Key Takeaway:

• Thailand’s luxury hospitality industry is underrepresented in India, with most discussions focusing on budget and mass tourism.
• Thailand offers unique and exceptional hospitality experiences, including top-notch wellness offerings, a vibrant yacht culture, premium beach clubs, luxurious hotels and luxurious river cruises.
• The tourism authorities and media in India need to do more to promote Thailand’s luxury hospitality industry, which far surpasses what is available in other countries in the region.

Thailand has long been known for its beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife. However, when it comes to showcasing its luxury hospitality, Thailand often takes a backseat. The conversation around Thailand’s tourism industry in India tends to centre around budget and mass tourism, with little publicity paid to its high-end offerings. However, this is starting to change as the Indian luxury traveller becomes more familiar with the leading names and offerings in the country.

Thailand offers a unique and exceptional hospitality experience that is unmatched in Asia. From culinary delights helmed by celebrity chefs to luxury resorts that are a destination-within-a-destination, Thailand offers opulence on a platter. In addition, the country is home to some of the best wellness offerings in the region, including traditional and medical centres, as well as a vibrant yacht culture along its stunning coastline.

For those seeking a seafaring adventure, chartering a yacht or catamaran is a straightforward process with a trained crew, and sailing away for a day or a weekend is a popular option for luxury travellers. Beach clubs and ultra-luxurious hotels are also abundant, offering a meaningful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in India. For those who prefer a more scenic experience, indulgent river cruises along the Chao Phraya River provide a unique way to explore Thailand and its culture. And for those who want to get up close to nature, eco-resorts and luxurious lodges offer a chance to escape into the wild.

For those seeking a leisurely pace of vacation, the Eastern and Oriental Express is a luxurious train journey that showcases the best of Thailand. The train offers a sophisticated and elegant way to travel, with all the amenities and comforts of a five-star hotel. And for those looking to enjoy breathtaking views and stylish cocktails, the country’s capital boasts more rooftop bars than you can imagine, offering a stylish and sophisticated escape.

When it comes to hotel rooms, villas reign supreme, and Thailand has no shortage of exceptional properties to choose from. Cities like Bangkok boast luxury hotels such as the Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons at Chao Phraya River, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, Capella Bangkok, The Siam, The Peninsula, The Sukhothai Bangkok, Park Hyatt, and 137 Pillars. And for a tropical escape, Phuket offers stunning options like The Racha, Naka Island, COMO Point Yamu, Trisara, Layan Residence and Amanpuri. With its exquisite temples and cultural heritage, Chiang Mai is also home to a growing number of high-end properties.

While the pace of awareness in the Indian luxury travel market may lag, the tide is turning. The level of luxurious offerings available in Thailand far surpass what is on the market in neighbouring countries like Singapore or Malaysia, and the country’s exceptional hospitality, combined with its rich lifestyle offerings, make it a destination to be noticed.

Thailand’s luxury hospitality industry is a gem still underrepresented in the eyes of the Indian traveller. It is time for the tourism authorities and media in India to start promoting and appreciating this segment of Thailand’s tourism industry.

By: Vishal Jain, Editor-in-Chief, @WorldTravelMagazine. 11 Feb 2023.

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