Why Thailand is more than just a backpacking destination

When you think of Thailand as a holiday destination, you generally think about the beaches, festivals and the laid-back feeling that has made it the backpacking capital of the world. While we love thrifty trips through South East Asia’s main tourist destination when you’re in your twenties, there’s a much more luxurious side to visiting Thailand that won’t break the bank.

Delicious Thai Green Curry

A favourite destination for the more distinguished traveller that doesn’t cost you a limb is Hua Hin. The city is known for its slogan ‘far from worries’ and it lives up to it. Hua Hin is part cosmopolitan with cafés and western shopping and part island paradise, giving visitors the best of both worlds. Enjoy a four star hotel for under $40 a night, which usually includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi, relax on the quiet beaches where you can get a massage for a few dollars and enjoy a bit of shopping at your leisure.

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Cha Am should be at the top of your list. You could spend an indulgent month here for the same cost as a week in the Maldives. Rent a bungalow on the beach for a few dollars a night and spend time exploring the tropical jungles or enjoying quiet, private dinners. The night life here is much quieter and more sophisticated than in the south, and you won’t find any tourism-inflated prices.

Wat Chedi Liam or Wat Ku Kham in the ancient Thai city of Wiang Kum Kam Thailand

For people who are really looking to get away from it all, Koh Kood is a paradise. Although it’s the least populated district in Thailand, it still caters to a small tourist market. Stay in a lavishly-appointed luxury tent set amongst giant palm trees for less than $20 a night. Koh Kood is quite basic, but that simply adds to the charm and sense of privacy. The island has almost no cars, very few buildings apart from hotels and lodges have electricity and there’s a solitary internet café to connect you to the rest of the world. You won’t be interested in keeping in touch though, with all that the island has to offer. The white sand beaches that sink imperceptibly into the turquoise water are almost deserted, except for a few fishermen, and you can relax and take it all in to the sound of birdsong and the waves.

james bond island in thailand, ko tapu

If seclusion isn’t your thing and you’re looking for that first-class resort experience, Thailand still has you covered. Phuket is home to many resorts where you can stay in a five star all inclusive accommodation, right on the beach for about $80 per night. A favourite resort is Merlin Beach. Set on 12 acres of pristine beachfront property, the upmarket resort offers deals including stunning accommodation, breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks and access to the resort’s many amenities for just $90 a night in peak season. Drink cocktails poolside, visit the spa for some indulgence or get active with a game of beach volleyball or water polo.

Thailand may be best-known as a backpacking and partying destination, but it has so much to offer the more discerning traveller, and options to suit all kinds of budgets.