Thailand Villas

Thailand is one of the most fascinating and cultured destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand is friendly and fun-loving, exotic and tropical, cultured and historic and offers something for everyone from its glittering temples and tropical beaches to the ever-comforting Thai smile.

• Where is Thailand
• Being Thai
• What you can expect to see
• Why travellers love Thailand
• Good to know

The wide range of activities and attractions make it one of the most popular parts of Southeast Asia from its sun-soaked beaches in the South, to hill-tribe villages in the North, the country has an astounding number of beautiful villas and luxury resorts to offer to the most discerning guests.

The main destinations in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Phuket, offer a variety of stunning beaches, luxurious accommodation, temples, markets, shops and restaurants.

Visitors can enjoy an active holiday in Thailand with diving, kayaking, rock climbing, elephant riding, fishing, trekking and much more. Thailand also has some of the best Spas in the world.

If you would like to ask about our Thailand Villas, please contact our team of villa experts or browse our site to see our luxury destinations in Asia.

Where is Thailand?

Sitting in an enviable position, close to the equator, the Kingdom of Thailand is bordered by Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia.

With the Andaman Sea to its West and the Gulf of Thailand to its East, the long isthmus that runs south from Bangkok to Kalatan are home to some of the most admired villas in Thailand in one of the top vacation destinations in the world.  Two of the standout islands along this unbelievably picturesque peninsula are Koh Samui and Phuket.

The unique location of Thailand has been instrumental in creating the ever-evolving country that is so beloved of travellers today.

Ancient influences from India and China interweave within Thai life and everything from traditional medicine to religious practices to the delicious dishes you will enjoy during your holiday in any of the stunning villas to rent in Thailand, create a diverse and tantalising experience.

Being Thai

With the second largest Buddhist population after China, you will find temples or wats built to venerate the great smiling Buddha all over Thailand.

This religious way of life is a key part of what it means to be Thai.  In fact, the very term 'thai' is believed to mean 'human being' or 'free man'.  This is at the heart of Buddhist philosophy and key to the welcoming and inclusive personality of this nation.

The tradition of warm hospitality, respect for elders and their royal family, adherence to traditions are fundamental aspects of life.

And although this is a country that's embracing 21st century living at a brisk pace (Thailand has the second largest economy in Southeast Asia) there's a graciousness and courtesy to life across this captivating country.

What you can expect to see

Well, Thailand is more than a sum of her parts.  Let's take a quick trip through some of the regions to get a flavour of what this diverse country can offer.

North

There are mountainous regions all across Thailand, lush green and tropical.  The more dramatic of them are found in the northern region of the country.  Here you will find the hill tribes of Karen, Akha, Hmong and Mien just to name a few.

Each of these tribes have their own customs and language and their ways of life protected by law in Thailand.  Chiang Mai is the largest city in this region and second largest city in Thailand.  Its name literally means New City although it was founded in the 13th Century.

It's one of the most visited cities for Songkran, a festival in mid-April to mark the Thai new year.  The celebrations involve many religious events but also what's politely called the Water Splashing Festival - basically a wild and friendly water fight that takes place across the city.

Central

Moving southwards from these mountainous and hilly regions, you will find Central Thailand.  This is one of the richest agricultural areas of Thailand and home to the largest urban centre in the country:  Bangkok.

With a population of over 10 million people, this is the capital city and administrative centre for the whole country.  It's a vibrant and bustling city that rarely sleeps and is often one of the first places visitors to Thailand might see as it has the largest airport in the country and provides connection points to other vacation destinations around the country.

If you have a stopover, some time to spare and a curious mind, there's a great deal to see in Bangkok.

Let's take a quick tour now.  Before you settle into one of the luxury villas Thailand offers, you might enjoy a walk around Rattanakosin Island in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok.  So much of the history of this city is found in this extraordinary place.  The Grand Palace, once the primary residence of the King, before the newer and nearby Dusit Palace was built is one of the key attractions.  As well, you will find numerous Wats or temples and other shrines that are beautifully ornate.

Large green spaces like Lumphini Park or Suanluang Rama IX are a welcome respite from the non-stop action of the more tourist-centric areas of the city.

And if you have time to get into the outskirts of Bangkok you can see floating vineyards, orchards and vast sweeping rice fields that remind us that this is the number one agricultural crop and fundamental ingredient on any Thai menu.

Shopping is a very popular pastime in Thailand and with electronics and jewellery some of the locally produced goods and key exports, there's a lot to choose from.

