Hands up who would love a Thailand getaway? Are you yearning for a holiday in a far of land, where the sun is shining and the sea is warm? Or maybe you love history and want to wander amongst ancient ruins in Ayuthaya or Sukhothai? Or perhaps after months and months of social distancing, you are excited for the hustle and bustle of a downtown Bangkok staycation? All from the comfort of your armchair. Grab yourself a cuppa and read on! Let’s go on a #VirtualThailand staycation!
Greetings from Phuket, Thailand!
I
Since February 2020 I have made it my “thing” to get to know and support Thailand’s hotels and resorts.
With over 150 nights in hotels and resorts the length and breadth of Thailand, I can offer you my help and guidance for a wonderful #virtualThailand escape from the safety of your own home!
I hope that whilst this might be virtual travel for now, for some, we set alive the dream for a future visit in person. As the world returns to international travel, Thailand has reopened its borders to vaccinated arrivals without quarantine.
❤️ HOW TO ENJOY A THAILAND VIRTUAL STAYCATION!
Leave me a comment at the end of this post and I will select a perfect virtual Thailand staycation just for you!
Either let me know what type of holiday you enjoy; city, nature or beach? Add any special requests such as not to be missed Thailand, or off the beaten track Thailand. Who are you going with on your virtual staycation – is it a solo trip with friends, family, or with a partner?
Or just say hello, and I will choose based on your blog and social media profile!
For all comments, I will respond with a link for you to enjoy. Below you will find the destinations I know and the #virtualthailand staycations that have already been chosen. For full details see the original comments below and my response.
Staycation Experiences:
My over 200 nights in total have been varied. From solo travel, couple/romantic hotels, best hotels with friends, wellness resorts, island resorts, hotels for celebrations, city hotels, budget hotels, off-the-beaten-track hotels … I’ve tried to have a variety of hotel stays to suit all budgets. Yes, I even pleased Mr. Wren by booking two stays with their own golf courses!
My Staycation destinations:
Despite the pandemic which at times curtailed travel within Thailand, like many of you 2020/21 has been the time when I have explored my backyard, in a way that I never did when the International borders were open. This is my fifth year living in Thailand and I have loved adventuring in Thailand.
Here are my staycation destinations:
Northern Thailand:
Chiang Mai – Pai – Lampang – Chiang Rai – Nan – Nong Khai – Khon Kaen
- Chosen for Monica Nature Footstep (see comments below): Chantra Kiri Chalet Chiang Mai photos here, Video here
Southern Thailand
Ao Nang – Surat Thani – Khao Sok – Krabi
- Chosen for Angie Ten Toes in the Water (see comments below) Rayavadee, Krabi
- Chosen for Diane Lavender Dreams (see comments below): Our Jungle House Khao Sok
Island escapes: Phuket – Coconut Island – Koh Samui – Koh Phangan – Koh Phi Phi – Koh Yao Yai – Koh Yao Noi
- Chosen for Carol A Creative Harbor (see comments below) The Boathouse, Phuket
- Chosen for Eileen Viewing nature with Eileen (see comments below): Baan Kata Keeree
Also see the blog post: Behold the Leatherback Turtle on Kata Beach, Phuket
- Chosen for Jan Low Carb Diabetic (see comments below) Kamalaya
Also see the blog post: Kamalaya Wellness here
Eastern Thailand
Ubon Ratchathani
Central Thailand: Sukhothai
Bangkok
Drive from Bangkok Escapes: Hua Hin – Pranburi – Pattaya – Jomtien – Siracha – Rayong – Ayutthaya -Kanchanaburi – River Kwai
- Chosen for Mary-Anne Magpies Mumblings (see comments below): U-Inchantree Kanchanaburi
- Chosen for Tom A Backyard Traveller (see comments below): The Floathouse, Kanchanaburi
Also see blog posts Wandering Hellfire Pass Kanchanaburi and Wandering Kanchanaburi
- Chosen for Liz Laws of Gravity (see comments below): Aleenta, Pranburi
As featured in Best Trips for Solo Female Travel in Thailand
Drive from Bangkok Island Escapes: Koh Samet
How have I managed so many Staycations?
Over the past 15 months, our staycation circumstances here in Thailand changed considerably:
Feb 2020 Keep calm and carry on whilst we can…
March 2020 I’m not leaving my Bangkok apartment, except for an extremely COVID-safe stay in Bangkok on a Saturday night.
May 2020 Proceed with caution staycations within driving distance of home.
August 2020 Let’s go explore Thailand without the tourists!
Jan 2021 Thailand’s 2nd wave; work from home & cancel all non-essential travel. This is how we ended up with many happy days in Phuket, having remained after our Christmas holidays.
