Self-care travel seems like a really good idea right now. Even planning your vacation holds enough therapeutic value that people do it in the middle of work or in the wee hours of the night to get lost in the feeling of being, but not quite, “out there.”
This brand of escapism has proposed different relaxation game plans, often involving spiritual awakenings, lofty countryside spas, and power spot tourism, a term used to refer to the sources of natural energy.
Thailand—one of the most visited countries in Asia for tourism—is a premier spot for self-care travel with destinations that go deeper than sightseeing.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand clues us in on the country’s top three key power spots that boast of different modes of nature.
Spiritual refreshment
Most of us focus on physical strength without acknowledging that mental wellness is just as important. Sometimes, our body might seem to function normally and properly yet we suffer from restlessness and the feeling of being unsettled and worrisome. For feelings like this, it might mean that our spirits need refreshing.
In Thailand, there are 28 tourist attractions that emit strong positive energy and can pave the way for your spiritual refreshment. These tourist attractions are further classified into five types, which you can visit step by step to gain a full revival of your weary soul.
First, start from centers of faith such as the City Pillar Shrine in Bangkok—religious sites where peace, calm, and the presence of higher spirits seem to engulf the space. Next, get close to tourist attractions near the river, where the steady stream of the river inspires tourists to go with the flow. The Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s major waterway, gives off such an experience.
From the river, you are encouraged to go up the mountain, such as Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, the highest mountain in Thailand. Within the national park that houses the mountain, tourists can take walks, hikes, and tours, breathing in the fresh air from the high altitude. Historical sites are next on the list, where you can get in touch with history, understanding that they are part of a bigger universe whose stories intertwine. Muang Boran or the “Ancient City” is a good location to experience this, and it is only 30 minutes away from Bangkok. Finally, experience the oceanic power by visiting places like the Krabi in Southern Thailand, where these incredible bodies of water may allow you to experience lasting moments of peace and calm.
Forest therapy
They say that healing is achieved faster when one gets close to nature. It has been scientifically proven that prolonged stays in green spaces help one strengthen their immune system and blood circulation. Forest bathing refers to immersing oneself in deep areas of nature, either to hike, savor the forest mist, drink water or tea, or simply pick a spot to savor the quiet while taking in the view. This is said to improve your physical and mental health.
Thailand’s selection of lush yet tourist-friendly forests allows one to retreat to nature and experience the wonders of forest bathing. Definitely nature’s form of therapy, tours in these locations not only offer cardiovascular exercise for travelers, they also provide a welcome respite from the bustling city life, allowing tourists to breathe and reflect. Travelers can plan their forest therapy trip according to their wellness objectives. A two to three-day trip is suitable to boost immunity, gain physical wellbeing, and facilitate mental and physical healing, while a day trip is just right for those who would simply like to relieve themselves from stress.
Thailand promotes 16 power spots for forest therapy, where people can experience rest and respite for their five senses. One recommended location is Kanchanaburi Province, located in Western Thailand. This large province is known for its rich selection of national parks that feature jungles, waterfalls, rivers, and beautiful natural views. Nature activities in Kanchanburi are perfect for every kind of traveler—forest trekking, mountain biking, star gazing, and even rafting and canoeing.
Ocean therapy
From the soothing texture of fine sand, to the relaxing murmur of waves, it’s no wonder people gravitate to the ocean when they want to take a break. The ocean is known to be symbolic of calmness, and ocean water itself is known to be used in some wellness practices, such as soaking in seawater or inhaling sea fog. Soaking up the sun early in the morning is also the best way to absorb vitamin D, which increases immunity from viral diseases. Furthermore, fun ocean activities such as surfing and kayaking offer a great deal of exercise and enjoyment whether you’re traveling solo or in a group.
Thailand currently recommends 16 spots for Ocean Therapy, particularly the town of Trat in the coast of eastern Thailand. Trat is well-known to tourists for island hopping, where they can visit and savor the unique sceneries each island in the area has to offer. Trat is also where one can get close to marine life—clams, corals, and even mangrove forests abound in the area. Trat is also home to the only black sand beach in Thailand, one of five in the world, where dipping feet into the sand can exfoliate and nourish the skin.
The Ko Chang District in Trat also provides Stand Up Paddling (SUP) lessons, hiking to the Khlong Phlu waterfall, or visits to fishing villages in the area. Truly, a quick scan into what Trat can offer will leave you aching for adventure and discovery.