Whether you hit the modern department stores in the Siam area or get elbow to elbow in the sprawling weekend markets of Chatuchak where you can indulge in some spicey street food along the way, it's a heady experience.

Bangkok is a city of extremes.  From the low-lying architecture of historic Bangkok to the dizzying heights of the skyscrapers along Sathon and Si Lom.  From affluent districts to densely populated slum areas, from 21st century modernity to ancient temples, there's a lot of take in.

It's certainly a city that merits a visit but it's universally agreed that getting onto some of the more laid back and unspoiled islands like Samui or Phuket for a luxurious stay at one of the heavenly Thailand vacation rentals is really everyone's ultimate destination.

Southwest

Phuket island is located on the southwest of Thailand.  All along its coast are gloriously sandy beaches with coral islands dotted offshore.  This island is close to the equator and benefits from year-round temperatures that rarely fluctuate.

Luxury villas in Phuket Thailand benefit from constant temperatures around 30F/88C degrees and a dry season from December to March.  The southwest monsoons that sweep across this island mainly do so from May to October.

If you would like to rent a villa in Phuket Thailand with near access to a quiet and unspoiled beach, look at the Cliff Top Residence overlooking Ao Yan Bay and the two beaches that are divided by a rocky promontory.

Ao Yon Junior Beach has fabulous views across to Lone Island.  Ao Yon Senior Beach is home to the Phuket Yacht Club so you can check out some of the fabulous boats that move in and out of the bay.

The impressive SALA Phuket Resort and Spa has an enviable location on the beach Mai Khao beach on the Northwest of the island.  A fabulous honeymoon destination where you can indulge in some wonderful pampering and relaxation.

There's a great deal to see and explore on Thailand's largest island.  At 222 square miles, you can visit the tropical interior of the island.  A day trip to the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is certainly a highlight for visitors.

The nearby Phi Phi islands is another standout memory.  Annually, the King's Cup Regatta or Chao Le boat floating festival that takes place at night, is a magical experience.

And if you are a motorbike enthusiast, Bike Week is the largest bike festival in Asia where parades are organised and wildly decorated bikes and their proud owners put on a dazzling display.

This is really the best part of visiting this island.  You can step away from the bustle of life in one of the vacation rentals in Phuket Thailand and find your version of blissful relaxation or you can get out and explore the many spectacular temples like Wat Chalong with its Grand Pagoda or get into the Nakkerd Hills to not only see the huge Buddha but take in the spectacular views across Phuket.

Southeast

Koh Samui or simply Samui, is probably one of the most famous island destinations in the world.  The spectacular beaches and crystal clear waters are all part of its incredible charm.

With a hilly and jungle interior, the coastal plains offer some of the prettiest views across the Gulf of Thailand.  The famous road, Route 4169 is a 32-mile drive that will take visitors around the island.  Temperatures average 28F/82C degrees with the rainy season mainly centred in October and November.

Again, this island is at the forefront of helping protect the native Asian elephant.  You can visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, engage with the symbol of Thailand and support the amazing work being done.

You will find lots of craft fairs and markets taking place around the island.  The Samui Regatta is one of the top calendar events.  As is the Samui Triathlon, one of the top competitions for keen athletes globally where strength and endurance are tested to their limits.

The Hin Lad Waterfall Temple, in its tropical rainforest home, can be visited as you walk towards the waterfall.  Wat Plai Laem is another striking Buddhist temple surrounded by a lake.  There are so many fabulous temples around Samui, any day of exploration will involve stopping to admire their variety and inventive designs.

For dining out and nightlife you can visit the town of Chaweng.  The long, white beach is its first attraction with the second being Green Mango Strip.

It's at the heart of what's happening on the island.  For a less frenetic experience, the gorgeous Bophut, overlooking one of the best beaches on Koh Samui, is a pretty display of old Chinese Shop-Houses, lovely restaurants and cafes.

It's known locally as Fisherman's Village and retains a lot of the influences from its time as a French outpost.  This is a wonderful place to enjoy some day dives and scuba diving.  If you are travelling with a family, you might find that Bophut's Kanda Residences oceanfront villa offers the perfect base for you.

For an unforgettable trip, why not visit the Ang Thong National Marine Park.  It's a short trip from Samui and is made up of over 40 tiny islands.  Do not forget your camera.  It's one naturally occurring beautiful view after another.  Why not let Exceptional Villas concierge team book your trip to this amazing protected marine park.

Another favoured place on this island is Mae Nam beach.  With some sublime luxurious villas dotted around this gorgeous bay, you can enjoy the views and stillness and yet be within easy reach of some of the fun things to do in this corner of Samui.