Jan 2022 having enjoyed Phuket so much we finally gave up our Bangkok apartment and returned to Phuket.
7 reasons to enjoy a #VirtualThailand Staycation
1. Virtual Thailand travel is an affordable escape! It’s free!
2. Get to know and explore Thailand from the comfort & safety of your own home/office/garden wherever you can access the internet.
3. Enjoy a trip down memory lane for those who have already visited the Kingdom. Relive and remember previous fabulous holidays in Thailand & share your experiences here.
4. Gain ideas for future trips. From July 1st, 2021 Thailand Sandbox reopening plan is to open for International Visitors who are fully vaccinated without quarantine at certain destinations.
5. Avoid current lockdowns and travel restrictions enjoy the Land of Smiles through a virtual staycation holiday. It’s a pandemic-safe, fun experience!
6. Encourage those working in the hotel and tourism industry of Thailand who are desperate for tourists to return with a supportive comment after you have enjoyed your Virtual Thailand staycation
7. Support my work in bringing Thailand to the world!
For details of how these virtual staycations work see my #virtualThailand Instagram post here! We have had over 300 people across the globe participating now it’s your turn!
I hope you have enjoyed a little glimpse into the variety on offer in a Thailand holiday – where would you like to go on your virtual Thailand staycation, what would you like to do? Do stop by and cheer us on opening Thailand to the world.
Chat soon!
Have a lovely day!
28 comments
Wren – your photos always leave me with my mouth open at the beauty of the landscapes and the fascinating cultural aspects. It intrigues me greatly, but I would probably never travel that far .. if I did, I would focus on the nature. Scuba diving? Thanks for sharing your love and experiences with everyone at Mosaic Monday!!!
Oh Angie – Scuba Diving it is!
I’m choosing you Rayavadee, Krabi and because this is virtual you’ll arrive by private speedboat with a private dive boat at your disposal.
I’ve chosen this resort for its wondrous tropical gardens & coconut groves. You can enjoy the friendly monkeys swinging in the trees.
The two-storey pavilions are amazing with a thai super luxe feel (nothing but the best for you!) You have the choice of beaches few minutes’ walk from Railay and Phranang Beaches,
Breakfast in the gardens are a highlight and check out the incredible spa (I’ve been with two “not that into spa’ blokes who are converts now and don’t forget to book for dinner in the cave!
Enjoy your Fabulous staycation here: https://www.rayavadee.com/
Or check out my Facebook post here: https://www.facebook.com/lwwren/posts/2782903035271872
Have fun and don’t forget to let me know what you think!!
Wren x
lol, would love to visit your beautiful country, maybe, one day?
Hi Monica – I hope you can get to Thailand one day. Today I’m taking you on a birding holiday in Northern Thailand. You can enjoy bird watching from Chantra Khiri Chalet set
up in the hills outside ?????? ???. I just loved this hotel and it’s stunning views.
? ??? ???????: the crisp, clean, cool air & gorgeous panorama of ??? ??????-??? ???????? ????. This is one of Thailand’s best National parks for bird watching.
? ??????? ????? ?????: Mine one of 14 neo-colonial suites (they also have Lanna style villas) everyone drop-dead gorgeous at every turn. The room highlight?
It was a toss up between cosying up on the balcony on the daybed admiring the view or the elegant bath.
? ??? ????: our private ????’? ????? Thai dining banquet cooked by the owner, a delicious & a very special evening.
???? ???????: the gardens, the pool & the feeling of peacefulness.
? ??? ?????? ?????? & ????????: there is something to admire at every turn.
? ??????? over the mountains and a superb breakfast by the pool.
Check out this hotel here: https://chantrakhirichalet.com/ I will send you the link via your IG account! I hope you enjoy!
I know I will not make it to your country but love the virtual tour. So much beauty to see and I’d love to learn the history too.
Oh Carol – wonderful a historical destination. I have just the place. ?? ????????? ?????????? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ? ??????? & ??????? ???? & ???? ????????? ??? ?????.
??????? ?????????, ????????? ??????????? ???? ????? ?????? ??? ?????
You’re off to stay in the ancient capital of Siam, an easy drive from Bangkok! Your beautiful teak villa feels old Thai and very historic, but with all mod cons!
The Phuttal Residence has a wonderful red ceiling. This beautiful villa beside the Chao Praya River came with Duke, the owner who will help you plan your Ayutthaya stay.
You can take a boat trip from outside your front door to four riverside temples. If you end the tour at sunset you can stay for dinner at a recommended riverside restaurant. ??? ????!
In the morning you wake to the sounds of the birds, the boats whizzing up the river, the chickens. Hope you love this stay as much as we did!
