We know travel right now can be tricky for some of you, it is for us too. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to travel to Thailand without leaving home.
Keep reading below to pretend you are in Thailand and grasp a slice of the country’s tropical vibes, stunning landscapes, warm locals, vibrant cities, and delicious food.
Enter a Thai state of mind
The perfect mix of laid-back and bustling, Thailand is not only known as the ‘land of the free’ for managing to keep its independence while the Western countries were taking land in SE Asia, but it is also commonly known as the ‘land of smiles’.
Its inhabitants take pride to be one of the smiliest and overall happiest in the world, scoring a top position on the world’s happiest nations list year after year, and we have so much to learn from them.
The often praised hustle culture that states ‘the more you work, the more celebrated you are’ won’t take you far when pursuing happiness. On the other hand, slowing down and appreciating the simplest things in life could definitely set you in the right direction and help you get there.
Enter a Thai state of mind, be kind to yourself and others, and make yours the Thai phrase ‘Mai bpen rai’ which means ‘Never mind’ or ‘Don’t worry’ for a smarter approach to life.
Head outside to watch sunrise or sunset
You might be thousands of miles away from Thailand’s gorgeous landscapes, but you can’t ever be too far from nature.
Acknowledging nature’s healing powers is life-changing. As it is stopping what you are doing and cherishing a sunrise or sunset outside.
There’s no better way to start and end your day. On the other hand, enjoying dusk and dawn outdoors will also help you feel energized and ready to face a new day in the morning, and wind down in the evening.
If you were on a Thailandese island, you’d probably get near the sea for sunrise or sunset. But even if you are far from the coast, simply watching the sun over the horizon will do wonders, trust us.
Make wellness part of your daily routine
Keeping your mind, body, and soul healthy is key for a fulfilling life, and something Thai people know well. But approaching this holistic concept from every angle incorporating wellness practices can be a daunting task in the beginning.
Luckily, these days you can work on your physical fitness, mental health, and emotions with the expert guidance of professionals.
And the guys at the exclusive destination spa Chiva Som know it well.
They’ve been offering counseling and online wellness sessions like dance therapy and guided meditation since the world came to a stop last year.
Here are six other tips to get you started on the wellness path:
- Breath as much fresh air as possible
- Eat real food instead of processed stuff, no matter how many healthy labels it boasts
- Keep yourself hydrated drinking water mainly
- Approach life from a positive standpoint and laugh more
- Move your body! Getting into yoga, pilates, strength training, and power walking are excellent choices
- Make sleep a priority and give yourself as much rest as you need
Give these a try and see your best self unfold!
Learn Thai
Learning some useful words and expressions in the native language before traveling to a destination is always a great idea. Not only will you be able to order food, read signs, and interact with the locals more easily; but you will also earn their respect right away.
Bring a bit of Thailand into your decor
Infusing color and traditional Thai elements in creative and unexpected ways is one of the simplest ways to enjoy this vibrant country from afar.
If you had a chance of exploring Thailand in the past, you can start by creating a photo wall with your memories, to bring back those buried digital folders to life. Otherwise, there are endless resources online to print out and put on display.
But there’s more:
On top of mood boards, prints or murals; you can get pretty much anything you want these days.
Here are some other gift ideas to treat yourself (or others) and enjoy a piece of Thailand anywhere:
- Benjarong pottery and colorful ceramic objects
- Mandala pattern cushion cases for your sofa
- Bright paper lanterns and bamboo umbrellas for parties and events
- Indoor tropical plants like bird of paradise, bamboo palm, dwarf umbrella tree, elephant ear and dracaena fragrans – the perfect photo background!
- Traditional dresses and costumes
- Roll-up Thai mattresses stuffed with natural kapok
- Thai style bamboo bedside table lamps
Get creative with an online Thai art workshop
One of the benefits that recent world events have left us is accelerating the vast amount of information accessible from anywhere in the world, regardless of budget, for those curious enough to learn something new.
From free YouTube tutorials, which have been a part of our lives for over 10 years now, to exciting new online platforms like Patreon, where talented artists offer exclusive content, lessons, and insights into their creative processes for a monthly fee; Thriving has never been easier for those who love lifelong learning.
