The best day trips to escape Bangkok's crowds

People may think of Thailand as a food-focused destination, or a place for great nightlife or even a wellness center and somewhere to go and be pampered.

Thailand is perfect for families and kids of all ages.

This fall, international air traffic reached 98.2 percent of what it was prepandemic, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In other words, global citizens are traveling the world with almost the same fervor as they were in 2019.

Spain now has the world’s most powerful passport, according to a new index.

When people think of Thailand, they often think of relaxing on a pristine beach with a refreshing cold drink in their hand.

For anyone who has traveled abroad recently, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that traveling outside the country can sometimes be cheaper than traveling within the States. One of the places that’s true is in Thailand. Currently, $1 is worth roughly 35 Thai baht. Back here in the States, that wouldn’t even get me a pack of gum, but in Chiang Mai, that can get you a motorcycle taxi ride. If you’re traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand, here is what you could spend a day in Chiang Mai.

The outbound travel recovery in China is stuck at just over half of 2019 levels, but there’s at least one promising sign of future demand: Domestic tourism is 90% above 2019 levels.

Attention, all travel enthusiasts. If you want to maximize your travel plans and book an additional flight at no extra cost, booking a Flying Blue stopover can help unlock more value from your miles. In 2022, Air France-KLM Flying Blue began allowing stopovers on its own one-way, round-trip and multi-city award ticketed flights. Then, in 2023, the airline loyalty program expanded stopovers to all partner award tickets.

ICONSIAM, the Thailand landmark destination located on the Chao Phraya riverside in Bangkok, has been chosen as one of the seven highlight locations for the “The Vijit Chao Phraya 2023” event, a part of ‘Thailand Winter Festival’ of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which is being organised throughout December 2023 as a joint public-private sector collaboration. Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Company Limited, said, “We will proudly contribute with amazing events that will help light up the river during this season of joy and invite everyone to join us and share in the festive holiday spirit at ICONSIAM.”

Many experiences in Chiang Mai are ideal for the budget traveler – grazing on street food, enjoying relaxing traditional Thai massages, sipping red iced tea, renting a scooter to buzz out to waterfalls and hot springs – but everyone knows that the best things in life are free. And Chiang Mai has experiences by the bucketload that cost absolutely nothing at all.

As one of the world's favorite budget travel playgrounds, Bangkok has freebies galore. From golden temples, captivating monasteries and vast open-air markets to meditation sessions and people-watching on the most famous backpacker strip in the world, the Thai capital can keep you entertained for weeks, even on the tightest of budgets.

Embark on a festive journey with The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, where enchanting experiences await in Amsterdam's winter wonderland, Madrid's vibrant Christmas fiestas, Rome's artistic celebration, Phuket's Thai-European fusion market, and Bali's rich cultural feasts. Uncover the magic with these exclusive 'December Discovery' packages, blending luxury, local delights, and seasonal festivities. Check out these 5 great holiday escapes.