through caves and mangroves at Koh Panak and experiencing the surreal rock formations at Hong Island. You can soak up views of James Bond Island, followed by lounging on the beach at Lawa Island. Refuel with a buffet lunch onboard your boat.
James Bond Island
James Bond Island is a famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay. It first found its way onto the international tourist map when seen in the James Bond movie, “The Man with the Golden Gun.” A distinctive trait of this famous bay is the number of sheer limestone cliffs that vertically jut out of the emerald-green water. James Bond Island is a popular destination for sailing and kayaking. Most organized tours stop at other popular islands in the Andaman Sea, including a seafood lunch at the charming Koh Panyee – a Muslim fishing village built on stilts.
Restaurant Recommandations :
Baan Rim Pa
This multi-award-winning restaurant in Phuket is a favorite amongst international travelers, expats and locals alike. It has an incredible cliff-side location overlooking the Andaman Sea, with panoramic views of blue waters that can be enjoyed from every table. The Thai style décor with teak wood and local silk adds to the ambience, making the delightful delicacies on offer even more enjoyable.
Ta Khai
Ta Khai at Rosewood resort is one of the finest Thai restaurants in Phuket. It has received “Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence” for the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Michelin Guides. The restaurant has a rustic ambiance, representative of a Thai village and is situated by the ocean. The menu, with its simple, yet fresh and authentic dishes, is inspired by the daily catch of local fisherman.
Ministry of Crab
This restaurant in Bangkok is an absolute must-visit. The award-winning Ministry of Crab takes pride in serving some of the best seafood dishes in the country. It is paradise, in particular, for gourmands who crave perfectly cooked crustaceans. The original branch in Sri Lanka has held a spot on “Asia’s 50 best Restaurants” for five consecutive years, and its popularity has allowed it to enjoy a presence in several Asian countries, including Thailand.
Entertainment:
Siam Amazing Park
Spread over 100 acres and divided into a water park and an amusement park, Siam Amazing Park guarantees a day full of fun and frolic. It has around two million visitors a year, with some of the largest and most thrilling rides in the region, including a water park with a wave pool, flowing pool, speed slide, super spiral and twister. The park also has one of the two largest suspended looping coasters in the world, and the first of its kind in South East Asia. It is 765 meters long and consists of five inversions and several drops. You can also enjoy rides like the flying carpet with centrifugal spin, boomerrang shuttle roller coaster with three inversions, and top spin, that rides up to the sky and then spins in and out of connected fountains.
Shopping:
Bangkok’s fashion scene combines an interesting mix of high-end boutiques, local hand-made options and high street stores.
The best shopping malls in Bangkok include Terminal 21, which is a one-of-a kind mall where England, Italy, Turkey, USA and Japan are just a few of the countries you will visit upon entering, as each floor celebrates a different destination from around the world. On one floor, you may find yourself in San Francisco, while on another, you’re back in Asia. It makes your entire shopping experience that much more unique.
Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery are also famous malls that make one feel like a celebrity upon entering. Siam Paragon has a large glass entryway where security greet you as you walk into an oasis of shrubbery and fake flowers. One of the first stores you’ll spot is a Maserati dealership- if that’s any indication of the kind of products sold at this mall.
IconSiam and EmQuartier are also popular malls with all the top designers from around the world showcasing their collections in their respective boutiques.