These are some artistic disciplines that will develop your creativity while bringing you closer to Thailand:
- Watercolor paint
- Textile fabric
- Traditional archery
- Fruit and vegetable carving
- Jewelry making
Jump in the workcation trend
Among the things that have made Thailand famous in the past few years, there are three that stand out:
- The country has become a digital nomad haven with established and new hubs such as Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan, Koh Chang, and Krabi.
- More people than ever want to teach English in Thailand.
- It’s one of the best countries in the world for a proper workcation
Whether working remotely is part of your life already or not, it is undeniable that this country offers a perfect mix of old and new, affordable prices and an abundance of healthy food and trendy cafes that will keep attracting digital nomads in 2021 and beyond.
Start upskilling to become a remote work ninja and be able to work from there as soon as possible.
Taste Thailand from home
Sick of ordering the same takeaway dishes over and over again?
Then it’s time to do something about it and bring Thai food to the place it deserves among the best cuisines in the world while demystifying and delving into Thai gastronomy.
With you as the head chef!
Now, in case you are wondering where to find the essential staples of Thai kitchen such as rice noodles, curry paste, chilies, and sauces; Tourism Thailand and Rosa’s Thai Cafe have your back.
They have just launched new pad thai and green curry meal kits, online cooking workshops, and step-by-step recipe videos so you can order fresh Thai food whilst you can’t go to Thailand, learn to cook popular dishes and enjoy delicious Thai delicacies at home.
Stop missing Thai flavors and get creative making authentic Thailandese food in your kitchen now:
Happy cooking!
Get inspired now to travel later
It’s a fact: The international travel shutdown won’t last forever, and soon we’ll all be able to travel again. Meanwhile, here are four things you can do to experience Thailand from home:
Watch movies set in Thailand like The Railway Man (2013), Tropical Malady (2004), The Beach (2000), and Anna and the King (1999).
Engage in virtual walks of Bangkok’s Grand Palace or play documentaries such as Railway Sleepers (2016) and Gringo Trails (2013).
Read books about Thailand like Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap.
Play Thai music playlists.
There’s a myriad of resources currently available to bring a slice of Thailand to you from the comforts of your home.
Start planning your next adventure
Use this time to begin your research, find things to do and places to visit for your upcoming trip:
- Download and listen to travel podcasts discussing Thailand travel on Google Podcasts or Spotify.
- Use visual social media networks such as Pinterest and Instagram wisely: Crafting inspiration boards on Pinterest and saving dreamy Instagram posts for later will help you include many spots you could otherwise miss in your upcoming itinerary.
- Ultimately, as it could not be otherwise, travel blogs and vlogs come to your rescue. There are thousands of travel websites and Youtube channels full of inspiration and practical tips to explore Thailand in a responsible way, like this documentary that looks at the effects of mass tourism above and below water.
Keep reading:
- Making the most of your first time in Thailand
- Thailand travel guide
- Chiang Rai road trip
- Best things to do in Koh Phangan
- Off the beaten path Thailand gems
This article is part of the #ThrowbackThailand and #AmazingThailand campaigns, a collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Visit their website and keep the inspiration coming.
April 2021 update
Following a government meeting on 26 March 2021, a plan has been announced to open up Thailand to vaccinated travelers without the need for quarantine. The plan will take place in phases. In the first phase, Phuket will lead the way for the reopening of Thailand.
From 1 July 2021, fully vaccinated travelers can visit Phuket without the need to quarantine on arrival. The main requirements for overseas tourists are:
- Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required (both jabs)
- Obtain a Certificate of Entry (CoE) before departure
- Travel insurance with Covid-19 cover
- Download the Thailand Plus tracking app before departure and upload the required information
- Must fly directly to Phuket International Airport*
(*From the end of April 2021, passengers may be allowed to transit via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport. Awaiting full details. Updates will be added here when confirmed.) - Present a negative PCR test result (issued no longer than 72 hours before departure)
- Covid-19 test on arrival
- Stay on Phuket for a minimum of 7 days and can then travel around Thailand
From 1 October 2021, fully vaccinated travelers can visit Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, Phang Nga, and Phuket without the need to quarantine on arrival. Similar requirements will apply in this 2nd phase.
By the end of 2021/start of 2022, Thai authorities say that quarantine should be lifted entirely in all areas of Thailand for vaccinated visitors. The proposed date for this to happen is on or before 1 January, 2022.
Source: https://fanclubthailand.co.uk/phuket-paves-the-way-to-reopening-thailand-without-quarantine/
