From Street Food to Island Dining: How Thailand’s Coastal Destinations Turn Food Into a Travel Experience
In Thailand, a coastal holiday is as much about what’s on your plate as what’s waiting beyond the beach. The country’s seaside destinations offer plenty of delicious ways to explore local culture and below are four reasons as to why foodies and gourmands love coming back here again and again.
Bold, Distinct Southern Flavours
The southern islands, including Koh Samui and Phuket, are home to some of the best restaurants in Thailand that serve up some wonderfully distinctive flavours, often built around coconut milk, shrimp paste, turmeric and fragrant herbs. Try Gaeng Tai Pla, a bold southern fish curry, Kua Kling, a spicy dry meat curry, or Gaeng Som, a tangy sour curry, which provide a delicious introduction to the south’s fiery food culture.
Destination Dining at Resorts
In island destinations such as the Phi Phi Islands, luxury resorts can turn an evening meal into a memorable experience. At the Phi Phi Island property of SAii Hotels & Resorts, for example, couples can dine at a candlelit cabana on a secluded beach overlooking Loh Ba Kao Bay; a choice of menus can feature Thai favourites, fresh seafood or other flavour-filled options. Add a glass of wine or champagne beneath the stars, and dinner becomes an occasion in itself.
Night Markets and Beachside Street Stalls
Evening strolls in places like Phuket and Koh Samui are a treat for food lovers, thanks to lively night markets and casual beachside stalls. Follow the tempting aromas, and you will find seafood skewers sizzling over hot grills, spicy som tam (green papaya salad) being freshly prepared, and mango sticky rice ready for dessert. Of course, the best part is that you can sample a little of everything!
Immersive Thai Cooking Classes
Why simply enjoy Thai food when you can learn to prepare it yourself? Certain coastal resorts offer hands-on cooking classes led by experienced chefs, introducing you to signature ingredients, traditional techniques and the balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours. Prepare dishes such as tom yum, fragrant curries and tropical salads, then sit down and savour your creations.
