TIME magazine’s list of ‘The World’s Greatest Places Of 2023’ – which it describes as being 50 extraordinary destinations to explore – includes two destinations in Thailand – Isan (the Northeast) and Phuket.
The TIME list makes particular mention of Isan’s diverse and delicious culinary offerings, before also saying:
“Those who venture to this off-the-beaten-path region of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks and Khmer temple ruins, and now: Michelin-recommended restaurants. It’s not just restaurants and night markets that are drawing a new crowd of visitors though. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of Thailand’s first national park, Khao Yai, which sits largely in Isan’s Nakhon Ratchasima province and is home to elephants, gibbons, and Asian black bears.”
Of Phuket, the list says: “Thailand’s most visited region – the famed beaches of Phuket – just upped its family appeal with the grand opening of Carnival Magic, a culturally-focused theme park last September. Voluntourism initiatives continue to be a priority on the island. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, for example, invites visitors to help feed the animals and provides education about elephant communication and behaviour. Although the island is best known for its eponymous city, Phuket is drawing more visitors to its uncrowded countryside with an impressive landscape of modern luxury lodges.”
The list is curated by TIME’s editors and includes a wide range of attractions, from hotels and restaurants to museums and natural wonders. Check out the full list here: https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2023/.