For more information I have sent you the link on IG or check out https://www.facebook.com/PhuttalResidence/
Enjoy your historic #virtualThailand Staycation! Thanks for participating!
…virtual travel is the in thing these days! Thanks for sharing all of this color with me, enjoy your week.
Hi Tom – thanks for your visit I have enjoyed your US ‘daily dispatches from the slow lane’ I can tell you enjoy peace and nature.
For your #virtualThailand staycation I suggest The Float House at the River Kwai
You will start with a James Bond style long tail boat ride up the River Kwai to a wilderness location where you will find beautiful resort that is really special.
I hope you love the swing seat on your private jetty, perhaps you will even enjoy floating down the river, drinks at sunset with friends, sleeping under the mossie nets, the trip up the river to the Mon village & the bamboo raft back…
From here you can take a trip to Hellfire Pass. The wonderful Interpretive Centre & audio guide will transport you back to a time in World War Two through the voices of Australian Prisoners of War who labored under the Japanese army to build the Thai Burma Railway.
It’s a poignant stay, full of history in a beautiful part of Thailand – enjoy.
More details can be found here:https://www.thefloathouseriverkwai.com/
Lovely virtual tour of you beautiful country ~ Xo
Living moment by momen,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Hi Carol – I am glad you enjoy a virtual tour because I can think of no better place for you aka A Creative Harbor, than to have you at our very own nautical styled room at The Boathouse Phuket.
You might remember my blog post on a giant leatherback turtle hatching on Kata Beach? That was at this gorgeous beach, you will love walking here and being a dog lover you will meet the friendly locals with their dogs if you are an early riser.
This hotel has the most spectacular outdoor dining room with our favourite chef, the food is as fab as the rooms, as the beach!
You will spot the odd Superyacht that appears on the horizon and plenty of local longtail boats that can take you out exploring the islands. Do not miss the wonderful sunsets.
This is a perfect place to recharge the batteries:
✔️ Our favourite Phuket restaurant
✔️ Kata Beach
✔️ Beautiful rooms
Enjoy your #virtualThailand staycation
More here at http://www.boathouse-phuket.com/
How wonderful! You know I love everything about nature and like being out on nature trails! Thanks for sharing the photos and YES…I would love to travel there some day! What a dream trip it would be!
PS I like what you planned for Nature Footstep! This is just awesome! I may be traveling ALL afternoon! Thank you SO much!
Perfect Diane and even better if you can come to enjoy Amazing Thailand in person one day!
Hello Diane – I have just the place for you as a nature lover who loves to hike. You’re going to stay at Our Jungle House in a wonderful rainforest hideaway. You will stay in a tree house called romance or sunshine or something as equally charming, found at the entrance to Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand.
It is rustic and charming (no air con but I coped!) and I hope you will also meet Ben the resident Naturalist who can take you on a wander to explain everything from what you are seeing to the meaning of life!
This is a perfect place to connect with nature in Amazing Thailand:
✔️ Love the tree houses
✔️ Khao Sok National Park
✔️ Beautiful people, place and food!
Enjoy your #virtualThailand staycation
More here at http://www.khaosokaccommodation.com
More photos in blog post above have now been added just for you!
This really does sound perfect for me! I don’t have instagram or Facebook but I’ll look up these places with an online search. Thank you SO much for doing this. I’m excited to get started! I’m tired of staying home! heehee!
Looks like you had some lovely times. Sometimes it’s good to stick close to home, especially in these times.
Hi Liz, yes I feel very fortunate in these tricky times. For your #virtualThailand staycation I want to offer you somewhere special in appreciation of all you do in your work in education.
‘???? ??? ??????? ??????? ??????? ????, ??? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ???? ??? ??? ???? ???’ ???????
??????? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ???????, Pranburi a 3 hour drive from Bangkok
? ????? ?? ????? ????? ????? ??? ????? ????? ??? ????? & ????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ?????. A place of calm, to pause and restore and to learn to just be.
Your ????????? ????????? are whether to read your book staying gently in your hammock… ?? ??? ?????????? ??????? ?? a ??????? ?????????? ????????
Here in ????????, ???????? life returns to an altogether slower pace.
There is an inordinate amount of pleasure from simple things.
Wearing the soft white (organic cotton of course!) Thai style pajamas hanging in the wardrobe… after working out how to tie them up so you don’t disgrace yourself.
Lathering yourself up in the indoor/outdoor shower under the stars. There is a cute ball of soap in a small brown bag in the bathroom that smells divine.
You can walk on the beach every day & enjoy meditation and yoga. I hope you enjoy your #virtualThailand Staycation. You deserve it, you’ve been a saint this school year!