Why Travellers love Thailand?

Wellness

The global wellness industry has acknowledged the calibre and efficacy of the diverse spa and wellness centres in Thailand.  It has established itself at the forefront of the global wellness movement.  It's more than just yoga retreats and Thai massages.  There's a holistic and comprehensive approach to what constitutes wellness when you visit Thailand.

The union of treatments and practices that refresh and align one's Mind, Body and Spirit are fundamental to a vacation at any of the stunning villas Thailand offers along its mesmerising coastlines.

The clarity of the air, the peace of being self-contained in one of the divine villas in Thailand on the beach, form the foundation of a calm and restorative vacation.

The world-famous Thai massage - Nuad bo-rarn - meaning ancient healing way is a dynamic massage where you actively engage with the treatment.  Your body is repositioned throughout the process to help produce greater range of motion, deep relaxation or generate natural energy.

When you rent a villa in Thailand, why not let our wonderful Exceptional Villas concierge team book a bespoke suite of massage therapies for you to enjoy from the comfort of your luxurious home?

If any of our glorious villas in Thailand come with a private Chef, we are very happy to instruct them on your dietary requirements for the duration of your vacation.

With a wealth of divine natural ingredients, herbs and spices that are filled with goodness, tasteful and sumptuous feasts can be prepared that support your well-being while still feeling wonderfully indulgent.

And let's not forget meditation.  Buddhism, the main religion of Thailand, sees itself as the component of Thai traditional medicine that's primarily focussed on mental health.

With conventional western medicine acknowledging the wide range of benefits derived from meditation, your vacation to Thailand might be an opportunity to embrace some of these meditative practices.

Beaches

Some of the most Instagrammed beach images have been taken in Thailand.  Coconut palms fringing white sandy beaches.  Lush islands dotting the horizon as local fishing boats drift by.  It's just one picture postcard moment after another.  When you stay at any of the Exceptional Villa luxury Thai villas, you are never far from a perfect beach.

Food

It's impossible to find a country in the world that doesn't have some pretty fabulous Thai food offerings.  The five flavours of Thai cuisine, namely, Salty, Sweet, Spicey, Bitter and Sour combine across dishes like Green Curry, Pad Thai, Tom Yum to Massaman Curry.  Coconut, Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Galangal enliven and enrich so much of the food.

Jasmine rice is at the heart of so much of Thai life that it feels unnatural to sit to a meal that doesn't have some version of rice on offer.

Locally produced beer, rum and even wine are available to complement any gourmet experience but you'll find your favourite western beverage brands readily available too.

Good to Know - Tips for the Good Traveller

If it's your first visit to Thailand or even Asia, there are some very important things to know.  First of all, regardless of the number of international tourists who travel through Thailand each year or the modern face that Thailand shows to the world, this is still a very traditional country that has very deep-rooted customs.

For instance, you will notice the many shrines and temples dotted around the country.  These are venerated places that are an important part of daily Thai life.  Whether it's making an offering or honouring ancestors, there's a complex and spiritual aspect to life in this ancient country.

When entering any temple, you are expected to cover your shoulders.  Dresses and trousers should cover the knees.  No beach wear or skimpy clothing is permitted.  Also, all visitors to holy sites, remove their shoes at the doorway.  Generally, photography is permitted but do check with each individual location.

Private homes, some shops also expect a visitor to remove shoes.  Be mindful of this as you travel through some of the smaller and more traditional towns of this country.  If you blunder and get it wrong, a sincere apology usually resolves the dilemma quickly.

Never touch the Buddha statues or make contact with any of the monks at the shrines.  These are revered individuals.  And on the subject of touching, it is considered the very worst etiquette to touch an individual's head as in Thai culture it's considered the most sacred part of a person's body.

If you are greeted with 'wai' in Thailand, return the greeting, smiling and bowing also.

By respecting these traditions and beliefs, we create an easy rapport with local people when we enter their world on their terms.

And if you like to bring home some pretty souvenirs of your travels, do remember that it is forbidden to take any images of the Buddha out of Thailand.

Thailand Vacation Rentals

Thailand is a spectacular country that brings together every desirable aspect of a vacation.  Heavenly beaches, great weather, extraordinary views, a rich culture, a vibrancy that melds the past and present.  The colourful cities, the endless beaches woo travellers of all ages.

It's a country that has seen much change over the centuries, evolving into the unique destination that it is today.  A visit to Thailand is always considered the first of many.  With so much to enjoy and explore, it's a world like no other.