Why You Should Book a Grown-Up Vacation to Thailand This Winter

From its epic tropical beauty to its mouthwatering food scene, ancient temples, and vibrant nightlife, Thailand is the perfect destination for an incredible adventure. People travel from all over the world to visit the “Land of Smiles,” which gives it a dynamic international flair. And yet the nation is steeped in tradition and a rich history encompassing multiple civilizations and thousands of years.

From November through March, Thailand enjoys relatively dry weather and moderate temperatures. This makes winter the perfect time to head to the other side of the world for exploration!

Join Beau on this fast-paced, adult-only Thailand adventure that will give you great insight into Thai Culture. There will be an optional add-on stay in Phuket at a beach resort for those who are interested.

With practical considerations covered, where to go and what to do? Let’s go over the perfect itinerary for a grown-up vacation to Thailand.

Discover the Art and Culture of Bangkok

One of the best ways to become better acquainted with a destination is through an exploration of its art and culture scenes. To make the most of your vacation to Thailand, head out on a half-day Bangkok art and culture tour. Visit an artisan community to explore ancient traditions and modern artistic styles within the Thai capital.

Journey by private longtail boat on the Chao Phraya River, discovering the ancient canals of Bangkok. Along the way, scope out temples, homes, and shophouses, soaking up a rich variety of architectural styles. The diversity of these architectural styles is the result of the area’s role as a former trade route.

Your boat journey will culminate in a visit to Baan Silapin, a 100-year-old house that’s been renovated into an art gallery. Not only does it house local artwork of many kinds and styles, but the location also serves as a hub for the community’s artisans. Besides chances to browse artwork and rub elbows with creatives, enjoy the opportunity to stroll the community, exploring the traditional houses that line the canal.

Another fantastic cultural experience is watching a Thai puppet show. Featuring elaborately designed puppets, this ancient art form is like nothing you’ve likely ever seen.

Explore the Capital’s Monuments and Temples

The capital of Thailand is celebrated for its incredible temples and monuments, which offer intriguing windows into the nation’s Buddhist cultural heritage. In Wat Pho, check out the city’s most captivating temple. When you work with an experienced travel advisor to plan your trip right, you’ll arrive as the resident monks assemble to partake in morning chants.

This deeply spiritual and moving ritual will place your entire day in a more contemplative space. It’ll also put you in the right mindset to explore the famed Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho. All told, the statue measures nearly 150 feet (45 meters)! Learn about the symbolism of the site and enjoy chances to watch devotees make offerings to the ancient image.

After a tranquil morning, head to the Grand Palace, the site of Thailand’s revered Royal family for more than 200 years. Stroll the verdant grounds of the Palace’s compound, taking in its various temples, museums, and throne halls. And don’t forget to check out the Emerald Buddha, one of the most sacred images in the nation, while learning more about the mysteries behind its origins.

Get Cooking at the Blue Elephant

If you’re a fan of Thai food (and who isn’t?) and want to learn the secrets behind this delish cuisine, take a cooking class from Blue Elephant Cooking School. Come hungry because this culinary adventure comes with many palate-pleasers. Blue Elephant is one of the nation’s most celebrated cooking institutions and the perfect spot to dive into the topic of Thai food.

During your cooking class, discover local markets, gaining a thorough introduction to Thai food culture. As you browse the stalls, soak up scenes of local life while learning what to select and how to ensure it’s fresh and flavorful. Once you’ve loaded up on the best ingredients, return to Blue Elephant to cook up a storm.

This hands-on experience includes a theory class followed by chef demonstrations. Then, it’s time to learn how to craft your own Thai meal! After you’ve prepared each recipe, it’s time to sit down and dig into your home-cooked creations.

Floating Markets, Temples, and More

After a few dynamic days spent in Thailand’s capital, change the pace of your vacation to Thailand by stepping back in time in the garden province of Samut Songkhram. Located in the Mae Klong River delta area, there’s no better place to check out a traditional country market.

Next, head to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to see a traditional floating market. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit smaller and less touristy, opt for Tha Kha floating market, which includes a short paddle boat tour and a visit to an old Thai house where coconut palm sugar is processed.

Your tour of the waterways also includes a visit to several stunning temples. And you won’t want to miss out on seeing a 400-year-old banyan tree and statues showcasing the art of Thai boxing. From here, it’s on to Kanchanaburi. Which includes a visit to the celebrated “Bridge on the River Kwai,” constructed by Allied World War II POWs.

At the Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum, explore the historical lanes of the Pak Preak community. These include quaint shops built during the reign or King Rama V (known as Prince Chulalongkorn in Anna and the King of Siam).

Step into the Past at Kanchanaburi

In the northwestern corner of Kanchanaburi, visit the Hellfire Pass Museum. Then, embark on the Memorial Walking Trail, which affords stunning views of Myanmar. Along the way, a free audio guide provides insights on the conditions endured by Allied POWs forced by the Japanese to construct a railway line between Thailand and Burma (present-day Myanmar).

Of course, the most famous feature of this railway line remains the River Kwai Bridge, made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. The bridge still exists today and is used by local passenger trains traveling between Bangkok and Nam Tok.

As for the railway project, it proved arduous and grueling with thousands of men losing their lives in the process. Notorious as the “Death Railway,” you’ll have the chance to take a ride on the line.

Discover the Beauty and Wonder of Chiang Mai

After digging into the multi-layered past of Thailand, it’s on to Chiang Mai to learn about the living heritage of Northern Lanna. Start with a trip via the city’s famed form of transportation, the songtaew or red bus, which will transport you to the Lanna Folklife Museum.

The museum is located in a restored colonial building and showcases stunning artifacts from Northern Thailand. After getting your fill of Thai heritage, head out on a short rickshaw adventure through a small alley to a nearby community located in the old town.

Known as Puak Taem Community, it’s renowned for preserving the ancient Lanna craft of “Kua Tong.” Kua Tong refer to brass ornaments, often looking like multi-tiered umbrellas, that decorate temples. From there, continue to the community temple of “Wat Puak Taem,” one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai, where history comes to life.

Winter’s Perfect Vacation to Thailand

From pastoral landscapes to historic canals and ancient temples, the “Land of Smiles” is the perfect place for a grown-up vacation to Thailand this winter.

Ready to find out more or book your spot on this Thailand adventure? Download the itinerary and contact Beau at beau@ourwholevillage.com.

And if you’re interested in creating your own group or in bringing the kids along, we can certainly help, too.

Let’s chat!