For more see: https://www.aleenta.com/huahin
I did enjoy the virtual tour 🙂
Happy June Wishes to you.
All the best Jan
Happy June to you to Jan. I’m glad you enjoyed the tour and I’ve been thinking about your #virtualThailand staycation.
Given that your blog has a strong focus on wellness and a low carb diet to manage diabetes I hope you will enjoy Kamalaya on Koh Samui. Kamalaya won worldwide Health and Destination of the Year at the World Spa and wellness Awards.
It is one of my favourite places on the fabulous island of Koh Samui, the accommodation is top notch, with a fabulous beach and two swimming pool areas. You do not need to be at all concerned about food as the chefs cater for a range of dietary requests.There are lots of spa and wellness opportunities on offer and it appeals to such a broad range of guests. Everyone leaves feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
I have written a blog post on my two visits which I will pop into the post above. You can find out more at https://www.kamalaya.com/. Enjoy your #virtualThailand Staycation
Hello Wren,
I would love to visit Thailand some day. I would love seeing the wildlife there. For now, I am doing a lot of traveling virtually. Thanks for sharing all these gorgeous places. Take care, have a happy weekend!
Hello Eileen – I love that so many of my readers love all that is nature here on the blog. For your #VirtualThailand I’m going to invite you to our very own home away from home Baan Kata Keeree in Kata beach, Phuket.
Phuket is just gorgeous at the moment it was once over run by tourists and now nature is doing its own thing. This is the place where the leatherback turtle lay eggs on the beach the first time in 30 years
Here you have a six bedroom villa all to yourselves you will hear the birds sing all day long and at night time you will fall asleep to the sounds of the Ocean. Y
I am glad you love virtual travel and have a lovely day!
You can find out more here: https://www.baankatakeeree.com/
Wren
Virtual travel is the only way I’d consider going anywhere these days. Our airlines here in Canada are starting to offer amazingly cheap airfares within our country but who wants to get on a plane until everyone is vaccinated and there’s no hope of that happening because so many people are not getting the shots. Much as I want to visit our family in BC it’s not going to happen anytime soon.
Hi Mary-Anne I share your sadness at not being able to visit family too. Virtual Thailand is the way to go.
Knowing that you live by a river I thought I’d take you to the famous River Kwai where I did my Alms giving with the monk. The area is of great historical WW2 interest and also we have visited some lovely temples in the surrounding countryside.
The hotel you will stay at U – Inchantree has a beautiful tree in the middle of it and a lovely restaurant overlooking the river.
You can read more here back in the post and on this link: https://www.littlewanderingwren.com/2020/06/29/a-post-covid-kanchanaburi-staycation-escape-looking-for-nature-history-and-culture/
Enjoy your #virtualthailand staycation!
What a fun staycation Wren – wonderful to dream! First of all, I must say that the River Kwai looks a whole lot cleaner than our local Scugog River (and a lot bigger too). I loved that we started with coffee in a wonderful shop first – perfect. DH loved the cooking class and seeing the Bridge from the River Kwai (he’s seen the movie, I haven’t). I admired the 157 step staircase and decided that I would opt for another beverage and a look through the shops instead of attempting it. Maybe there might be some shops that feature locally made arts and crafts items. Reading the history of the alms and the monks was fascinated. And that bed looks so lovely and soft after a busy day spent exploring. A great way to dream – thank you!
I can’t believe you have stayed in over 100 accommodations throughout Thailand! My virtual Thai trip would be:Hubby wants to golf, explore Krabi, and take a boat through that blue water in Phuket! Oh, and those beaches.. beach day for sure!
Hi Shannon I’m just about to return to Krabi so I will see what golf courses are out there. As this is virtual travel I’m going to suggest you stay either in North Phuket, Mai Khao area which puts your hubby in good reach of three golf courses: Laguna, Red Mountain and Blue Canyon or Phang Nga where you can stay at Katathani and enjoy the misty mountain sunrise view and also check out the new golf course at Aquella.
Check out these:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CaZS5hyPfhz/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CN47Oj0sc67/
If you’re still doing it, I’d love to go on a virtual staycation! I love the beach, but I’d also love to know what you think is a “don’t miss” location. I’ll be “traveling” with my husband and son. How fun!
Hi Amy
I’m suggesting you explore the golden sands of Phang Nga 30 mins drive off Phuket Island from the International Airport. You will find plenty to do in the area, some island hopping, snorkelling and diving which of course in a virtual world you can enjoy even without experience. If you travel up the coast towards Khao Lak you can surf and kayak through mangroves, you can play golf, go hiking or simply find a palm tree and do absolutely nothing!
Check this out: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbLSOPMMmOs/
Enjoy your virtual Thailand staycation!
Wren x