The Imperial Boat House isn’t just one of the most unique hotels in Thailand. It’s actually one of the most unusual in Asia. This five-star resort, located in tropical Koh Samui, gets its name from the old rice barges which have been converted into private two-storey bungalows. The boats are now moored on land, but water isn’t far away. Guests have just meters to walk to the Choeng Mon beach. Each suite is lavishly appointed with a living room, dining area, sky-lit bathroom, luxury bedroom, and a sunbathing deck for soaking up the region’s famous rays. The Imperial Boat House also offers more traditional rooms in a three-storey building near the gardens. These are a lit...

In Thailand farmers and craftsmen don’t take to the streets to sell their wares. They get on the water in the country’s famous floating markets. Here sellers with boats piled high with exotic fruits and vegetables, flowers, and other fresh produce meet fellow traders and barter their wares. It’s colorful and chaotic, but also great fun, and something you’ll remember from your Thailand vacation. The markets are a reminder of simpler times. Contemporary grocery and department stores have largely replaced these traditional bazaars, but those that remain are a highlight for the country’s visitors. In fact, the Thai government, recognizing their potential for generat...

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it’s hard to believe that once this mountainous location was only accessible by river or elephants. Today transport’s a lot easier. All the major domestic airlines, including Thai Airways and Air Asia, fly between Bangkok and Chiang Mai several times each day. Buses and trains also travel from the capital regularly. Yet the elephants’ importance to the area, known as the Rose of the North, remains. Since their services are no longer required for transport, the elephants of Chiang Mai lead a pampered existence at the Elephant Nature Park. Nestled around 60 kilometers from the city center, the park provides a sanctua...