Long Weekend – Travel with KKday

Is the work week getting you down? Nothing puts you in vacation mood more than a hump day that’s extra tough. To help you along, we’ve rounded some of the world’s most relaxing destinations that make for the best vacations. Bookmark this for your next long weekend or vacation trip!

Maldives

With powdery beaches and crystal-blue waters like nowhere else in the world, and ultra-exclusive resorts, Maldives is top off the head when it comes to dream vacations. Resorts are constantly competing to give travelers the most relaxing experience possible, with services and amenities such as personal butlers and underwater spas. But over the years, the Maldives has become more accessible to the independent traveler and you can choose from the many luxury resorts, or go backpacker style and stay with a friendly local family. Whether you stay in a small guesthouse or a luxury villa, you’re sure to enjoy the pristine sands and seas.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Step away from the crowds and reconnect with nature at Koh Lanta. Go island hopping and trek through the jungle, where you’ll stumble upon waterfalls that will take your breath away. Explore Maya Bay, a hidden beach tucked behind 100-meter high cliffs and was the setting for Leonardi DiCaprio’s movie ‘The Beach.’ And after you’ve recharged enough? Head over to the famous Why Not bar where you can meet friendly strangers, listen to live music, and just enjoy the sound of the waves.

Bali, Indonesia

While a number of beaches have become too touristy and commercialized, Bali is still full of the same powdery beaches, perfect waves, and incredible sunsets (READ: Bali’s Most Beautiful Beaches). Pockets are so untapped and secluded, a vacation getaway can quickly turn into a spiritual retreat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go on an off-road island adventure and a safari tour.

Budapest

We’ve got to thank Wes Anderson for reminding us what a wonderful place Budapest can be. And while you (hopefully) won’t be solving any murder mysteries during your stay, Budapest is full of all sorts of astounding sights to see. Explore the stunning architecture in cool weather with a guided walking tour (or bike tour), or make the most of your time and take an exclusive air cruiser. Don’t end your trip without a nightcap of some of their finest wine.

Marbella, Spain

Fancy yourself a Spanish siesta? The southern coast of Spain boasts of gorgeous sandy beaches, lush greenery, and peaceful harbours. If you find yourself feeling a little restless, wait until the sun goes down to enjoy the bustling nightlife, or sip a cocktail on one of the many tapa bars overlooking the sea.

Bondi, Australia

The atmosphere in Bondi Australia is so relaxed many of the locals don’t even bother to put on shoes. Spend a beach weekend here, where you’ve got access to numerous fantastic beaches via the Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Trail. After a day of surfing or sunbathing, have a hearty fill at any of the quaint cafes and restaurants nearby

El Nido, Palawan

Conde Naste has declared Palawan as the most beautiful island in the world, two years straight. And it’s easy to see why. With miles of pristine beaches, tropical forests, and its famous underground river system, El Nido is the perfect place to go for a taste of both adventure and relaxation.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Let your eyes rest easy on Morocco’s Blue Pearl City, famous for its powder-blue painted doors and walls. Stroll through the small but vibrant town with an empty shopping bag, and fill it with all sorts of colorful finds from the city’s craft market: handwoven blankets, pots made from brass and clay, and intricate jewelry. After a day of haggling and bargain hunting with the local merchants, sit back and unwind with a cup of spiced coffee, and enjoy the incredible view of the Rif Mountains. If you’re up for something more, take a Balloon Flight, or go Quad Biking in the desert.

Bagan, Myanmar

If you’re itching to get off the grid and go backpacking, definitely consider Bagan, Myanmar (READ: 6 PLaces to Check Out on Your Next Trip to Myanmar). This growing backpacker haunt is little more than an overgrown village with some of the simplest traveler comforts. But don’t mistake its simplicity for boring; with over two thousand temples and pagodas and wide, winding dirt roads, Bagan is easily one of Myanmar’s greatest tourist attractions and is best explored by bicycle.

Vientiane, Laos

World's Most Relaxing Destinations; Vientiane City, Laos — World’s Most Relaxing Destinations: Vientiane City, Laos (via SaigonJoe)

Uncrowded and slow-paced, Vientiane has been nicknamed the ‘Capital of Calm.’ But this Mekong River-side spot is full of age-old Buddhist temples, impressive colonial French architecture, and great finds at the street markets. Spend your days pouring over a good book at any of the tiny cafes, and your nights at an old French villa turned boutique hotel.

From the bustle of Bangkok to the holiday fever of Pattaya, every city in Thailand is bursting with personality. But for the ancient city of Chiang Mai, the charm lies in its laid-back atmosphere. This growing backpacker destination is scenic and peaceful, without ever being boring. Here’s what you can do with 4 Days in Chiang Mai.

