Fascinating culture and art, gorgeous architecture, glorious beaches, five-star hotels and resorts, scintillating nightlife and some of the finest cuisine in Asia – Thailand has it all. Thailand is often called “The Land of Smiles” because the mostly Buddhist people are extremely affable and hospitable. The Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, was one of the few Asian countries that was not colonized by the West. As such, its rich culture is largely free of European influence. Thailand is quite modern, relative to some of its neighbors (particularly in cosmopolitan Bangkok), and is one of Southeast Asia’s economic powerhouses, with first-rate hospitals and other international-level facilities.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Not required for stays under 60 days.
► US Department of State Thailand Information
Part of the APEC Business Travel program
• Expedited Passport Clearance
• All full members of APEC have no need to apply for a visa or entry permit, as the card is treated as such (except for transitional members, USA and Canada)
The main International airport is BKK Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.
► Wikipedia information on BKK Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
The best source to check which airlines are servicing the airport.
For those bound for a beach holiday HKT Phuket International has quite a few direct flight options as well.
► Wikipedia information on HKT Phuket International
The best source to check which airlines are servicing the airport.
The weather in Thailand is hot and humid for the most part.
There are three seasons: November to February, which is the “cool” season, with temperatures of around 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), lower humidity, and sunny skies. In the north at this time of year, nights will be chilly, and you will need a sweater. March through May is the hot season in which temperatures can rise above 100°F (38°C), and it can be very hazy.
From June to September is the rainy season, with temperatures ranging between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), high humidity, and heavier rainfall.
The south sees heavier rain than the north, and the Andaman Sea has drier and better conditions in the early part of the winter than the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Samui
Size: 74 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Design & Lively
Year Opened: 2007
Designer/Architect: Bill Bensley
Bill Bensley’s expert hotel design is the backdrop for THE WHITE LOTUS 3
Set on a tropical hillside that unfurls into the ocean, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui offers spacious Villas and expansive Residences with alfresco living spaces, infinity pools, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Siam. Start your day in paradise with morning yoga, or learn the art of Muay Thai kickboxing from a professional fighter. Enjoy healing rituals inspired by nature at The Secret Garden Spa or relax with a beach massage. Savor southern Thai cuisine or afternoon tea at Koh Thai Kitchen; relish the freshest seafood at Pla Pla; lounge at CoCoRum, with Asia’s first Rum Vault; or indulge in one of many private dining experiences.
I AM A FOUR SEASONS PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in
• Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Guaranteed late check-out at 4pm
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Bangkok
Size: 52 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2025
Designer/Architect: Jean-Michel Gathy
Accepting reservations from April 2025 onward.
Amid the skyscrapers of central Bangkok, Thailand’s first urban Aman hotel and residences will rise from the verdant sanctuary that is Nai Lert Park. Here, history and nature will come together to tell a new Aman story, one entwined with the exceptional legacy of Thailand’s revered Nai Lert family.
I AM AN AMAN PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Bangkok
Size: 101 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Design & Lively
Year Opened: 2022
Designer/Architect: Andy Miller and Richard Scott-Wilson
Beyond the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find Capella Bangkok, a sophisticated hideaway on the Chao Phraya River. Soak in the views from your room or suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows – or your villa’s private plunge pool. Let the skilled therapists work their magic in the spa (try a traditional Tok Sen massage). And enjoy multi-course dinners crafted with produce from the hotel’s greenhouse at Côte, curated by three-Michelin star chef Mauro Colagreco.
CONDE-NAST TRAVELER GOLD LIST: 2025
I AM A CAPELLA PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Embark on an 11-day journey that travels Thailand from top to bottom to its premiere destinations. From the exciting capital city of Bangkok, to the mountainous Chiang Mai and jungles of Chiang Rai in the north, down to palm-fringed paradise island of Phuket, all while staying at world-class resorts, experience the best this Southeast Asian country has to offer.
This itinerary is an example. All trips are 100% bespoke.
► UBIGI eSIM
For Asia / Africa / Oceania, Ubigi is my favorite selection for a travel eSIM.
► VIRTUOSO: Thailand Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Thailand Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Thailand.
► TOURISM THAILAND
The official visitor information for Thailand.
Bangkok General Information Page
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page updated: February 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Thailand Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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