Day 1: Play with the Elephants

Visit the Karen Village Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

For the Thai, the elephant carries immense cultural significance—from the ancient kings of Siam who rode them into battle, to common folk hauling materials to build temples. And if you only have a day in Thailand, spend it with these gentle giants in their natural habitat, deep in Thailand’s mountain region.

Chiang Mai: Karen Village Elephant Sanctuary — Spend a day with Thailand’s gentle giants

Change out of your day clothes into traditional Karen attire and get a quick lesson on elephant history, behavior, and Chiang Mai’s elephant preservation efforts. You won’t be riding the elephants or see them perform along the town streets. Instead, you’ll feed them bananas and sugarcane, while you have traditional Thai food lunch for yourself.

Go down and join the elephants by the river where you can bathe and brush them. After the river, they’ll lead you to a therapeutic mud spa, where the baby elephants become especially playful! Snap a picture with your new animal friends before saying good-bye, as you end your day with a scenic drive back to your hotel.

Day 2: Nature Calls

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park

Get up early and make the most of the day when you visit Doi Inthanon National Park, part of the Himalayan mountain range and an incredible expanse of Thailand’s most stunning natural attractions. d

As you hike along the trails, the next thing you’ll hear are the Wachirathan Waterfalls, crashing from heights of up to 80 meters.

Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon Waterfalls — One of the park’s grandest waterfalls, Watchirathan Waterfall

You’ll also notice the birds, which you’ll hear before you see. The lush mountain landscapes make the park one of the best bird watching sites in the country.

Chaing Mai: Doi Inthanon Bird Watching — Doi Inthanon National Park is home to many exotic species of birds.

Be sure you’ve packed a jacket before making your way to the peak of Doi Inthanon, where temperatures drop to as low as 10 degrees Celsius. At 2565 meters, you’ll overlook all of Thailand and beyond.

Chiang Mai: Mt. Doi Inthanon — The peak of Mt. Doi Inthanon is the highest point in all of Thailand.

Day 3: An Old New City

Pay your respects at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

While Chiang Mai translates to ‘New City,’ the former seat of the Lanna kingdom is steeped in over 700 years of history. The most prominent sign of this is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s oldest and most sacred temples. To reach the wát, many Buddhist devotees climb the 306-step staircase, but you can opt to take an elevator lift for 20 baht.

Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — Visit one of Thailand’s most sacred temples.

The temple enshrines a bone fragment said to belong to Buddha himself, carried by sacred white elephant. Follow the walkway to the glimmering gold chedi that holds the relic, where you can leave lotus blossoms as an offering.

Visit Bhubing Palace

Not far from Doi Suthep is the Bhubing Palace, the Thai royal family’s summer home. Because of the cool mountain climate, Queen to raises a stunningly colourful garden filled with exotic flowers, especially roses.

Chiang Mai: Bhubing Palace — Enjoy the cool mountain air, colourful flowers, and music.

The late and well-loved Thai King—who was also a saxophonist and inventor—left his own imprint in the gardens: the musical water fountain plays his compositions.

Watch a Khantoke Show at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

Chaing Mai: Khantoke Show — You won’t have time to talk over dinner, as you’ll be amazed at the performance.

End the day with a Khantoke Dinner, the northern Thai way of eating—seated on a floor mat at a low table with the food served on large platters. As you eat, enjoy a traditional dance performance. The shows include the Fon Lep (‘Finger Dancing’), Fon Thean (‘Candle Dancing’) and Ram Dab (‘Sword Dancing).

Day 4: Do as the locals do

Take a Thai Cooking Class

Chaing Mai: Mama Noi's Cooking Class — Impress your friends back home with your homemade pad thai!

On your last day in Chiang Mai, find ways to bring a bit of it home with you. You’ll start by selecting ingredients from the local market. With the help of the chefs, you’ll be able to prepare green curry, pad thai, and the sweet, sticky rice with mango.

Bargain Hunting at the Marketplace

End your trip with a leisurely trip to any of Chiang Mai’s marketplaces as you haggle your way to the perfect outfit, jewelry piece, or souvenirs to bring home.

Chiang Mai: Sunday Market — Find a great souvenir from the market to remember this trip

Check out the Night Bazaar, open seven days a week, that has all your shopping desires as well as live music and traditional Thai dancers. If you’re in for the weekend, visit Saturday & Sunday Night Walking Street, which is filled with artisan items, local handicrafts, and unique clothing. Our advice? Purchase a handmade elephant pendant to wear as a small, happy reminder of your trip.

Tag: Long Weekend

Here’s How You Can Spend 4 Days in Chiang Mai